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Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Waterfall
Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Waterfall
This ultimate Oahu circle island tour takes you around the entire island and includes stops at the beautiful Byodo-In Temple, the Pali Lookout, the botanical garden at Waimea Valley, the Dole Plantation and more!
From Waikiki heading east, the first stop is at Amelia Earhart Point on the foothills of Diamond Head, a great lookout point. Traveling along Oahu's southeastern shore, we arrive at the Halona Blowhole and the "From Here to Eternity" beach, made famous by the only Oscar-winning movie made in Hawaii.
Continuing on, we'll drive by Sandy Beach and Makapu'u Lookout, where you will see the island's most recent lava flows and enjoy incredible panoramic views of offshore islands, turquoise and azure ocean water and breathtaking sea cliffs above.
Next up is the popular Pali Lookout, which Mark Twain called one of the most beautiful views on the planet. Driving north, we'll visit the picturesque Byodo-In Temple, located at the Valley of the Temples. This Hawaii state landmark is home to wild peacocks and a large reflecting pond with koi fish. We'll then head north along the windward coast and drive by Chinaman's Hat Island.
In Kahuku, we'll stop at one of the locals’ favorite shrimp trucks, where you can try some delicious locally farmed garlic shrimp, fish or a chicken plate and refreshing drinks. You will be served your choice of nine different sautéed shrimp plates, fresh lemon and steaming rice while your nature guide provides information about Hawaii's aquaculture efforts. (*Chicken Katsu, Cheeseburger and Veggie Chow Mein options are also available!)
After lunch, we'll continue driving along Oahu's famed North Shore, home to several big-wave surfing beaches, including Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Then we visit the Waimea Valley botanical garden and waterfall. The garden is home to over 5,000 species of tropical flowering plants, ancient archaeological sites, and one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island.
The last stop is the historic Dole Plantation where you can see how pineapple grow and also shop for souvenirs to take home and share with your family and friends.
Tour Highlights:
- Diamond Head – scenic drive by this famous landmark
- Amelia Earhart Monument – she was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
- Halona Blowhole – underwater lava tube shoots water into the air
- From Here to Eternity beach made famous by the only Oscar-winning movie made in Hawaii
- Pali Lookout – Mark Twain called this most beautiful view on the planet
- Byodo-In Temple – gorgeous setting, fronted by large koi pond and backed by the Ko'olau Mountain Range
- Chinaman's Hat – this small island one of the most popular views on Oahu
- Kaneohe Bay – scenic bay with many shallow sandbars
- Sunset Beach – home of big wave surfing contests in winter
- Waimea Valley – walk through lush botanical garden
- Waimea Falls – beautiful waterfall within Waimea Valley
- Dole Pineapple Plantation – see how pineapples grow and shop for souvenirs
Tour Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation from and to Waikiki
- Admission to Waimea Valley and Byodo-In Temple included (Value of $30)
- Delicious shrimp lunch at Fumi's Shrimp Stand (Value of $21.50)
- Free 152-page nature book – Pocket Guide to Nature on Oahu – (one book per party – Value of $11.50)
- Knowledgeable tour guide who narrates your entire tour and provides information about Hawaii's bird and plant species, history, geology and culture and a second professional bus driver
- Where and When:
- Tour begins at 7:45 am, but Waikiki hotel pick-ups start as early as 7:00 am depending on your pick-up location. Please check your confirmation details regarding your exact hotel pick-up time.
Tour ends at 5:45 pm. Drop offs then begin and might go until 6:30 pm depending on your drop-off location.
We use centralized pick-up locations in Waikiki. We will send you a confirmation email with the closest centralized pick-up location to your hotel. Drop-offs might be a half an hour later than scheduled, due to traffic delays or other unforeseeable circumstances. Please make sure you allow for a comfortable return time to Waikiki.
- Requirements:
- Covid requirements: No negative tests or vaccine records are required but please wear a mask while inside the bus.
- Restrictions:
- Swimming at the waterfall is at your own risk (you may be asked to sign a liability waiver).
Children must be at least 3 years old to participate in this tour and require their own reserved seat on the bus.
- Special Notes:
- Total walking time is 1.5 miles (3/4 mile each way at Waimea Valley arboretum to get to the waterfall). Guests may also purchase shuttle tickets for the limo cart in the arboretum. The shuttle runs about every 30 minutes and currently charges $6 for a one-way transportation and $10 for roundtrip per person.
Walkers and wheelchairs are prohibited.
- Operation Days:
- Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
- Duration:
- 10-11 hours
- Capacity:
- Vendors: