First-Ever in Hawaii! A Whole New Way to Sightsee with the XR Bus Tour “XploreRide” – My Experience Onboard

A groundbreaking new tour that blends sightseeing, entertainment, and technology is here—introducing XploreRide, an immersive journey through Hawaii’s stunning landscapes and rich culture using cutting-edge Japanese XR technology. I took the ride, and here’s what it was like!

Imagine gazing at the real Hawaiian scenery while feeling as if you’ve stepped into another world. That’s exactly what this tour delivers. XploreRide is a brand-new experience that uses XR (Extended Reality) technology to let you explore Hawaii in ways you never thought possible. The name itself combines “XR (Cross Reality),” “Explore,” and “Ride”—and that fusion perfectly sums up the tour: an adventurous ride powered by immersive tech.

So what exactly is XR? It’s a next-gen technology that brings together three major digital realities:

• VR (Virtual Reality): Fully immersive virtual worlds where you feel transported to a completely different space.
• AR (Augmented Reality): Digital visuals and information are layered over the real world—like through your smartphone or AR glasses—adding interactive elements to what you’re already seeing.
• MR (Mixed Reality): A seamless blend of virtual and real worlds, where digital objects actually interact with real-life surroundings, making the experience even more believable and engaging.

Still not quite sure what that all means? Don’t worry—it’s incredibly simple to try. All you have to do is put on the provided head-mounted display. A language selection screen will appear right in front of you—just tap your choice (Japanese or English)—and you’re ready to begin the tour.

Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia

The tour begins with a traditional Hawaiian oli (chant), setting a reverent tone that honors the islands’ rich culture and history. This chant was composed and performed by Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, who served as the Hawaiian cultural advisor for the tour. The soothing sound of Hawaiian flows through your headphones, grounding you in the spirit of the islands from the very start.

The route kicks off in the heart of Waikiki, cruising down lively Kalākaua Avenue and looping around iconic landmarks like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Your ride? An eco-conscious electric vehicle (EV) bus. With zero CO₂ emissions, the tour is designed not only to entertain, but to protect the environment, too.

As the EV bus glides quietly down Kalākaua, the sapphire-blue ocean sparkles outside the window—and suddenly, your guide appears: Uncle Manu, a spiritual guardian (aumakua) who takes the form of a majestic manta ray. With a mystical blue “Mana Stone” glowing just above him, Uncle Manu leads you on a quest to uncover Hawaii’s secrets.

Every time you reach out to touch a Mana Stone, new insights appear—stories about Hawaii’s origins, ancient legends, and environmental wisdom. It’s interactive learning wrapped in wonder.

Outside the bus windows, you’ll spot vivid marine life swimming by.

Inside, the interior transforms with virtual coral reefs so vivid you almost forget where you really are.

Each shift in the visuals signals a new chapter in the journey.

One moment, you’re descending into the deep sea.

The next, you’re caught in an erupting underwater volcano—dodging molten lava that bursts so realistically, you might duck or lean to the side, accidentally brushing shoulders with your neighbor. A soft chuckle from them snapped me back to reality—just one of the many charming, shared moments onboard. This epic adventure continues with surprises I won’t spoil—because it’s something you truly have to experience for yourself.

Even better, part of the tour’s proceeds go to the Waikiki Aquarium, supporting their efforts to conserve coral reefs and marine ecosystems. So by joining the ride, you’re not just exploring—you’re giving back. It’s all part of Malama Hawaii, the spirit of caring for these islands.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a frequent traveler, or a local, this immersive adventure—unlike anything before—offers a fresh way to see and feel the magic of Hawaii. You can catch a glimpse of the tour in the official video as well!

This exhilarating 45-minute tour runs 6 times daily, year-round, with a few blackout dates. It’s perfect for a quick thrill between shopping sprees or before dinner. For same-day tickets, just stop by Lea Lea Tours in Waikīkī.