Oahu Go Card Review — The Cheapest Way to Book the Best Oahu Tours!

Oahu Go Card, also known as Oahu Go City Pass, is worth it if you can maximize its value for your needs. Not only did it save me and my husband the headache of finding things to do in Hawaii, but it also saved us over $400 to tour the whole island of Oahu — from Waikiki, Honolulu to Pearl Harbor and North Shore.

In this guide, I will share with you what I found to be the best things to do in Oahu and how we were able to fit them into our Hawaii itinerary! More importantly, I will share with you how to explore more attractions and activities in Oahu while paying less with the Oahu Go Card – things that you wouldn’t find in any other Oahu Go Card reviews!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!

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• Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator 

Oahu Go Card/Oahu Go City All-Inclusive Pass Review

What is a Go Oahu Pass in Hawaii?

Oahu Go Card/Oahu Go City Pass is an all-inclusive city pass that includes access to Oahu’s top attractions and activities. The one-day pass starts at $72.20 for a child ($77.90 for an adult). The card is valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 non-consecutive calendar days which can be taken anytime over the period of 2-weeks, starting on your first day of use.

💰 Grab the Best Discount for Your Go Oahu Pass here!

How much money can you save with the Go Oahu Card?

For families, the cost of attractions and activities can add up fast. If you use the card strategically, it can offer great value and save you a lot of money on admissions costs. The actual amount saved varies based on the number of days you purchase and the number of places you visit, but here is a breakdown of how much we saved with my itinerary using the 3-day Go Oahu Pass.

What attractions are included in the Go Oahu Pass?

Many of the best attractions in Oahu that I mentioned below are included in the Go Oahu Pass (you can find them with the * sign). Some of the premium attractions and activities that are included in the 3-day and longer pass are:

• Dolphin Encounter Plus Admission to Sea Life Park
• Sunset Sail on Makani Catamaran with Drinks
• Semi-Private Oahu Surf Lesson (for 2+) by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii
• Moana Splash Luau at Sea Life Park
• Full-Day Tour: Hidden Gems, Turtles & Snorkeling
• Beauty and the Feast Tour

For the most up-to-date list of all the attractions and activities you can access with the Go Oahu Pass, please click below!

🎫Up-to-date list of all the attractions included in the Go Oahu Pass!

How much is Go Oahu Card at Costco?

Costco no longer sells the Go Oahu Card. The current best offer for the Go Oahu Card is on Groupon. You can also book directly through GoCity Website and save 5% by signing up on their email list. The perk of booking directly with GoCity is that it comes with a risk-free guarantee where you can cancel up to 90 days after purchase.

How to use the Go Oahu Card?

Once you have made your purchase, you will receive an email with detailed instructions. There are some tours you will need to make reservations in advance, which you can do either online or by phone. For attractions that do not require reservations (such as museums at Pearl Harbor), you can show up at the entrance with your pass as your ticket for entry. As you read on, I will share with you my suggested itinerary and how you can maximize the value of your Go Oahu Card.

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Oahu Island Overview

Why visit Oahu in Hawaii?

What is the difference between Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki, and North Shore?

I used to think that Honolulu, Waikiki, and North Shore were different Hawaii islands! And to be honest, I don’t think I ever heard of Oahu until I was actually looking into what to do in Hawaii. If you plan to travel to Hawaii, I do think that it is necessary to know the difference between these terms.

Oahu is one of the main islands in Hawaii and is home to Honolulu, Waikiki, and North Shore. Even though Oahu is only the third-largest Hawaii island, it is home to the majority (70%) of Hawaii’s population.

Honolulu is the state capital of Hawaii. It is located on the south shore of Oahu and is famous for the Waikiki neighborhood and Pearl Harbor. Honolulu can also be used as short for Honolulu downtown.

Waikiki is a world-famous neighborhood with beautiful crescent beaches, luxury shopping centers, vibrant entertainment, dining, activities, and resorts. It is about 4 miles from Downtown Honolulu and 13 miles from Pearl Harbor.

