Oahu: Circle Island Food Tour with Shrimp Lunch & Sights

Summary

Circle the island tasting malasadas shrimp & coffee at Oahu’s icons

You’ll circle Oahu with local guides who share food stops and stories — from warm malasadas at Diamond Head to garlic shrimp on the North Shore and sweet pineapple treats at Dole Plantation. Expect laughter over coffee samples, sea turtle sightings if you’re lucky, and those little moments where Hawaii just feels different.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Waikiki just after sunrise — still half-asleep, but our guide Kimo was already cracking jokes about “malasada energy.” First stop: Diamond Head Lookout. The air was salty-sweet, and I swear that first bite of the warm malasada (from Leonard’s!) made me forget jet lag even existed. There were a few locals jogging past, nodding like they’d seen this view a thousand times. I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared at the ocean for a minute.

The drive along the coast felt like flipping through postcards — Hanauma Bay’s colors looked unreal, and at Halona Blowhole we all jumped when the water shot up (Kimo called it “nature’s surprise party”). At Makapuʻu Point, you could hear the wind more than anything else. We stopped for macadamia nuts at Tropical Farms; I probably ate too many samples, but the coffee there had this earthy smell that stuck to my hands for hours. The group started swapping stories about favorite foods back home — funny how quickly strangers turn into snack buddies.

Lunch was on the North Shore: garlic shrimp from a roadside spot that Kimo swore by. Messy, buttery, totally worth it (and if you don’t eat shrimp, they’ve got chicken or fish). Someone in our group tried to order in Hawaiian — got a big laugh from the cook. Afterward we wandered around Haleʻiwa Town; surfboards everywhere, chickens strutting around like they owned the place. We even spotted two green sea turtles lazing on Puaʻena Point’s sand — not guaranteed, but somehow it happened for us.

The last stretch took us to Dole Plantation. The pineapple ice cream is as sweet as everyone says (I got brain freeze), and there were families everywhere sharing bites. By the time we headed back toward Waikiki, I felt sun-tired and happy in that way you only get after eating too much and seeing something new every hour. I still think about that malasada sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oahu island sightseeing and food tour

• Visit Halona Blowhole lookout
• Stop at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
• View eastern coastline at Makapuʻu Lighthouse
• Photo stop at Mokolii Island
• Sample treats at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm
• Enjoy garlic shrimp lunch on North Shore
• Spot green sea turtles at Puaʻena Point
• Shop and try Dole Whip at Dole Plantation

Top questions

How long is the Oahu Circle Island Foodie Tour?

This is a full-day guided tour around Oahu with several sightseeing and food stops.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Waikiki?

Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off from Waikiki hotels are included.

What kind of food is included on this Oahu food tour?

You’ll try malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery, macadamia nuts and coffee at Tropical Farms, tropical fruits, and a garlic shrimp lunch (or chicken/fish).

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

If you don’t eat shrimp, chicken or fish plates are available instead.

Will we see sea turtles on this tour?

The stop at Puaʻena Point offers a chance to spot green sea turtles; sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Is this Oahu day trip suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or on laps.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible; service animals are allowed as well.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from Waikiki hotels, all guided sightseeing around Oahu’s famous landmarks with local commentary, fresh malasada from Leonard’s Bakery enjoyed at Diamond Head Lookout, tastings of macadamia nuts and coffee at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, tropical fruit samples along the way, a hearty garlic shrimp (or chicken/fish) lunch on the North Shore, free time in Haleʻiwa Town for exploring or shopping, an opportunity to spot green sea turtles at Puaʻena Point if luck is on your side, plus plenty of time to wander Dole Plantation before heading back in comfort.