Oahu Circle Island Tour: Byodo-In Temple, North Shore & Dole

Summary

Circle the heart of Oahu with temple stops, turtles and pineapple treats

You’ll feel Oahu open up as you circle its coast — from quiet moments among koi ponds at Byodo-In Temple to laughter over garlic shrimp on the North Shore. Watch sea turtles basking near Laniakea Beach and end your day with sweet pineapple ice cream before heading back to Waikiki. It’s less about checking boxes and more about feeling Hawaii’s everyday magic.

What’s the experience like?

"If you want to see the real Oahu, you gotta look past the postcards," our driver Kalani grinned as we squeezed onto the shuttle in Waikiki just after seven. I still had that sticky sunscreen smell on my arms and honestly wasn’t sure if I’d regret waking up so early. But Kalani’s laugh was contagious — he pointed out banyan trees at Kapiʻolani Park, telling us how they outlasted kings and tourists alike. The city faded behind us as Diamond Head came into view, sharp against a sky that looked painted on. There was this moment at Amelia Earhart Lookout when the wind whipped my hair everywhere and I realized I’d already forgotten what time it was.

The air changed as we curved around Hanauma Bay — saltier, somehow softer — and then there was that sudden hush at Byodo-In Temple. Our guide Leilani handed me a stick of incense (I dropped half of it, she just smiled), and for a few minutes all you could hear were koi splashing under those bright red beams. I’m not spiritual but even I felt something settle in me there. Afterward, we tried Kona coffee at Tropical Farms; it tasted richer than anything back home, maybe because we drank it under those old banyan trees while someone’s uncle played ukulele nearby.

Lunch was garlic shrimp from a food truck on the North Shore — messy, buttery, totally worth licking your fingers for (and yeah, bring cash). We watched surfers at Pipeline throw themselves into waves that looked way too big for comfort; some local kids waved at us from their bikes as we passed by Sunset Beach. Later, Kalani pulled over quietly near Laniakea so we could spot green sea turtles sunning themselves like they owned the place (which they kind of do). The last stop was Dole Plantation — pineapples everywhere, even in the ice cream. My hands got sticky again but no one cared.

I keep thinking about that silence at Byodo-In or the way everyone cheered when someone finally pronounced “Mokoli’i” right (not me). This Oahu circle island tour isn’t about racing through sights — it’s more like letting the island show you its rhythm if you’re willing to listen. And honestly? That’s what stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oahu Circle Island Tour Highlights

• Pick up from Waikiki at 7am
• Drive by Kapiʻolani Park and Waikīkī Aquarium
• Stop at Amelia Earhart Lookout for photos
• Drive by Koko Head and Hanauma Bay
• Visit Halona Blowhole and see Eternity Beach
• Drive by Sandy Beach and Waimanalo Beach
• Stop at Byodo-In Temple grounds
• Taste Kona coffee and macadamia nuts at local farm
• Drive by Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Ranch
• Drive by Kahana Bay and Lāʻie Hawaiʻi Temple
• Lunch at local restaurant with North Shore Garlic Shrimp
• Stop at North Shore tropical fruit stand
• Visit Sunset Beach
• Drive by Pipeline Beach and Sharks Cove
• Stop to see Hawaiian Green Sea turtles at Laniakea Beach
• Visit Dole Pineapple Plantation for souvenirs and treats
• Return to Waikiki

Top questions

What time does the Oahu Circle Island Tour start?

The tour picks up in Waikiki starting around 7am; exact times vary by hotel and are assigned after booking.

Is lunch included on this Oahu day trip?

Lunch is not included; you’ll stop at a local North Shore restaurant or food truck where you can buy garlic shrimp or other options (cash recommended).

Are entrance fees for Byodo-In Temple covered?

Yes, admission to Byodo-In Temple is included in your tour price.

Will we see sea turtles on this tour?

You’ll stop near Laniakea Beach on Oahu’s North Shore where Hawaiian green sea turtles often bask on shore, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Oahu circle island tour?

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

How long does the tour last?

The full day includes travel time between locations; expect several hours exploring plus stops along the route before returning to Waikiki in the evening.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, non-shellfish and vegetarian options are available at lunch stops.

Can I bring a wheelchair on this tour?

Standard foldable wheelchairs are accepted; mention this when booking so you’re assigned a bus with storage space. Guests must be able to board without a ramp.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Waikiki, air-conditioned transport with a local guide who shares stories along the way, admission to Byodo-In Temple, plus plenty of stops for Kona coffee tastings and time to try North Shore shrimp or fresh fruit before returning to your hotel in the evening.