Oahu Ultimate Circle Island Tour

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

In modern air-conditioned 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. On the way to Kailua on the eastern coast, you’ll stop at Pali Lookout for breathtaking views of Oahu’s natural beauty.

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. The tour will make its way up 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, with many picture-taking stops and the opportunity to enjoy Macadamia Nut tastings at a farm.

The afternoon takes you to the beaches of 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.

The tour will take you into historical Waimea Valley with a walk through lush botanical gardens alongside Waimea River to one of the few accessible waterfalls on the island, which you can also swim in. After passing Waimea Bay, you’ll check out the shops of quaint historical Haleiwa Town, and you’ll have a chance to purchase local tropical fruit and shaved ice (a popular Hawaiian treat).

Heading down through the middle of the island on the way back to Honolulu, you’ll stop at the popular Dole Pineapple Plantation where you can stroll the gardens and buy their famous frozen pineapple whip.

INCLUDED: Door-to-door transport from Waikiki/Honolulu or Ko Olina lodgings, knowledgeable local guide, all admission fees, a cooked-to-order lunch at the hotspot Pupukea Grill (with local dishes such as ahi loco moco and spicy tuna poke bowl), fresh fruit, local snacks, and drinks

• FALL SPECIAL: All new bookings for tour dates through November 15, 2018 can be made private at no extra cost! Minimum is only 2 people (normal minimum is paying for 8 seats). If interested, please make a note at checkout. Note: rewards are not earned and cannot be redeemed if taking advantage of this special.
• More than 8 people in your party or prefer a private tour? We can likely accommodate; see FAQ for more details.
• If you have a choice of dates, we recommend weekdays, since traffic to the North Shore beaches is common on the weekend.
• 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. Larger parties (8+), which by default will be private, are likely to be accommodated on the day of your choosing.
• TravelShack is the exclusive booking agent for this specific tour. You will not find it bookable elsewhere, and contacting the tour operator directly will just result in being referred back to us to book.

• 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, 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)

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 counterclockwise. This map does not show Ko Olina lodging pick-ups, which are also available.

Lonely Planet guidebook:

Oahu in 1 Day: Best Driving is Circle Island Tour

Pupukea Grill: A favorite lunch spot for pro surfers, locals and visitors alike, it features an intriguing menu of Japanese, Mexican and Hawaiian fusion that tends to keep everybody happy.

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.

Waimea Valley: An ecological treasure. It's the best place on the island to see native species. A swim in 45 foot Waihi Falls is the perfect way to end your hike.

Moon guidebook:

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

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.

• 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 Model). 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 (4 days for parties of 8+, 7 days for parties of 14+ or 2 entire vans)

• 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.
• For Waimea Valley, there is a .75 mile walk each way on paved surface (slight incline); alternatively, you can take a shuttle for $8 one way / $12 round-trip
• Maximum weight of 400 lbs / 180 kg per person