Nature & History Walk with Local Expert
Honolulu, United StatesPart of the Airbnb Animals collection
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Animal experience hosted by Jay
2 hours
Includes food
Up to 4 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
Get away from the tourist center of Waikiki and explore the wild and exciting sights of East Waikiki with me, a local historian and University instructor. Step back and forth between history and present day as I show you my extensive personal collection of historic maps and photographs of Waikiki that I've gathered over the years via tablet. Guiding you off the beaten path, I will show you how to identify local and introduced birds and animals while keeping track of sightings with your souvenir animal ID card. As we walk through the "local" part of Waikiki far from the tourist center, I will teach you about the formation of the Hawaiian Islands, the arrival of the first Europeans, and the impacts of development in the region. We will visit the historic Queens beach, home to the surf breaks frequented by Hawaiian royalty. I will show you the iconic Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial that has long been abandoned and explain the role of Hawaii in the world wars. We will share locally made ice cream provided by me in the center of gorgeous Kapi'olani Park while we gaze at Le'ahi, the extinct volcano that sits at the edge of the district. You'll leave the tour with a comprehensive understanding of both the history and nature of the region from a professional academic and local to the island that most tourists never get to see and experience.
Other things to note
Our walk is held rain or shine. I will bring umbrellas in case of rain. In extreme weather cases, the tour will be cancelled 2 hours ahead with a full refund. Please be prepared to walk 2 miles for up to 2 hours at a brisk pace. There are several restrooms along the walk.
Other things to note
Our walk is held rain or shine. I will bring umbrellas in case of rain. In extreme weather cases, the tour will be cancelled 2 hours ahead with a full refund. Please be prepared to walk 2 miles for up to 2 hours at a brisk pace. There are several restrooms along the walk.
Get away from the tourist center of Waikiki and explore the wild and exciting sights of East Waikiki with me, a local historian and University instructor. Step back and forth between history and present day as I show you my extensive personal collection of historic maps and photographs of Waikiki that I've gathered over the years via tablet. Guiding you off the beaten path, I will show you how to identify local and introduced birds and animals wh…
Jay's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
Guidelines created with World Animal ProtectionLearn more
What's included
- FoodEvery guest receives a locally made mochi ice cream to enjoy underneath a h...
From $25
/ person
- 9 Reviews
- Identity verified
I hold a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa where I extensively studied Hawaiian and Pacific History. I'm a Honolulu local with deep historical family ties to the island. I have a growing collection of historic maps and photographs of the area that I show guests via tablet. As a former University professor, I love getting guests excited to learn about the history of my home. For the past decade I've volunteered with several animal conservation non-profits, assisting with projects such as the translocation of native seabirds along the North Shore and educating tourists about the endemic Hawaiian Monk Seal at local beaches. Through this work, I've provided educational outreach to thousands of people over the years regarding native Hawaiian wildlife.
I hold a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa where I extensively studied Hawaiian and Pacific History. I'm a Honolulu local with deep historical family ties to the island. I have a growing collection of historic maps and photographs of the area that I show guests via tablet. As a former University professor, I love getting guests excited to learn about the history of my home. For the past decade I've volunteered with several animal conservation non-profits, assisti…
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All hosts must follow guidelines created with World Animal Protection.
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Where you'll be
We meet at the "Surfer on the Wave" at the edge of Waikiki. While most Tourists never venture through East Waikiki, I'll show you the "local" parts of the region and explain why they are significant to Hawaiian history. We will stop at Queen's Beach, The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, several historic Banyan Trees, Kapi'olani Park, and the base of Le'ahi (Diamond Head) crater. We will track and identify local birds and mammals along the way
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 reviews.
Jay was an excellent and knowledgeable guide! Our group size was small so Jay was sure to ask what areas of history we were interested in and incorporated them into the tour! Jay is really good at pointing out types of birds and trees. Highly recommend this tour for people who want to learn more about native Hawaiian history/culture and not just the colonialist perspective. Jay highlights landmarks, nature and birds along with touching upon historical and economical challenges Hawaii faced/faces. Thanks so much for a great tour, Jay. I appreciate the tips and recommendations :)
Jay was an excellent and knowledgeable guide! Our group size was small so Jay was sure to ask what areas of history we were interested in and incorporated them into the tour! Jay i…
What a wonderful walk with so much information and knowledge about the history, nature and political issues of Honolulu condensed within 2 hrs. Jay was friendly and patient with all the questions we had. The local mochi is a nice touch! Thank you so much
What a wonderful walk with so much information and knowledge about the history, nature and political issues of Honolulu condensed within 2 hrs. Jay was friendly and patient with al…
This was a good walk. We saw several birds and she pointed out Diamondhead and told us various pieces of history. My son was more interested in the beach than the walk so even though he’s 12 it wasn’t something thing that peaked his interest. Definitely something I would consider again without him
Sidenote: There are 2 statues with surfers so if you’re meeting there -it’s the one with a man on a surfboard not the younger boy on a surfboard with a seal at the crosswalk.
This was a good walk. We saw several birds and she pointed out Diamondhead and told us various pieces of history. My son was more interested in the beach than the walk so even thou…
Jay is a fantastic guide with oodles of local knowledge! We had an amazing time learning about the fascinating history and nature of this amazing place. On our tour, we were fortunate enough to see a Monk seal chillin out on the beach, which was just awesome! I highly recommend this tour to anyone staying in and around Waikiki!
Jay is a fantastic guide with oodles of local knowledge! We had an amazing time learning about the fascinating history and nature of this amazing place. On our tour, we were fortun…
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Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 4 guests of all ages can attend.
What to bring
Water
Comfortable shoes and attire for walking
Comfortable shoes and attire for walking