“Edutainment” That Inspires
Textbooks can explain history, but they can’t let you live it. Diagrams can show a coral reef, but they can’t surround you with one. XploreRide offers schools in Honolulu a groundbreaking educational experience that captures the imagination of the digital-native generation.
Hosted by HIS and produced by the creative visionaries at NAKED, INC., this tour uses Extended Reality (XR) to transform the city into a living museum. It is the perfect fusion of entertainment and education (“Edutainment”), allowing students to visualize abstract concepts—from volcanic geology to marine ecosystems—right before their eyes.
Whether you are teaching a history class about the legends of Hawaii or a robotics club interested in autonomous vehicle sensors, XploreRide provides a real-world application of the subjects you teach in the classroom. It is an immersive way to bridge the gap between theory and reality.
Preview the Learning Experience
See how we use technology to reveal the hidden layers
of our island’s ecosystem and history.
Three Pillars of Learning
Our content is designed to support a wide range of educational interests.
Here is a deep dive into what your students will learn during the 40-minute journey:
1. Marine Science & Conservation
We don’t just show pretty fish; we teach students why they matter.
- Ecosystem Awareness: As the bus “submerges” into the digital ocean, students witness the vibrant biodiversity of Hawaii’s waters. The content visually demonstrates the delicate balance of the ecosystem, raising awareness about issues like coral bleaching and habitat preservation.
- Conservation Partnership: We are proud partners of the Waikīkī Aquarium. Through our narration and content, students will learn about the active efforts to protect Hawaii’s coral reefs and marine life, fostering a sense of stewardship (Malama) for the ocean. It is a perfect companion activity to a biology unit on marine life.
2. Technology & Engineering (STEM)
Inspire the next generation of innovators by showing them technology in action.
- Autonomous Tech Roots: The “RideVision” system was developed by Synesthesias Inc., a tech venture from the University of Tokyo that specializes in autonomous driving technologies.
- Real-World Application: Students can see how GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscope data are used to synchronize virtual content with physical vehicle motion. It is a tangible demonstration of Sensor Fusion and Latency Management—key concepts for any student interested in computer science, robotics, or engineering.
3. Hawaiian History & Culture
We ensure that technology honors tradition.
- Authentic Storytelling: Supervised by Cultural Advisor Blaine Kia (a respected Kumu Hula), the tour introduces students to local legends like Uncle Manu (the ancestral Manta Ray) and the spiritual significance of “Mana”.
- Geology & History: Students will witness the volcanic origins of Diamond Head, seeing the “memories of the land” awaken to show how the crater was formed by magma. It turns a geography lesson into a visual event, helping students retain the history of their island home.
A Lesson in Sustainability
The learning starts before the headsets even go on. XploreRide operates on a massive Zero-Emission Electric Bus.
This provides a tangible example of sustainable tourism and green energy in action for Environmental Science classes.
- Zero CO2: The bus emits no carbon dioxide while running, unlike traditional diesel tour buses.
- Measurable Impact: As of late 2025, our operation has contributed to a reduction of approximately 21.3 tons of CO2. Teachers can use our tour as a case study for discussing renewable energy, carbon footprints, and the future of transportation in Hawaii.
How “RideVision” Works
For physics and advanced computer science students, the technology itself is the lesson.
The tour utilizes a patent-pending system that solves the “VR Motion Sickness” problem through data synchronization. The system links two axes of real-time positional data:
- Vehicle Motion: The bus’s speed, acceleration, and turning angle (yaw/pitch/roll).
- User Position: The passenger’s head movement tracked by the headset.
By integrating these data streams at speeds of up to 50 km/h, the system creates a digital environment that moves in perfect harmony with the physical forces the student feels (G-force). This effectively “hacks” the vestibular system to prevent nausea.
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.
What Our Riders Are Saying
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.8/5 Stars
Planning a Different Trip?
If you are looking for information for personal travel or other groups, check out our other guides:
- For Families: Details on safety and age requirements.
- For Kids: The gamified version of the tour description.
- For Tourists: General sightseeing information.
- For Locals: Kamaʻāina information.
Educator & Group Leader FAQ
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The bus has a capacity of 40 passengers per tour. For larger school groups (e.g., entire grade levels), we can arrange multiple back-to-back departures or split groups. Please contact us to coordinate logistics.
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We recommend the tour for students ages 7 and older. This ensures the VR headsets fit securely and that students can fully engage with the educational content. It is particularly popular with middle school and high school STEM programs.
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Yes, the tour is narrated in both English and Japanese. It is a great option for language classes or international exchange student programs looking for bilingual activities.
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The ride itself is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It is a high-impact, concise activity that leaves plenty of time for other educational stops in Waikiki (like the Aquarium or Zoo) or a lunch break at Kapiolani Park.
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Yes. The RideVision technology is specifically engineered to minimize motion sickness by synchronizing visual cues with physical motion. Surveys indicate less than 4% of users report discomfort, making it a safe option for student groups.
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We depart from DFS Waikiki. There is a designated area for boarding. If you are arriving by school bus, please contact us regarding drop-off and pick-up logistics.
Book Your Educational Adventure
Give your students a field trip they will never forget. Contact our group sales
team today to discuss rates, availability, and curriculum alignment.
Have a specific curriculum question? Contact Us