Oahu Circle Island Tour: Waimea Falls, Haleiwa & Lunch

Summary

Circle Oahu’s wild coasts, temple gardens & North Shore flavors

You’ll circle Oahu with a local guide and separate driver, stopping for garlic shrimp lunch on the North Shore and wandering through Waimea Valley’s lush paths to its waterfall. Expect moments of laughter at Halona Blowhole, peaceful time at Byodo-In Temple, and freedom to explore colorful Haleiwa town before heading back with sand still stuck to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

You know you’re in for something different when you catch your first glimpse of Diamond Head from the bus window — not just a postcard angle but the real thing, sunlight bouncing off its slopes while our guide, Kaleo, joked about how even locals get lost in Waikiki traffic sometimes. The tour started right there: busy streets melting into green parks and then suddenly that open sweep of ocean. I kept pressing my face to the glass to spot surfers out at Queen’s Beach. There was a salty breeze coming through every time the door opened for pickups; it felt like the island was waking up with us.

We rolled along the Ka’iwi coast, where Kaleo pointed out whales spouting offshore (apparently November to May is their season — I didn’t expect that). At Halona Blowhole, everyone leaned over the railing waiting for that big spray — I got misted on my glasses and a kid next to me shrieked with laughter. No swimming here though, which honestly made sense after seeing those waves slam into black lava rock. The air smelled like seaweed and sunscreen. We stopped at Sandy Beach too; it looked calm but you could hear the waves thumping hard enough to rattle your chest.

Byodo-In Temple was quieter than I thought it’d be — just bells ringing and peacocks strutting around like they owned the place. I tried to pronounce “Mokoliʻi” (locals call it Chinaman’s Hat) but totally butchered it; Kaleo just grinned and told us how his grandma used to fish nearby when she was young. Lunch at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp was messy in all the best ways — garlic shrimp juice running down my hands, sticky rice scooped up fast because we were hungry by then. There were veggie options too, if you’re wondering.

I still think about Waimea Valley: walking under trees older than any building back home, flowers everywhere, then hearing the waterfall before you see it. The path is easy but I took my time anyway — some folks swam at the falls but I just sat on a rock letting mist cool my face (maybe I’m getting old). Later in Haleiwa town, we wandered past surf shops and grabbed shave ice at Matsumoto’s — mine melted faster than I could eat it but who cares? Someone pointed out turtles sunning themselves on the sand nearby. It all felt a little unreal but also kind of grounding, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ultimate Circle Island Tour Highlights

• Drive through Waikiki Beach and Queen's Beach
• Pass by Kapiolani Park and Honolulu Zoo
• Drive by Diamond Head Crater and Amelia Earhart monument
• Follow Ka'iwi coastline, watch for humpback whales
• Stop at Halona Blowhole lookout
• Visit Sandy Beach Park
• Pass by Makapuu Lighthouse
• Drive through Waimanalo and Koolau Mountains
• Stop at Nuuanu Pali State Wayside lookout
• Visit Byodo-In Temple grounds
• Stop at Mokolii Island viewpoint
• Pass by Kahana Bay Beach Park
• Lunch at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp farm
• Pass by big-wave surfing location
• Visit Waimea Valley and Waterfall
• Explore Haleiwa town for one hour
• Visit Dole Plantation

Top questions

How long does the Oahu Circle Island Tour take?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops around Oahu including Waimea Falls and Haleiwa town.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a garlic shrimp (or chicken/veggie) plate lunch with drink is included at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp.

Are entry fees covered for Waimea Falls & other sites?

All admission fees are included in your booking price; no extra charges onsite.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Waikiki?

Hotel pickup is available from selected Waikiki hotels only (not west or north side).

Can you swim at Sandy Beach or Halona Blowhole?

No swimming is allowed due to dangerous shore breaks and currents at those locations.

Is there free time in Haleiwa town?

You’ll have about an hour to explore Haleiwa’s shops, galleries, cafes or beaches independently.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are offered during the lunch stop.

Do you visit Dole Plantation on this tour?

The tour includes a stop at Dole Plantation where you can try pineapple treats like DoleWhip®.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from select Waikiki locations, live narration by an experienced local guide alongside a professional driver for safety, all entry fees for sites like Waimea Falls and Byodo-In Temple already paid for you (no surprises), plus a hearty shrimp or veggie lunch with drink before returning as sunset colors start creeping across Oahu’s sky.