Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience
About this activity
Highlights
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Hanauma Bay
- Dole Plantation
- North Shore beaches
- Waimea Bay
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Amelia Earhart's Marker - From this parking area you get to view the Diamond Head Light house it is a prominent symbol of Hawaiian history to residents and visitors alike, originally built in 1899 spreads light nearly 18 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. From this parking area there are fine views over Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park and up the coast toward Kahala. On the east side of the parking area , you'll see the Amelia Earhart Marker, which recalls her 1935 solo flight from Hawaii to California. Be advised this tour does not drive into Diamond head crater!
Leonards bakery is a Portuguese Bakery , Hawaii's only Portuguese donuts! Hawaii, known for popularizing the malasada. The fried pastry, slightly crispier and chewier than a doughnut and with no hole, is known as a cuisine of Hawaii. - optional and time permitting
The Hālona Blowhole is one of Hawai'i's natural wonders, created thousands of years ago when molten lava tubes were formed from volcanic eruptions. Halona Blowhole now occasionally shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air because of waves coursing through the underwater lava tubes. The viewing point provides a breathtaking view of Halona Cove, a beautiful beach that has been featured in many movies and music videos. During winter, you may be lucky enough to witness whales in the nearby waters.
Pass by: Sandy Beach Aka "Broke Neck Beach" Drive-by or Restroom stop - Sandy Beach, also referred to as "Sandy's" and known to Hawaiians as Wāwāmalu, is a beach on the southeastern shore of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It is known for its excellent bodyboarding and bodysurfing opportunities due to its peaky shore break and consistent barrels.
Makapu'u Body Surfing Beach - Makapuu means "Bulging Eyes" Makapuu beach on the eastside is located just below Makapu’u Point which marks Hawaii’s easternmost tip. Rabbit Island sits just offshore and makes it very picturesque. This is a very popular beach for bodysurfing and bodyboarding large waves. Back in the early days of the sport it was along this stretch of coast that bodyboarding had its first hardcore crew including Jack The Ripper who was a familiar sight catching all the set waves out the back. Like Sandy’s grinding barrels, Makapuu has a ferocious shore break that is well suited to bodyboarding. Overlooking the Rabbit Island and Makapu'u Lighthouse - Famous movie scene from 50 First Dates
Pass by: Hawaii's Hidden Treasures - Jamies. Restroom Stop , Light Shopping of Hawaii memorabilia items to purchase and taste freshly made delicious fruits and pineapples.
Chinaman's Hat - Kualoa Regional Park located on the east and north side of Oahu, famous for its view of Mokolii Island (Chinaman's Hat) and known for its swimming, picnicking, barbeques and camping. Guests are able to take pictures and use the restroom.
We stop for lunch at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp which shines as a beacon for shrimp enthusiasts. Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kahuku, this charming eatery offers a quintessential Hawaiian dining experience. Step inside, and you will be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked shrimp, sizzling on the grill. Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp prides itself on serving only the freshest catch, sourced directly from local shrimp farms. From classic garlic shrimp plates to spicy garlic shrimp, every dish is a testament to the unparalleled quality of Kahuku Shrimp.
Pass by: Turtle Bay Fruit Stand - Mixed local grown fruits , desserts , shave ice to purchase to enjoy
Pass by: Sunset Beach is a famous surf spot known for its powerful waves that challenge even the best surfers in the world
Pass by: Bonzai Pipeline aka Pipeline is one of the most famous surf spots in the world known for its barreling waves. During winter, massive swells break on shallow reef, making it a dangerous beach for only the best and bravest surfers (and a great place for watching some of the world's top surfing).
Pass by: Shark's Cove is part of Pupukea Beach Park and is known for its spectacular underwater rock formations and diverse marine life. Located near the northern end of the Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), is a popular snorkeling site with shallow depths up to 20 feet.
Pass by: Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world's best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Pass by: Laniakea Beach, or Turtle Beach, is located on Oahu's North Shore and is well known for being a popular feeding and sun bathing area for Hawaiian Sea Turtles (honu). Many circle island tours make a stop here for photo opportunities, but the beach is also a favorite surfing and recreational swimming spot for locals.
This is the tours swimming and snorkeling opportunity (optional). The Pua'ena Point Beach Park is a hidden location in Oahu, North Shore but quite popular among surfers. The location is nice and shallow, making it ideal for beginners learning how to swim, paddle board or surf.
