Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour: Diamond Head to North Shore

Nine hours traces Oahu's volcanic past and surfing present in a single loop.

A full-day guided tour of Oahu circles the island from Honolulu, stopping at Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Mokolii Island, the Polynesian Cultural Center and North Shore. You travel by air-conditioned coach or minivan with hotel pickup included, skip long entrance lines, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The tour covers Oahu's most scenic coastal views, volcanic landmarks and cultural sites in one itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Diamond Headpassing by
2. Hanauma Bay15m · entry included
3. Halona Blowhole20m
4. Waimanalo Beach Park30m
5. Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout30m
6. Mokolii Islandpassing by
7. Polynesian Cultural Center1h
8. North Shorepassing by
9. Dole Plantation15m

Explore Oahu's scenic and cultural highlights

• Pass by Diamond Head Crater
• Pass by luxury beachfront homes
• Visit Hanauma Bay marine ecosystem
• See Halona Blowhole volcanic lava tube
• Stop at Waimanalo Beach Park
• Visit Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout historic site
• Pass by Mokolii Island Chinaman's Hat
• Lunch at Pounders Restaurant or Pat’s Café
• Pass by La‘ie Hawai‘i Mormon Temple gardens
• Pass by North Shore surfing beaches
• Visit Dole Plantation and try Dole Whip

The experience

Nine hours on the road means you see the full arc of Oahu without backtracking. The tour starts at your hotel and moves south along the coast past Diamond Head, the 200,000-year-old volcanic crater that defines Honolulu's skyline. You stop at Hanauma Bay, a marine ecosystem formed inside a volcanic cove (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), then continue east to Halona Blowhole, where a volcanic lava tube shoots water skyward. The route swings inland through Waimanalo, a town known for its local farms and plant nurseries, before climbing to Nu'uanu Pali Lookout: the site where Kamehameha I conquered Oahu on his path to uniting the Hawaiian Islands.

The windward side brings you to Mokolii Island in Kaneohe Bay, a basalt islet shaped like a hat and tied to Hawaiian mythology as the remains of a dragon's tail. You stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center for lunch at Pounders Restaurant, which serves farm-fresh island cuisine, locally caught seafood and grass-fed beef, or Pat's Café on Sundays. The center sits near La'ie Hawai'i Mormon Temple, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and cascading water features.

The final leg heads to the North Shore, the world's surfing mecca, where massive winter waves draw surfers and filmmakers. Before returning to your hotel, you visit Dole Plantation to see pineapples from around the world and try Dole Whip ice cream. The air-conditioned coach or minivan keeps you comfortable throughout, and your guide handles the route while you take in the landscape: lush mountains, turquoise water and the cultural landmarks that make Oahu the "Heart of Hawaii."

What’s included

• Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan.
• driver and guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only).
• skip-the-line entry to attractions.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Waikiki HotelsGuide in English · 06:45Pricing applies to guests lodging in Waikiki hotels. Pickup is included.

Kahala ResortGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Pricing applies to guests staying at the Kahala Resort. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Roberts Hawaii

Is this one for you?Choose the Kahala Resort or Waikiki Hotels pickup option based on where you're staying in Honolulu. The nine-hour loop works best if you're comfortable with moderate walking and can wear comfortable shoes. The route covers eight major stops across the island, so you'll spend time both on the road and at each site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): 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 is Hanauma Bay and why does the tour stop there?

Hanauma Bay is a marine ecosystem formed inside a volcanic cove on Oahu's southeastern coast. The tour stops there to see the bay's spectacular views, though the site closes Mondays and Tuesdays.

Can I visit Dole Plantation's maze and train on this tour?

Dole Plantation's maze, train and garden tour are not included in the tour. You stop at the plantation to see pineapples from around the world and try Dole Whip ice cream, but those attractions require separate admission.

What happened at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout?

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout was the site of the Battle of Nu'uanu, one of the bloodiest conflicts in Hawaiian history. Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu there as part of his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Where do I have lunch and what are my options?

Lunch is at Pounders Restaurant (Monday through Saturday) or Pat's Café (Sundays), both near the Polynesian Cultural Center. Menu options include North Shore Garlic Shrimp, Kalua Pig, Poke Bowl, Fettuccine Alfredo and vegetarian choices. Lunch is paid directly to the restaurant and is not included in the tour price.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with air-conditioned vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs. For electric wheelchairs or scooters, the combined weight cannot exceed 500 lbs and the width cannot exceed 29 inches. ADA vehicle reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Note that Pali Lookout is currently not accessible to the public.