North Shore is roughly a one-hour drive from Waikiki. It is home to the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort, Waimea Bay, and Haleiwa Town. During the winter months, the beaches of North Shore host several premier surfing competitions including the Super Bowl and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

🏝️Want to check out another Hawaii island as well? Find the best places to visit in 6 major Hawaii islands here!

What is Oahu best known for That You Shouldn’t Miss?

Oahu is best known for the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites (where Japanese forces did a surprise military strike upon the United States during World War II), Honolulu (the capital of Hawaii), Waikiki neighborhood (world-famous crescent beaches), and North Shore (incredible surfing spots in the winter).

Where to stay in Oahu: Waikiki or North Shore?

The main resort areas in Oahu are Ko ‘Olina, North Shore, Honolulu, Waikiki, and Kahala.

If you’re not planning to rent a car in Oahu, I would recommend staying within walking distance to Waikiki Beach. Many Hawaii tour companies and luau theaters offer affordable pick-up and drop-off services to the area. It is also very convenient for you to rent a moped in Waikiki or get something you need quickly from the nearby grocery stores and gift shops.

My recommendations for where to stay in Waikiki Beach

Sheraton Waikiki: this beachfront hotel is right across from the Royal Hawaiian Center. You will be steps away from the beach and the main shopping streets.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is across the street from Waikiki Beach. It is also the pick-up and drop-off point for many Hawaii tour companies.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel: it’s only a 3-minute walk from the beach and the rooftop has an incredible view of Diamond Head. It’s also just a few steps from Hawaiian Styles Rental so it’s very convenient if you want to rent a scooter, moped, or scooter coupe.

If you prefer more privacy, it’s worth considering Turtle Bay Resort in North Shore and Kahala Hotel Resort in Waialae-Kahala. They are both luxury hotels with secluded beaches that are popular among celebrities.

How early do you have to reserve for excursions in Oahu?

I started booking activities in Hawaii about a month in advance. To my surprise, some of the best luaus in Oahu had already been sold out. I think it’s partly because Hawaii tour companies are required to reduce capacity during the pandemic.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend you to start booking activities in Hawaii as soon as you can. Most tour companies allow a full refund if you cancel 24 to 48 hours in advance, so you can book with peace of mind if your travel plan to Hawaii changes.

If the tours or luaus you want to book are not available, don’t be discouraged. Check their websites regularly and try to call back 1-2 days in advance as there may be some cancellations closer to the event date. I was able to upgrade my luau package just two days before the event. 

How to get the best discount for Oahu attractions, activities & entertainment?

Vacation in Hawaii can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! You can book a lot of discounted activities in Hawaii through Viator, including city tours, snorkeling excursions, and luaus. This option is suitable for those who want to spend most of the time at the beach and only want to book one or two tours to see the main Oahu highlights.

On the other hand, if you are like me and want to see and do as much as you can in Oahu without breaking the bank, the Oahu Go Card offers great discounts. You can get on as many Oahu tours as you want with a packed itinerary while paying a fixed cost over the number of days you choose.

Find discounted tours on Viator or use the Go Oahu Pass to save money!

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Best Things to do & Places to Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is filled with iconic activities, attractions, and beautiful nature. The best outdoor activities in Oahu are hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and swimming with sea turtles.

All the items I mark with (*) below are included in the Oahu Go Card.

What to See & Do in Honolulu, Hawaii

Ionlani Palace*

Don’t miss your chance to see the only royal residence in the entire United States! Iolani Palace is located in Honolulu’s capital district. It is the formal palace that was home to Hawaiian Kingdom’s two final monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Oahu Go Card includes the self-guided tour admission ticket ($27).

Dole Plantation*

Dole Plantation is a really fun place to visit in Honolulu. They have tasty treats (pineapple ice cream is amazing), a train ride through the plantation, and the world’s largest maze. It attracts a lot of tourists so you would want to arrive as early as they open at 9:00 am to avoid long lines.

With the 3-day Oahu Go Card, you can enjoy one extra premium attraction or activity. One of the options for premium activity is the “Full-Day Tour: Hidden Gems, Turtles & Snorkeling” by Go Hawaii Tours. After a ride to the Diamond Head Lookout and Halona Blow Hole, the guide will take you to Dole Plantation before heading to Oahu North Shore for snorkeling.

