Oahu: Pearl Harbor & Circle Island Tour with Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Circle the best of Oahu from Pearl Harbor to wild surf beaches

You’ll stand quietly at Pearl Harbor’s memorials, snack on fresh pineapple at Dole Plantation, and feel salt spray from North Shore waves—all in one day with hotel pickup and a local guide who shares stories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the hush at Pearl Harbor—just this quiet, respectful air, even with all the visitors. Our guide, Kaleo, had this way of telling stories that made you forget you were on a tour bus. He pointed out the names on the USS Arizona Memorial and I caught myself holding my breath for a second. Security’s tight here (no bags), but honestly, it just added to the seriousness of it all. I didn’t expect to feel so much.

After that, we rolled out past Schofield Barracks and up to Dole Plantation. The smell of pineapple is sweet but not overpowering—like someone just cut one open nearby. Kaleo joked about how many pineapples he eats in a week (too many, apparently). We tried some samples—juicy, cold—and then back on the road toward Haleiwa for photos. The North Shore beaches looked wild, waves tossing surfers around like toys. There was this salty breeze coming through the window, sticky on my skin.

Lunch was at Hukilau Marketplace—a buffet deal where you pile your plate high and hope you can finish it all. I sat outside under these string lights even though it was daytime; felt festive anyway. Someone at another table tried to teach me “mahalo” properly (I still say it wrong). On the eastern shore drive after lunch, we stopped at Halona Blowhole—the spray shot up so fast I missed it once while digging for my phone. Should’ve just watched instead.

The last bit took us along Diamond Head’s slopes—golden light hitting those old volcanic ridges just right. It’s funny how by then everyone on the bus got quieter; maybe tired or maybe just full from lunch and views and stories. I kept thinking about that first moment at Pearl Harbor as we headed back toward Waikiki—something about seeing history up close makes you look at everything else differently, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ultimate Pearl Harbor and Island Tour

• Pass Pearl Harbor security
• Visit USS Arizona Memorial
• Tour Dole Plantation
• Drive by Wheeler Army Airfield
• Photo stop at Haleiwa
• Photo stop at North Shore beaches
• Drive along Koʻolauloa Coast
• Photo stop at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm
• Visit Hukilau Marketplace for lunch
• Drive by Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
• Drive by Makapu’u Lighthouse
• Drive by Sandy Beach Park
• Photo stop at Halona Blowhole

Top questions

How long does the Oahu Pearl Harbor & Circle Island tour last?

The tour typically lasts a full day with multiple stops around Oahu including Pearl Harbor and North Shore beaches.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

A complimentary lunch stop is included at Hukilau Marketplace; food purchases are on your own.

Are admission fees for Pearl Harbor included?

Yes, required admission fees for sites like Pearl Harbor are included in your booking.

Can I bring a bag to Pearl Harbor?

No large bags are allowed due to security restrictions; storage is available for an extra cost.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Oahu day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in Waikiki.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is suitable for wheelchair users and families with strollers or prams.

What if shuttle operations to USS Arizona Memorial are suspended?

If Navy shuttles are suspended unexpectedly, you'll still visit exhibits and park monuments at Pearl Harbor.

What should I wear on this tour?

Dress comfortably with shirts and shoes required for USS Arizona Memorial; swimsuits aren’t permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Waikiki hotels, entry fees to all scheduled sites like Pearl Harbor and Dole Plantation, plus time for a lunch stop at Hukilau Marketplace before returning in the evening with plenty of stories (and probably sand) collected along the way.