Oahu Ultimate Circle Island Tour

COVID-19 UPDATE (June)

The tour is generally operating daily, except Wednesdays (when Dole is closed, although exceptions can be made for private tours). If you don't see availability, consider our other Circle Island Tour which includes Pearl Harbor and is otherwise identical. 

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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 newer 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. Stops include famous Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach, where turtle sightings are common.

A cooked-to-order hot lunch will be served from a popular food truck in quaint historical Haleiwa Town, where you can also check out some shops.

The tour will then take you for a short stop at historical Waimea Valley, as well as a cultural site on a cliff overlooking beautiful Waimea Bay.

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, knowledgeable guide with deep local ties, all admission fees, a cooked-to-order hot lunch, snacks & tastings, and drinks

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The standard shared tour takes up to 8 people (on a van designed for 14) and is $179/person.

A private tour is also offered, and pricing is $1,399 for up to 8 people and then $150 for any additional people (up to 14 people total; for larger parties, please contact us). If you can only do a date within 24 hours (i.e. tomorrow), private tours are not currently bookable online, but please contact us as it may still be possible. 

• Arriving or departing on a cruise ship? The tour picks up at the terminal at 8 am and drops off around 5 pm. For Pride of America passengers, Saturdays may work, or better would be to choose another day; see FAQ below for more details.
  
• Airport pickups/dropoffs are available, including for both the Waikiki/Honolulu and Ko Olina options. You can select a specific pickup location at checkout. 
• Staying in Ko Olina, the North Shore, or anywhere else outside Honolulu? You can meet in Honolulu (Ala Moana shopping center) at 7:50 am. Or for a price of $189/person, pickup/drop-off may be included for the West Side (Ko Olina, Kapolei, Ewa Beach); if interested, check for any available dates in the booking form Ko Olina drop-down (if showing) or please contact us if you want to pay for 4+ seats at $199/person to include pickup for a date not showing. North Shore pickups are available if you book a private tour.
• Looking for a Circle Island Tour that includes Pearl Harbor, the most popular attraction in Hawaii? Check out our Pearl Harbor Combo Tour (you can compare both tours here). It's essentially the same tour, but about 1.5-2 hours at Pearl Harbor is added. Or if you have more than one day to spare, we recommend complimenting this Circle Island tour with a more in-depth stand-alone Pearl Harbor Tour on a separate day.
• Not able to do an available day? If you pay for at least 4 spots or do a private, we may be able to open up another tour for you, even possibly for tomorrow; please contact us with the number of people, the dates that would work for you, and your lodging. Or please consider our similar Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor. 

• For shared tour, smaller group (8 or less, whereas others are often more than 25) means more personalized attention from guide, more customization to your interests, better group camaraderie, less time waiting around for everyone to get on and off van, more time for stops, and no one being left behind (one major tour shuttle leaves people weekly!)
• Includes some off-the-beaten-path stops/areas
• No wasted stops at random souvenir shops to get you to purchase things (common with some others); there are shopping opportunities, but they are all unique on their own without any pressure to purchase

Lonely Planet guidebook:

Oahu in 1 Day: Best Driving is Circle Island Tour

Fodor's guidebook:

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

Byodo-in Temple: Fodor’s Choice. Peaceful surroundings set dramatically against the sheer, green cliffs.

Oahu Revealed guidebook:

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.

Moon guidebook:

Top 8 Beaches on Oahu: Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay Beach

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 for Shared tours; 1 week for Private tours, parties of 8+, or Ko Olina pickups (shared or private); additional flexibility for COVID-19 reasons
• 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 permitted due to both vehicle restrictions and not being appropriate at stops. Canes are permitted.
• Maximum weight of 400 lbs / 180 kg per person