Oahu snorkeling: Circle Island tour with North Shore stops

Snorkel the North Shore and circle the whole island in one day

A full-day guided tour around Oahu that combines island sightseeing with snorkeling and free swimming at Pua'ena Point Beach. The route runs from Diamond Head down the windward coast, across the North Shore's famous beaches, and back through central Oahu to Honolulu, with stops at Dole Plantation, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, and a North Shore fruit stand. Snorkeling gear and bottled water are provided. A waiver form is required before entering the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Diamond Head15m
2. Halona Blowhole30m
3. Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm45m
4. Dole Plantation30m

Explore Oahu's coast and landmarks

• View ocean at Diamond Head
• See Halona Blowhole waves
• Rest at Waimanalo local shops
• Visit Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm
• Stop at Chinaman's Hat
• Lunch at North Shore Shrimp Truck
• Drive by North Shore beaches
• Stop at North Shore fruit stand
• Snorkel and swim at Pua’ena Point Beach
• Visit Dole Plantation and try Dole Whip
• Drive through Downtown Honolulu sights

The experience

The tour departs early and works its way around the island clockwise, starting at Diamond Head on the south side. You'll see the Halona Blowhole where waves crash into an underwater lava tube, then move through the windward coast's lush green valleys. A 15-minute rest stop at Waimanalo breaks up the drive before you reach Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, where you can sample macadamia nuts and island coffee. The route then heads north to Kualoa Regional Park to view Chinaman's Hat, the distinctive rock formation at the base of Kualoa Ranch.

The North Shore stretch includes a shrimp truck lunch and a drive past Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Shark's Cove, Waimea Bay and Laniakea: the beaches that define the North Shore's reputation. A quick stop at a local fruit stand offers fresh juices and seasonal fruit before the tour moves to Pua'ena Point Beach for snorkeling. You'll have 1 hour and 15 minutes in the water with high-quality snorkeling masks and tubes provided. Fins are not included. The water here is known for clear visibility and marine life. After snorkeling and free swimming, the tour continues to Dole Plantation, where you can walk the grounds and grab a Dole Whip, then finishes with a drive through downtown Honolulu past Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, Chinatown and Aloha Tower. The full day runs about 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic.

Your guide is a live English-speaking local who shares Oahu's history (both ancient and modern) as the day unfolds. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour. You'll need to bring your own swimwear, towel, change of clothes and sunscreen. The snorkeling gear is supplied. A waiver form must be completed before you enter the water at Pua'ena Point.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• snorkeling masks and tubes at Pua'ena Point.
• a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
• stops at Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, Kualoa Regional Park, North Shore beaches, a local fruit stand, Dole Plantation and downtown Honolulu.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 56

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Super Transit

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and narrates the island's history as you drive, so you follow the commentary comfortably without needing to arrange transportation or plan the stops yourself. The day holds together as a single route from start to finish.

Traveler reviews

4.69★★★★★★★★★★

465 verified traveler reviews

5 ★388

4 ★42

3 ★16

2 ★6

1 ★13

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Pua'ena Point Beach?

Pua'ena Point is a coastal spot known for clear turquoise water and abundant marine life. You get 1 hour and 15 minutes in the water, split between snorkeling and free swimming. High-quality masks and tubes are provided. You bring your own swimwear and sunscreen.

How long is the full tour and what time does it end?

The Circle Island tour runs about 9 to 10 hours total, depending on traffic between stops. Drive time between locations can range from 20 to 30 minutes up to an hour, so the exact end time varies by day.

What beaches do you see on the North Shore?

The tour drives past Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Shark's Cove, Waimea Bay and Laniakea. You'll also stop at a local fruit stand for fresh juices and fruit before heading to Pua'ena Point for snorkeling.

Is lunch included, and what are the food stops?

Lunch is at a North Shore farm-raised shrimp truck. Other food stops include Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm for macadamia nuts and island coffee, a North Shore fruit stand, and Dole Plantation where you can buy a Dole Whip and walk the grounds.

What do I need to bring and what's provided?

The tour provides snorkeling masks, tubes, and bottled water. Bring your own swimwear, towel, change of clothes and sunscreen. A waiver form is required before snorkeling and must be completed before you enter the water.