Donna’s Detours

Private North Shore Tour

This private tour takes small groups from Waikiki hotel pickup through Oahu's North Shore, with stops chosen by the group along the way. The route passes through small farms and pineapple fields before reaching Haleiwa Town, where plantation-era architecture still shapes the streetscape. The tour also visits Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, and swings by a hidden beach where sea turtles may be spotted. Waimea Valley and Falls, which includes a walk through a botanical garden to a waterfall, is available for an added cost. A lunch stop at a shrimp stand, food truck, or sit-down restaurant is built into the day, with lunch paid separately. Transportation is in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a guide included. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera, and wear comfortable shoes.

Private Tour of Pearl Harbor - All Sites

East Oahu Beaches & Historic Sites

The route passes Diamond Head Lookout and the Halona Blowhole, continues to Makapu'u Lookout, and ventures onto Waimanalo's back roads for a taste of rural Oahu. Pali Lookout, site of King Kamehameha's final battle, is included in the tour. A stop in Kailua Town gives travelers a chance to grab a snack or lunch on their own. An optional hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse is available for those who want it. Transportation is in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a guide throughout. Bottled water is provided; lunch and snacks are not. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Child car seats and booster seats are available at no extra charge on request. The tour runs rain or shine unless extreme weather creates a hazard.

Full Day Private Circle Island Tour

Donna's Detours picks up travelers at their hotel, cruise pier, or Honolulu airport and takes them on a full-day private loop around Oahu. Along the way there are chances to sample Waialua coffee, shave ice, malasadas, and locally grown macadamia nuts, and to browse shops in Haleiwa. The itinerary is flexible, so stops can be adjusted to fit the group's interests. Waimea Valley and the Byodo-In Temple are available as add-ons for an extra charge. The tour is private, runs in an air-conditioned minivan, and includes a guide and bottled water. Lunch and snacks are not included, but the guide can direct the group to shrimp stands, food trucks, or a resort restaurant. Larger vehicles are available with advance notice. Child car seats are available at no charge on request.

Private Tour of USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri

This private tour picks you up from your hotel, cruise pier, or the Honolulu airport and takes you to Pearl Harbor with historic commentary along the way. A shuttle boat then carries you out to the USS Arizona Memorial, where the names of the sailors and Marines who died that day are inscribed in marble in the Shrine Room. Depending on ticket availability, the order of sites may be adjusted. Walk the decks and explore the living quarters and battle stations. Note that reaching the Bridge and lower deck requires climbing several ladders, and mobility devices are limited to the upper and surrender decks. Non-clear bags must be checked at the Visitors Center or left in the vehicle. A guide, bottled water, advance reservations to the Memorial, and private air-conditioned minivan transportation are all included. Lunch and snacks are not included.

Private Tour of Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial

Pickup is at your hotel, cruise pier, or Honolulu airport, and the tour returns to that same location when it ends. The Visitors Center also displays a draft of President Roosevelt's speech with his original handwritten edits. An optional stop at the USS Bowfin Submarine is available for an added admission fee, giving visitors a look at life aboard a submarine. Private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and bottled water are included, along with advance reservations to the memorial. The tour suits travelers who want a private, guided experience of this historic site. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are worth bringing. Windy conditions or high tides may lead the U.S. Navy to cancel shuttle boats to the memorial, and no refunds are issued in that circumstance.

Private Food, Art & Local Culture Tour

This guided walking tour moves through Chinatown and Kakaako, two Honolulu neighborhoods known for food culture and public art. Along the way, stops include hole-in-the-wall food stalls, bakeries and cafes where travelers sample local specialties such as poi donuts and poke. The tour also takes in murals created by international street artists as part of the Pow!Wow! project, giving visitors a look at Honolulu's contemporary art scene alongside its culinary traditions. Pickup is arranged from a hotel, cruise pier or airport, so no separate meeting point is needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Uneven sidewalks may create difficulty for those with wheelchairs or mobility limitations. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended. This tour suits travelers who want a private, small-group introduction to local food and street art in Honolulu.