driving tour oahu map

DIY Oahu Circle Island Tour MAP + LIST :: Scenic self-drive around Oahu

If you’re short on time and looking to circle the island of Oahu for a day as part of a self-guided driving tour, there are definitely enough places to visit and things to do on Oahu to fill up your whole day!

Scenic driving on Oahu

This is an abbreviated version of things to do in Oahu  for your Oahu tour.

If you won’t be renting a car, here’s one of the best circle island tours on Oahu .

All the planning is done for you, and you will learn a lot!

Island driving = slow driving

Keep in mind that driving around the island takes time.

The time can be due to traffic, and it can also just generally be due to maximum speed on the island.

The highest speed limit you’ll find anywhere on Oahu is 55mph, and often you will be going below that.

So take it slow and take it all in!

And the earlier in the day you start, the more you can experience!

Your GPS device can also be cause for delay.

You can use the GPS on your phone as a guide, but it’s not definitive. Sometimes it might get confused and send you in the wrong direction.

But don’t get stressed!

You’re in Hawaii!

It’s all in the experience!

Just another reason to make sure you aren’t on a specific time table when you’re planning for an island road trip!

Now here first is a quick list.

Oahu circle island tour driving map

• Diamond Head Crater
• Hanauma Bay
• Koko Head Hike
• Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
• Lanikai Pillboxes
• Mokulua Islands
• Pearl Harbor
• Dole Pineapple Plantation
• Laniakea Beach
• Sharks Cove

Paid circle island tours

It’s definitely possible to rent a car and have a great day driving yourself around Oahu!

But if you want to get even more out of your trip around the island, you may also consider taking an organized tour. This can be a good way to learn more about Oahu and Hawaiian culture too.

Interactive map of Oahu

Now here is an interactive Oahu circle island tour map with points of interest.

Do you like maps? Also see the Oahu snorkeling map and  Oahu hikes map .

OAHU CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR

OAHU TOUR: Diamond Head Hike

OAHU TOUR: Hanauma Bay snorkeling

OAHU TOUR: Koko Head Hike

OAHU TOUR: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

OAHU TOUR: Lanikai Pillbox Hike

OAHU TOUR: Mokulua Islands

OAHU TOUR: Pearl Harbor

OAHU TOUR: Dole Plantation

OAHU TOUR: Waimea Bay

OAHU TOUR: Turtle Beach

OAHU TOUR: Sharks Cove snorkeling

HAPPY OAHU ISLAND DRIVING!

Best shoes for your active vacation, swimwear for snorkeling and beach.

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The Epicurean Traveler

Inspiring Cultural Exploration Through Culinary Travel

Oahu Road Trip Guide: 7 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

Venture beyond Honolulu to experience more of the most-visited island in Hawaii by taking an Oahu road trip!

Our one-day Oahu road trip itinerary begins and ends at the iconic Waikiki Beach. From your Honolulu hotel , set off on a scenic drive around Oahu to the famous North Shore.

Along the way, snorkel, hike, eat, or take in stunning ocean views at any or all of these must-visit places on Oahu!

Disclosure: This Oahu road trip guide contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click on and make a purchase from one of these partner links. 

Hawaiian tourism has increased since pre-pandemic times, with more than 700,000 people visiting Hawaii in November 2022 and visitors spending 9% more at $17.4 billion. Specifically, Oahu has seen the largest increase in average visitor spending, up to 10.5% more from nearly 94,000 daily visitors.

Given the plethora of activities present on the island, it’s no surprise that tourists are spending more on their Oahu vacations.

Compared to other Hawaiian islands, Oahu is an excellent place for first-time Hawaii vacationers as it has plenty of established roads that are easy to navigate. You can easily get to the best stops on the island by following the Oahu circle drive .

On average, a day trip from Waikiki in Honolulu to the North Shore and back can take around 8 hours without significant rushing. There are many stops along the way, such as Diamond Head and the Dole Plantation . Just start early to get the full day in to enjoy the vast landscape of Oahu to its fullest!

One-Day Oahu Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Before you leave for your trip, prepare a list of places you plan to visit to avoid wasting precious daylight. Below are seven places you shouldn’t miss on your Oahu road trip.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a scenic marine life sanctuary located only a 30-mile (48 km) drive away from Honolulu.

It’s a prime spot for seeing hundreds of different species of fish and coral reefs, but you may also catch a glimpse of green sea turtles that swim close to the bay.

Do note that to enter Hanauma Bay, tourists must make a reservation online on the official state park website, and even then, parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make it on time for your reservation, booking it first thing in the morning is best.

If you want to spend more time snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, you might save this stop for another day of your Oahu vacation. On a Hanauma Bay snorkeling tour , you’ll be picked up from your hotel to snorkel at sunrise. Snorkeling gear will be provided, but you should bring your own snacks, reef-safe sunscreen , and a fast-drying beach towel .

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

If you’re looking for adventure and a workout, we recommend visiting the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail along Route 72.

The hike is moderately easy, taking around 30 minutes to an hour before rewarding you with a gorgeous view of Oahu’s Windward Coast, where you can see the Koko Head and Koko Crater.

During the whale watching season between December and May, you may want to prepare your own pair of binoculars to catch any passing animals at the Molokaʻi Channel.

Kailua Beach Park

Ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu, Kailua Beach Park should be one of your longest stops for a one-day road trip.

This beach is the best place for big groups and families, especially with its sprawling land area stretching approximately 2 miles (3.2km).

Unlike other beaches, there are several amenities, such as rentals for kitesurfing and windsurfing, bathroom facilities, beach showers, and picnic tables.

Downtown Kailua is also just five minutes from the main beach area, allowing you to pick up any snacks or necessities before heading out.

Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials , including reef-safe sunscreen , water shoes , towels , and sunglasses !

Kahuku Roadside Food Court

For food lovers, you shouldn’t miss a lunch stop at the Kahuku Roadside Food Court.

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the food court features a large open-air pavilion with various food vendors offering their own take on traditional Hawaiian dishes and more.

Here are some of the food vendors you should try on your visit to Kahuku:

• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
• Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck
• Fasay Thai Wagon
• Seven Brothers at the Mill
• Mike’s Huli Chicken
• Marie’s Baja Fish Tacos

Banzai Pipeline

For professional surfers and surfing enthusiasts, the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach offers perfect waves for training and watching surfing competitions.

The name comes from the barreling waves that curl like a pipe.

In December, these waves reach their peak, allowing winter surfers to test their might during the annual Pipeline Masters competition . Recent management changes are shifting the event towards inclusivity, allowing women to participate.

Considering how dangerous the waves can be, amateur surfers should consider coming during the summertime when the waves aren’t as strong.

Shark’s Cove

Another part of the famous North Shore is Shark’s Cove, famous for its blue waters, large reef, and impressive sea life.

Compared to Hanauma Bay, this area tends to attract a smaller crowd and is a free Oahu attraction, making it a great snorkeling alternative.

If you visit Oahu with kids, you can take them to eastern tide pools to wade in.

You should prepare to protect yourself from the sharp lava rocks by wearing water shoes and being careful when entering and exiting the water.

Dole Plantation

Starting as a fruit stand in the 1950s, the Dole Plantation has since become one of Oahu’s most visited family-friendly spots. In fact, residents are outnumbered by visitors at Dole Plantation , alongside other popular spots like Pearl Harbor National Memorial .

You can do three main activities: a self-guided garden tour, a train ride through the pineapple fields and farmland, and the pineapple maze, which spans over three acres.

Like most places in Hawaii, most of the Dole Plantation is outside and under the hot sun, so keep yourself hydrated and seek shade when it gets too hot. You can also get the famous Dole Whip pineapple soft-serve ice cream to cool off!

Map Out Your Oahu Road Trip Itinerary

Before starting your one-day Oahu road trip from Honolulu to the North Shore, you should map your driving route and plan your itinerary. To do this, you can use the Google map below that pinpoints the seven destinations we’ve discussed.

Additionally, we recommend following a GPS-guided audio driving tour. To do this, download GuideAlong’s Oahu Tours to your mobile phone. Then, select the 90-mile North Shore Loop or the 105-mile Island Circle as you set off from Honolulu.

With GuideAlong as your tour guide, you’ll be given driving directions to follow as the narrator points out scenic viewpoints, shares advice for your road trip, and tells stories about the island.

With these suggestions, we hope your Oahu road trip goes more smoothly. There are plenty of other points of interest on the island, such as the Diamond Head crater and Pearl Harbor National Memorial , but we recommend visiting these places on other days since they’re closer to the main city.  — Written by Harrison Stewart

Looking for more things to do during your Oahu vacation? Check out Viator and GetYourGuide !

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Planning a trip to Oahu? Save the pin below to your Hawaii or Oahu travel board to easily refer back to later!

Photo Credit: 

Lead photo of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii: © Okimo /Adobe Stock.

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

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Oahu Scenic Drive: Ultimate One-Day Itinerary in Hawaii

By: Author Dave Lee

Posted on Last updated: March 20, 2024

Are you planning a trip to the Aloha state? If your vacation to Hawaii includes Honolulu, give yourself a full day for a scenic drive through Oahu. I did this upon returning to Oahu for the first time in 30 years, having previously visited as a 13-year-old with family.

I traveled with my girlfriend this time, and we made the most of our week on the island. What follows is our one-day itinerary for a self-guided scenic drive around Oahu. It was one of the best drives of my life.

At the end of the article, I'll share a few alternative ideas to swap in if you prefer. A word of warning, though, before we continue.

Table of Contents

Rental Car Logistics

Kona coffee purveyors / b patissiere, hanauma bay, halona beach cove and blowhole, makapu'u point lighthouse trail, nu'uanu pali lookout, tropical farms macadamia nuts, kualoa ranch, hukilau cafe, giovanni's shrimp truck, dole plantation, waimea valley and waterfall, matsumoto shave ice, sunset at haleiwa beach park, alternative places to go.