Pearl Harbor*

Pearl Harbor is one of my favorite places to visit in Honolulu. The dock at USS Arizona Memorial was broken three days before we arrived, so we couldn’t visit the museum. However, there are plenty of things to see and do at Pearl Harbor.

Although admission to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is free, it is quite expensive to visit all of the museums. Luckily, admissions to these museums are included in the Oahu Go Card.

Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor* ($35): This is the official site where Japan surrendered to the United State. Standing on the surrender deck, you will find pictures of the ceremony that marks the end of World War II. Battleship Missouri also retains all of the physical characteristics of her service, so it is very fascinating to walk through the decks and imagine what it was like for the crew members. The self-guided tour takes a couple of hours and I wouldn’t hesitate to say that is one of the best historic tours in Hawaii.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor* ($25): There is a lot to learn about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In fact, the hangars where the museum stands were bombed during the Pearl Harbor attack. For an extra fee of $10, you can try the combat flight simulator. You can do as many combinations of loops and rolls as you like within 5 minutes. We tried to do a few barrel rolls and got a bit dizzy afterward (but it was worth it!)

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum* ($20): The highlight of the museum is the USS Bowfin, which is one of the only 15 surviving U.S combat submarines from World War II. Launched one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Bowfin sank 44 enemy warships and earned the name as Pearl Harbor Avenger. It takes about 45 minutes to tour the submarine.

Using the Oahu Go Card would save you a total of $80 at Pearl Harbor Historic Sites for these three museums’ admissions tickets. What a steal for history buffs! Nevertheless, if you only have time for one museum, I would absolutely recommend the Missouri Memorial Battleship.

Queen Emma Summer Palace* 

Queen Emma Summer Palace was built in Boston in 1848, then shipped to Hawaii via Cape Horn to serve as the summer home for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. It is a simple seven-room home that looks modest compared to Iolani Palace but has its unique charm of Victorian furniture, royal art pieces, and valuable artifacts.

What do See & Do in North Shore

Waimea Bay

In the summer, Waimea Bay is a beautiful calm beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In the winter, this beach park in Oahu North Shore turns into one of the world’s most popular spots for surfing, where the waves can get up to 40 feet.

Waimea Falls*

Waimea Falls is a scenic waterfall in Oahu North Shore. Depending on the weather, you may be able to swim at the waterfall after an easy hike through botanical gardens and historical sites. You can check the waterfall swimming status before your visit by calling (808) 638-7766. Ticket ($20) is included in the Oahu Go Card.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a two-mile stretch of beach in North Shore that is considered the longest stretch of ridable surf spots in the world. Similar to Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach is calm in the summer months, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Laniakea Beach/Turtle Beach

Laniakea Beach is better known as the “Turtle Beach”. It is one of the best places in Oahu North Shore to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The best time of the day to go spot sea turtles is around noon. You can book a snorkeling excursion with a Hawaii tour company or rent snorkeling equipment and do it on your own. Since it is a very popular spot to find turtles, you may want to try getting there early on your own. The Oahu Go Card includes same-day rental of snorkel gears, masks, and fins from 8:00 am to 4:00 (valued at $22).

Pua`ena Point Beach Park

Pua`ena Point in Oahu North Shore is an exposed reef break that is another great spot to find sea turtles and some tropical fish. It is much less crowded than Laniakea Beach. Although visibility wasn’t so great on the day we went snorkeling, we spotted a lot of Hawaiian green sea turtles close to the rocks between noon and 1 pm. I guess the sea turtles also needed to have lunch!

Snorkeling at Pua`ena Point Beach Park is included in the full-day tour by Go Hawaii Tours (free with a 3-day Oahu Go Card).

Polynesian Cultural Center*

No visit to Oahu North Shore would be complete without the Polynesian Cultural Center. This family-centered cultural theme park with 6 cultural villages offers informative tours that will teach you about the history of Hawaii and its culture. It also has one of the best luaus in Oahu.