Haleiwa is a charming town on Oahu's North Shore, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and rich surf culture. Visitors can enjoy world-famous beaches, watch expert surfers tackle massive waves, and explore the town's historic charm with its quaint wooden storefronts and local boutiques. The town is also a hub for outdoor activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and hiking, all set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and ocean views. The local food scene in Haleiwa is a highlight, featuring iconic shrimp trucks, refreshing shave ice, and fresh seafood. The town's laid-back vibe is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Hawaiian culture, with opportunities to visit art galleries, farmers' markets, and enjoy traditional Polynesian influences. Haleiwa offers a relaxed escape from the busier areas of Oahu, making it an ideal destination for a serene and culturally rich experience.
During this time, you can explore the Dole Plantation Store, where you'll find pineapple-themed souvenirs, local crafts, and specialty foods like jams and dried fruit. Don’t miss trying a Dole Whip, the famous pineapple-flavored soft-serve treat. You can also take a short walk to see the beautiful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, known for their colorful, multi-hued bark.
Taste free samples of multiple coffee flavors, choose from 8 flavors made in Hawaii Dave's ice cream, Shave Ice ,Hawaii coffee gifts to purchase and enjoy.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Children under 2 years old can join for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- Gratuities for the guide are not included and are appreciated.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen for beach stops.
- Consider bringing a camera to capture the scenic views.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Remaining time from the itinerary will be allotted for pick up and travel time in between the attractions
- Meals are at your own expense
- Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops—many are cash-only
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- Bring your own towels
- Pick-up and drop-off times between 7:00AM and 8:00AM (*all times approximate)
- Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and are subject to change Please be attentive to your phone for pick-up time updates starting at 48-hours prior to the tour until the morning of your tour
- Please be attentive to your phone for pick-up time updates starting at 48-hours prior to the tour until the morning of your tour
- NOTE: Pick up time is up to 30 minutes or more before the listed tour time. We will contact you the day before via text/email with approx pick up time and location.
Traveler reviews
The tour was fun and...
The tour was fun and informative. Some of the stops were dated and spent too much time there while other stops did not have enough time to enjoy. Lunch was ok but a bit pricy. Dole plantation was nice but due to traffic could not spend much time enjoying the entire complex. However, a good experience for the price of the tour.
Unpleasant experience
There were many problems with the tour. I was told by both the tour company and viator that the driver would pick me up at my Hotel at 8:00Am only to find out after I called to confirm the night before that I had to get to a different pickup location at 7:25 am. The driver arrived 35-40 minutes late, which I was told she overslept and then had to make several personal stops, such as dropping off her dog, stopping at a store, etc. The driver seemed to be very hyped up and many of the passengers along with myself were concerned about our safety. She constantly spoke throughout the entire tour about "non-conventional medicine " that she was taking that confirmed our concern. I was the last person to be dropped off and from the time the previous people were dropped off all she did was whine about that no one had given her a tip which of course was due to all the issues that I mentioned above plus more. Not a pleasant experience.
Leena is AWESOME
Leena was a great tour guide. She provided us with historical information during the tour and even taught us several words. During one of the stops she provided a lei to take a picture in. The experience was amazing and she let us have plenty of time at each stop. Highly recommend.
Wonderful
Summer is an excellent tour guide!
Worse Island Tour (Hawaii/Ohahu)
Our tour guide Leena started the day being more than 45 minutes late for pickup, when we loaded the bus she told us that she overslept and still had to drop her dog off. Very unprofessional demeanor and drove erratically in route to pick up other passengers in addition to dropping her dog off to her mother’s house. Several passengers on the bus called ALOHA Sunshine Tour to complain and instead of them aiding us they told Leena specifically (by name) who made complaints to the office. Leena called those passengers by name asking if we made complaints. The ride was sketchy from the start and the places she took us to the bathrooms were not clean and some passengers wanted to forego stops as we just had enough. In addition, the bus was subpar making lots of noises when we hit bumps passengers kept seatbelts on for fear of safety. I would NOT recommend ALOHA Sunshine Tour, for two of us we paid $169.00 and it was not worth it by far. A day wasted with a tour guide that we didn’t feel was prepared to guide. In addition when booking juice water and chips were supposed to be available. The tour guide pitched water at one of our stops along the way. TripAdvisor should also do a better job at vetting tours.