While we had no trouble reserving a rental car a few days in advance, the pick-up times in Waikiki Beach were limited to 8 a.m. or later. This was the case for all the companies. I would've preferred to hit the road an hour earlier.

However, it wouldn't have been worth our time to take an Uber to the airport to get a car there, only to backtrack through downtown Honolulu to reach the east side of Oahu.

Instead, we did our best to work with this limitation. Ultimately, we saw everything we wanted on our Oahu road trip and were quite tired when we returned to our Waikiki Beach hotel. So, even if we had gotten the car earlier than 8 a.m., I don't think it would've made a big difference.

Picking up the Rental Car

Our Ford Fusion rental car was both economical and comfortable. The cost for a 24-hour rental, including insurance, fees, and taxes, was about $150.

The 24-hour rental is important because Budget doesn't accept returned cars after 3 p.m., which is odd because they don't let you pick them up before 8 a.m. Seven hours won't buy you much in the way of stops on a drive around Oahu.

To get the most out of your day and car rental, return it to the garage whenever you get back to Waikiki and then return to the Budget kiosk to drop off the keys the next day before 8 a.m. The cost would've been less had we booked the rental a few weeks earlier.

Direction of Travel

Everything I read about taking an Oahu scenic drive suggested traveling east of Honolulu and going counter-clockwise around the island. I suspect this is because it allows you to see the sunrise on the East Coast and sunset on the West Coast if you're up early.

If this is your first time driving around Oahu, drive safely . There's no rush; you're on island time, and getting in an accident would be a surefire way to ruin the trip.

Budget Tip: Save money in Oahu with Go City. Buy a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day all-inclusive pass to enjoy tours, surf lessons, and access to parks like Waimea Valley at a discounted rate. Get your Go City pass here .

Top Oahu Attractions

Since the rental car wasn't available until 8 a.m., we got breakfast at Kona Coffee Purveyors, which opens at 7 a.m. daily. This shop offers Hawaiian coffee and fresh pastries by b Patissiere, one of the best bakeries in San Francisco .

We were in Waikiki Beach for a week and saw a line outside the cafe every morning. I'm pretty sure it was for the pastries because they were incredible! My favorite was the chocolate banana almond croissant.

Kona Coffee is conveniently located in the International Market Place, the indoor/outdoor shopping mall where we picked up the rental car.

Once we'd eaten and got our car for the day, I drove east of Honolulu on Route 72 to Hanauma Bay , our first stop. This stunning nature preserve with a sandy beach offers some of Oahu's best snorkeling. I remember swimming here as a teen.

The clarity of the water and the quantity of colorful fish and coral set a high bar by which I judged all future snorkeling experiences . Unfortunately, the bay and beach were closed to visitors *unless* you had booked a snorkeling tour .

While we hadn't planned to snorkel that day, we had at least wanted to get some photos from an observation deck above the beach. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long for a beautiful beach view.

Our Oahu scenic drive continued a few minutes east on Route 72, which led us to the lookout points for Halona Beach Cove and Blowhole on the side of Koko Crater.

The beach is not easily accessible. If you're willing to climb down steep volcanic terrain, you may have it to yourself. We were satisfied with the view from above.

When a strong enough wave hits the rocks, the Halona Blowhole spouts water up like a geyser . It was anti-climatic but still worth a quick stop on your day trip around Oahu.

Related: Planning for Hawaii on a Budget

Driving another few minutes east on Route 72 will bring you to the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail parking lot. This trail is a relatively easy uphill walk on a paved path. We took about 30 minutes to reach the top, including a few stops for photos. We saw one pair of parents carrying their baby in a harness and another pushing a stroller.

Once you reach the top, you will see gorgeous views of Oahu's Windward Coast. On a clear day, look east, and you might see Moloka'i, another Hawaiian island. This is one of the best spots on the island to spot humpback whales . Whale-watching season in Hawaii runs from December to April.

They may have come early, but the views of turquoise waters from  Makapu'u Point  were some of my favorites that day. The walk down was faster, about 15 minutes, and we were at this stop for about 75 minutes.

Our next photo-op on the Oahu scenic drive was the stunning Nu'uanu Pali lookout, a 30-minute drive from the lighthouse trail. (Take Route 71 North to 61 South, the Pali Highway.) The scenic road takes you 1,200 feet up into the Ko'olau Range, giving you a different perspective on the lush vegetation of Oahu's windward side.

To the northeast, you can see the azure waters off Kailua Beach. Equally pretty, Lanikai Beach, south of Kailua, is hidden by green hills. Give yourself 10-15 minutes in this remarkable place. The Nu'uanu Pali scenic view is included on many of Get Your Guide's most popular half-day and full-day Oahu tours .

My girlfriend, Kel, was keen to stop at a macadamia nut farm, and I'm glad we did. Tropical Farms is a great place about 30 minutes up the coast from the Nu'uanu Pali lookout. Take Route 61 North to 83 North (part of the Kamehameha Highway).

While they weren't offering tours when we visited, they had free samples of their nuts and macadamia nut coffee. My favorite was the onion and garlic.

Go a few minutes north on Route 83, and you'll see the dramatic entrance to Kualoa Ranch . This Hawaiian ranch is world-famous for being the site where scenes from Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and 50 First Dates were shot.

Tours are costly and sell out well in advance. For example, the 2.5-hour Jurassic Adventure tour, which takes guests to the Hakipu'u and Ka'a'awa Valleys, is $140. Other activities include horseback riding , electric mountain bikes , and ATVs. Even though we stopped to look, I already knew no tours were available that day.

If you want to incorporate a tour at Kualoa Ranch during your scenic drive around Oahu, you may need to book weeks ahead. Given the time required, I suggest going on a standalone day trip. The Ranch offers roundtrip transportation from Waikiki hotels for $30 per person, so you don't need a rental car to get there.

Speaking of 50 First Dates, a romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, many scenes are shot in a fictional Hukilau Cafe.

There's a cafe by the same name in Laie, a 25-minute drive north of Kualoa Ranch (on Route 83 North). However, this isn't the location where the scenes were filmed.

Despite that fact, or regardless of it, former Go Backpacking contributor and food blogger superstar Mark Wiens (and I) still went in the hopes of enjoying a typical Hawaiian meal.

You can read about Mark's experience at Hukilau Cafe here . On my drive around Oahu, the restaurant was closed for lunch that day, so I missed out on trying their food.

That was fine since I also had eyes on Giovanni's Shrimp Truck a few minutes north on Route 83. Giovanni's was one of the first shrimp food trucks on Oahu's North Shore to make a name for itself. There's a lunch line every day, year after year, and that was certainly the case when we stopped by around noon.

It took about 15-20 minutes to get our food. I ordered shrimp with butter and lemon while Kel got their signature shrimp scampi (i.e., garlic shrimp).

A third option is the hot and spicy shrimp plate. All three are the same size, come with white rice, and cost $15. By this point in the trip, I felt hungry, so I quickly worked on the dozen medium-sized shrimp.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Oahu

One of the places I remember best from visiting Oahu as a teen was the Dole Plantation . Tasting the fresh-picked pineapple was unforgettable. I can also remember seeing the inside of a canning facility and the shape of machines used to remove pineapple cores.

Thirty years later, the Dole Plantation became a much bigger tourist attraction, and a stop is included on many Oahu island tours . You can ride a train around the plantation to learn about pineapples and navigate a giant maze on foot. However, we were more interested in dessert—the Dole pineapple whip dessert, to be specific.

A Dole whip is pineapple-flavored soft-serve ice cream, and we paid one dollar extra for fresh pineapple chunks to be added. Behind the gift shop, where you can buy the dessert and all forms of pineapple paraphernalia, there's a patio and small garden that are free to enjoy.

Our daylight hours were running out by mid-afternoon, and we desperately wanted to swim under Waimea Falls . The Falls are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and it was about 3 p.m. when we left the Dole Plantation.

We backtracked along Route 99 and Route 83 North to Waimea Bay, where we turned right on Waimea Valley Road, which provides access to Waimea Valley . From there, it was an easy 30-minute walk on paved paths through the botanical garden to reach Oahu's best-known waterfall.

There are some rustic changing rooms and bathrooms and a small hut where a gentleman handed out life jackets required to swim there. He said we'd arrived at this beautiful place at the best time of day when most visitors had already left.

Kel and I enjoyed a 15-minute swim in the freshwater pool before drying off, changing, and returning to the car for another North Shore food experience.

Heading south on Route 83 for a few minutes brought us to Haleiwa town, still on Oahu's North Shore. Here, you'll find many cute shops, restaurants, and the historic Matsumoto Shave Ice.

Matsumoto has been serving their refreshing dessert since 1951. On a typical day, they'll make 1,000 for customers. President Obama has been seen getting shaved ice here, so you know it's good!

They have special machines to shave the ice and dozens of housemade flavored syrups to choose from. There are many places to buy shave ice on Oahu, but Matsumoto's is one of the best.

Related: 5 Hawaiian Fusion Foods

I'd initially planned to watch the sun go down at Sunset Beach Park on the North Shore. This beach is just a minute or two up the road from the Banzai Pipeline beach, a mecca for surfers worldwide. However, upon arrival, we found parking at both beaches extremely limited, and many cars already occupied the spots.

Instead, we left the shave ice shop for nearby Haleiwa Beach Park , which has plenty of parking. A rainbow appeared inland, to the west, while we watched the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Stand-up paddleboarders could be seen gently floating on the water in the distance.

Once the sun went down over the horizon, we hopped in the car and drove back to Waikiki Beach, marking the end of the drive. Despite an unexpected torrential downpour, it took about one hour. The day made for one of the best scenic drives I've experienced in the United States.

Related: Beauty of Oahu Island

Hopefully, our Oahu scenic drive gave you some ideas to make your one-day tour of the island a reality. Follow it, and you'll see some of the most beautiful places on the island.

