Oahu Circle Island Tour: Swim with Turtles & Dole Plantation

Summary

Circle Oahu by road, swim with turtles, taste pineapple whip

You’ll circle Oahu by road with a local guide who knows every story behind each lookout—from Diamond Head to Waimea Bay—and get to swim alongside wild sea turtles at a quiet North Shore beach. Taste fresh macadamia nuts, sip Kona coffee, eat shrimp straight from farm ponds, and finish with pineapple ice cream at Dole Plantation. It’s full-on sensory: sun-warmed skin, salty air, laughter in between stops.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from Waikiki early, windows down, that salty air already getting into my hair. Our guide—Keoni, born and raised here—had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice alone, like the way the clouds snagged on Diamond Head or how the light hit the ocean at Halona Blowhole. At Diamond Head Lookout, he told us about Amelia Earhart’s flight and I tried to imagine her up there in that tiny plane. The wind was sharp but warm. I could smell sunscreen and someone’s coffee thermos. Halona Blowhole was louder than I expected—every time it shot up, a couple kids cheered like it was fireworks.

Driving along the coast felt endless in a good way. We stopped at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm where chickens darted around our feet (seriously—they’re everywhere), and I tried Kona coffee for the first time. It’s smoother than what I drink at home. The macadamias came in every flavor—garlic, honey, even wasabi—and I probably ate too many samples. Keoni laughed when I tried to say “Mokoli’i” right at Chinaman’s Hat; definitely butchered it but he just grinned and showed me how to say it again.

I’d been looking forward to swimming with turtles all day. The beach wasn’t crowded—just a few locals fishing and some other folks from our group stretching out on the sand. When I finally spotted a green sea turtle paddling near me (they’re bigger than you think), it felt kind of surreal. The water was cool but not cold, clear enough to see my toes wiggling under the surface. Afterward we dried off in the sun and ate shrimp from a roadside stand—garlicky and messy in the best way.

Dole Plantation was our last big stop; honestly, by then I was sticky with saltwater and sunscreen but couldn’t resist pineapple ice cream (Dole Whip is as good as people say). Walking through those fields with red dirt caked on my shoes felt weirdly peaceful after all that moving around. On the drive back through Haleiwa, Keoni pointed out old surf shops and told stories about Eddie Aikau—I still think about that view across Waimea Bay at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Oahu island tour

• Pick up at Waikiki hotels
• Visit Diamond Head Lookout
• See Halona Blowhole
• Stop at Eternity Beach
• View Makapuu Lighthouse
• Drive along windward coastline
• Visit Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm
• Stop at Mokolii Island viewpoint
• Pass by Kualoa Ranch Valley
• Lunch at North Shore shrimp stand
• Buy tropical fruits at roadside stand
• Drive through North Shore surfing beaches
• Visit Waimea Bay
• Swim and snorkel with green sea turtles
• Drive through historic Haleiwa town
• Visit Dole Plantation and try Dole Whip

Top questions

How long does the Oahu Circle Island Tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience starting with morning pickup from Waikiki hotels and returning in the evening.

Is swimming or snorkeling with turtles included?

Yes, there is an optional stop at a semi-secluded North Shore beach where you can swim or snorkel with wild green sea turtles.

Are meals included on this Oahu island tour?

Lunch is not included but there are stops at local shrimp stands and fruit stalls where you can purchase food.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, designated hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki are included.

Is Dole Plantation part of the itinerary?

Yes, you’ll visit Dole Plantation for pineapple ice cream and learn about pineapple cultivation before heading back.

Are there restroom breaks during the tour?

The tour makes regular stops at attractions where restrooms are available.

Can infants join this Oahu guided tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap as no strollers are allowed on board.

What should I bring for swimming with turtles?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any snorkeling gear if you want to swim or snorkel at Turtle Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes designated Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle; all entry fees; narration from a local guide throughout; plus plenty of stops for Kona coffee tasting at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, roadside fruit stands for fresh coconut or mangoes (in season), lunch options at North Shore shrimp stands (not included), time to swim or snorkel with wild turtles if you choose—and ends sweetly with pineapple ice cream at Dole Plantation before heading back to Waikiki.