Oahu Circle Island Day Tour: 10+ Stops & Waikiki Pickup

Summary

Circle Oahu by van with a guide, taste macadamia coffee, watch waves crash and meet turtles at North Shore beaches

You’ll circle Oahu in a small group van with hotel pickup in Waikiki, taste fresh macadamia nuts and coffee, see wild waves at Banzai Pipeline, spot turtles on North Shore beaches, try local food trucks for lunch, and wander through pineapple fields at Dole Plantation — all with stories from your guide that stick with you long after you’re dropped off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the day cracking open a macadamia nut with a rock, but that’s what happened at the Tropical Farms stop — our guide Kimo handed me one and grinned. The coffee there was nutty and warm (I probably drank too much), and I could still smell it on my fingers as we drove out of Waikiki. The van was comfy, just a few of us, and Kimo kept tossing in stories about local families or how “pineapple isn’t even native here” (which honestly blew my mind).

We rolled past Diamond Head — surfers looked like tiny dots from up high — then stopped at Hanauma Bay for that wild blue water. At Halona Blowhole, everyone tried to catch the perfect spray photo but mostly just laughed when we missed it. The air smelled salty and sharp; you could hear the ocean thumping under the rocks. Lunch was at some food trucks on the North Shore (I got garlic shrimp, messy but worth it). There was this moment at Turtle Beach where we just stood quietly watching a green sea turtle haul itself up onto the sand. Nobody said much — it felt kind of special.

The Dole Plantation was busier than I thought it’d be; I skipped the train ride but grabbed pineapple ice cream. By then I’d lost track of how many stops we’d made — Makapu’u Lighthouse views, movie locations near Mokolii Island (“Chinaman’s Hat”), all these places I’d only seen in movies before. Kimo pointed out WWII bunkers hidden in the hills and told us about Duke Kahanamoku’s statue back in Waikiki. It’s funny how you start to notice little things after a while: banyan tree roots curling over sidewalks, locals waving as we passed through Haleiwa. The tour drops you right back at your hotel but honestly my head was still circling Oahu hours later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oahu's scenic and cultural highlights

• Pickup from Waikiki Hotel
• Pass by Hanauma Bay snorkel spot
• Stop at Diamond Head Beach Lookout
• Pass by Dole Pineapple fields and Plantation
• Macadamia Nut and Coffee tasting
• Visit Halona Blowhole
• Pass by Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline
• Stop at North Shore Turtle Beach
• View Hawaii Kai and Koko Head Crater
• Stop at Makapuu Lighthouse lookout
• Visit Eternity Beach
• Pass by Mokolii Island (Chinamans Hat)
• Pass by famous movie filming locations
• Pass by Sandy Beach Park
• Lunch at North Shore Food Trucks
• Pass by Waikiki Beach
• Visit WWI Memorial and Banyan Trees in Waikiki
• Pass by Duke Kahanamoku Statue
• Pass by historic surf town Haleiwa
• Pass by Polynesian Cultural Center
• Pass by military sites
• Pass by Hawaii's biggest airport
• Pass by Aloha Tower Marketplace
• Pass by Ala Moana Center shopping mall
• Drop off at Waikiki Hotel

Top questions

How long is the Oahu Circle Island tour?

The tour lasts up to 7 hours including all stops and transportation.

Is hotel pickup included for this Oahu day trip?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off from Waikiki hotels is included.

What are some main stops on this Oahu circle island tour?

Main stops include Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head lookout, Halona Blowhole, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, North Shore beaches like Turtle Beach and Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Dole Plantation, Makapu’u Lighthouse view, Haleiwa town and more.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Lunch is not pre-included but there is a stop at North Shore food trucks where you can buy local dishes like garlic shrimp.

Are there opportunities to see sea turtles?

Yes, there’s a high chance to see turtles on Turtle Beach along the North Shore during this day trip from Waikiki.

Does this Oahu island tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dressing appropriately is recommended.

Can infants join this Oahu circle island trip?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers or prams and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; check ahead if you have specific needs.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your Waikiki hotel, bottled water throughout the journey, all taxes and handling fees covered by the operator, plus complimentary tastings of fresh macadamia nuts and coffee before lunch. A professional driver-guide shares stories along every stop before returning you comfortably to your hotel by evening.