More than five million people visit Oahu each year, and for many, sightseeing starts with sunscreen, walking shoes and a long checklist of attractions. A new bus tour takes a different approach, asking families to sit back, put on a headset and watch Oahu’s landscapes come alive, sometimes with whales, lava or ancient legends layered in along the way.
The experience, called XploreRide, blends real-world sightseeing with extended reality technology on a short loop through Waikiki and past landmarks such as Diamond Head. Designed with families in mind, the 35-minute ride offers a condensed way to see the island while keeping younger travelers engaged.
Sightseeing with a digital twist
XploreRide operates out of the heart of Waikiki. Riders board a fully electric bus and receive lightweight headsets that provide a live, transparent view of the streets and shoreline outside. As the bus moves, digital imagery appears over the real scenery, synchronized to the vehicle’s location.
The technology layers animated coral reefs, marine life and flowing lava onto the world beyond the window. Dolphins and whales appear alongside ocean views. Volcanic scenes rise as the route passes Diamond Head. The effect turns a familiar bus ride into something closer to an interactive story.
Rather than blocking out the real environment, the system enhances it. Riders still see Waikiki as it exists today, with added visual elements that help explain what lies beneath the surface or what once shaped the land.
Built with families in mind
The experience is designed for guests ages seven and up and works well for families wanting an activity that doesn’t require a full day or long stretches of walking. Everyone remains seated and the ride moves at a steady pace, making it manageable for younger children and multigenerational groups.
For parents, the appeal often lies in efficiency. The short format delivers a mix of scenery, storytelling and learning without juggling multiple stops. For kids, the visuals keep attention focused while introducing ideas about marine ecosystems, volcanic geology and Hawaiian legends.
School groups also use the tour as a supplement to classroom learning, especially for science and environmental studies. By pairing visuals with narration, the experience presents complex topics in a way that feels approachable rather than instructional.
Stories guided by culture
At the center of the ride is a narrated story guided by the voice of an aumakua, a Hawaiian ancestral guardian spirit. The narration connects places along the route with traditional stories and cultural context, offering more than surface-level facts.
XploreRide worked with Hawaiian educators and cultural practitioners to develop the experience. Cultural advisor Blaine Kamalani Kia helped shape the narrative to ensure legends and symbols appear respectfully and in proper context. The company describes the tour as a modern way to carry forward oral storytelling traditions, using technology to connect families with history while keeping the focus on place and meaning.
Sustainability as part of the model
The tour operates a zero-emission electric fleet, reflecting broader efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism in Waikiki. With millions of visitors arriving on Oahu each year, balancing access with preservation remains a priority across the islands.
XploreRide addresses that challenge by inviting guests to experience fragile environments virtually rather than physically. Riders see coral reefs and marine life without entering sensitive habitats.
A portion of each ticket supports the Waikiki Aquarium, which focuses on marine research, conservation and education related to Hawaii’s reef ecosystems. The company also works with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and partners that promote mindful travel practices and community engagement.
Planning a visit
XploreRide runs daily with limited seating per departure. Tickets and schedules are available online at XploreRide.com and advance reservations are encouraged, particularly during peak travel seasons.
For families navigating Waikiki’s crowded list of attractions, the experience offers a different way to see Oahu. It trades packed itineraries for a single ride where scenery, storytelling and technology work together, turning the journey itself into the highlight.
