My wife and I recently booked a Pearl Harbor tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours, and while there…read morewere definitely some positives, the overall experience left us feeling rushed and wanting more--especially given the cost. The Highlight -- Leo the Tour Guide The best part of the entire day was our driver and guide, Leo. He was kind, informative, and thoughtful from start to finish. You could tell he genuinely cared about the guests and took pride in sharing the history and making the ride enjoyable. He truly set the tone in a positive way, and he deserves recognition for that. The Biggest Issue -- Time (or lack of it) The main problem with this tour is simple: everything felt rushed. We arrived at Pearl Harbor National Memorial around 8:25 AM and immediately started moving. By 8:27, we were already trying to quickly go through the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. We barely had time to walk the submarine itself and didn't have any time to explore the museum building before needing to head across the complex for our 9:15 AM call time for the USS Arizona Memorial. Even though we were on time, we were initially placed on standby. After realizing we might miss our 10:40 AM bus return, we had to speak up just to get onto the correct launch. Because of that, we missed the 20-minute documentary that plays before visiting the memorial--which is a pretty important part of the experience. The memorial itself was meaningful, but the visit is only about 15 minutes, which felt surprisingly short given the significance. Ford Island & Missouri -- Not Enough Time Next, we headed to Ford Island, where we had lunch and visited the aviation hangars. These exhibits were good, but again, time was limited. Guided tours weren't clearly explained, and it felt like if you joined one, you'd miss seeing other areas entirely. The biggest disappointment for me was the USS Missouri. This was the main attraction I had been looking forward to my entire life. I could have easily spent half a day exploring the ship--but instead, we were rushed through it. I didn't get to fully experience the areas I wanted, missed out on exhibits, and didn't even have time to properly explore or enjoy the ship at my own pace. On top of that: We weren't informed ahead of time that the front turrets were under restoration It started pouring rain toward the end of our visit, and we got soaked The rushed schedule meant we didn't even have time to browse shops or grab anything onboard It turned what should have been the highlight of the day into the biggest letdown. Suggested Improvement One major area for improvement: transportation logistics. There were multiple hotel drop-offs at the end of the day, which took about 1 hour and 40 minutes before we even reached our stop. When you factor in pickup time as well, that's easily 2.5-3 hours of the day spent just driving. If the company reduced the number of stops to 2-3 max, they could significantly cut down travel time and give guests more time at the actual sites, which is what everyone is really there for. Final Thoughts This tour has potential, and Leo was outstanding--but the overall structure made the experience feel rushed and, at times, stressful. If you: Want to take your time Are a history buff or military enthusiast Or want to fully experience each site ...I would honestly recommend visiting Pearl Harbor on your own. You'll save money (around $500 for two people in our case) and have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Great guide, but the schedule needs serious improvement. - Dr. Rick

I am not one to leave negative comments. But I commute to work to town every day and always…read moreencounter these bus drivers going town bound from laggoon drive headed east bound. They are always cutting everyone off and rushing down the shoulder lanes to cut in front other drivers. Today one of those drivers ran the shoulder and ran me out my lane into the median and flicked me off on the merge. Was a haole ladie and she still drove super aggressive with other drivers cutting others off while riding the shoulder by middle street merge where no busses are allowed on right side. Left side merge is Okie for busses. The license plate number for that bus is P16552. I tried to call the company but got the run around. Next time I will call HPD on them. They need to teach some manners and aloha on how to drive . I would leave 0 stars if I could, it's been a problem for years with these drivers in the morning but this one took the cake

Kanoe did an amazing job on our tour of Pearl Harbor. She was very informative. The tour was great…read more Highly recommend Go Tours!!