There are lots more interesting stops on Oahu than one day will allow; however, I thought I'd share a few alternatives to what we did.

If you prefer to try malasadas (Portuguese donuts) for breakfast, head to Leonard's Bakery instead of Kona Coffee Purveyors. Leonard's is open from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

If you come to Honolulu from the east, such as the mainland United States, Canada, or Europe, jetlag may cause you to wake up very early.

Consider taking advantage of this by doing a sunrise hike at the Diamond Head crater . We did this on a different day than our drive around Oahu and used Uber.

It was a 30-minute hike to the top of the crater; our reward was breathtaking views. Allow 15-20 minutes to get back down. Check the official website for travel advisories and hours.

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie is a popular destination on the eastern side of Oahu. Here, you can learn about the local cultural traditions through live shows, tours, and food.

I recommend leaving Pearl Harbor for another day, as you must reserve a time slot for the USS Arizona. Visiting the USS Missouri battleship alone can take an additional hour or two.

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

Road Trip: Drive Around Oahu in a Day

By Hawaii.com Team

A beautiful rainbow over the Oahu skyline. (Photo: Getty Images)

There are many ways to see the island of Oʻahu—take a guided tour, hitch a ride on a helicopter, or explore the coast by boat.  These are all exciting options, but we prefer sightseeing by car. The reason?  Well, you choose the route, you can linger as long as you want, and you can eat and shop along the way.

The island of Oʻahu is just the right size for taking a drive. It’s large enough that you will not run out of things to do and sights to see yet small enough that you can complete the drive in one day.

Chances are that although it’s possible to see all of the island’s postcard-worthy sights in one day, you won’t want to. You’ll meet a  honu  (turtle) and want to stay to play. You’ll discover a waterfall and decide to go for a swim. You’ll hike a mountain and find the view is a perfect background for a photoshoot of you and your someone special, and you’ll linger much longer than you intended. Nevertheless, here are our recommended stops for driving around Oʻahu in day.

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head on Oahu. (Photo: Getty Images)

Most visitors to Hawaiʻi stay in Waikīkī. This is most likely where you’ll be starting your day. Watch surfers paddling out for their morning session or catch a wave yourself at Waikīkī beach. You can also make the short, but the steep 0.8-mile hike up Diamond Head. The trail will lead you to old military bunkers, a lighthouse, and summit views of the ocean and Oʻahu’s Southern coast. Getting outdoors and into nature is a great way to start the day!

2. Hawaiʻi Kai and Waimānalo

View of Waimanalo Beach and a lifeguard tower through ironwood trees on the windward side of Oahu. (Photo: Getty Images)

The East side of the island is an outdoor lover’s playground with Sea Life Park and Hanauma Bay being two great options for those wanting to see, swim, and play with Hawaiian marine life. If this is a priority for you, plan on spending lots of time in East Oʻahu. There will be so much to see.

Another great way to start your road trip is with a short two-mile hike up to Makapu‘u Point lighthouse. You can save Waikīkī and Diamond Head for another day and head out early for a sunrise hike. From the vantage point at Makapuʻu, you’ll gain gorgeous views of the sun coming up over the blue horizon, the coastline, Rabbit Island, Molokaʻi, and even whales if you’re there between December and May.

The drive up the coast from Makapuʻu will take you through the town of Waimānalo. Roadside cafes and eateries make this a convenient and delicious place to stop for a bite to eat. Waimānalo is a hidden treasure. Many people don’t get the opportunity to experience this local haunt, but you can.

Tempting and alluring scenic ocean view at Lanikai Beach looking out towards Na Mokulua aka the Mokulua Islands in Kailua on Oahu. (Photo: Getty Images)

Not too far up the coast from Waimānalo is the trendy beach town of Kailua. If you want to see what everybody’s been talking about, venture through Kailua to check out Lanikai beach, hike up Lanikai pillboxes for a whimsical view of the offshore Mokulua Islands or sunbathe at Kailua beach. Both Lanikai and Kailua beaches have been winners of the prestigious #1 Beach in America title.

With many restaurants to choose from and lots of healthy options, Kailua is a great place to get a good meal.  We recommend eating here before continuing your road trip, as dining options are limited along the stretch of road from Kailua to the North Shore.

4. Pali Lookout

(Photo: Kevin Allen)

Located just  mauka  (mountainside) of Kailua, there are two main reasons why you should check out Pali Lookout. One, you’ll see amazing views of the Koʻolau Mountain Range. Two, this  pali  (cliff) is the site of a major battle that took place in 1795. You’ll be able to stand where King Kamehameha I and his army defeated the Oʻahu forces before going on to unite all of the islands into one kingdom. The strong winds and crisp air here are refreshing.

5. Kāneʻohe

View of the entrance and Ko’olau Mountains as one drives through the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Park. Strolling or driving through these lush 400 acres in windward Oʻahu, you will truly agree that Hoʻomaluhia is rightfully named “a peaceful refuge.” Opened in 1982, this garden in Kāneʻohe features plantings from major tropical regions around the world. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kāneʻohe, the next stop on our drive around Oʻahu, is known for its rich, lush green landscapes. These two gorgeous stops prove it. You may have caught glimpses of the Byodo-In Temple in various shows like Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I. But even if you have, you’ll still be in awe when you gaze upon the Japanese temple replica and its verdant surroundings. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens is another tropical treasure with acres of Native Hawaiian plants and jaw-dropping Koʻolau mountain views.

6. North Shore

(Photo: Getty Images)

Leaving Kāneʻohe destined for Oʻahu’s epic North Shore, you’re in for a scenic one-hour drive. You’ll see lush forests, beautiful bay views, and Oʻahu’s “country” side. You will pass the small offshore island called Chinaman’s Hat as well as Kualoa Ranch where many movies have been filmed. (We highly recommend you come back to spend a day here.) You will also pass the Polynesian Cultural Center. (This is a great place to experience a lūʻau . Maybe after your day at Kualoa?)

When you see the shrimp trucks serving up yummy plates of garlic shrimp, you’ve reached the North Shore country town of Kahuku. Travel a bit more and you’ll hit Haleʻiwa and the famous 7-mile miracle which is home to several white-sand beaches of miraculous beauty, starting with Sunset Beach and ending with Haleʻiwa Beach Park. Laniakea Beach where the honu are known to rest is located here. You can swim near the honu or watch them rest on the sandy shores but please don’t touch. Honu are endangered species. During the summer, the 7-mile miracle beaches are picture-perfect for sunbathing or sunset walks. During the winter, big swells roll in, and the dangerous surf becomes a playground for the world’s best watermen. Also along this 7-mile stretch is Waimea Valley where you can walk through a botanical garden, swim at a waterfall and participate in cultural activities.

Cool off with Matsumoto Shave Ice’s rainbow of tropical shave ice flavors. Matsumoto’s is “the shave ice place” on the North Shore. They do their toppings right and now they even have an edible cracker bowl imported from Japan. Mmm!

7. Ko ʻOlina

View of Ko Olina beach and the Kohola lagoon from the hotel room. (Photo: Getty Images)

The North Shore of Oʻahu is a beautiful place to end the day, and the sunsets are just stunning. If you’ve made it this far, rest assured you’ve seen the best of Oʻahu. However, if you’ve made good time during your drive around Oʻahu, our last suggestion will be the icing on the cake. Ko ʻOlina on Oʻahu’s Westside is wild and gorgeous. An area boasting breathtaking beaches, golf, and water activities, some of Hawaiʻi’s best resorts are located here, like Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko ʻOlina. You can swim in one of the area’s four manmade lagoons, catch a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau at Paradise Cove or simply enjoy the sunset over the endless blue sea.

Your drive time back into Waikīkī from Ko ʻOlina will be about 45 minutes.  From Haleʻiwa, the drive time back into Waikīkī is just under an hour.

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Oahu Circle Island Tour Map + Itinerary

Here's a map of what's called the "Oahu Circle Island Tour" or "Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour."

Here are some common questions:

Q: How long is the Circle island tour?

A: Time-wise, a normal Circle Island Tour is between 6-8 hours.

If you were to just drive straight through, which you wouldn't really do, you could do this route in about 3 hours. Q: Can you circle Oahu?

A: You can half- circle the island of Oahu (see the yellow route above.)

Because the road stops at the northwest corner of Oahu, you cannot actually drive around the entire island.

Whenever you hear a tour company refer to a "circle island tour," they're always following Oahu's eastern coast (whether clockwise or counter-clockwise) and cutting through the middle of the island. Q: What is Oahu Grand Circle?

A: An Oahu "Grand" Circle is simply an Oahu circle island tour with the word "grand" in front of it, and is the same as any "circle island tour."

More often than not, it's used to refer to Oahu island tours in the larger 5 motor coaches. Q: How many miles is the circle of Oahu?

A: About 110-120 miles, starting from Waikiki.

Oahu Circle Island Tour Itinerary

Here's a general itinerary for the Oahu Circle Island Tour. Keep in mind that each company may add or skip stops, and also spend different amounts of time at each stop, but in general, this is what 90% of the tour companies use as their "Oahu Circle Island Tour Itinerary"...

1. Diamond Head Lookout : 10 min

2. Drive through Kahala : 5-10 min

3. Drive between Hanauma Bay & Koko Head Crater

4. Halona Blowhole 15 min

5. Drive by (or stop at) Sandy Beach

6. Makapu'u Lookout : 10 min

7. Waimanalo Gift Shop  (Restroom Break): 15 min

8. Pali Lookout (sometimes): 20 min

9. Byoda-In Temple (sometimes): 45+ min

10. Tropical Farms Macadamia Farm : 25 min

11. Chinaman's Hat : 5-10 min

12.  Plate Lunch at a Food Truck or Fumis: 30-45 min

13. Turtle Beach (Turtle Spotting or Snorkel): 30-1 hr

14. Dole Pineapple Plantation : 30-45 min

15. Green World Coffee Farm (sometimes) 15 min

16. Drive back to Waikik i: 50 min

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Oahu is a beautiful and diverse island, with something for everyone to enjoy. From its picturesque beaches to its unique culture and attractions, Oahu is a paradise for most visitors. Here you'll find maps to help you explore the island.

