What You Will Do
Guests rated this tour on Global TourReview and Viator as a TOP TEN BEST DAY TOURS in North America for both content and value. This adventure includes WAIMEA ARBORETUM and WATERFALL and HALEIWA town as well(!), transportation in air-conditioned, luxury touring buses with panorama windows, live narration by a professional nature guide AND a SEPARATE, professional CDL DRIVER for a safer ride, ADMISSION FEE to ALL sites and a DELICIOUS LUNCH, (a $63.00 total value that WE pay on your behalf). When we say a stop or lunch is included, we mean the associated cost also. So, no "surprises" with us, we will never ask you to pay out of pocket on site and we will take you to the paid sites. We 've been operating for 28 years with consistently excellent, 5-star ratings year after year. This is the only official Ultimate Circle Island tour on Oahu operated by Oahu Nature Tours, please read the verified reviews and do not fall victim to imitators.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Waikiki Beach
This tour starts with driving through the world-famous and vibrant Waikiki Beach along with the palm-tree-lined Queen's Beach, Kuhio Beach, Fort DeRussy, Kahanamoku Beach, the Ala Wai Channel and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
2
Queen Kapi'olani Park
Kapiolani Park is one of the largest and oldest public park on Oʻahu, named after the Queen of the same name.
It is home to the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, the Aquarium, the Natatorium and many outdoor concerts and shows. There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, an archery range, and even a 3-mile jogging course, which encompasses part of the Honolulu Marathon Course.
3
Diamond Head State Monument
This is a drive-by (not a stop!) on the ocean-facing outside slopes of the world-famous icon of Hawaii, Diamond Head Crater and the Amelia Earhart monument which overlooks the Pacific Ocean as the 100,000-year-old volcanic crater towers above you.
*This tour does not include an entry inside the crater, only a drive-by on the outer flanks of it. Hiking to the top from inside the crater floor is included in the three-hour Diamond Head hiking tours.
4
Kaiwi Channel
Then we follow the beautiful Ka'iwi coastline which is also the favorite gathering location of our beloved Humpback Whales from November through May.
5
Halona Blowhole
20 minutes
This is an intriguing geographical spot where the ocean has undercut the lava and drilled a hole through to the top. On the other side of the lookout point at Halona you can watch for Green Sea Turtles which are spotted often in the emerald green waters of the " From Here To Eternity Cove" made famous by the only Oscar-winning movie made in Hawaii.
From December through May this is the best place to look for Humpback Whales as it is part of the Hawaiian Humpback Whale Sanctuary.
**Please note, that our coastlines do have potentially dangerous rip-currents and shore breaks, so as responsible tour operators we can not allow any swimming at the Blowhole for your own safety.
6
Sandy Beach Park
20 minutes
We continue to visit Sandy Beach, a beautiful sandy-bottom beach that looks peaceful and serene but is known for its notoriously powerful shore-breaks.
*Please note, that our coastlines and especially that particular beach have dangerous shore breaks so as responsible tour operators we can not allow any swimming at Sandy Beach for your own safety.
7
Makapu'u Point
Beautiful coastal vistas and views of offshore islands. Stretching more than 1,000 yards of sandy shoreline, this spot is considered the premier bodysurfing beach in Hawaii. Hawaiian mythology tells the tale of Makapuu, a friendly woman with 8 eyes, who the area was named after. In 1909, the US Coast Guard built the Makapuu Lighthouse after a ship was grounded in the coral gardens off shore.
8
Waimanalo
We pass through Waimanalo, the ancient Hawaiian homelands where you see the flutes of the majestic Koolau Mountains, and the rim of the gigantic collapsed volcanic crater, bearing witness to the largest landslide in the history of our Earth 1.5 million years ago...
9
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
20 minutes
The Nuuanu Pali State Wayside is a lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels where you’re treated to a panoramic view of Oahu's Windward side with sweeping views of Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay and Kailua. It’s also well known for strong tradewinds, forming a natural wind tunnel of sorts. It was here in 1795 that Kamehameha The Great conquered the island of Oahu in one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history. Led by Kalanikupule, the defenders of Oahu were driven back up into the valley where they were trapped above the cliff. More than 400 of Kalanikupule's soldiers were driven off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below.
10
Byodo-In Temple
30 minutes
The Temple grounds are a lushly landscaped paradise nestled in a cleft of the pali and are home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The beautiful grounds include a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls. Visitors describe this destination as beautiful, peaceful, and restful.
The TV series Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I. featured several episodes where the temple is incorporated into the plot. The temple and its gardens also appeared in an episode of the ABC series Lost, "House of the Rising Sun" in season one as the home of Sun's father.
11
Mokoli’i Island
20 minutes
Scenic vistas await you at Mokoli'i, or as the locals named it from their ancestors' legends, "Chinaman's Hat" referring to the shape of this unique offshore island, a truly beautiful and relaxing coastal paradise.
12
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Located on the picturesque and lush east side of O'ahu, across from Ahupua'a State Park, Kahana Bay is a beautiful cove with clear waters and white sand, one of the locations where the first polynesian canoes landed on the island.
13
Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp
45 minutes
*LUNCHSTOP! continuing north to Kahuku, we visit a shrimp farm and one of the locals' favorite shrimp trucks, Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp, where you will be served a delicious garlic shrimp, fish, or chicken plate and a drink (*vegetarian options are also available). After lunch, you can observe our endangered native wetland birds, and learn about Hawaiian aquaculture from your tour guide.
*Lunch is included in the tour price, a $20.50 added value!
14
Sunset Beach
This is the legendary big-wave surfing location where towering, giant waves arrive and surfing contests are held between November-April. One of the Triple Crown beaches.
15
Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden
1 hour 30 minutes
Next we visit Waimea Valley and Waterfall. This enchanting location showcases over 5,000 species of tropical flowering plants, ancient archaeological sites, and one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island.
There is a paved path inside the Arboretum that provides easy walking access to the waterfall.
16
Haleiwa
1 hour
Experience the laid-back charm of Haleiwa, the official surfing capital of the world!
During our one-hour stop, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the colorful, historic streets of this vibrant town, where boutique shops, local art galleries, and charming surf cafés, unique island treasures and delicious local flavors capture the true essence of Hawaii.
If you’re craving something sweet, don’t miss Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, a world-famous island treat, delighting visitors for over 70 years.
For nature lovers, a short walk brings you to the nearby beaches, where you might spot Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the shore. These gentle giants are a breathtaking sight in their natural habitat.
Stunning ocean views, legendary waves, golden sands and endless blue horizon, the scenery here is simply breathtaking. Soak in the beauty of Haleiwa by gazing at surfers riding the powerful swells or just enjoying the peaceful serenity of the shoreline.
17
Dole Plantation
30 minutes
Dole Plantation is located in the middle of the last remaining but still extensive pinenapple fields and in an area that is considered as the navel of the island and sacred to the Hawaiian people. All kings had to be born at the nearby Birthing Stones to be considered royal blood and legitimate rulers. The plantation has a country store offering a wide variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments including the delicious and world-famous pineapple ice cream, the DoleWhip®.
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