This is probably the worst tour I've ever been on…read more The driver was so rude to multiple guests - one woman disclosed medical information to him when she was the second to last person on the bus, and he announced it when everyone got back on. Another couple got off the bus at drop off, and he said something negative about them. Multiple people would ask him questions at stops and he'd say, "I was just talking about that. Were you not paying attention? What were you doing?" He made comments multiple times about "language barrier" because there were Asian tourists on the bus and he was like, "well they can't understand me." BUT his talking was horrible! I learned next to nothing about the history or locations we visited on the Oahu circle tour! Why? Because he spent the entire time rambling about random things. Then he would sidestep, say something random, and then say, "But more on that later." He spent 20 minutes talking about all the other tours GoTours provides, the people who work there, how to call the office to try to get a discount. WHAT? Talk about Hawaii! The lunch at the Polynesian Culture Center felt like an enormous rip off. He spent hours talking about how we had to pick our lunch - "not paid for by the tour, it's a separate charge." He said it wasn't mandatory and yet he pushed the lunch menu over and over again and challenged a woman when she didn't pick something. He said "I don't know if there'll be any other food spots." So, a majority of us just picked something. I was seated next to a couple and we all commented on how scummy it felt, because the Polynesian Culture Center is FULL of food stalls. I would have much rather have had my choice of food over a pre-fix lunch menu at a chain restaurant where we can't even get a class of water (nope, drinks are $4 each for a bottle or can). Are you joking? We stopped at the Dole Plantation for 45 minutes. Not enough time to do the maze or train, we can't see the actual plantation... so it's 45 minutes for a gift shop? Seriously? The entire day felt like one big sales pitch / commercial. It was HORRIBLE.

Tour was very misleading. Kap did not seem like he enjoyed his job and told us very little as we…read moredrove. The beach stop was rocky and couldn't be snorkeled in. I've been to many beaches on this island and I'm not sure why this operator would choose to beach. They changed our pickup location on us after we booked and we were required to pay $60 where we had to park. Wish we could get this day we lost back!

it was my first time doing a guided tour like this and I would definitely recommend it for anyone's…read morefirst time to Oahu! big shout out to our tour guide, jake and driver, (uncle) wang! jake was super friendly, kind, funny and personable. he made an effort to talk to everyone on the tour bus which was nice since we were spending like 9+ hours together I really appreciate the thought that went into the itinerary and how smooth everything was. managing a group of 50 people is not an easy task and I appreciated all the thoughtful things they did to make the day go smoothly such as airdropping/texting us all the menu for the shrimp restaurant prior to arriving and collecting payment so food would be ready when we arrived. they also provided cold bottled water and chips but you're welcome to bring any food/snacks with you. I was worried about the pick-up being difficult based on other reviews but it actually went really smoothly. there are usually multiple tour buses at the pick-up location but if you don't know which one to get on you can call their phone # to get the bus # or just ask the people standing outside the buses! tips: you only get 40 min at the dole plantation so to maximize your time I would suggest getting your ice cream from the truck outside (they sell the same things inside the gift shop but the line was shorter outside when I went). if you want to ride the train it's 20 min and I think they only run every 15-20 min so definitely get in line quickly. you can also get dole whip in waikiki so you can prioritize the train.

I enjoyed my ride! Cheap way to get around Waikiki to Ala Moana. If your not on a hurry just buy…read moreyour pass for a day just $6 you can hop on and off the trolley as many time as you want. You also get a narrative tour of Waikiki to Ala Moana. I sat on the top and love the open air.

We ride this for fun and to get around. Super affordable good from like? 8-8 or something like…read morethat. Check their website for times snd prices but I think we pay $6 per person and you can do cash at the bus (exact change) or prepay online or at their kiosk. Most drivers are very informative and funny! Love how a lot of them sprinkle in Japanese phrases and words I actually understand lol. We live how it goes in a circle around Waikiki to Ala Moana mall. In a one month stay, we ride it about 3 times a week...

Our driver Lola was amazing! She made the ride fun and is very informative. We took the bus to…read morePearl Harbor and enjoyed every moment of the ride. I only hope that next time we are in Waikiki and decide to take a tour we have the pleasure of having Lola as our driver.

Marlon was the most amazing tour guide ever! I've done many tours, and this was probably one of the…read morebest tour experiences ever. Marlon was funny, knowledgeable, patient, and welcoming. We did the Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa full day tour...I absolutely recommend it, especially if you don't have much time because it covers many of the most popular attractions in Oahu. The bus was also super comfortable with good AC and an immaculate bathroom in the back. If I could only choose one tour in Oahu this would be it. It highlights everything you need to see on the island. Mahalo!

My husband and I just finished our Hawaiian getaway and we're so lucky to have known Sefo who…read moreintroduced us to the tours that North Shore Tours can provide us. We particularly loved the Oahu Island Tour. Our tour guide, Ian, was excellent and I can do that tour all-over again! We love Ian - so relatable to any age group! We also really liked our Pearl Harbor Tour. We also love our tour guide, Moe for the Luau tour, that makes off the mediocre Luau we got from Paradise Cove to say the least. (I'd say it's not the North Shore Tour's fault at all!) Thanks to North Shore Tours for a very memorable and enjoyable vacation!