Our Oahu top beaches map is a great resource for planning a beach day, while our other maps will help you find the best attractions and experiences on the island. So start exploring, and let us help you plan an unforgettable Oahu adventure!

Below you'll find a few maps of Oahu Hawaii that we've put together, including our updated Oahu Travel Map Packet that includes an new high-resolution map!

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PDF packet now additionally includes an Oahu Beaches Map.

Our  2024 Oahu Summary Guidesheet  includes the top  must-see & do  attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay  briefing,  airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on Oahu.

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Getting Around Oahu

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Top Driving Tours and Walking Tours on Oahu

Colin Anderson/Getty Images

Most travelers to Oahu who book their stay at one of the great hotels or resorts in Waikiki never venture further than the beach or shops along Kalakaua Avenue. Without question, Waikiki is fantastic and some of the best resorts in Hawaii are located along within a few blocks of the two miles of Waikiki Beach. But  Oahu  as a whole is highly underrated; it's a beautiful island with so much to see and do. Visitors just need to get out and explore the island.

There are three principal ways to get around on Oahu - as part of a paid tour, by rental car , or by using Oahu's excellent public transportation system, TheBus, and then doing a bit of walking.

This feature will look at the latter two ways to explore the island - by rental car or by using TheBus. Here are some of the best driving and walking tours on Oahu.

Walking Tour of Historic Honolulu

This walking tour can cost you as little as the bus fare to get from Waikiki to downtown Honolulu. Just ask the concierge at your hotel which bus to take that stops closest to your hotel or plug your destination into a map app on your phone.

Honolulu's historic district is very compact and is an easy walk for almost everyone. It's highly recommended that you take a docent-guided tour of 'Iolani Palace. It is a unique opportunity to visit the only royal palace in the United States.

Other stops that you should make include the King Kamehameha I Statue, the King Lunalilo Mausoleum, Kawaiaha'o Church and Mission Cemetery, and Mission Houses Museum which offers guided tours of the houses.

Driving Tour of the Southeast Shore

One of the most popular drives on Oahu is to head east from Waikiki, past Diamond Head towards the southeastern corner of the island.

The first part of the drive is through primarily residential areas of the island, including the Kahala neighborhood which includes some of the most expensive homes in Hawaii.

The first stop on your drive should be at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for some of the best snorkeling on the island. Parking lot fills up early in the day, so get there early. After Hanauma Bay, there is a quick succession of stops along this very scenic and in many parts rocky coast. The formations in the sea cliffs along this coast are unlike any you have ever seen.

Be sure to stop at Sandy Beach Park to watch some great boogie boarding, especially if the waves are high.

Your drive culminates at Kailua and Lanikai, two of the world's ​top-rated beaches and two of the islands major residential communities. From there you'll head back to Waikiki.

Daytrip to Windward

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

One of the best drives on Oahu is a relatively easy drive to Windward Oahu, the eastern shore of the island.

The drive takes you across the Pali Highway with a brief stop at the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout where you will have wonderful views of much of the eastern shore of the island.

Following your stop at the lookout, it's back down the other side of the 34 miles long Koolau Mountain Range which spans the length of the island’s eastern coast from Kahuku in the north to Makapu'u in the south.

As you head north, you'll want to stop at the Byodo-In Temple which has recently been made famous in the TV series LOST . From there you should head north to Kualoa Ranch which offers multiple activities and tours into two of the most beautiful valleys on Oahu.

If you didn't stop in Kailua and Lanikai as mentioned in the prior drive, be sure to stop there on your return trip to Waikiki after your visit to Kualoa Ranch.

Driving Tour of the North Shore

One of the most popular drives not only on Oahu but in all of Hawaii is the drive along Oahu's world famous North Shore.

While most folks tend to do this drive from west to east, beginning with a drive through Central Oahu, you may find less traffic by making this drive from the opposite direction.

In order to do that, just follow the directions for the last drive, but instead of making the stops drive straight through past Kualoa Ranch to the town of Laie, considered the gateway to Oahu's North Shore and home to the Polynesian Cultural Center . Since the Center does not open until noon, it will likely be closed as you pass by. It's recommended that you schedule a visit on another day. They offer great package tours which include bus transportation from many locations in Waikiki.

The North Shore of Oahu is the surfing capital of the world and you'll surely want to stop at several of the beaches along the way, especially if you're making the drive during the winter months when the surf is high. In that case, a stop at the Banzai Pipeline is a must.

If you plan your trip right, be sure to stop for lunch and do some shopping in the town of Haleiwa.

You can head back to Waikiki through Central Oahu, making a brief stop at the Dole Plantation , home to the world's largest pineapple maze.

Driving Tour of the Leeward Coast

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

This final driving tour on Oahu will take you to an area of the island which over 90% of travelers never visit, the Leeward or Western Coast.

Depending on traffic, it's a long drive to reach the Leeward Coast, likely about an hour from Waikiki on H1 West.

This area of Oahu is a primarily residential area of the island as you'll quickly see if you head there in the early morning and notice traffic backed up almost the entire way heading into Honolulu and Waikiki. There's a good chance that if ask a hotel or restaurant employee where they live, many will say that they live on this side of the island.

Once again, it's that you go against the norm and drive all the way north until the road ends and then begin your exploration heading south. This is a strikingly beautiful part of the island with beautiful beaches and deep valleys that will take your breath away.

Driving Along the North Shore of Oahu

Oahu's Southeast Shore and Windward Coast

Your Trip to Oahu: The Complete Guide

How to Get Around and Explore Hawaii

The Best Road Trips to Take in Hawaii

Best Ways to Spend Five Exciting Days on Oahu

Top Things to Do on Oahu Away from Waikiki and Honolulu

Driving Tour of Oahu's Southeast Shore

The 20 Best Things to Do in Hawaii

Top Paid Attractions and Tours on Oahu

Hawaii Guide: Planning Your Trip

Off the Beaten Path on Oahu

The Top 17 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii

15 Best Oahu, Hawaii, Family Attractions

17 of the Most Beautiful Places in Hawaii

12 Best Beaches on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

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Oahu Tour: Self-Guided Drive

Tour Details

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Welcome to the oahu tour.

Welcome to the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu! Featuring the vibrant city of Honolulu, lush jungles that have appeared in blockbusters like Jurassic Park , and the most stunning beaches in the world, the Oahu tour truly has a little bit of everything. Cruise around this tropical paradise, hike its best trails, and learn about its incredible conflict-strewn history, all from the comfort of your vehicle or rental!

We are proud to be an official Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau member.

Preview the Tour

Your tour around this island begins in Honolulu, near Pearl Harbor. You’ll hear about the “day that will live in infamy” as well as the unexpected history of Honolulu.

Next is Aloha Tower, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Continuing, you’ll see Iolani Palace, the luxurious former home of Hawaii’s monarchs, as well as a statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

The first beach on the Oahu tour is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that was once used to dump garbage! But don’t worry, it’s almost impossibly clean these days. Waikiki Beach follows it. This is where surfing superstar Duke Kanahamoku started before he transformed the world of surfing forever.

Leaving the beaches behind for a moment, you’ll see Diamond Head State Park, an enormous volcanic crater, and Hawaii’s most famous park. You’ve got to see this one up close to appreciate it truly!

Continuing toward the volcanic China Walls, you’ll hear the dramatic tale of Kamehameha’s rise to power, and his rival, Kalanikūpule, who was even willing to kill his own family to take control for himself.

Next, at the Hanauma Bay Lookout, you’ll find some of the most spectacular views on O’ahu. Be sure to have your camera at the ready! For a less crowded spot, follow the route to the next lookout, which most visitors miss.

After passing some seriously scenic shoreline, you’ll see Rabbit Island just off the coast and learn about the utterly failed rabbit farm that once operated here. Then you’ll come to Waimānalo Beach, the perfect stop for anyone seeking a little seclusion.

As you approach the town of Kailua, where former President Obama spent his winter vacations, you’ll hear a dramatic account of the Battle of Nu’uanu, which earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii once and for all. And if you’re a kayaker, you won’t want to miss Kailua’s beach!

Up next, you’ll catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu. These ancient temples were deeply sacred to the Hawaiians and still hold a great deal of significance today.

After that, you’ll find a trail to one of Oahu Tours’ famous waterfalls. If you’re craving more nature, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden will be just ahead, offering a staggering 400 acres of carefully cultivated flora.

You might not expect a vast Buddhist temple in Hawaii, but that’s the next stop! After checking out the Byodo-In Temple, you’ll reach the Kualoa Ranch. A show biz favorite, this ranch has appeared in everything from Jurassic Park to Hawaii Five-O and much more!

Feeling peckish? You’ll soon arrive at Hukilau Marketplace, a quaint cluster of restaurants and gift shops that retains its original 1950s charm.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love what comes next: a colossal wildlife refuge and Turtle Beach, frequented by the enormous Hawaiian green sea turtles. Then it’s on to Sunset Beach, the perfect spot to catch the day’s final rays of light. You’ll then head to the historic Dole Plantation, where the tour concludes.

Get access to 12 additional stops on the Oahu Bonus Tour at absolutely no additional cost. When you purchase the main tour and input the password in the app, you will see the main + bonus tour.

Additional stops include:

• Jackass Ginger Pool
• Queen Emma Summer Palace
• Kapena Falls
• Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
• Foster Botanical Garden
• Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
• Round Top Forest Reserve
• Tantalus Lookout – Puu Ualakaa State Park
• Mānoa Falls Trail
• Manoa Falls Trail 2
• Manoa Falls
• Waikiki Walking Tour
• Honolulu Walking Tour

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Oahu Driving Tour Map

Where To Start?

