Oahu: Hawaii Five-0 McGarrett House Tour & Cast Lunch

Summary

Step into McGarrett’s world, meet the cast and crew, share lunch in Oahu

You’ll step right inside McGarrett’s House on Oahu, swap stories with a real crew member, and share lunch with Cousin Flippa himself. Hear what filming Hawaii Five-0 was really like as you explore iconic spots around Diamond Head—then settle in for island snacks and laughs that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not ocean or sunscreen like you’d expect on Oahu, but something a bit woody and familiar, drifting out from McGarrett’s House. I’ll admit, walking up to that porch felt weirdly personal, like we were stepping onto a TV set and someone might yell “cut!” any second. Our guide (I think her name was Lani?) handed me a cold soda and grinned when she saw my old Five-0 shirt. She’d worked with the crew for years — knew everyone by their nicknames — and started right in with stories about filming at Diamond Head. Apparently there’s a spot behind the house where the actors used to sneak off for quiet lunches. I tried to picture it, but mostly just got distracted by all the little details around us — faded surfboards leaning against the wall, a dog barking somewhere down the street.

Lunch was simple but kind of perfect: sandwiches named after McGarrett himself (I picked chicken because why not), plus chips and that sweet Hawaiian bread I can never pronounce right. Shawn — Cousin Flippa — showed up halfway through and sat at our table like it was no big deal. He joked about how many times he’d had to eat fake food on camera (“seriously, cold fries every time”) and even let us try saying his catchphrase. I butchered it; he laughed so hard I almost choked on my drink. There were a couple of other fans too, swapping theories about old episodes. It felt more like hanging out at someone’s house than being on a tour.

I didn’t expect to care so much about the behind-the-scenes stuff, but hearing about long shoot days under that sticky island sun made me see those scenes differently now. Lani pointed out where they’d rigged up lights for night shots — you could still see faint marks on the floor if you looked close enough. The whole afternoon blurred together in this warm way; honestly, I keep thinking about how normal it all felt despite being somewhere so iconic for Hawaii Five-0 fans. The drive back was quiet except for someone humming the theme song under their breath… wasn’t me this time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore McGarrett's House and Lunch

• Enter McGarrett's House
• Meet former crew member
• Hear insider stories
• Enjoy lunch at McGarrett's
• Meet Cousin Flippa and guests

Top questions

Can I go inside McGarrett's House during this tour?

Yes, this is currently the only tour that takes you inside McGarrett's House from Hawaii Five-0.

Is lunch included in the Hawaii Five-0 TV tour?

Yes, lunch is included if you choose the Monday Lunch Tour option; otherwise you can bring your own food.

Will we meet any cast members on this tour?

You’ll meet Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) and sometimes other surprise guests.

Does this day trip include stops at Diamond Head?

The tour features locations around Diamond Head as part of its filming sites focus.

Are drinks or snacks provided?

Bottled water, soda/pop, snacks or treats are included depending on your chosen tour date.

Is transportation provided to McGarrett's House?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this Hawaii Five-0 tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as there’s minimal walking involved.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes entry into McGarrett’s House near Diamond Head, stories from an actual crew member who worked on Hawaii Five-0, a meet-and-greet lunch with Cousin Flippa (Shawn Mokuahi Garnett), soft drinks or bottled water, plus local snacks or treats depending on your chosen date—just bring yourself (and maybe your favorite episode memory).