Honolulu Shore Excursions

Across USA — laws, safety & health

National rules and risks that apply anywhere in USA — relayed from official sources, not our verdict. We pass on what the authority says and leave the judgement to you.

Laws that catch visitors out

• The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21.
• Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties — a long jail sentence and heavy fines, including when transiting through airports. (US federal law applies even where a state has legalised cannabis.)
• Always carry a passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
• US law prohibits importing, exporting, making, selling or transporting drug paraphernalia.

Drones

Visitors flying a drone recreationally in the US must take the FAA’s free online TRUST safety test and carry proof. A drone of 250 g or more must have Remote ID and be registered — on the FAA DroneZone, or by filing a Notice of Identification if it is already registered in your home country. Fly at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, keep it within sight, and do not fly over people.

via US FAA — Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations · 25 Jun 2026

Scams to watch

Do not leave passports in rental cars (especially the boot) — vehicles driven by people who look like tourists may be targeted.

Health hazards

The FCDO health page lists Zika virus, West Nile virus and altitude sickness (in parts of the country) among the health risks in the US. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement — treatment is expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Check current detail and vaccine recommendations on TravelHealthPro before you travel. The FCDO safety and security page adds that the Atlantic hurricane season normally runs June to November and the Pacific season May to November, and that hurricanes can affect coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. Its instruction is to monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website and follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.

via UK FCDO travel advice — USA (health + safety and security) · 22 Aug 2026

Relayed from UK FCDO travel advice — USA · checked 18 Jul 2026

Traffic drives on the right. Look left first when you cross the road.

Docking & terminals in Honolulu

• Pier 2 — West end of Channel St, off Ala Moana Boulevard
• Pier 11 — North extension of Aloha Tower Drive

Mobility & step-free access

Getting around between the pier and town:

• Taxi — Taxis are available from the port area.
• Shuttle — Shuttles to major attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head are offered by tour operators.

Step-free options vary by pier and by the day — confirm the specifics with your operator and the ship’s guest-services desk before booking.

Heading back at the end of the day: Passengers must be aware that Pier 2 and Pier 11 are separate terminals, located at different points in Honolulu Harbor. Incorrectly going to the wrong terminal could result in passengers needing to return to their correct pier.

Cruise lines don’t always tell you which pier you’re on, and it’s easy to forget once you’re ashore. As you leave the ship, note or photograph your pier’s name — then give your taxi that exact pier (or your ship’s name) for the trip back.

Your exact pier is assigned per sailing — confirm it on the ship’s daily programme or gangway signage before heading ashore.

Getting around & must-sees in Honolulu

Getting around

• Taxi — Taxis are available from the port area.
• Shuttle — Shuttles to major attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head are offered by tour operators.

Must-see sights

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial — Includes the USS Arizona Memorial, a tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack on December 7, 1941.
• Diamond Head State Monument — A volcanic tuff cone offering panoramic views of Oahu's coast and military history.
• Iolani Palace — The only royal palace in the United States, built by King Kalākaua in 1882.

Getting back to the pier

• Bus

Key facts only — confirm times, fares and seasonal openings locally.

Operator policies we’ve checked in Honolulu

Before a tour earns its trust pills, we read the operator’s own site — their terms, cancellation and accessibility pages — and relay what they state. These are the operators’ own terms, not our verdicts; confirm when booking.

• ALOHA FANTASY TOURS,LLC

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Aloha Fantasy Tours offers a full refund, minus a 5% processing fee, if you cancel more than 24 hours ahead for an individual tour or more than 72 hours ahead for a private group tour; cancellations inside those windows aren't refunded. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing, with refunds processed within 7–10 business days.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• E NOA Corporation

  • Cancellation — varies across this operator’s tours. E NOA asks for at least 24 hours' advance notice to cancel a booking free of charge. Separately: The operator's own terms and FAQ pages are missing from its website, so we could not confirm any cancellation terms of its own — rely on the cancellation terms shown at booking.
  • Accessibility — E NOA say they aim to provide inclusive, accessible tours and make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests; an ADA lift is available on their private charter vehicles, and they ask guests needing a wheelchair, scooter or walker to let them know at the time of booking.
  • Group size — For the Majestic Circle Island Tour, E NOA use a small, air-conditioned mini-bus for a smaller, more comfortable group size; for private charters they offer a 25-seat Deluxe Mini-Bus, a 30-35 seat Open-Air Trolley, or a 70-80 seat Double-Decker Trolley.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 2 tours listed on this page

