Oahu Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor

Experience the highlights of Oahu on a full day “circle island” tour with knowledgeable local guides in a small group setting.

In new premium vehicles, you will be picked up from your lodging and start the day learning about famous Honolulu sites, including a tour on foot and by boat of Pearl Harbor's Arizona Memorial. You will learn personal tales and the tragic history from your professional guide.

Heading up through the middle of the island, you’ll first stop at Green World Coffee Farm (with coffee and chocolate tastings) and then at the popular Dole Plantation, the last remaining farm for pineapples which have an important history in Hawaii. After a tasty made-to-order hot lunch at a highly rated local food stand, you’ll visit the famous North Shore beaches, including possible turtle sightings on the beach.

During the afternoon, you'll head down the eastern side (“windward side”) with stunning coastal views on one side (including of Chinaman’s Hat) and scenic farms and mountains on the other, with many picture-taking stops and a chance to purchase some local fruit.

Additional afternoon highlights include a Macadamia Nut Farm (with tastings), a historical Hawaiian place of worship (Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau), Valley of the Temples, Pali Lookout*, and the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater (over 53,000 veterans laid to rest there), before returning to your lodging in the early evening.

INCLUDED: Door-to-door transport from Waikiki/Honolulu or Ko Olina lodgings, professional guide with deep local ties to the local community, all admission fees, a continental breakfast, a cooked-to-order local lunch, local snacks & tastings, and drinks

ARIZONA MEMORIAL UPDATE (SEPT 2019): Since early May 2018, there had been no disembarking at the Arizona Memorial (only reachable by boat) while a dock there underwent repair. The repairs were recently completed with the memorial reopening on September 1, 2019! Therefore, those on this tour will once again be able to visit and walk around the memorial. 

* Pali Lookout is temporarily closed for maintenance. Time will be spent elsewhere, specifically Honolulu City sites.

• Not interested in Pearl Harbor? Then check out our stand-alone circle island tour (and compare with this tour). Only interested in Pearl Harbor? Check out our full Pearl Harbor experience (and compare with this tour).
• More than 8 people in your party or prefer a private tour? We can likely accommodate; see FAQ for more details.
• You will need to choose between the Waikiki/Honolulu option or Ko Olina option ($10 more per person), based on your lodging. These are separate tours, so the van does not pickup from both locations on the same tour. Airport pickups/dropoffs and meeting at Pearl Harbor can also be done with either tour. See FAQ for more details.
• Not able to do an available day? Please contact us with the number of people, the dates that would work for you, and your lodging, and we may be able to open up a tour for you, even possibly for tomorrow. Or please consider our stand-alone Circle Island or Pearl Harbor tours.

• Smaller group (8 or less, whereas others are often more than 25) means more personalized attention from guide, better group camaraderie, less time waiting around for everyone to get on and off, and more time for stops
• Guide is with you at Pearl Harbor so your time there is spent most efficiently and so you get the most out of it, unlike simple drop-off/pick-up “tours”
• Guides are military veterans, Hawaii-born, and/or trained historians (if you have a guide preference, please make a note at checkout)
• Includes some off-the-beaten-path stops/areas, at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere around the island
• No wasted stops at random souvenir shops to get you to purchase things (common with some others), although there is a stop at a tropical fruit stand and at the popular Dole Plantation for the famous pineapple Dole Whip

Lonely Planet guidebook:

Pearl Harbor has a resonance for all Americans. The site is accessible, evocative, and moving. It’s the top site for visitors to Hawaii.

Oahu in 1 Day: Best Driving is Circle Island Tour

Fodor's guidebook:

Pearl Harbor: Top Reasons to Go to Oahu. A sobering, don’t miss sight. Byodo-in Temple: Fodor’s Choice. Peaceful surroundings set dramatically against the sheer, green cliffs.

Guided tours on Oahu are convenient; you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or getting admission tickets.

Moon guidebook:

The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are a must-see to grasp.

Oahu Revealed guidebook:

The USS Arizona Memorial is the single most popular visitor attraction on Oahu. One of those must-dos on Oahu and for good reason. It makes WWII real for the rest of us. Parking can be difficult at peak times.

Punchbowl Cemetery is an immensely moving place, guaranteed to put a lump in your throat. Valley of the Temples: A Real Gem; the Byodo-In is the absolute essence of serenity, like taking a mini-trip to Japan.

This is just a general representation of the circle island tour route; for a full list of specific stops, see FAQ. The tour usually goes clockwise. This map does not show Ko Olina lodging pick-ups, which are also available.

• Support a small family business run by a Native Hawaiian and veteran. Company started in 2008 by Hawaii born & raised Makani Christensen, whose family goes back generations on the Island. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he served in Iraq and Afghanistan for 5 years as a Marine Officer (and earned a Joint Service Commendation Medal). His goal has been to provide a local perspective to the tourism industry with real stories from the people who live it and the knowledge passed down from their families. He also employs many local veterans as guides.

• No refunds within 48 hours of tour time (1 week for parties of 7+)
• Any exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. If members of your party get sick, an Oahu-based doctor's note will be requested.
• If there is a weather cancellation, you will be contacted to reschedule or receive a full refund

• 4.712% Hawaii/Oahu sales tax (GET)

• Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and strollers are not allowed as they can't safely fit in the vehicle. Canes are permitted.
• Maximum weight of 400 lbs / 180 kg per person