Tour Start point: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to o'ahu.

Get ready for a totally comprehensive tour of Hawaii's most populous island: O'ahu. Home to the city of Honolulu, this island is chock full of culture, natural beauty, and fascinating history--all of which you'll experience during your drive!

Pearl Harbor

The tour begins in Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 changed the course of history.

As you drive through Honolulu, you'll learn about the city's unexpectedly humble origins, and how it became the hub it is today.

Bishop Museum

One of the first landmarks you'll pass is the Bishop Museum. This isn't just the largest museum in Hawaii, but also has a surprisingly sweet love story behind it!

Aloha Tower

Get a good look at the Aloha Tower next. This iconic waterside tower once greeted all travelers arriving in Honolulu, because everyone arrived by boat.

Iolani Palace/King Kamehameha Statue

Next, you'll pass the impressive Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaiian royalty, as well as a statue of King Kamahamaha, a hero you'll hear plenty about along the way.

Ala Moana Beach/ Regional Park

The first beach you'll see is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand which, believe it or not, used to be a garbage dump! But don't worry, it's perfectly clean now, and great for swimming.

King David Kal?kaua Statue

Next, you'll pass a statue of King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king.

Waikiki Beach and Duke Kahanamoku

The next beach you'll reach is Waikiki Beach, made famous by the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is responsible for bringing surfing to the world at large and bringing major recognition to this beach.

Kapi’olani Park

Your route takes you next past Kapi'olani Park, another beautiful space which was once little more than a soggy bit of marshland.

Diamond Head State Monument

After that, you'll come to Diamond Head State Monument, an immense crater left by a volcanic explosion. It's now become Hawaii's most popular park!

Diamond Head Beach Park

You'll also see Diamond Head Beach, which sparkles unlike any other beach around. Back in the 1800s, explorers actually thought the calcite crystals in the sand here were diamonds!

China Walls

As you continue, you'll reach the China Walls, an impressive formation of natural walls which some say rival the Great Wall of China!

Hanauma Bay Lookout

Get some unbeatable views up next at Hanauma Bay Lookout, and don't forget to snap a few pictures while you're there!

Lanai Lookout

Lanai Lookout is next, and it's especially good if you're trying to get away from the crowd.

Halona Blowhole Lookout

The next lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, offers views of a peculiar rock formation which shoots water into the air when waves crash against it.

Pele's Chair

If you trek along the shore a bit, you'll come to Pele's Chair, a natural formation which some believe to be the chair of Pele, a volcanic goddess.

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Up next is Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're a fan of ocean views, this makes for a wonderful stroll.

Rabbit Island

As you drive, you'll catch sight of Rabbit Island. Once home to a rabbit farm, this island is now mostly untouched by humans.

Waimānalo Beach

Travelers seeking a pristine beach that doesn't see the same crowds as others will love Waimanalo Beach, a stretch of white sand sheltered by a wall of ironwood trees.

Up next is the unassuming town of Kailua. Unassuming, that is, except for the fact that former president Barack Obama spent his winters here!

Kailua Beach

Your route takes you next to Kailua Beach, a favorite spot among kayakers and swimmers alike.

Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site

Next, you'll pass the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. This increidble archaeological site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple called a Heiau, which is almost 500 years old!

Golf on O’ahu

You'll also pass the Pali Golf Course and hear all about the plentiful offerings for golfers on O'ahu.

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout/Likeke Falls/Likeke Falls Trailhead

After that, you'll arrive at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, a splendid vista which is also right near a trail leading to some sparkling waterfalls.

Lulumahu Falls

Looking for more waterfalls? You'll find one at the end of a trail up ahead, which leads to the gorgeous, secluded Lulumahu Falls.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Up next is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, home to a staggering 400 acres of tropical flora from all over the world. There's even a campground within the garden!

Continuing on, you'll reach the town of He'eia and hear the wild legend behind its name.

The Byodo-In Temple

You won't want to miss the next stop, an elaborate Buddhist temple called the Byodo-In Temple. It was built as an exact to-scale replica of the temples one would find in Japan!

Kualoa Ranch

As you drive, you'll pass Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling jungle ranch which has been the filming location for countless Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and Lost!

Kualoa Rock Beach

Kualoa Rock Beach, up next, offers some great lounging opportunities, though swimmers will find the rocky shore a bit uncomfortable to wade along.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

The next beach, Kahana Bay Beach, isn't just a great stretch of sand, but is also packed with history! Archaeologists have found all sorts of pre-contact relics buried in the sand here.

Ahupua'a ‘O Kahana State Park

Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is next, offering plenty of lush greenery and stunning hikes for those looking to stretch their legs.

Maunawila Heiau

Continuing on, you'll pass the remnants of another Heiau, though this one hasn't held up to the ravages of time quite as well as the last one.

Hukilau Marketplace

Those looking to stop for a snack or a souvenir will want to stop at the next landmark: Hukilau Marketplace. This iconic market styles itself just like a classic 1950s Hawaiian market would.

Mālaekahana State Recreation

Beach campers will absolutely want to stop at the next spot, Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This shoreline camping area makes for some seriously memorable mornings!

Gunstock Ranch

After that, you'll pass Gunstock Ranch, where you can take a ride on horseback if you want to change up your travels a bit!

James Campbell Wildlife Refuge

Next is the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, where you'll learn the legend of how some of O'ahu's most recognizable birds got their iconic plumage.

Turtle Beach

After that is Turtle Beach, which is exactly what you'd expect. If you're here at the right time, you're bound to see some sea turtles!

Kawela Bay Beach Park

Continue driving to Kawela Bay Beach, home to some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to an offshore reef.

Sunset Beach Park

If the day is winding down, one of the best spots to be is your next stop: Sunset Beach. This is, hands down, one of the best spots on the island to catch a proper Hawaiian sunset.

Banzai Pipeline

As you drive, you'll pass the infamous Banzai Pipeline. This death-defying surf break has challenged some of the most famous surfers around for years, and not all of them survive it.

Shark’s Cove

After that is Shark's Cove. Don't worry though, it gets its name not because sharks infest the waters, but instead because it looks a little bit like a shark when viewed from above.

Waimea Bay/Waimea Bay Beach Park/Waimea Valley

One of the last beaches on your tour is Waimea Bay. This isn't just any beach, but has been featured in high-octane Hollywood adventures like Point Break!

Haleʻiwa Beach Park

The final beach you'll see is Hale'iwa Beach, which has some BBQs and picnic tables for folks looking to wind down with a picturesque picnic.

Dole Plantation

Your final stop is at the historic Dole Plantation, a window back in time which also features a train ride and the world's largest maze for some fun family activities. The tour concludes here.

Bonus Tour Stop 1: Jackass Ginger Pool

About a half-mile down the hiking trail to your left is one of Oahu’s most popular and idyllic swimming holes. In Hawaiian, this place is called Kahuailanawai - “site of tranquil water”. But it was renamed Jackass Ginger Pool about a hundred years ago by local youths who spotted a donkey tied up in a patch of ginger next to the pond itself.

Bonus Tour Stop 2: Queen Emma Summer Palace

To your left, the big white building with columns out front is Hānaiakamalama, the favorite retreat of Hawaii’s Queen Emma and her family. Born in 1836 to a native Hawaiian father and a white mother, she married King Kamehameha IV and reigned as his queen until his death in 1863. During her time as queen, she and her son Albert spent time here at the summer palace, where she organized many of her humanitarian efforts.

Bonus Tour Stop 3: Kapena Falls

Coming up on your right is the trailhead for Kapena Falls, the island’s most accessible waterfall. It’s only a half-mile round trip to the falls and back, so it’s a nice quick stop if you’d like to see it for yourself. Just don’t go in the water - there are some nasty bacteria that live in this particular stream.

Bonus Tour Stop 4: Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden

To your right is Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden, the smallest of Honolulu’s five famous botanical gardens. This particular garden was gifted to the city by its namesake, Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii.

Bonus Tour Stop 5: Foster Botanical Garden

Across the street from the Lili’uokalani Garden is a similar park, called the Foster Botanical Garden. In the 1850s, this land was leased to a German botanist named William Hillebrand, who planted a wide variety of unique trees and plants on the property.

Bonus Tour Stop 6: Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside

Just up ahead is the entrance to Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park, located on the sides of Mount Tantalus, an extinct cinder cone leftover from volcanic explosions about 50,000 years ago, long before there was anybody living on the islands. Here you’ll see some of the gorgeous natural forests that Hawaii is so famous for.

Bonus Tour Stop 7: Viewpoint

This viewing area to your right is well worth stopping at. From here, you can look out over the whole city of Honolulu, which is especially beautiful at night.

Bonus Tour Stop 8: Round Top Forest Reserve

Mount Tantalus is just one part of the Round Top Forest Reserve, which holds 99 acres of protected forest land here on Oahu. If you go walking along some of the trails here in the reserve, you’ll see plenty of plants and animals native to Hawaii.

Bonus Tour Stop 9: Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park

You’ve reached the top of Mount Tantalus, the best sunset lookout on the whole island. This grassy hill on top of the cinder cone offers incredible panoramic views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the rest of the surrounding area. Feel free to take some time and enjoy the view.

Bonus Tour Stop 10: Mānoa Falls Trail

If you park here, you can reach the trailhead for the Manoa Falls Trail, one of the oldest and most popular hiking spots on Oahu. The trails out here date back to the ancient Hawaiians, who would follow these paths through the forest to hunt and gather plants. At the end of this trail is Manoa Falls, a 150 foot waterfall that the indigenous Hawaiians used as a natural shower.

Bonus Tour Stop 11: Manoa Falls Trail 2

As you walk through the forest here, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a whole other world from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. The trail you’re walking on now has been in use for over a thousand years, so allow yourself to be transported back.

