Explore a variety of Oahu’s natural and cultural attractions
Are you looking for an opportunity to get an overview of what Oahu has to offer in a short period of time? Then the Oahu Grand Circle Island Day Tour is a great option for you. During this full-day circle tour you will get a sense of the incredible diversity of sights on Oahu.
Circle the entire island of Oahu by coach, enjoying ocean views, rugged mountains, and fascinating history. Check out Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, the Halona Blowhole and Oahu’s beautiful North Shore. Then soak up Hawaiian history and culture with a stop at the Dole Plantation (where you sample some fresh pineapple) and the serene, Japanese-style Byodo-In Temple. This Oahu circle island tour also includes entrance fees at the temple and round-trip hotel transport.
From Waikiki to Amelia Earhart Lookout
Your trip will start in the morning with a pickup from your Waikiki hotel. The route will go through Kahala neighborhood as you head for Diamond Head. The first stop will be at the Amelia Earhart Lookout, just above the Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park – a very popular spot for surfing. The lookout is named for the iconic female aviator who completed the first successful solo flight from Honolulu to California in 1935.
Down the road to Hanauma Bay and Halona Blowhole
You will continue down the road to Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay is a nature reserve known as the best snorkeling spot in Hawaii. From there the trip will proceed to the Halona Blowhole. This is a rock formation on the coast that forces ocean swells through a narrow opening, creating impressive explosion-like sprays of water.
Pali Lookout and Byodo-In Temple
After that you will head to Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Pali Lookout is an overlook offering panoramic views of Kanehoe and Kailua Bay. Then your tour will continue to the next stop – the Byodo-In Temple. It is located among the beautiful foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains. Byodo-In Temple is a recreation of 950-year-old Buddhist Temple found in Uji, Japan. You will walk around the complex’s intricate temple buildings and glistening nine-foot tall gold Buddha statue.
North Shore beaches and Haleiwa town
After that you will head straight to Oahu’s top beaches at North Shore, passing by Chinaman’s Hat and Kahana Bay. At Northshore you will see the historic Heleiwa Town. But first you will enjoy the worldwide famous surfing spots Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. You will also enjoy a tram ride and swimming in a waterfall fed pool, if the weather allows.
Stop at Dole Plantation and lunch break
At your way back to Waikiki, the trip will make a short stop at the Dole Plantation that lies at the center of the island. You can check out the plantation’s brilliant-green gardens and browse its gift shop. During the course of your day-long trip, you will enjoy a lunch break at a sit-down restaurant and finish the day with a drop-off back at your hotel.
Departure and Return
The company Polynesian Adventure Tours offers pickup. Pickups in Waikiki start at 7:00am from select locations. Guests that are not staying in Waikiki, will need to go to the Ala Moana Hotel at 7:15am. The departure is at 8:15am.
- Starting price: $117
- Duration: 8 hours
- Rating: 4/5
PROS
- Tour narration by a professional driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Admission and tram ride at Waimea Valley
- Admission to Byodo-In Temple & Gardens
CONS
- Food and drinks are not included
- No gratuities