Oahu Circle Island Tour: North Shore, Macadamia Farm & Pickup

Summary

Circle Oahu in a day from Diamond Head to Dole Plantation with laughs, sea turtles and sweet pineapple ice cream

You’ll circle Oahu with a local guide who knows every story behind each beach and lookout. Taste macadamia nuts straight from the farm, watch waves crash at North Shore, and try that famous pineapple ice cream at Dole Plantation. Expect laughter on board, salty breezes through open windows, and maybe—if you’re lucky—a sea turtle sighting that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

There was this moment just after we left Waikiki — the windows down a little, that salty air sneaking in — when our guide Kaleo pointed out Diamond Head catching the first light. He called it Leahi, which I’d never heard before. The bus was already full of chatter (and maybe a bit too much sunscreen smell), but something about seeing those surfers way below made everyone go quiet for a second. It’s funny how you can feel so far from home and still totally at ease.

Kaleo had lived on Oahu for over a decade, and you could tell by the way he talked about each spot. At Eternity Beach, he told us to keep an eye out for turtles — I didn’t see any, but someone else swore they did. The Halona Blowhole was louder than I expected (like someone letting off steam under your feet), and I got sprayed trying to take a photo. No regrets though. We swung by Sandy Beach Park where even watching the bodyboarders felt risky; Kaleo joked he’d only go in if someone paid him in malasadas.

The east side of Oahu was all wild wind and green hills. We stopped at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, which smelled like roasted coffee and sweet nuts — honestly, I could’ve stayed there eating samples all morning. There was this old guy shelling nuts who winked at me when I tried to pronounce “Kāne‘ohe.” I probably butchered it. Later, driving past Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park territory!), the rain started up but nobody minded because the windows fogged up in this cozy way.

Lunch near the North Shore was simple but good — fresh fish and rice, plus shave ice that turned my tongue blue for hours (I have the photos). Seeing those huge waves and knowing pro surfers ride them? Wild. By the time we hit Dole Plantation for pineapple ice cream (non-dairy, somehow still creamy), I was sticky-fingered and happy-tired. There’s something about circling an island that makes you feel like you’ve actually landed somewhere new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oahu Circle Island Tour Highlights

• See Diamond Head lookout point
• Visit Eternity Beach for wildlife
• Explore Halona Blowholes
• Pass by Sandy Beach Park
• Pass by Makapuu Lighthouse
• Drive through Waimanalo, bathroom break
• Drive through lush windward side
• Sample treats at Macadamia Nut Farm
• See Chinaman's Hat and Kualoa Ranch
• Pass by Polynesian Cultural Center
• Pass by first Mormon Temple site
• Stop for lunch and shave ice
• Drive by famous North Shore surf beaches
• Relax at beach with green sea turtles
• Visit Dole Plantation and try pineapple ice cream
• See coffee tree and sample coffee

Top questions

How long is the Oahu Circle Island Tour?

The tour covers a full day with multiple stops around Oahu including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Oahu day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your booking.

What are some main stops on the Circle Island Tour?

Main stops include Diamond Head lookout, Eternity Beach, Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach Park, Makapuu Lighthouse area, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, Polynesian Cultural Center drive-by, North Shore beaches, and Dole Plantation.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

You’ll stop for lunch near North Shore with options available; shave ice is also offered.

Are there opportunities to see sea turtles?

Yes, there are chances to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles especially near certain beaches on North Shore.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels as most activities are relaxed sightseeing stops.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup anywhere nearby Waikiki or Honolulu hotels plus drop-off at the end of your journey. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local guide sharing stories along every stretch of road. There’s time built in for snack breaks (including free macadamia nut samples), lunch near North Shore’s famous surf beaches—plus plenty of chances to snap photos or just let yourself wander a bit between stops like Dole Plantation or Makapuu Lighthouse lookout.