Waikiki Walking Tour Part 2: Military and Entertainment History

Audio Tour Hawaii

Explore Waikiki’s western side, a neighborhood shaped by military history, the golden age of Hollywood, and surf legends. WWII bunkers, iconic hotels, and filming locations reveal the area’s vibrant past.

Self-Guided Excursions

Military & Entertainment

This GPS-guided walking tour winds through Kalia, Waikiki’s historic western district. Step into the footsteps of war veterans, surfers, and entertainers as you visit landmarks tied to military history, Hollywood films, and shows like Hawaii Five-0.

  • Per Device
    $7.99

    + Hawaii sales tax & credit card fee

Tour Highlights

Explore Waikiki near the Hilton

Stroll around Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, just steps from where the USS Minnow sailed for Gilligan’s Island. Discover Waikiki’s transformation from sacred grounds to a hub for surf legends and Hollywood stars.

Ala Moana side

Fort DeRussy, Ilikai, Rainbow Tower, and lagoon.

Contemporary

Focus on military and entertainment history.

Mobile Device

Redeem and use on your personal mobile device.

Works Offline

Once the route is downloaded, you are good to go.

Unique Codes

Download and tour on the VoiceMap mobile app.

How it works (simple & flexible)

Getting started is quick. Follow these easy steps:
Audio tours Oahu Hawaii
  • 1.One code per device.
  • 2.Sign-in and redeem.
  • 3.Download before you go.
  • 4.Press play and explore.
  • Reuse anytime.
Free historic trail

What to see in Waikiki

Walk past WWII bunkers, iconic hotels, and local film & TV locations. Follow free historic trail markers along lagoon paths and parks, stopping for photos, swimming, or shave ice.

Included: WWII Bunkers - Explore Fort DeRussy and memorials.
Included: Iconic Hotels - Hilton Rainbow Tower and Ilikai Hotel.
Included: Film & TV - Local Hollywood filming locations.
Included: Coastal & Lagoon Walks - Stroll beaches, parks, and the lagoon.
Included: Flexible Stops - Swimming, shave ice, and scenic stops.
Explore at your own pace

Military & Entertainment history

This 3.5-mile self-guided route starts behind the U.S. Army Museum, loops through Kalia to the Hawaii Convention Center, and back.

Shaded paths, beach access, and lively local stories let you enjoy the trail at your own pace.

Travel from royal playground to military stronghold, surf capital, and Hollywood hotspot.

Feature Shaka GYPSY AT.Hi
Historic Walking Tour Basic version Not Available Fort DeRussy to Ala Moana
Tour Length 4 blocks, ~1 hour Not Available 3+ miles, 2+ hours
Price per Device $4.99 Not Available $7.99
Local Voices One Not Available Uncle Eddie shares Part 2
Hawaiian Stories Very basic Not Available Military and Entertainment
Tour Style Structured and limited length Not Available Flexible with optional shortcuts
Enhance Historic Trail Only 6 historic trail locations Not Available Yes – 12 different stops
Best Value Short route, low depth Not Available Most complete & immersive

Locals and active visitors will love this walking tour:

Learn about Waikiki’s royal beginnings, wartime history, and rise as a surf and Hollywood hub.

Waikiki Today

Over 20 distinctive highlights reveal Waikiki’s military and Hollywood history while honoring its spirit and uncovering hidden stories.

More Tour Options

Including this Waikiki Walking Tour

There are also easy combination packages that are fun and full of free extras. A straightforward purchase unlocks the entire experience on one device. Take a look at some more options that include Part 2 of the Waikiki Walking Tour.

Waikiki Combo Pack

Ultimate GPS Package

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Private Tours

Design the perfect private excursion for your family. Choose by route, tour length, or which famous Oahu locations you want to visit.

Audio Tours

Explore ʻon your own but never aloneʻ with these GPS-triggered self-guided audio tours. Real Oahu stories told by actual local people.

Tour Souvenirs

Bring memories from your vacation home with Hawaii tour souvenirs and merchandise. Show off your vacation when you get home.

Frequent questions

About this GPS package

Curious about how the audio tours work, how long each walk takes, or which route is right for your day? We’ve answered the most common questions to help you plan your self-guided walking adventure with ease. You’ll find plenty of tips to help you get the most out of your time in the resort district.

You are purchasing a unique, one-time-use code to redeem on the VoiceMap mobile application. It works on your mobile device and includes self-guided excursions around the world. After you download the app, enter the code and download the route. Then you are good to go.

The tour includes turn-by-turn directions, local dining suggestions, and access to two scavenger hunts and two interactive quizzes. The path is fully accessible, with benches, beach access, and optional detours to places like Ala Moana Center or the Convention Center.

Part 2 of the Waikiki Walking Tour includes a GPS-guided audio experience that brings to life the military history and entertainment legacy of Waikiki. Discover stories of annexation, Pearl Harbor, Elvis, Hawaii Five-0, and the cultural rise of this global destination.

To prepare for Part 2 of the Waikiki Walking Tour, wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing, especially if you’re out during midday. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and always carry a refillable water bottle. If you’re planning to linger at the beach or browse shops along the way, pack snacks or a swimsuit. Before you head out, download the VoiceMap app, redeem your code, and fully charge your phone. A power bank is a smart add-on, and downloading the tour offline is a great backup plan. The tour takes about 2.5 hours, depending on your pace, so a morning or early evening walk is ideal to avoid the heat and crowds.

Great question. As this is a self-guided tour, a few things aren’t included. So, plan for things like meals, transportation to the starting point, or admission to any optional attractions you pass.

You’ll want to bring your snacks, water, and any other essentials that keep you comfortable. Since it’s entirely self-guided, please arrive ready to walk, listen, and enjoy.

And while Uncle Eddy narrates this part of the tour, you probably wonʻt see him.  Unless heʻs visiting friends or dropping off guests.

Yes! Every Audio Tour Hawaii walking tour includes fun extras. With this self-guided experience, you’ll get access to two themed scavenger hunts and two interactive quizzes. They are designed to keep both kids and curious adults engaged.

Whether you’re spotting surfboard trail markers, identifying historic hotels, or learning which movie stars stayed where these extras add an interactive element to your walk.

All tour purchases are non-refundable, as each download code is for one-time use only. However, we’re happy to help with setup, provide app support, or answer any questions before your tour begins. VoiceMap also offers help through the app, and we’re just a message away if you get stuck.

Bring whatever you need for a great time, well, almost. You’re good to go as long as it’s safe, legal, and fits in the vehicle. Just give us a heads-up in advance. However, please note that the use of alcohol and tobacco is not permitted in the vehicle or at public beach parks, trails, and specific private properties.  Some of the things you may want are:

This walking tour is designed to be inclusive and accessible. The route is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with wide paths and rest areas. It’s perfect for all mobility levels.

Want to turn your stroll into a beach day? Add optional detours to Ala Moana Beach, explore the Hilton Lagoon, or take a break under the palms. Whether you’re in the mood to shop, swim, or soak in the scenery, this tour lets you customize the day your way.

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GPS-Guided Narration

Real stories by local people

But wait, there’s more. Audio Tour Hawaii offers a variety of carefully curated and unforgettable self-guided excursions to enhance Part 2 of the Waikiki Walking Tour:

Waikiki Walking Tour (P1)

Pearl Harbor Self-Drive

Honolulu History Combo

These are fully self-guided walks, so planning goes a long way. Some attractions may have limited hours or require reservations. So check ahead to make the most of your walk.