Bonus Tour Stop 12: Manoa Falls

Just up ahead are the Manoa Falls, the last stop on the tour. With a height of 150 ft, it’s easy to see why so many people come here to check out the waterfall. Fans of blockbuster movies might also recognize Manoa Falls from a scene in Jurassic World where the two child stars leap from the top of the falls to escape the deadly Indominus Rex.

Preview The Tour

  which side of oahu is the best for tourists.

The North Shore of Oahu is popular among tourists for its beautiful beaches and famous surf spots. Read more here .

  Which Hawaiian island is known for having the best beaches?

Maui is often considered to have some of the best beaches in Hawaii, with picturesque spots like Wailea Beach and Kaanapali Beach.

  Oahu vs. Maui: Which one is better for a vacation?

The choice between Oahu and Maui depends on personal preferences; Oahu offers a mix of urban attractions and beautiful beaches, while Maui is renowned for its natural beauty and more laid-back atmosphere.

  What is the best month to visit Oahu, Hawaii?

The months of April, May, September, and October are considered the best times to visit Oahu due to fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

  What is the significance of the Iolani Palace in Honolulu?

The Iolani Palace is historically significant as the luxurious former residence of Hawaiian monarchs, representing the monarchy’s history in Hawaii.

  Which famous surf spot is located near Waikiki Beach?

Duke Kahanamoku, the surfing superstar, started at Waikiki Beach before transforming the world of surfing forever.

  What can visitors expect to see at Diamond Head State Park?

At Diamond Head State Park, visitors can explore an enormous volcanic crater and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

  What historical event earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii?

The Battle of Nu’uanu, a significant battle in Hawaiian history, earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii.

  Where can visitors catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu?

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu during the tour, where these ancient temples still hold great significance.

Inclusions and Exclusions

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Oahu Circle Island Tour

Circle Island Tour of Oahu

Looking to see The Island of Oahu's top Sights and Attractions all in one day? Our  Oahu Circle Island Tour is a 7-hour Guided Tour around the island of Oahu which includes an wide variety of stunning island views and the island's top attractions. What are you waiting for? Real Hawaii's  Circle Island Tour Oahu  awaits!

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(Ages 2-12)

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(7 Days A Week)

8 AM - 3 PM

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Top Oahu Attractions

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WHAT IS CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR OF OAHU?

Looking to see Oahu's top sights and attractions all in one day? The Circle Island Tour is a 7 Hour round-trip guided tour around the island of Oahu. You will be able to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views the island has to offer without having to pick up a Hawaii Travel guide! Our Oahu tour guides will also give you a glimpse into the old Oahu, HI with historical island facts throughout the circle island tour.   

WHAT DO YOU SEE ON AN OAHU CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR?

• Diamond Head Lookout
• Hanauma Bay Lookout
• Halona Blowhole
• Waimanalo Beach
• Macadamia Nut Farm
• China Man's Hat
• Kahuku Fruitstands
• Sunset Beach
• Historic Haleiwa Town
• Dole Plantation

What Should I take on an oahu circle island tour?

Please wear comfortable active wear

Snack & Water

Please bring cash as there is a no host lunch

how long does it take to drive The oahu circle island tour?

The total duration of Oahu's Circle Island Tour is roughly 7 hours.

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• Location: Hawaii, USA
• Audio Points: 230+
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Flexible
• Direction: Multi
• Download: ~94Mb

FLEXIBLE TOUR

This complete island tour is designed to be flexible, so you can road trip the way you want. No worrying about where to start or which portion of the island you want to see. Use our suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips across the island.

Tour Route Map

Audio preview.

Highlights Include

• Byodo-In Temple
• Diamond Head
• Dole Plantation
• Hanauma Bay
• Kailua & Lanikai
• Laie Sea Arch
• National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
• North Shore, Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline
• Pearl Harbor*
• Punchbowl Crater
• Shrimp Trucks
• The Pali Lookout

What to Expect

Want to connect with Hawaii, beyond Waikiki?  Then it’s definitely worth taking a full day from sunbathing, renting a car, and driving to tour around Oahu.

There are many stories, tips and advice along the way, that will enhance your Oahu, Hawaii vacation experience.  We’ll highlight the many viewpoints, but how and how long you choose to explore is up to you.

Includes 4 suggested road trips to explore Oahu;

Have a full day to sightsee  drive the north shore loop.

The main attraction is the North Shore , and its famous big wave surfing beaches of Sunset Beach  &  Banzai Pipeline . 

Hear about the history of surfing, local legends and some overseas challengers to the throne.  Enjoy a stop for some tropical delights at the Dole Plantations on the way to the laid back North Shore town of Haleiwa , or continue on to Shrimp Truck heaven. 

We’ll point out a few of our favourites, but remember to bring mints or friends that don’t care about garlic breath. 

Continue driving along the windward side and grab a photo of the hole in the rock  Laie Sea Arch .

Looking for a cultural experience? The  Polynesian Cultural Center  is a theme park and living museum, home to the Islands biggest luau and evening show.  Or find your zen at the serene Buddhist Byodo-In Temple .

Loop back around the Pali and return to Waikiki.   You can also choose to drive this route in the opposite direction and arrive at Sunset Beach , late in the afternoon before returning to Waikiki.

Or scope out  Ko Olina , the resort area with crested shaped beach lagoons and the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa .

Only Have A Few Hours? Tour Oahu’s Beaches and Volcanoes

Oahu’s Southeast corner is an area dominated by extinct volcanoes and sandy beaches.  Get fit by hiking up the short but steep staircase at  Diamond Head , you’ll be reward with breathtaking view overlooking  Honolulu .  And one of the best, but also most popular spots to snorkel is  Hanauma Bay .  To help the reef, the bay is closed on Tuesdays, so make sure you plan around that.

Escape to the small towns of  Kailua  and  Lanikai  for pristine beaches, or take a guided kayaking tour to the twin islands, “ The Mokes ” just offshore.  It’s not hard to feel the spiritual significance at the Pali Lookout , but hang onto your hats, you’ll also feel the strong wind blowing up against these cliffs.

Continue on the Pali to finish the loop back in Waikiki, or continue driving to complete the Island Circle.

Drive all the way around the island in one day!  

If you want to have an amazing day and see everything, then all you have to do is start early and spend a full day of sunshine driving all the way around the island. Simply combine the North Shore Loop and Volcanoes & Beaches into one easy continuous tour.

You can drive either way around the island, start at the North Shore and go clockwise, or start with Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay and go counter-clockwise – it’s your choice.

If you want to make longer stops like hiking Diamond Head , snorkelling at Hanauma Bay  or visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center , then you will need to keep an eye on time to make sure you don’t run out of daylight! If going counter-clockwise, its nice to watch the sunset at Sunset Beach , have dinner at Haleiwa and then drive back to Waikiki in the dark.

You’ll be amazed by the variety of experiences, including authentic Hawaiian places of interest, once you drive away from Waikiki.

Want to Visit Pearl Harbor?

We recommend you dedicate at least a 1/2 day as its own day trip from Waikiki for the  Pearl Harbor Visitor Center  if you want to pay respects and explore this still active naval base.  

We include driving instructions on where to exit for Pearl Harbor as you are heading towards the North Shore.

Suggested Start Location

Official starts are along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki or Ko Olina, or join and pick up commentary anywhere along the route.

Suggested Time

Island Circle  – expect to spend a full day (10+ hours) between driving and sightseeing stops

North Shore Loop – expect around 6 hours between driving and sightseeing stops

Beaches & Volcanoes – allow a half day to drive with sightseeing stops.

Pearl Harbor – Expect a half day depending on how busy the site is.

Driving Distance

Island Circle Loop – 105 miles

North Shore Loop – 90 miles

Beaches & Volcanoes – 45 miles for the loop

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT OAHU?

Most visitors have their first experience of Hawaii on Oahu. You may love the bustling atmosphere and amenities of Waikiki, but if you venture around the island you’ll start to see the tropical scenery, turquoise waters, rich culture and history that attracts many visitors.

IS OAHU WORTH GOING TO?

Also known as ‘The Gathering Place’, Oahu is Hawaii’s third largest island but has far more activities and cultural/historical sites than any other island. From the surfing beaches on the North Shore, to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, to historic sites like Pearl Harbor, there’s something for everyone in Oahu.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT MISS ON OAHU?

There are far more activities and cultural/historical sites on Oahu than any other island, but some of the top highlights include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, watching surfers along the North Shore, hiking Diamond Head and visiting Pearl Harbor.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT OAHU?

The off-peak, shoulder seasons of April to May and September to mid-December are when you’ll find the best values in Oahu. You can expect far more crowds (and higher prices) in the winter months, with a similar, schools-out family vacation crowd in June, July and August.

HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED IN OAHU?

Depending on your list of what you want to experience, and considering the travel time involved, one should try to stay a week on Oahu if they don’t want to feel rushed.

IS OAHU AND HONOLULU THE SAME?

Honolulu is the state capital and largest city in Hawaii, and millions of visitors arrive through Honolulu to stay on the island of Oahu.

WHEN IS HANAUMA BAY OPEN?

No trip to Oahu is complete without a trip to Hanauma Bay, consistently one of the top three attractions. As part of the conservation efforts, reservations are now required to enter the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The nature preserve is open to the public from Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry from 6:45am to 1:30pm, and can be booked online two days in advance  or by walk-in and drive-in. A small fee applies for entry and parking to this popular spot.

Trip Planning

Reservations required.

Reservations are required to visit Hanauma Bay in Hanauma Bay State Park, visit the honolulu.gov website for reservations and further details.

Reservations are also required to visit Diamond Head State Monument, including the Diamond Head hike. Visit the hawaii.gov website for reservations and further details.

For visitors to Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial boat tour tickets must be booked in advance at recreation.gov .

