Oahu Sunrise Circle Island Tour with Photographer & Pickup

Summary

Circle Oahu at sunrise with sacred temples, wild surf towns, and sweet malasadas

You’ll start before dawn on Oahu’s Windward coast, watching sunrise paint Makapuu Lighthouse before circling sacred temples and wild beaches with a local photographer guide. Taste malasadas and banana lumpia, see legendary surf breaks like Banzai Pipeline, and search for turtles in laid-back Haleiwa — all with pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen the sun come up over the ocean?" That’s what our guide, Kaleo, asked as we shuffled out of the van at Sandy Beach — still half asleep and clutching coffee. The air was salty and cool, and there was this hush except for waves smacking rocks. When the first orange streak hit the sky behind Makapuu Lighthouse, everyone just sort of stopped talking. I didn’t expect to feel that awake so fast. It’s not just for photographers — though yeah, I took about fifty photos in five minutes.

We looped around Oahu’s coast after that sunrise — cliffs at Koʻolau Range looking like something out of Jurassic Park (Kaleo said they actually filmed here). There was a stop at an old market for breakfast burritos and strong local coffee; the burrito dripped salsa on my shirt but honestly worth it. At Byodo-In Temple, the scent of incense mixed with rain on stone — I tried ringing the giant bell but it echoed so loud I jumped. There were chickens wandering around too. Kind of surreal.

Somewhere near Chinaman’s Hat we got these fried banana lumpia from a roadside stand (still warm, sweet and sticky fingers after), then wandered under this massive banyan tree where someone dared me to swing from a vine — didn’t go well but made everyone laugh. On the North Shore, Banzai Pipeline was all thunder and spray; surfers looked like ants trying to dodge mountains of water. We ended in Haleiwa searching for turtles (spotted one!) and poking through surf shops while my shoes filled with sand. Still think about that view from the cliffs though… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oahu sunrise and island tour

• Watch sunrise at Sandy Beach
• Photograph cliffs at Makapuu Lighthouse
• View Koʻolau Range mountains
• Enjoy coffee and breakfast burrito
• Eat Malasada from Leonards
• Visit Byodo-In Temple
• See Chinamans Hat island
• Try local snacks on North Shore
• Play on Banyan tree vines
• Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline
• Drive by scenic cove
• Explore historic town shops and food trucks
• Search for turtles at Haleiwa

Top questions

What time does the Oahu Sunrise Circle Island Tour start?

The tour starts before dawn to catch sunrise on Oahu’s Windward coast.

Is hotel pickup included in this Oahu day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Do you visit Byodo-In Temple during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Byodo-In Temple with time to explore and take photos.

Are meals or snacks provided on the tour?

You get breakfast at a local market plus treats like malasadas and banana lumpia along the way.

Can you see turtles on this Oahu circle island tour?

The tour includes a stop in Haleiwa where you have a good chance to spot turtles without big crowds.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram during the tour.

How long is the drive between stops?

The drives are broken up by frequent stops at scenic lookouts, towns, and beaches around Oahu.

Who leads this Oahu sunrise day trip?

A local photographer guide provides live commentary throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Waikiki or nearby areas, entry fees for places like Pali Lookout and Byodo-In Temple, live commentary from your photographer guide all day long, plus breakfast at an 85-year-old market (don’t skip the burrito) and sweet treats like malasadas before heading back in an air-conditioned minivan.