• E SEA DIVER

  • Cancellation policy — The operator states cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the trip, with same-day cancellations charged in full and rescheduling subject to a $10-per-person fee — though a separate line on the same page also states all sales are final. Guests who don't see whales can rebook free of charge, but only within the current season; the offer doesn't carry over to future seasons.
  • Accessibility — The operator states this activity offers wheelchair accessibility.
  • Group size — The operator lists a maximum of 135 guests for this activity.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• H2O Sports Hawaii, LLC

  • Cancellation policy — The operator publishes no cancellation terms on its own site — rely on the cancellation terms shown at booking.
  • Accessibility — The operator states tandem jet-ski rides are limited to 500 pounds (about 227 kg) combined.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Hans Hedemann Surf Shop

  • Cancellation policy — The operator publishes no cancellation terms on its own site — rely on the cancellation terms shown at booking.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

  • Cancellation policy — The venue publishes no cancellation terms on its own luau site — rely on the cancellation terms shown at booking.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Ka Moana Luau

  • Cancellation policy — We have not confirmed the cancellation terms for this particular evening: the operator's own website says the luau moved to Aloha Tower Marketplace in January 2023 and no longer includes Sea Life Park admission, so we cannot tell which venue or policy this listing describes — check carefully at booking.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Kai Sallas' Pro Surf School Hawaii

  • Cancellation policy — The operator publishes no cancellation terms on its own site — rely on the cancellation terms shown at booking.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Karma Tours Hawaii

  • Cancellation policy — The operator's cancellation page states a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, but the wording is the booking platform's standard blurb rather than terms of its own, and its own terms page is broken — so treat the platform's stated cancellation terms as the ones that bind. Changes made inside 24 hours carry a $20-per-person rescheduling fee, and no-shows are not refunded.
  • Accessibility — For wheelchairs and scooters the operator requires 48 hours' advance notice, states that guests must help load and unload the device into the vehicle, and does not provide mobility devices itself.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Kualoa Ranch Inc

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Kualoa Ranch gives a full refund if you call 808-237-7321 no less than 48 hours before your scheduled tour or pick-up time; if you booked via a third-party site or agent, refund requests must go through them rather than Kualoa Ranch directly. Also stated: Kualoa Ranch states that if it cancels or shortens part of a tour, it will refund the affected portion of the payment.
  • Accessibility — Kualoa Ranch asks guests with disabilities to contact its reservations department (808-237-7321 or reservation@kualoa.com) ahead of the visit, and confirms guests may be accompanied by a trained service animal.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Mauka Warriors Luau

  • Cancellation policy — Mauka Warriors Luau's terms page states cancellations must be made at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund of the package price (excluding the cost of Trip Protection and processing fees), while its booking page separately states guests may cancel up to 5pm HST on the day of the luau for the same refund. If the operator itself cancels the event, including for weather, guests are refunded in full regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.
  • Accessibility — Mauka Warriors Luau states that ADA-accessible vehicles are available with a minimum of 48 hours' advance notice, and describes itself as committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• North Shore Shark Adventures

  • Cancellation policy — Cancellations or changes must be phoned or emailed in under a 24-hour notice policy (72 hours for groups of ten or more), and transportation costs are non-refundable even if the tour is cancelled on the day. Refunds beyond that are considered at the operator's discretion, including for medical emergencies or airline-caused flight changes.
  • Accessibility — Staff say they can assist guests, though participants need the physical strength and agility to climb down and back up a vertical ladder to board, so the tour is not suited to those with limited mobility.
  • Group size — The shark cage holds up to eight, with around five going in per group; parties of ten or more adults are charged the group rate for cage entry, while nine or fewer pay the discounted retail rate.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Oahu Photography Tours