Oahu, Hawaii Trip Planner

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Oahu sightseeing tour and driving map via Halona Blowhole & Makapuu Lookout

UPDATE : Since we originally wrote the DIY day trip guides to Oahu, obtaining reservations at Pearl Harbor for the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial have become much more difficult to secure with a reservation time that fits within our already-ambitious plans. As such, to minimize the stress, it probably makes more sense to choose a guided, day-trip tours that includes roundtrip airfare . Here are some fully guided tours that we are aware of:

• Day trip from Kauai including USS Arizona Memorial – Tour
• Day trip from Big Island to Oahu, including USS Arizona Memorial – Tour
• Day trip from Maui to Oahu, including USS Arizona Memorial – Tour

This Oahu day trip plan is designed for you to see many of Oahu’s top attractions in one day. You could use this sightseeing map if you’re staying on Oahu, but we’ve primarily designed this driving tour for people who are island hopping over to Oahu for a day trip.

This sightseeing map is is designed so that you can fly into Honolulu airport from one of the other Hawaiian Islands and spend the day discovering Oahu. Then, you’ll fly back to the island where you’re staying that same evening.

This day trip sightseeing plan starts from HNL airport in Honolulu, Oahu. From there, you go to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. After a solemn stop at Punchbowl and a visit to one of the island’s most beloved bakeries, you’ll then head outside of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu to see amazing coastal views along the windward and north shores of Oahu.

This particular Oahu driving plan goes via the Halona Blowhole  and Makapuu Lookout then onwards . (We have a different plan that goes to via the Pali Lookout . All the other stops are the same. To help you decide which plan you prefer, see this link .)

* Due to Google Map limitations (only 10 destinations per map) we have to split the directions into two separate maps. So, consider the second portion the continuation of the first. *

First Portion of Oahu Tour Drive

Here’s the written explanation of the first half of the Oahu drive tour map:

• Start from Honolulu (HNL) airport. Rent a car. Your actual starting location may be different depending on where your rental car company is. For simplicity, we’ve started the directions from the main airport address. You can modify the starting point to customize it to your actual starting point.
• Go to Pearl Harbor National Memorial Park. See our article with tips for visiting Pearl Harbor also review the national park’s website . You can take in the views and snap photos from the shoreline where you can see the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri which are positioned near each other. The USS Bowfin submarine is also in Pearl Harbor at the northern end (towards the Ford Island Bridge) of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Park grounds. Additionally you can tour the open air museum. Taking in the views and checking out the museum is all free and does not require a ticket. If you want to take the boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial, you must have a reservation with a specific time. Ticketing/reservations have become increasingly tricky since we originally wrote this article. If you are able to get an early morning reservation for the boat ride, allow 1.5 hours for your time here. If not, allow 45 minutes. Note that if you do not have a reservation, inquire upon arrival for any standby opportunities.  [If you get a reservation that keeps you here longer than 1.5 hours, bear in mind that you may have to adjust this plan to keep you on time.]
• Punchbowl, the National Cemetery of the Pacific. From this peaceful, resting place, you can contemplate the ultimate sacrifices. From here, there’s also a sweeping view of Honolulu — including one of Oahu’s most iconic mountains — Diamond Head. See more details about visiting Punchbowl . Allow 30 minutes here.
• A mid-morning snack may be in order, so we recommend a stop at nearby Liliha Bakery. They’re known throughout Hawaii and beyond for their Coco Puffs . Plan on 15 minutes at this bakery.
• The next stop is at Halona Blowhole . You are now outside of the busy streets of Honolulu. Allow 15 minutes here.
• Oahu’s easternmost point is the next scenic stop at Makapuu Point Lookout . Allow 15 minutes here.
• Lanikai Beach is the next stop, but not the last, in our Oahu tour. With it’s powdery, white sand and turquoise waters, Lanikai is thought to be one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. There’s no parking lot for Lanikai. You must find off street parking and one of the beach access paths. Make sure that you are respectful in where you park and do not trespass. The Google Map directions only get you to the general area. Allow 30 minutes to park and see Lanikai.

Note that this first portion of the drive tour will take approximately 5 hours. If your visit to Oahu is constrained by a same day arrival and departure flight, take note of how much time has actually elapsed so that you can plan accordingly.

Second Portion of Oahu Tour Drive

> From this  link to second portion of map  you can customize stops, print directions and/or download directions to your smart phone.

Now, we’ll move to the second portion of your Oahu driving tour. Note that the only reason we’ve split the drive into two halves is that Google Maps limits the number of destinations to 10 per map.

• Starting from Lanikai Beach, we’re heading north to on Oahu’s windward side.
• Byodo-In Temple and its setting is truly a stunning sight. There is a nominal fee to visit. As of January, 2017, the fee is $3 per adult, $2 per senior and $1 per child. See our post about Byodo-In Temple . Allow up to 30 minutes here.
• A stop at Kualoa Beach Park will give you an opportunity to stop to view Mokoli’i, which is more commonly known as Chinaman’s Hat. It’s one of Oahu’s more iconic views. See our post about stopping at Kualoa Beach Park . Allow 15 minutes here.
• Laie Point is next. Allow up to 15 minutes here.
• Lunch options in Kahuku and beyond –  If you like shrimp, the North Shore Oahu shrimp truck’s are famous. As you continue north on Highway 83, you’ll see the shrimp trucks on the right.  There are several options in Kahuku as you can see from this Yelp link . As we don’t have a favorite shrimp truck, we’re just going to identify Kahuku, in general, on the map. We suggest sharing a plate as we have another food stop about 30 minutes down the road. If you don’t like shrimp, a couple more options that are close by are restaurants at Turtle Bay Resort (parking fee that might be validated is possible) on the right side of Highway 83 and Ted’s Bakery on the left side of Highway 83. Allow 30 minutes to get lunch.
• Along the North Shore of Oahu, there are many picturesque beaches. We’ve identified Sunset Beach on the map. Stop there, if you like, or pick another one along the way. FYI – the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park is just a mile further down from Sunset Beach. Another potential point of interest on the North Shore is the beach where the hit television show LOST was filmed. You can find directions to the “ LOST  beach” here . Allow 30 minutes to enjoy one or two North Shore Beaches.
• Our next stop is for Hawaii’s famous shave ice at Matsumoto’s in the surfer town of Haleiwa.
• Alas, it’s time to make our way back to the airport. You will drive past pineapple fields, coffee and other fruit fields on the way.

Including driving time and stops and getting back to the airport, the second portion of the driving tour will take five hours.

Important Notes:

• The combined driving time and time spent at each stop is estimated to take 10 hours.
• Allow time to get from the gate to the rental car site. We estimate that will take roughly 30 minutes.
• Allow at least  one hour and 30 minutes to get gas, return your rental car, take the shuttle to the airport terminal, get boarding passes, go through security and get to your gate.
• With the tour time plus the allowances getting your rental car, returning it, etc. You should plan a minimum of 12 hours on Oahu. Adding an extra cushion of time wouldn’t hurt at all.
• The drive times are generated by Google Maps. They do not take into account traffic jams or stoppages. As best we can, we have tried to avoid typical traffic jams. So, if you get caught in an extended delay, you may have to adjust the sightseeing plans accordingly.
• This overall plan hinges on getting an early morning flight to Oahu and early morning tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. For example, we have friends who are planning a day trip from the Big Island to Oahu. They’ve booked a flight that arrives at HNL at 7:05am. They’ve reserved 8am tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. They should have just enough time to pick up their rental car and get to the memorial.
• We’ve listed scenic stops, but the entire drive is rather scenic.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended in your rental car.
• Take note of what you can and can’t carry into the Pearl Harbor  monuments.
• Bring your smart phone charger to top up battery life that navigation tends to quickly consume.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and perhaps a light, rainproof jacket.

What about Waikiki Beach?

Why haven’t we included Waikiki Beach? There are several reasons why we’ve not included Waikiki but the most important one is that finding convenient and inexpensive parking can be a challenge.  To drive there, find parking and walk to the beach to soak in the views and snap photos will probably take 45 minutes on top our already lengthy schedule.

If you want to customize the first portion of the Oahu drive tour to include Waikiki Beach into your plans, you can do so, provided you allow enough time. There is paid parking by Fort Derussy Beach Park in Waikiki. You could insert directions for Fort Derussy in between Liliha Bakery and the Halona Blowhole.

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• GRAND CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR

Single Tour

About The Tour

Get an in-depth look at Oahu on the Grand Circle Island Tour! You’ll travel the island stopping at world-renowned surf spots, historic sites, foodie towns, and the famous North Shore. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour! •⁠ Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline •⁠ Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley •⁠ Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa •⁠ Snorkel at Shark’s Cove (no sharks) •⁠ Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Recommended Start Time: 9:00 a.m. Tour Starting Point(s): Waikiki, Ko Olina or Turtle Bay Resort Direction: Counterclockwise loop, ending where you began All Shaka Guide tours come with reliable customer support and a satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

La'ie & the hukilau, eddie would go, pearl harbor & wwii, preview audio.

Mokoliʻi - Chinaman's Hat

Pounder's Beach - La'ie

Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) - North Shore

Kualoa Ranch

Leonard's Bakery - Kapahulu

Kahuku Shrimp & Food Trucks

Kahuku Fruit Stand

Ted's Bakery - North Shore

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Waimea Valley - North Shore

La'ie Point

Byodo-In - Japanese Temple in Kaneohe

Tropical Nut Farms - Kaneohe

Kahana Bay - North Shore

La'ie Temple

  For a scenic lookout, you’ll turn into Kualoa Regional Park. Here look for an island in the distance. The island is called Mokoliʻi but is locally known as Chinaman’s Hat. This is just a quick stop for the view, but if you’re looking for some more adventure can come back another day with a kayak and paddle out to explore the island.

  La'ie Beach Park is on your right just before you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is nicknamed Pounder’s Beach by locals. It got its name from the relentless pounding shorebreak, making it an ideal spot for body surfing and boogie boarding. 

