The Tech Lover’s Guide to Honolulu (2026)

Hawaii is globally famous for its ancient history, Polynesian culture, and timeless beaches. But in 2026, Honolulu has quietly transformed into a surprising hub for “Tech Tourism.”

If your idea of a good time involves Extended Reality (XR), electric mobility, spatial computing, or immersive simulations, you don’t need to stay in Silicon Valley. Oahu now offers a collection of futuristic experiences that blend the island’s stunning natural beauty with the latest gadgets.

Forget boring bus tours and standard snorkeling. Here is your bucket list for a high-tech holiday in Honolulu.

Quick Summary: Top Tech Experiences

1. The Flagship Experience: XploreRide XR Bus

If you only do one “tech” thing in Hawaii, make it this. XploreRide is the world’s first dedicated Extended Reality sightseeing bus, and it has completely changed the concept of a city tour.

Instead of a monotone audio guide on a loud diesel bus, you step into a silent, premium, Zero-Emission Electric Vehicle. You put on a lightweight headset (or watch transparent screens) that transforms your window into a digital canvas.

• The Tech: It uses proprietary “RideVision” technology developed by a University of Tokyo tech venture. It fuses data from high-precision GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to sync 3D visuals with the physical movement of the bus in real-time with zero latency.
• The Experience: You drive through real-world Waikiki, but you see a digital ocean filled with life-sized humpback whales, historical battles taking place on the streets, and volcanic eruptions that seem to shake the cabin.
• Why it fits: It’s the perfect marriage of sustainable transport and cutting-edge entertainment.

Meeting Point: T Galleria by DFS – Royal Hawaiian Ave Entrance

Check Availability for XploreRide

2. Demo the Apple Vision Pro at Ala Moana

Need a break from the sun? Head to the Apple Store at Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. As a massive flagship location, they offer dedicated demo slots for the Apple Vision Pro.

Even if you aren’t planning to drop $3,500 on one today, experiencing high-end spatial computing in a controlled environment is a mind-bending experience. The demo walks you through immersive 180-degree video (putting you courtside at an NBA game or on a tightrope between mountains), spatial photos, and multi-window productivity apps.

• Pro Tip: These slots fill up fast. Go to the Apple Store website 3-4 days before your trip to reserve a specific time. Walk-ins are rarely available.
• Bonus: Hawaii has a low general excise tax (around 4.5%), significantly lower than states like California or New York. If you do decide to buy tech here, it’s one of the cheapest places in the US to do it.

Located on Level 2, near the center stage.

3. Fly Above the Water on an E-Foil

Surfing is the hardest sport in the world to learn. E-Foiling is the futuristic cheat code that lets you experience the sensation of surfing on day one.

Companies like Foil Surfing Hawaii offer lessons on these electric hydrofoil surfboards. A silent lithium-ion battery powers a submerged propeller. Once you hit a certain speed (controlled by a Bluetooth hand trigger), the board lifts completely out of the water, and you glide silently and smoothly above the chop.

• The Tech: Carbon fiber boards with advanced battery management systems and wireless throttle controllers.
• The Sensation: It feels less like surfing and more like riding a hoverboard from Back to the Future or flying on Aladdin’s magic carpet. It requires balance, but no paddling.

Note: Departure locations vary based on weather, check with your vendor.

4. Walk the Deck of the USS Arizona (in VR)

History meets virtual reality at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. While the physical boat ride to the memorial is a somber and necessary visit, the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center offers unique perspectives that are physically impossible to see in real life.

You can rent a high-quality VR headset at the visitor center to experience three different historically accurate simulations.

1. Walk the Deck: Stand on the USS Arizona before the attack.
2. Witness the Attack: See the timeline of the attack from a distance.
3. Underwater Exploration: A virtual dive down to the wreckage as it sits today, allowing you to see parts of the ship divers are forbidden from entering.

• Why it fits: VR is often used for gaming, but this application shows its power for historical empathy and education. It allows you to visualize the scale of the battleship in a way that looking at the rusted wreckage from above cannot.

Located just past the main entrance ticket counters.

5. Submarine Scooters

If you want to explore the underwater world but hate the idea of complicated SCUBA gear or getting water in your snorkel mask, this is the gadget for you.

Submarine Scooters (available through operators like Island Water Sports Hawaii in Maunalua Bay) are self-propelled personal underwater vehicles. You sit on a scooter designed for one or two people. Over your head rests a large, clear, air-filled helmet—think of it as a personal astronaut helmet connected to a tank on the scooter.

Your head stays completely dry, you breathe normally without a mouthpiece, and you use handlebars to steer the electric motor as you cruise around the reef looking at fish and turtles.

• The Tech: A personal underwater electric vehicle with a constant-flow air bubble system.
• Why it fits: It’s a unique, accessible way to explore the ocean that feels very sci-fi. It requires zero swimming ability.

This is the launch point for many water sports vendors.

FAQ

1. Is Honolulu a “modern” city?
   Yes. While it has a relaxed island vibe, Honolulu is a major metropolitan hub. You will find fast 5G coverage everywhere in town, EV charging stations at most hotels and malls, modern co-working spaces, and world-class infrastructure.
2. Can I rent an electric car (EV) in Oahu?
   Absolutely. It is highly recommended as gas prices in Hawaii are high. Most major rental agencies and Turo hosts offer Teslas (Model 3 and Y are common). Charging infrastructure is good in Waikiki and Honolulu but can be sparse on the North Shore, so plan your range accordingly.
3. Is XploreRide good for teenagers who are glued to their phones?
   It is arguably the best tour for them. Because the “RideVision” technology gamifies the sightseeing experience (finding hidden digital Mana Stones), it engages the “gaming” part of their brain while still teaching them about Hawaiian history. It meets them where they are technologically.
4. Are drones allowed in Hawaii?
   Yes, but with strict restrictions that are enforced. You cannot fly drones in State Parks, National Parks (like Pearl Harbor or Volcanoes on the Big Island), or near active military bases. Always check the B4UFLY app or an equivalent airspace map before launching to avoid heavy fines.
5. Do I need reservations for these tech experiences?
   For 2026, yes.
   • Apple Vision Pro demos must be booked days in advance online.
   • XploreRide seats sell out, especially late afternoon slots.
   • E-Foil lessons have limited equipment and instructors. We recommend booking all of these at least 3-5 days before your trip.

Final Verdict: The Ultimate Tech Day

If you want to build the perfect “Future Day” in Honolulu, here is your itinerary:

1. Morning (9:00 AM): Book an E-Foil Lesson to fly over the water before the wind picks up.
2. Lunch/Afternoon (1:00 PM): Cool off at Ala Moana Center and do your Apple Vision Pro demo.
3. Evening (5:00 PM): Book the sunset slot on XploreRide to watch the city transition from day to night while the XR visuals light up the cabin.

Ready to ride the future? Book the most innovative tour in the Pacific.

Book Your XploreRide Tickets Today