A Theme Park Experience on Wheels
Are you looking for a way to show your children the history of Hawaii without the complaints of a boring lecture? XploreRide transforms the familiar streets of Honolulu into a hidden world of magic and wonder.
Hosted by HIS and produced by the creative company NAKED, INC., this experience uses cutting-edge “RideVision” technology to turn our bus windows into portals. As you drive through Waikiki, your family will see the real world outside blend seamlessly with a digital universe—from the deep sea to ancient volcanic eras.
It is the perfect activity for families:
Educational, interactive, and fully air-conditioned.
See the Magic in Action
Wondering what it looks like inside the bus? It can be hard to explain “XR” until you see it.
Watch how we transform a sunny Waikiki day into a deep-sea adventure.
WHY XPLORERIDE IS A “MUST-DO” FOR FAMILIES
We know that traveling with kids requires planning and patience.
Here is why XploreRide is the stress-free highlight of your Hawaii vacation:
1. Beat the Heat & Rain in Comfort
Hawaii weather can be unpredictable. When the tropical sun gets too hot or a sudden shower hits, our large electric bus offers a cool, comfortable, and eco-friendly escape. It’s the perfect midday “reset” activity that keeps everyone cool while still sightseeing.
2. Perfect for Short Attention Spans
Finding an activity that holds a child’s attention without exhausting them is a challenge. The XploreRide tour is approximately 30–40 minutes long. It is packed with action from start to finish—long enough to be a fully immersive adventure, but short enough to keep kids engaged without getting restless.
3. No Motion Sickness Worries
We know what you’re thinking—”VR on a moving bus? Won’t that make us sick?” We have solved that problem. We use RideVision technology, a patent-pending system from Japan that syncs the visuals perfectly with the bus’s actual movement. If the bus turns left, the digital world turns left. If the bus stops, the visuals stop. This synchronization eliminates sensory mismatch, making it comfortable even for sensitive stomachs.
Where We Go
Our route takes you through the heart of Honolulu’s most famous scenic areas. While the digital magic happens inside the headset, you are traveling through the real world. The 10.3 km loop includes:
- Start/End: DFS Waikiki
- Waikiki Beach: See the coast overlayed with ancient marine life.
- Kapiolani Park: Cruise through the green spaces of the city.
- Diamond Head: Witness the majestic crater while visualizing its volcanic history.
Your Mission: Awaken the “Mana”
This isn’t just a ride; it’s a game! The theme of our tour is “Ho’āla” (Awaken the Senses).
Your family will join a quest to find the Mana Stones—mystical stones holding the energy of Hawaii—hidden throughout the island.
Dive Deep
Watch as the streets of Waikiki transform into a vibrant underwater city filled with colorful fish and coral.
Travel Back in Time
See the volcanic area where the memories of the land awaken, showing you how the islands were formed.
Interactive Play
As you collect Mana Stones, your kids engage with Hawaiian culture and nature in a fun, gamified format. Collecting them all might even lead you to a hidden area!.
Parent Tip: This experience is recommended for children ages 7 and up. This age requirement ensures the VR headsets fit comfortably and safely, allowing your child to fully participate in the game.
Meet Your Spirit Guides
Your children won’t be exploring alone. They will be guided by magical avatars who share the secrets of the island:
- Uncle Manu (The Manta Ray): Your wise ancestral guide through the ocean depths. An ancient spirit of Hawaii, he leads travelers on their journey and possesses a mysterious power.
- Honu & Marine Life: Keep an eye out for friendly sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs swimming past your window.
- The Fire Spirits: Witness the energy of the volcano as the memories of the land awaken.
Fun That’s Good for Their Brains (and the Planet)
We believe in “Edutainment.” While your kids are marveling at the visuals, they are also engaging with important educational themes:
- Marine Conservation: We are proud partners of the Waikīkī Aquarium. A portion of our proceeds is donated to support the protection and research of Hawaii’s coral reefs. The tour content itself raises awareness about coral bleaching and marine ecosystems.
- Hawaiian Culture: We take cultural accuracy seriously. Our stories and characters were developed under the supervision of Cultural Advisor Blaine Kia, a Kumu Hula and custodian of Hawaiian traditions.
- Future Tech: Inspire your budding engineers by showing them the world’s first VR technology linked to autonomous driving systems.
What Our Riders Are Saying
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.8/5 Stars
Quick Tips for a Smooth Ride
We want your family to have the best experience possible. Here are a few logistical tips:
- Arrive Early: Please be at DFS Waikiki at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time. We want to ensure everyone gets their headset fitted comfortably before we roll out.
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms on the bus. We strongly recommend using the facilities at DFS Waikiki before boarding.
- Clothing: Casual and comfortable is best! The bus is fully air-conditioned, so you may want to bring a light sweater if your little ones get cold easily.
- Hydration: Covered water bottles are allowed on board, so you can stay hydrated during the ride.
Not Just for Families—There’s an Experience for Everyone
Traveling with a diverse group? See how XploreRide caters to everyone in your party:
- For Kids: A closer look at the gamified “Mana Stone” hunt.
- For Tourists: Why this is the most unique sightseeing tour in Honolulu.
- For Locals: Kamaʻāina rates and rediscovering your island home.
- For Students: STEM field trips and educational group packages.
Family Frequently Asked Questions
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This ensures the VR goggles fit their heads correctly and that they can fully enjoy the interactive content without safety concerns.
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Tickets start at $48 for children (ages 7-11) and $68 for adults (ages 12+).
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It is very unlikely! Our RideVision technology is specifically designed to prevent motion sickness by syncing the visuals with the bus’s actual movement (acceleration, turns, and stops). Surveys show less than 4% of users report any discomfort.
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The tour lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes, making it the perfect length to fit between a morning beach session and lunch.
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Yes! The tour is available in both English and Japanese, so you can choose the language that works best for your family.
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The tour starts and ends at the DFS Waikiki, a convenient central location perfect for grabbing a meal or shopping before or after your ride.
Ready to Ride the Future?
Seats fill up fast! Book your family’s adventure today and see Hawaii like never before.
Have a specific question about group sizes or accessibility? Contact Us