Exploring Oahu has never been easier and a lot more fun with the right guide. GPS-powered audio tours turn your phone into a personal storyteller, sharing directions, history, and hidden gems as you move. That’s why we partnered with the VoiceMap mobile app and local experts to create Audio Tour Hawaii, a GPS guide built by people who actually live here.
8 Questions for choosing a GPS Guide
Whether you use our routes or another option, this guide will help you understand how GPS tours work, where they can take you, and how to make the most of them on your trip. While audio tours may seem simple, the options have evolved significantly. Here are a few questions to ask before choosing:
Table of Contents
What is a GPS Guide or Mobile Tour?
Youʻve probably experienced one before, at a museum or National Park. They give you the headphones and handset. Itʻs like that, but on your phone.
Why are audio tours so popular now?
Activities can start to add up. Audio tours offer an inexpensive way to explore on your own.
Where can Hawaii audio tours take you?
We are starting with six unique Oahu routes for the GPS guide. Every tour has free scavenger hunts and quizzes.
How much do Hawaii GPS audio guides cost in 2025?
Like everything else, it depends on the particular tour. But the operational costs are significantly less, so you save a lot.
Do GPS audio tours work offline?
The VoiceMap travel app is free to download and easy to use. Plus it even works offline. Just enter the code after downloading and set off.
Are there other GPS tours in Hawaii?
Several other audio guides are on the market, and many attractions like the Aviation Museum include them with admission.
But are you still supporting local?
That is a drawback of most mobile travel apps. However, with AT.Hi works with local guides and shares a good percentage of each tour.
How do I use a mobile GPS guide on Oahu?
They are all relatively easy to use. The order may change, but choose the tour, download the app, enter the code, then have fun.
You may have already heard of popular apps like Shaka Guide or GyPSy Guide. Visitors widely use both. But here’s the thing: not all GPS tours are created equal. Some rely on generic scripts or mainland narrators, while others (like Audio Tour Hawaii) are written and voiced by locals who actually know the stories, places, and cultural context firsthand.
What is a GPS Guide or Mobile Tour?
Why are audio tours so popular now?
They’re flexible, affordable, and immersive. You can explore at your own pace, without being tethered to a big bus schedule or rushing past a site before you’re ready. And because narration is personal, you can learn history, culture, and local tips without interrupting anyone else’s experience.
Which Tour Style Fits You? (at a Glance)
There’s no single “right” way to explore Oahu. So, it really depends on your travel style. Some people love the social buzz of big group tours, while others prefer the white-glove experience of a private guide, and many want the freedom to roam on their own. Here’s a quick look at how the main options stack up:
Big Bus Tours
- Best for: Budget travelers, social groups
- What you get: Fixed routes with many stops, but little flexibility
- Insider take: “Fun if you want a sampler, but expect lots of waiting around.”
Private Guide
- Best for: Families, couples, history buffs
- What you get: Custom routes, real-time Q&A, and deep local insight
- Insider take: “Amazing if budget allows, like having a local friend all day.”
GPS Audio Guide
- Best for: Independent travelers, couples, foodies
- What you get: Self-paced routes, GPS-triggered stories, and budget-friendly pricing
- Insider take: “Basically DIY freedom with a local guide in your pocket.”
Honestly, all three ways work and a lot of people mix a variety of each. It just depends on your style. But if you want the freedom of DIY with the storytelling of a local, our GPS app nails the sweet spot.
Self-Guided Walking Tours on Oahu
Walking tours are a great way to dive deeper into Honolulu’s history and food scene. The city is one of the most walkable in the Country.
- Waikiki Walking Tour (Part 1): Royal History, Food Stops, and the Free Historic Trail. Plus tips on where to eat, shop, and relax.
- Waikiki Walking Tour (Part 2): Military and entertainment history, Hawaii Five-0 film spots, and cocktail breaks near Ala Moana.
- Downtown & Chinatown Tour: A cultural stroll through 500+ years of Hawaiian history, with markets, street art, and hidden gems.
GPS Guided Driving Tours around Hawaii
Many visitors rent a car to see more of Oahu, and GPS driving tours make that easy. Routes are designed to avoid tricky turns, traffic snarls, and unsafe detours, while still hitting highlights.
- Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu: From the USS Arizona Memorial to Punchbowl Cemetery, plus city landmarks like Iolani Palace.
- South Shore Beaches & Hikes: Stunning beaches, blowholes, and botanical gardens, with room to add adventure stops.
- North Shore Legendary Surf Adventure: A scenic drive through the famous “7 Mile Miracle,” with real surf stories told by locals.
How Much Do Hawaii GPS Audio Guides Cost in 2025?
That’s one of the best parts: they’re affordable.
- Walking tours start at $7.99, about the price of a coffee.
- Driving tours cost $14.99 per route, similar to a plate lunch.
- Compared to traditional tours, GPS guides are often 1/10th the price.
GPS Tour Packages & Combinations
Want to see it all without buying each tour separately? Our GPS tour packages bundle routes together for extra value. Plus, they all come with free scavenger hunts and quizzes for a fun, interactive twist.
- Ultimate Oahu Pack – $29.99
Includes every walking, driving, and biking route we offer. Best for visitors who want the “do-it-all” experience. - Waikiki Full Combo – $13.99
Both Waikiki walking tours plus the Magic Island bike route. Perfect for couples or families staying in Waikiki. - Honolulu History Combo – $19.99
Pearl Harbor to downtown to the mountains. Itʻs a full arc of island history. Best for history buffs and culture lovers. - Oahu Circle Island – $24.99
Both our South Shore and North Shore driving adventures in one go. Great for road trippers and first-timers.
Each package is narrated by local guides who grew up with these stories. So you’re not just exploring Oahu, you’re experiencing it through the voices of the people who call it home.
Supporting local with GPS tours
How GPS Tours Help Respect Culture & Land
One overlooked perk of GPS tours is that they help visitors avoid accidental trespassing or visiting restricted sites. Instead of following random blog posts or outdated directions, a curated GPS route keeps you on safe, legal, and culturally respectful paths. Helping to protect sacred places and helping you enjoy the island responsibly.
How to Use a Mobile GPS Guide
With Audio Tour Hawaii, it’s as simple as:
- Download the free VoiceMap app.
- Set up your profile and enter the unique code.
- Download it to your phone (works offline).
- Press play and start exploring.
You can begin at the official starting point or jump in anywhere along the route. And yes, it works perfectly if you’re a solo traveler, in a rideshare, or just exploring virtually from home.
Light Comparison: Shaka, GyPSy, and Audio Tour Hawaii
| Feature | Shaka Guide | GyPSy Guide | Audio Tour Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Auto-Play | |||
| Works Offline | |||
| Local Narrators | Some | Rare | Always |
| Price Range | $9–$20 | $10–$15 | $7.99–$14.99 |
Use VoiceMap Wherever You Travel
One more perk: the VoiceMap app works globally. From London’s West End narrated by Ian McKellen to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with the SF Chronicle, and now Honolulu with Audio Tour Hawaii. So you can keep exploring long after your trip to these islands.
A GPS guide won’t replace a live private tour, but it’s the next best thing. It gives you flexibility, affordability, and storytelling while still letting you travel at your own pace. If you want to dig deeper into Oahu’s history, food, and landscapes, we’d love to show you around with Audio Tour Hawaii.
Because the best trips aren’t just about where you go, they’re about the stories you bring home.
