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Ramiro Leon of Riverside, California likes to visit Hawaii a couple times a year, but he hadn’t really learned much about Native Hawaiian culture until a trip with Hoʻomau Oʻahu Tours, a Native Hawaiian-owned company whose mission is to “cultivate, educate, and perpetuate our history and culture to all who inhabit and visit these islands.”
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Private Tours
Expert guides rooted in Native Hawaiian culture customize your journey, crafting enduring memories amidst iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
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Hōʻike Circle Island Tour
A cultural odyssey led by expert guides shares history, myths, and legends amid stunning landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable journey of learning.
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Moʻolelo Historic Downtown Tour
Knowledgeable guides lead you through iconic landmarks, providing insights into the city's rich heritage.
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Mālama Experience
Engage in memorable hands-on experiences, learning the true meaning of mālama ʻāina.
Private Tours
Our knowledgeable guides, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Native Hawaiian culture, will escort you through the island's iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a meaningful connection to Oʻahu's spirit. From historical sites to natural wonders, every aspect of your journey is meticulously designed to create memories that last a lifetime.
With Hoʻomau Oʻahu Tours, your journey is not just a visit—it's an intimately crafted experience reflecting your unique vision of paradise. Let us turn your preferences into an extraordinary adventure, where the essence of Oʻahu unfolds according to your desires.
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Group of Up to 2 People - $450
Group of 3 People - $597
Group of 4 People - $716
Group of 5 People - $795
Group of 6 People - $834
Group of 7 People - $693
Group of 8 People - $792
Group of 9 People - $891
Group of 10 People - $990
Group of 11 People - $1089
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Pick-up Time: 8:00 AM
Return Time: 4:00 PM
Hōʻike Cultural Island Tour
Our Hō’ike Circle Island Tour is a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural enrichment. Traverse the island, absorbing panoramic views of lush valleys, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains. Our expert guides, deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian heritage, will not only navigate you through these stunning sights but also unravel the proper place names, myths, legends, and history that make each location a living testament to Oʻahu's vibrant past.
You'll experience an unforgettable journey of learning and exploration. We guide you to cruise past iconic coastlines, towering cliffs, and emerald valleys. With narration along the route, you'll learn about Hawaiian culture and history on this scenic trip around the island. Snacks and drinks are provided to fuel your adventure around O'ahu.
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Pronunciation: “Ho-ee-kay”
Meaning: To show
Our kūleana (responsibility) as a Native Hawaiian-owned and led tour company is exactly that: to show and teach visitors a deeper view of our Hawaiian culture beyond what has been commercialized.
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$200 + tax
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Complimentary water
Free Waikīkī hotel pickup
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Pick-up Time: 8:00 AM
Return Time: 4:00 PM
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See and learn the history of the largest park and second oldest park in Hawaiʻi and the role this park played in a contentious and transformative time in Hawaiian history. Also learn about the creation of Lēʻahi Crater, commonly known as “Diamond Head” and the myths and history surrounding this iconic crater.
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One of the best views on the Island of Oʻahu! Take an ʻohana pic with the vibrant cerulean hues of our Hawaiian ocean. Learn the names of our local surf spots and see some surfers and windsurfers in action!
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Hear the racy tale of the turbulent love affair between a Hawaiian goddess and a Hawaiian demigod at this iconic crater. Learn the history of its importance during World War II and what it is used for today.
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We take this stunning coastline highway to our next stop. Tons of history to be discovered on this coastal highway! Get your cameraʻs ready!
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See one of Oʻahuʻs natural wonders, the Halona Blowhole! Learn about the beauty and the danger of one of the most iconic spots on Oʻahu.
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Stunning and captivating views abound! Discover the history of the two islets floating in the beautiful blue Hawaiian waters with the towering Koʻolaupoko Mountain Range as a dramatic backdrop. During whale season, we can sometimes see a few!
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Embark on a captivating journey into the ancient world of Hawaiian aquaculture with a visit to a traditional Hawaiian fishpond. These marvels of engineering, known as "loko iʻa," are a testament to the ingenuity and understanding of ecology possessed by Native Hawaiians for centuries. As you step onto the sacred grounds that have provided sustenance and balance to the local communities, prepare to be immersed in the wisdom of the past and its relevance today.
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Relax your mind and be inspired by the emerald spires of the Koʻolaupoko Mountain Range. The Koʻolauʻs are one of two volcanoes responsible for the creation of Oʻahu. As we drive along this dramatic backdrop, learn about our unique history and culture as we pass Hawaiian Kalo farms and ancient fishponds and their use in ancient days.
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Immerse yourself in the heart of Hawaiian agricultural tradition with a unique farm tour that celebrates the island's indigenous fruits and the cultural significance of kalo (taro). Taste indigenous fruits, learn about kalo through a kalo pounding demonstration. Taste fresh pounded poi and a delicious laulau tasting! As you step onto the lush, green land, you'll feel a deep sense of connection to the rich volcanic soil that nourishes life here. Reflect on the journey through the tastes and stories of Hawaii's land. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the islands' rich agricultural traditions and the profound connection between the land and the Hawaiian people. This tour is more than a simple visit; it's an educational and sensory journey into the heart of Hawaii's cultural and culinary heritage.
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“The Little Country Store on the Way to the North Shore”. Started in 1987, this store is a great place to stretch our legs and get some local snacks!