  Officially named Ehukai Beach, Banzai Pipeline is a surfer’s mecca. “Pipeline,” as surfers call it, is known for its quintessential barreling waves that curl like a pipe. Each winter surfers from all over the world test their might at “pipe” during the annual Billabong Pipeline Masters competition. Hundreds of people flock to the beach to catch a glimpse of these athletes in action. Even during the summer months, when waves have calmed and the surfers have relocated, parking is limited. If you can’t find a spot, look for street parking. We recommend just admiring the surfers at this beach as it’s not safe for swimming, even in summer.

  Kualoa Ranch is 4,000-acre private nature reserve with a working farm and adventure haven. While here, you can do all sorts of tours and activities including a movie tour, ATVing, ziplining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Since we have a jam-packed day, we recommend you make a quick stop at the gift shop, museum and restrooms for today. If you’d like to do one of the activities, feel free to see if they have any same-day openings, but to ensure a spot, we recommend you book in advance.

  We’ll guide you to Leonard’s Bakery, one of Oahu’s most famous spots for some delicious malasadas. Have you ever had one of these deep-fried Portuguese donuts? Leonard’s features eight different types of malasadas from its original that’s coated in sugar to custard-stuffed varieties filled with flavors like haupia (coconut), guava and macadamia nut. There’s usually a line, but don’t let that deter you -- it moves pretty fast.

Hours: Open daily from 5:30am to 7pm.

Order online for pickup or delivery.

    Known for its shrimp trucks, Kahuku is home to dozens of eateries serving up warm plates of garlic shrimp. But, shrimp isn’t all you’ll find, look out for pizza, plate lunches, burgers, yogurt, and huli huli chicken  —  another local favorite. Please note: most, if not all, of the food trucks in Kahuku are cash only.

As you’re driving on North Shore, you’ll pass a few fruit stands along the way. One of our favorites, Kahuku Fruit Stands, is located just past Turtle Bay Resort. Stop for some locally grown fruit that’s cut, chilled and ready to eat.

  Ted's Bakery is a spot you won't want to miss! This local eatery features plate lunches, but it's most famous for its delicious cream pies. The specialty is their chocolate haupia, but they also have strawberry guava, blueberry, and pineapple macadamia nut, just to name a few! Hours

8 AM - 6:30 PM DAILY

  Dating back to the early 1950’s this popular dessert spot serves up Hawaiian shave ice in dozens of flavors! It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. There will most likely be a long line, but don’t let that stop you   —   it moves fast. HOURS: 10am–6pm, DAILY

Pro Tip! If the line is long, check out Aoki's Shave Ice across the street.

  Waimea Valley is a tourist attraction on the North Shore across from Waimea Bay that features a tropical botanical garden, Hawaiian cultural sites and one-and-a-half-mile round trip hike to a lovely 45-foot waterfall. Once you reach the falls, you’ll have the option to swim in the pool below. This is a great attraction that’s fit for the whole family, but it can get pretty crowded.

Admission Fee: $25/adult, $15/child (ages 4-12)

Hours: Daily from 9am - 4pm. 

Summer Hours: Daily from 9am - 5pm 

  Stop for a quick view of a breathtaking sea arch at La'ie Point. As waves crash below you’ll see just how this magnificent geologic wonder was formed! See if you can spot the lizard from the story that the tour describes.

  Byodo-In Temple was built in 1968 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Nestled under the Koʻolau Mountains, the temple is a replica of a 950-year old Japanese temple in Uji, Japan that is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Please note: the cost of admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child. Credit and debit cards only. Hours: 8:30am–4:30pm, DAILY

    Make a quick pit stop at the Tropical Nut Farm to try a wide variety of macadamia nuts from Maui onion and garlic to Kona coffee glazed. The farm offers free coffee and nut samples so you can try before you buy.

Hours:  9:00am–5pm, DAILY

  Go for a quiet beach walk at Kahana Bay, a gorgeous spot without any crowds. There’s also a public restroom if you need a bathroom break.

  On our way to the next stop, we’ll quickly drive by Laie Temple. No need to get out of the car, just listen as we tell you the story of this site that was designed after King Solomon’s temple described in the Bible. With its gleaming white finish, the temple is dubbed the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific.” Here you’ll find a visitor center with clean restrooms if you want to make a pit stop.

Purchase Bundle & Save

Oahu driving & walking tour bundle, $29.99 $59.98 50% off.

• EAST OAHU SHORELINE DRIVE
• HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HONOLULU TOUR
• HONOLULU'S BACKYARD RAINFOREST TOUR
• HEART OF WAIKIKI WALKING TOUR
• LEGENDARY NORTH SHORE LOOP

Hawaii Tour Collection

$79.99 $159.98 50% off.

• SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK TOUR
• CLASSIC ROAD TO HANA TOUR
• LOOP ROAD TO HANA
• REVERSE ROAD TO HANA
• SUNSET AND STARGAZING HALEAKALA TOUR
• WEST MAUI COASTLINE TOUR
• HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TOUR
• NORTH ISLAND JUNGLE ADVENTURE LOOP
• KOHALA COAST BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
• SOUTH ISLAND EPIC COASTAL JOURNEY
• KONA BIG KAHUNA TOUR
• NORTH SHORE KAUAI DRIVING TOUR
• WAIMEA AND NA PALI DRIVING TOUR
• WAILUA VALLEY AND WATERFALLS TOUR
• POIPU AND KOLOA DRIVING TOUR

3 Steps to Buy & Redeem:

Add to cart & checkout, create account during checkout, download app & login.

• usctennis1993

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Did the Oahu loop yesterday, will do Hana, Maui on Monday, and Kauai next week. Super informative, beautiful sites, great food along the way. Move at your own pace...

• Andrew Thomas

I've been singing on Oahu for 3 and half years, ans have driven around this island numerous times. My wife heard of this app. We decided to download it. We download all the Oahu tours. We only did one yesterday and we both agreed it's worth it. We heard and saw things we didn't know about even after being here for over 3 years. We both Definitely recommend this ap. We plan on using it on Maui as well.

We had a little trouble setting up this app and were about to throw the towel in…I am SO GLAD we didn’t! We called the support line where they gave us prompt instructions to restore the app, and we were good to go in no time. The Legendary North Shore Loop in Oahu was so informative and gave us a full day of activities to explore. We are looking at the other locations to plan our next vacation because we can’t wait to see what else this app has to offer!

Is the Grand Circle Island Tour Self-Drive?

Is the Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour Self-Drive: Yes, Shaka Guide’s Grand Circle Island Tour is self-drive, meaning you take the tour in the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s self-guided and you have the freedom to stop and go as you please.

What’s on the Oahu Circle Island Tour Itinerary?

Shaka Guide’s Circle Island Tour visits all of Oahu’s must-see stops including, Kualoa Ranch, Polynesian Cultural Center, the Dole Plantation, Banzai Pipeline, Byodo In Temple, and more! With – stops you won’t miss a thing.

Where does the Grand Circle Tour route start?

The Circle Island Tour route begins in Waikiki and travels around the island’s east coast before making your way to the North Shore. From there, you return to Waikiki. This tour is also available with starting points on the North Shore and in Ko O...

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:

• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
• Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.

Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Where does the Grand Circle Island Tour start & end?

      This tour has three starting points, Waikiki on the south shore of the island; Ko Olina on the west side; and Turtle Bay on the north shore. Regardless of where you start, the tour will travel in a counterclockwise loop, ending where you began.

Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour! 

• Byodo-In Japanese Temple
• Sunset Beach 
• Banzai Pipeline 
• Haleiwa 
• Shark’s Cove
• Kahuku Shrimp trucks 
• Kualoa Ranch 
• Polynesian Cultural Center 
• Waimea Valley 
• Dole Plantation 

For help planning your day check out our  Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour suggested itinerary  and  here's everything you need to know before you go !

Can I join the Grand Circle Island tour along the route?

Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.

What should I budget for the Grand Circle Island tour?

  How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs:

• $5.00 per person: Byodo-In Temple (cash only)
• $25.00/adult and $15.00/child per person: Waimea Valley entry
• $15.00 per person: Lunch
• $27.00/adult and $23.00/child per person: Dole Plantation — Train, Maze and Garden pass
• $6.00 per person: Dole Whip
• $4.00 per person: Pie at Ted’s Bakery or shave ice at Matsumoto’s

What should I pack for the Grand Circle Island tour?

  Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Hiking Clothes
• Water Bottle 
• Bug Spray (for Waimea Valley)
• Towel 
• Bathing Suit 
• Sandals 
• Sunscreen 
• Sun Glasses and/or Hat 
• Snacks 
• Car Charger   *Very Important*
• Phone Mount 

What are the hours of operation for stops on the Grand Circle Island tour?

•   Leonard's Bakery  5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m, open daily 
• Moanalua Gardens 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Green World Coffee   7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily
• Dole Plantation  9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily 
• North Shore Soap Factory Weekdays 10AM–4PM                                              Saturday 8:30AM–4PM Sunday 11AM - 4PM
• Matsumoto Shave Ice  10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, open daily 
• Waimea Bay    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Hawaiian Temple - Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau    7AM–5:30PM  Daily
• Ted's Bakery  8:00 AM - 6:30 PM, open daily  
• Kahuku Shrimp & Food Trucks  10AM–6PM daily
• Laie Temple  9 AM to 9 PM daily
• Laie Point   7AM–6:45 PM  daily
• Polynesian Cultural Center  12:45 PM – 9:00 PM, open Monday - Saturday, closed Sundays. Restaurant and Marketplace open at 11:00 AM
• Kahana Bay 7AM–8PM  Daily
• Kualoa Ranch  8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily  
• Byodo In - Japanese Temple 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., open daily

Can I take the Grand Circle Island tour in the opposite direction?

No, this tour can only be done counterclockwise. If you’re looking for a similar experience but want to travel clockwise around the island — starting your day on the North Shore — check out our Legendary North Shore Loop . 

Other Questions? Contact us!

   Still have questions? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.   

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

Top Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Must-See Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.