We are spending 5 nights in Waikiki with our extended family in September. Can anyone recommend day trips and tour companies that organise them please? We are looking at mainly sightseeing. Can anyone recommend car hire companies too? Should we book car hire before arriving? Thanks.

Roberts of Hawaii does bus tours.

Never use tour companies but have rented cars and I know it is cheaper to rent in advance as compared to last minute. Not sure if that is true of tours. Probably not. I also know of Roberts of Hawaii. Have never used them but see their buses everywhere so I know they do all kinds of tours. You could google tour companies of Hawaii and see what comes up and then present those names to the Fodorites to see if they know anything about them.

I used discounthawaiicarrental.com my last trip to Kauai, had a very nice car from Avis. I think if you declare yourself as a UK citizen they can also provide a quote with all insurance as an option.

Roberts Hawaii is one of the major providers.

Also once you arrive Waikiki, just pick up "101 Things To Do" and "Oahu Gold". These are free brochures you'll see in dispensers along the sidewalks and in hotel lobbies. All kinds of activities are described, tours provided, coupons, maps, etc.

Thanks everyone. @ Jamie, I'm not a UK citizen so can't declare that I am. Thanks anyway.

Sorry jayne, since you used the word "hire" (in the US we use the word "rent")I thought you might be from the UK or Australia or New Zealand.