For the fried cheesecake, it was off the hook and very good. My fiancé ordered the Cuban sandwich…read moreand lemonade and didn't like either. Won't be returning.

This review is long overdue. Ron is the most knowledgeable, friendly, native Hawaiian tour guide…read moreyou will find. I researched long and hard with various tour companies and magically discovered Ron. He takes your "must do-must see" list and cross sections with his favorite, popular island attractions and makes the tour customized. If there's something you want to eat see or experience, he will make it happen. And because he knows all the books and crannies of the island, we saved so much time navigating thru traffic and dining and local favorite spots. He is the best! These pics could not have been taken on some large bus tour, I guarantee.

I have lived here for a few months now and researched a few tour guides. My reason for choosing…read morethis one was specifically because Ron (the guide) is a native from the island. After speaking with a few companies, I felt Ron was very sincere, humble and honest. I was right! Before you head out on a tour, figure out what you would like to see and give Ron an idea in advance so he can plan the day. There are so many options and time goes by fast when you are having a good time. 0 I went with a group of all ages from as young as 12 and young as 40 :) We all truly enjoyed every stop and wish we had more time. Most importantly we had plenty of laughs and giggles throughout the day! If there is anything specific you would like to know, add me as a friend and feel free to ask.

This review is on the Sights & Bites Circle Island Tour. We stopped at 10 different locations and…read morefound a great snorkeling spot to go to later on in the week (Hanauma Bay). Included lunch at Tanaka's with your choice of entrée. I got the garlic butter shrimp which was absolutely delicious. Takes you in a full circle around the island in about 8 hours.

The tour was a good tour. Our driver was knowledgeable…read more The food was good The stops were informative

Tour was great but Dirk our tour guide was amazing, he was very funny and outgoing the entire…read moretime.. Asking everyone how they were doing offering drink multiple times, making everyone comfortable.. He seemed to be very knowledgeable about the island and the history of culture and residents.. This was an incredible experience and Dirk made it great, thank you again.. Highly recommend..

This tour was pure magic from start to finish, and that's saying something coming from someone with…read moreIBS! Dirk, our driver and guide, deserves a standing ovation. He was hilarious, full of fascinating stories, and somehow managed to make every bathroom stop feel like part of the adventure. The views were jaw-dropping: Diamond Head glowing in the morning sun, waves crashing at Halona Blowhole, and those movie-perfect cliffs near Kualoa Ranch. Dirk kept us entertained between stops with island legends, trivia, and a soundtrack that could make even a restroom break feel cinematic. Leonard's malasadas? Heavenly. Macadamia nut farm snacks? Dangerous in the best way. Tanaka's garlic shrimp? Worth every bite and every burp. Turtle Beach was the crown jewel--relaxing, peaceful, and filled with lazy sea turtles living their best lives. Dirk's timing was perfect, his humor was infectious, and his love for the island made every mile memorable. I laughed, I learned, I ate too much, and I never once regretted it. If you want a full day of Oahu beauty, good vibes, and an expert guide who'll keep you smiling and on schedule, this is the tour. Mahalo, Dirk, you're the real MVP of island adventures!

Yianni is amazing guide. We booked a private tour just 2 days prior. My wife saw Hi5 in Facebook-…read moreAulani group and can do custom tours. She DM and got a live response. We opted for a light tour, local goat farm, fruit stand, Weimea valley (waterfall), local food trucks, a surf beach and Cacao and coffee refinery. This is kid friendly especially the small one wanted to be carried instead of walking. Yianni knows the people in all areas, able to have a deeper history and great understanding. It's like a live Nat Geo and Anthony Bordain explanation level. It's a great experience. Normally, i hate tours as the guide just point to the local spots and that's it. It's no different from a Google search. Hi5, and Yianni in particular change this by having that connection to the local people. That is the magic. We did talk a bit of business and I think incorporating this idea to a wider audience is perfect. I wish him the best.

What a fun filled day with Ryan.... He is a wealth of knowledge and insight in the Hawaiian history…read moreand life style. The kayaking was so cool and all the stop fun. Excellent lunch at the food trucks. Ryan insured all were safe and having a great day!!!