The luau ticket consists of three parts: Islands of Polynesia (12:45 pm to 5:00 pm), Luau at Hale Aloha (5:00 pm to 6:30 pm), and the grand evening show “Ha: Breath of Life” (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm).

Oahu Go Card includes the standard admissions ticket (worth $76) to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Islands of Polynesia. You can call to upgrade to the luau for as low as $83/adult.

There is a lot to see and do at Polynesian Cultural Center so I’d highly recommend arriving early. If you don’t have a lot of time there, the two things not to miss at the Polynesian Cultural Center are the Samoa show and the canoe ride.

What to See & Do in West Oahu

Germaine’s Luau

Germaine’s Luau is a back-yard style luau at a private beach in West Oahu, near the Barber’s Point Lighthouse. It is about an hour away from Waikiki and Honolulu.

The Original Luau Package costs $101 per adult. For an extra $48, you can upgrade to the Plumeria Luau Package for a kukui nut lei, photo taken with a Polynesian model (worth $20), table service at premium seating in the dining area, and 3 alcoholic drink tickets.

Wet ‘n’ Wild*

Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is the only water-themed amusement park on the Hawaiian Islands. There is a wide variety of rides and attractions in this 29-acre park, ranging from extreme thrill slides to a relaxing lazy river. Whether you want to go for a slide, ride a wave, or relax in the lazy river, you’ll have plenty to choose from. The day pass to Wet ‘n’ Wild with Da Flowrider ($67) is also included in the Oahu Go Card.

Chief’s Luau

Chief’s Luau is conveniently at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii theme park. It starts at 5:30 pm with pre-luau activities related to Polynesian cultures such as hula dance lessons, Polynesian tattoos, spear throwing, fire making, and coconuts-headband weaving.

After that, you can watch the Imu ceremony where the Kailua pig is unearthed from the underground oven. Chief’s Luau then goes on with an all-you-can-eat buffet and Chief Sielu Luau Show featuring hula and fire knife dances.

What to See & Do in East Oahu

Kualoa Ranch*

Kualoa Ranch is an incredible 4,000-acre nature retreat on the East side of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu. Many movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Triple Frontiers, and Kong: Skull Island were filmed there. You have to book a tour in order to visit Kualoa Ranch.

Experiences available here include ATV tours, farm tours, the real-thrill zip-line tours, kayak tours on the private beach, and tours of Hollywood film locations. The most popular tours at Kualoa Ranch are Hollywood Movie Sites Tour and Jungle Expedition Tour.

Oahu Go Card includes several tours at Kualoa Ranch for free such as Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch, Aloha Aina Trolly Tour, and Ocean Voyage Adventure. You can pay an extra $10 to upgrade to the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour or Jungle Jeep Tour!

I love the Jungle Jeep Tour and honestly think that it is worth the $10 upgrade. As you hike up the first vista point, you may be able to find some ripe strawberry guavas. It is a sweet and sour little red fruit that you won’t be able to find in the supermarket! We had a few stops at movie sites including Jurassic Park, Triple Frontiers, and Kong: Skull Island.

Small tip: It’s better to sit at the end of the shuttle for Hollywood Movie Sites Tour and Jungle Expedition Tour because you will be the first to get off and take pictures before everyone else! We were the first to get off at the Jurassic Park movie site and we had so much time to explore and take photos without others in the frame. and You will then have more time to explore the sites than those waiting for others to take pictures.

Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It is a replica of the Phoenix Hall in Uji, Japan, and was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi. Byodo-In Temple is worth a visit, especially if you plan to head back to Waikiki from Kualoa Ranch before 4:00 pm.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Beach Park

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the southeast tip of East Honolulu in Oahu. This beautiful cove was once a volcanic crater and houses many beautiful reefs. Due to its popularity, Hanauma did suffer from over-tourism but was actually brought back to life thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hanauma Bay now requires reservations. It is sold out really fast so you would want to reserve as soon as the tickets are open two days in advance.

Makapuu Point and Lighthouse

Makapuu Point is the easternmost point on Oahu. The dramatic sea cliff views and topaz waters make this one of the best lookouts in Oahu. From Makapuu Point, you will be able to spot the lighthouse and Manana Island which has a Rabbit-like shape.