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A basalt islet in Kaneohe Bay is commonly called “Chinamanʻs Hat”. However, itʻs proper inoa ʻāina (land name) is “Mokoliʻi. Learn the Hawaiian legend behind this magical place!
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Enjoy the local flavors of Oʻahu as we stop at the Kahuku Food Trucks! Poke bowls, Hawaiian plate lunches, garlic shrimp, and much more tantalize the taste buds!
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“The Seven Mile Miracle”
Seven miles of pristine sandy beaches that stretch along the North Shore. Witness some of the most important surf spots in the history of surfing between November - February.
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Leaving the historic North Shore we drive through Oʻahuʻs once bustling pineapple fields. These historic fields shaped a large part of modern Hawaiian culture into what it is today.
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Our last stop before we head back into town. Refresh yourself with Dole Whip, a frozen dessert! Get some goodies to take back to your hotel or for your journey back home.
Moʻolelo Historic Downtown Tour
Discover the captivating history of Honolulu through our Moʻolelo Historic Downtown Tour. Take a journey through time where you'll not only learn but also see and touch the very essence of the city's rich heritage. This tour invites you to explore the iconic Kawaiahaʻo Church, a stunning testament to Hawaiian architectural brilliance and cultural significance. Witness the regal presence of Aliʻiolani Hale and delve into the heart of the judiciary center, where the legal history of Hawaiʻi unfolds.
As you walk through the historic streets, our knowledgeable guides will transport you back in time, recounting the fascinating stories of King Kamehameha's reign at the King Kamehameha Statue. Learn the remarkable history of Iolani Palace—the majestic residence of Hawaiian royalty. Feel the echoes of the past at the Pali Lookout, a site of immense historical significance and breathtaking views.
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Pronunciation: “Mo-oh-leh-lo”
Meaning: Story, Tale, History
Our kūleana (responsibility) as a Native Hawaiian-owned and led tour company is to educate visitors to our islands about our unique and fascinating history. From our ancient battles to our monarchs. From our once independent nation to statehood. Let us give you the true history of our Island home. Connect in a real way with our history and come away with a deeper understanding of where you are and who we are.
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Adult: $150 + tax
Child: $100 + tax
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Complimentary water
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Pick-up Time: 9:00 AM
Return Time: 12:30 PM
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Discover the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaiʻi", founded in 1820. On our guided tour of historic Honolulu, experience the cultural significance of this iconic church, which has witnessed many important events in Hawaiian history.
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Tour the interior of this historic building (on select days) that was once the seat of government of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Learn about how King Kamehameha III and his successors shaped the political landscape of 19th-century Hawaii.
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Experience the majestic presence of King Kamehameha and gain insight into how the Hawaiian Kingdom began. Learn about the unification of the islands and King Kamehameha's impact on Hawaiian history.
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This historic palace was home to Hawaii's last reigning monarchs and serves as a reminder of a pivotal time in Hawaiian history.
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The bronze monument pays tribute to Hawaiʻi’s last queen. She ruled with grace, dignity, and devotion to her people during a turbulent time in Hawaiian history.
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Our guided tours provide an in-depth look at the architecture and stories behind this iconic building. See the Governor's offices, House of Representatives, and Senate chambers where important decisions about the islands are made every day.
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The Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers stunning views of the Koʻolau Mountain Range and provides an epic backdrop to learn about the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Take in the sweeping vistas that King Kamehameha once gazed upon.
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Mālama Experience
The Mālama Experience is a unique and meaningful exploration that goes beyond sightseeing to connect you intimately with Hawaiian culture, truly a transformative journey.
Immerse yourself in the essence of Hawaiʻi as you participate in a hands-on Mālama Experience, either in a loʻi (taro patch) or a loko ia (fishpond). Learn the profound meaning of “Mālama ʻĀina”—to care for and preserve the islands we call home. Our tour delves into the Hawaiian ahupuaʻa system, an ancient land division system that sustained our ancestors and allowed them to thrive harmoniously with the land and sea.
Discover the intricate balance of the ahupuaʻa, where mountains to the sea were connected in a symbiotic relationship. Gain insights into how this sustainable system shaped the Hawaiian way of life and why it continues to be a source of inspiration in the modern context.
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Pronunciation: “Ma-lah-ma”
Meaning: To take care of, tend, attend, care for, preserve, protect
Our Mālama Experience Tour offers a rare opportunity to care for treasured pieces of the Hawaiian landscape while gaining a deeper appreciation for Native Hawaiian resource management and the spiritual connection with 'āina that has sustained the Hawaiian people for millennia.
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$300.00 + tax
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Complimentary water
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Pick-up Time: 8:00 AM
Return Time: 12:00 PM
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Loʻi are wetland taro patches traditionally used for growing kalo, an important staple in native Hawaiian diets. On our tour, you'll visit an authentic loʻi nestled in a scenic valleys on Oʻahu. Here you can learn about the significance of kalo to Hawaiian culture from a kumu, or teacher.
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The loko iʻa refers to fishponds, which are traditional Hawaiian aquaculture systems. These fishponds were constructed to capture and raise fish, providing a sustainable source of food for the Hawaiian people.
For the safety and comfort of all guests, we ask that you please review the following important information prior to your tour.
All tours will operate rain or shine. Please come dressed in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. Sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended. Bring a light jacket as we often get a passing shower.
Our tour guides carry a first aid kit and mobile phone for emergencies, however, guests are responsible for their personal medical needs such as medications.
Routes and time may be modified or restricted due to circumstances beyond the control of Hoʻomau Oʻahu Tours.