Oahu Half Circle Tour: Diamond Head to Downtown Honolulu

Four hours around Oahu's eastern and southern coasts, from crater views to historic palaces

This half-circle island tour on Oahu takes you by car through the island's most recognizable landmarks in a single afternoon, with a local guide, bottled water and snacks included. The route starts at Diamond Head, curves around the windward side past Hanauma Bay and the Halona Blowhole, then returns through downtown Honolulu to see Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, and Kawaiaha'o Church. Pickup is included. You choose whether to stop for lunch on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each12 stops

1. Kapiolani Parkpassing by
2. Diamond Head20m
3. Hanauma Baypassing by
4. Halona Blowhole20m
5. Sandy Beach Parkpassing by
6. Makapuu Lighthouse20m
7. Waimanalo Beach Parkpassing by
8. Hawaii State Capitolpassing by
9. Iolani Palacepassing by
10. Ali'iolani Halepassing by
11. Kawaiaha'o Churchpassing by
12. Honolulu Halepassing by

Explore Oahu's iconic landmarks and coastlines

• Cruise along Kalakaua Ave past Kapiolani Park
• Pass Queen's Beach, Waikiki Aquarium, Kaimana Beach
• Visit Diamond Head Crater Lookout
• Cruise through Kahala neighborhood on Kahala Ave
• Drive along Kalanianaole Hwy toward Hanauma Bay
• Pass Aina Haina, Niu Valley, Hawaii Kai neighborhoods
• Visit Halona Blowhole and Halona Beach Cove
• Cruise by Sandy Beach Park
• Visit Makapuu Lookout and Lighthouse
• Pass Waimanalo Beach Park
• Drive down Pali Hwy passing Nuuanu Pali Lookout
• Spend time in downtown Honolulu
• Cruise past Hawaii State Capitol
• Pass Iolani Palace
• Pass Aliiolani Hale
• Pass Kawaiahao Church
• Pass Honolulu Hale (City Hall)

The experience

The tour begins at Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head Crater Lookout, where you get panoramic views of Waikiki and the coast. From there the route heads east along Kalanianaole Highway, passing through the Kahala neighborhood and down toward Hanauma Bay: a marine preserve with over 400 species of fish in crystal-clear water. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes each way through these stretches, giving you time to see the neighborhoods and bays without stopping at every turn.

As you continue east, you'll pass the Halona Blowhole, where waves spray up to 30 feet high, and Sandy Beach Park, known for strong waves and bodyboarding. The Makapuu Lighthouse lookout comes next, offering views of the eastern coast and Makapuu Point. From there the route heads inland toward Waimanalo Beach before taking the Pali Highway back toward town: a 30-minute drive that crosses the windward and leeward sides of the island and passes through the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the site of the 1795 Battle of Nuuanu.

The final stretch spends roughly 90 minutes in downtown Honolulu, where you'll cruise past the Hawaii State Capitol, Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the United States, completed in 1882), Ali'iolani Hale, Kawaiaha'o Church, and Honolulu Hale. The guide points out the King Kamehameha statue in front of Ali'iolani Hale: the only statue of a monarch within the U.S. The pace is set by the car and the guide's commentary. You're not hiking or entering attractions, just seeing them from the road or from designated lookout points.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• bottled water and snacks.
• hotel pickup.
• views of Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Lighthouse, Waimanalo Beach, and downtown Honolulu landmarks including Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and Kawaiaha'o Church.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 09:00 and 14:00, from US$ 187.43 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 9 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00Another day? ›

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Secret Hawaii Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided tour covering multiple landmarks in one afternoon. Choose a self-guided drive instead if you'd rather spend hours swimming or hiking at fewer spots.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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 included in the Oahu half circle tour?

The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, and snacks. Pickup from your hotel is included. Lunch is not included in the price, so you can choose where and what to eat during the day.

How long does the half circle tour take?

The tour runs for four hours total, with roughly 15 minutes of driving between major stops on the eastern side, 30 minutes on the Pali Highway heading back, and about 90 minutes spent in downtown Honolulu.

What is Hanauma Bay and why is it on this tour?

Hanauma Bay is a marine preserve on Oahu's windward side with a crystal-clear lagoon and over 400 species of fish. The tour passes it as part of the eastern loop, giving you a view of one of the island's most recognized natural attractions.

Does the tour include time to get out and walk around at each stop?

The tour is designed as a driving route with stops at lookout points like Diamond Head Crater Lookout and Makapuu Lighthouse, where you can step out and take photos. Downtown Honolulu includes roughly 90 minutes where you can spend time on foot seeing the palaces and churches up close, or stay in the vehicle for a guided pass-by.

What is the Halona Blowhole and how close do you get to it?

The Halona Blowhole is a natural attraction on Oahu's Ka Iwi coast where waves create a spray of water up to 30 feet high. The tour stops there, and it's located next to Halona Beach Cove, making it an easily accessible photo spot.