Oahu in 1 Day: Best Driving is Circle Island Tour
Experience the highlights of Oahu on a full day “circle island” tour with a knowledgeable and fun local guide in a small group setting.
In new premium vehicles, you will be picked up from your lodging and head up into the hills above Honolulu to the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater to where over 53,000 veterans were laid to rest from the many major wars of the 20th century. Then you'll head up through the middle of the island, stopping first at Green World Coffee Farm (coffee and chocolate tastings), then at Dole Pineapple Plantation (pineapple whip treat, cutting & tasting demonstration, and short gardens tour).
Next you'll visit multiple beaches on the North Shore, renowned not just for their white sand and turquoise water but also as the legendary surf capital of the world, especially in the winter with monster waves attracting surfers and spectators from afar. If you'd like you can take a refreshing dip (depending on conditions) at famous Sunset Beach, or the usually calmer Hukilau Beach. Turtle sightings are common at Haleiwa Beach.
A cooked-to-order hot lunch will be served in quaint historical Haleiwa Town, where you can also check out some shops and purchase shaved ice (a popular Hawaiian treat).
The tour will then take you into historical Waimea Valley with a walk through lush botanical gardens alongside a river to one of the few accessible waterfalls on the island, Waimea Falls, where you can swim (optional & pending conditions).
After passing Waimea Bay and amazing views on the way to more beaches, you'll stop at a tropical fruit stand, where you will be treated to deep fried bananas and have the opportunity to pick up other local fruit or banana bread.
The tour will make its way down the eastern shore (“windward side”) with stunning coastal views on one side (including of Chinaman’s Hat) and scenic farms and mountains on the other. You will have the opportunity to enjoy macadamia nut tastings (and nut cracking) at a farm, and there will be many opportunities to stop to take pictures.
Against the backdrop of the majestic Ko’olau mountains, you’ll visit the Valley of the Temples including a replica of a 1,000 year old Buddhist temple in Japan, where you'll stroll the peaceful grounds, feed the koi fish, and strike the massive bell with a hanging log.
As you cross through the mountains, you’ll stop for a climactic view of the eastern coast and offshore islands at Pali Lookout. Before the tour concludes, you'll get a short driving tour of some of the famous sites of Honolulu, including historical palaces and famous museums.
INCLUDED: Door-to-door transport from Waikiki/Honolulu or Ko Olina lodgings, knowledgeable guide with deep local ties, all admission fees, a cooked-to-order hot lunch, snacks & tastings, and drinks
