See Waikiki Through a New Lens
You have seen the famous beaches and you have walked the busy Kalakaua strip. But you haven’t seen Hawaii like this.
XploreRide is not just a standard bus tour; it is a major technological breakthrough that transforms the way you see the city. Hosted by HIS, we have partnered with the renowned Japanese creative company NAKED, INC. to bring you the first-ever tourism experience of its kind in the United States.
Using patent-pending “RideVision” technology, our bus windows transform into transparent projection screens. As you travel through the real streets of Honolulu, digital layers of history and fantasy overlay the scenery in real-time. You will witness Waikiki submerged in a vibrant, ancient ocean and see Diamond Head erupt with volcanic fury—all while enjoying a smooth ride past the actual landmarks.
A New Way to Explore
Words can’t fully describe the sensation of seeing a whale swim past your bus window while driving down the street.
Watch the preview to see how we blend the virtual and real worlds into a seamless adventure.
The Smartest Way to Sightsee
We know your vacation time is precious. You want to see the highlights without wasting hours in traffic or getting
exhausted in the tropical heat. Here is why XploreRide is the perfect, high-efficiency addition to your itinerary:
1. The Perfect "Gap Filler" Activity
Have an hour to kill before your dinner reservation? Need a break from the midday sun? Our tour lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It is the perfect length to enjoy a complete, immersive entertainment experience without taking up your entire day. You start and end right in the heart of Waikiki at DFS Waikiki, making it incredibly easy to fit into any schedule between shopping and beach time
2. Rain or Shine, We Ride in Comfort
Hawaii’s weather can turn in an instant. Don’t let a sudden tropical downpour ruin your plans. Our large, comfortable electric bus is fully air-conditioned and weather-proof. Whether it is scorching hot outside or pouring rain, you will enjoy a consistent, comfortable view of the city and its hidden digital secrets. Plus, our bus is a Zero-Emission Electric Vehicle, meaning your tour is eco-friendly and helps protect the beautiful island environment you are visiting.
3. A "World's First" Experience
Go home with a story no one else has. RideVision is a cutting-edge technology developed by the Tokyo University-based tech venture Synesthesias Inc.. XploreRide is the only place in Hawaii—and one of the few places on Earth—where you can experience this specific type of vehicle-synced Extended Reality (XR) entertainment. It fuses Japanese innovation with Hawaiian culture for a truly unique memory
Innovation Without the Motion Sickness
Many tourists worry that VR experiences will leave them feeling dizzy or nauseous. We have solved that problem completely.
XploreRide utilizes RideVision, a proprietary system that links two critical sets of data: the vehicle’s motion (speed and direction) and your own head movements.
- If the bus turns right, the digital world turns right instantly.
- If the bus stops at a light, the digital fish stop swimming.
This precise synchronization, accurate up to speeds of 50 km/h, eliminates the sensory mismatch that typically causes motion sickness. In our surveys, less than 4% of users reported any discomfort. You get all the thrill of the technology with none of the side effects.
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
Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
Whether you are a solo backpacker or leading a large group, XploreRide has something for you.
- For Families: A safe, educational, and climate-controlled adventure.
- For Kids: Join the hunt for the Mana Stones!
- For Locals: Rediscover your home with Kamaʻāina perks.
- For Students: Learn the tech behind the magic.
Tourist Frequently Asked Questions
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The tour lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It is a quick, high-impact loop that leaves you plenty of time for the beach or shopping.
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We depart from DFS Waikiki. It is centrally located in the main shopping district, making it very easy to find (and grab a coffee nearby before you board).
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Yes! The audio guide is available in both English and Japanese. You can select your preferred language at the start of the ride.
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While you are wearing the headset for the experience, you are welcome to take photos of the bus exterior and the interior setup before and after the ride. The bus is wrapped in beautiful ocean imagery!.
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Tickets start at $68 for adults (ages 12+) and $48 for children (ages 7-11).
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We highly recommend booking online to secure your preferred time slot, as seating is limited to 40 passengers per ride.
Make Your Hawaii Trip Unforgettable
Don’t just watch the scenery—experience the magic hidden within it.
Seats are limited for this one-of-a-kind tour.
Have a question about accessibility or group bookings? Contact Us