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Oahu Photography Tours gives a full refund if you contact them more than 72 hours before your tour, though refunds can take up to two weeks to process.
  • Accessibility — Oahu Photography Tours says it does not have access for physically disabled guests, and asks that you call ahead to discuss your requirements.
  • Group size — Oahu Photography Tours caps each tour, other than the private tour, at seven guests.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Pink Sails Waikiki

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Pink Sails Waikiki asks that any changes or cancellations be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour. Also stated: The operator does not offer refunds to guests who arrive late and miss the boat, and may cancel tours for weather or ocean-safety reasons beyond their control.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Polynesian Cultural Center

  • Cancellation policy — The centre's own policy allows cancellation without penalty up to 5pm Hawaii time the day before, but it states that tickets bought through a travel agency or tour operator must be cancelled through that channel under that channel's own policy — so for this booking the platform's cancellation terms are the ones that apply. No-shows and late cancellations get nothing back.
  • Accessibility — The centre states that all its major areas — the villages, dining venues, Hukilau Marketplace and the Lāʻie Temple Visitors Center tours — are accessible to wheelchair users; in the HA: Breath of Life theatre there are steps to every seat except the wheelchair row.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Rainbow Helicopters

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the flight — a longer notice period than most operators, and inside 48 hours no cancellation is allowed at all. Changes up to 24 hours ahead cost $50 per person; no changes inside 24 hours. If the weather is unsafe to fly, the operator reschedules or refunds.

  Checked 4 Aug 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Roberts Hawaii Tours & Activities

  • Cancellation policy — Roberts Hawaii's terms state that cancellations made outside 48 hours of the service day are subject to a 10% cancellation fee, with refunds taking 10 to 12 working days to process back to your card. A full refund is given if the cruise's itinerary changes for reasons such as weather or force majeure and a booked tour is missed as a result.
  • Accessibility — Roberts Hawaii will arrange special accommodations for disability if noted at the time of booking, and offers ADA-accessible vehicles with a minimum of 48 hours' notice. These vehicles have a combined wheelchair-and-guest weight limit of 600 lbs (platform 48in x 30in), with a 50 lb limit on luggage carried by drivers.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Ultimate Circle Island Tours LLC

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Ultimate Circle Island Tours offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour; cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour incur a 100% charge.
  • Group size — Tours run in buses seating up to 25 guests each, with capacity for up to 200 guests across all tours on a given day.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

• Waikiki Parasail Hawaii

  • Free cancellation — verified with conditions: Waikiki Parasail Hawaii (trading as Go Hawaii Watersports) offers a full refund or credit with at least 24 hours' notice of cancellation, including when the operator itself cancels for weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellations must be made by phone, and no-shows are charged the full price.
  • Accessibility — The operator states that guests must be able to safely and independently transfer from their wheelchair or mobility device onto the vessel in order to take part.

  Checked 16 Jul 2026 · covers 1 tour listed on this page

How we check, and what “not stated” means

Local know-hows in Honolulu

Money

Currency

United States dollar (USD)

Cards

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for dining, hotels and transport.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in the U.S. — typically 15–20% at restaurants, and a few dollars for taxis, porters and housekeeping.

More on money here ↗

Practicalities

Language

English (Hawaiian is also an official language of the state of Hawaiʻi).

Tap water

Tap water is safe to drink. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply reports Oʻahu's water meets or exceeds all federal and state safe-drinking-water standards; the island draws its supply from natural underground aquifers, and the Board runs about 30,000 water-quality tests a year.

Plugs

Type A / Type B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz (North American standard). Non-US appliances may need a voltage converter.

More practical info ↗

Key facts to know before you step off — confirm anything time-sensitive locally.

Port busyness in Honolulu

Usually quiet

Honolulu is a large city that absorbs cruise crowds easily.

• Large city
• Multiple terminals

This shows a typical day for the time of year — actual crowds vary on your date, and it isn’t a guarantee.

What we’ve checked in Honolulu — and when

We last checked the facts on this page on 13 Jul 2026. Live travel advisories refresh automatically from the official sources.

Docking & getting ashore

Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026

Getting around

Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026

How busy it gets

Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026

Operator policies

From each operator’s own site and terms · 4 Aug 2026

Travel advisories

FCDO (GOV.UK) & US State Department · refreshed automatically

How we check, and what “not stated” means