Halona Blowhole

Get your camera ready on video mode at this famous landmark. When a big wave hits, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening creating a special Hawaiian Geyser that looks like the blowhole of a giant whale!

China Walls and Spitting Cave

China Walls and Spitting Cave are stretches of lava-rock ledges and cliffs above the ocean. We were unfortunately knocked off by the waves and almost fell down the cliffs. It was a pretty traumatic experience for us, but the views were truly amazing and I still want to recommend you to stop there for about 20 minutes to take pictures. Just please be careful and try not to stand on the wet rocks close to the edge of the cliff.

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How can you save money by using the Go Oahu Card in Hawaii?

Tour Hawaii with My 5-Day Itinerary using 3-day Go Oahu Card

The pass operates based on calendar days, not by 24-hour period, so you should activate your pass early in the day to enjoy more benefits. There is no need to download the Go City App or print paper tickets as you can show the code from your email.

Day 1: Stroll along Waikiki Beach Walk and visit Royal Hawaiian Center, then leave for Germaine’s Luau at 4:30 pm and get back at 10:00 pm.

Day 2: Go Hawaii’s Full-Day Tour: Hidden Gems (Go Oahu Pass’s premium activity) picks up at 7:00 am and gets back at 5:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring swimsuits and sunscreen for snorkeling as well cash for lunch at an amazing shrimp shack in Oahu North Shore.

Day 3: Pick up a moped at Hawaiian Styles Rental to tour Honolulu. After a visit to Iolani Palace, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the Islands of Polynesian and Ali Luau. We did use a premium scooter to drive from Waikiki to the North Shore of Oahu and I would not recommend it. Please don’t trust any Hawaii travel blogs that say you can use a moped to do that! In hindsight, I would use the moped to tour Honolulu in the morning and then book a shuttle to visit Polynesian Cultural Center.

Day 4: Visit Pearl Harbor Historic Sites from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Drive to Kualoa’s Ranch for the 2:00 pm Jungle Expedition Tour. On the way back to Waikiki or Honolulu, stop at Byodo-In Temple.

Day 5: Have brunch at the Deck in Queen Kapiolani Hotel. You will find an amazing view of the Diamond Head. Relax by the beach and get ready for your flight.

Suggestions to Save More with Go Oahu Card

If I could do it all over again, I would revamp my itinerary to tour more of Oahu, Hawaii. Below are some options to add more activities to your Oahu itinerary and save more with the Go Pass.

1. Add Wet n Wild – the park is open till 9:00 pm on Saturday.
2. Add Diamond Head shuttle and self-guided hike at 6:20am and get back at 8:45 am before checking in at Hawaiian Style Rentals for moped rental
3. Add Makani Catamaran Sail – If you go to Iolani Palace as soon as it opens at 9:00 am, you can leave at around 10:00 am and make it to the Makani Catamaran Sail at 11:00 am. After the sail ends at 1:00 pm, you can head to Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu North Shore and enjoy the rest of the day there.
4. Add Queen Emma Palace – If you don’t want to risk it with such a tight itinerary to the Makani Catamaran Sail, you can make a stop at Queen Emma Palace on the way to Polynesian Cultural Center.
5. Add Sea Life Park Hawaii – If you go to an early tour at Kualoa Ranch, you will be able to make it to the Sea Life Park Hawaii.

✔️ Grab Your Go Oahu Pass at A Discount on Groupon!

Key Takeaways: How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money with Go Oahu Card

If you’re looking for ways to save on your trip to Hawaii, the Go Oahu Card is definitely worth considering. We saved over $400 by using it to book the best Oahu tours and were able to do amazing things on our visit.

I hope my Go Oahu card review, tips, and list of favorite attractions and activities, will help you plan your own trip and make the most of the card. Have fun in beautiful Hawaii!

Hawaii Travel Resources

1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
   • List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
   • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
3. Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
   • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
   • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
5. Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
   • List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
6. Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
   • A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
7. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips
   • A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
8. 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
   • Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!