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• Oahu Guided Island Sightseeing Tour (22)
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Ultimate Oahu Circle Island Guided Nature Tour & Waimea Waterfall with Lunch

Amazing tour

Deborah tonge, wonderful day., 10 - 12 hour(s) incl. transportation, available tue, wed, thu, fri, pick-up available, not accessible, what to expect.

• Great Value Oahu Circle Island Tour! The tour includes admission to Waimea Valley (Value $20.00) and Byodo-In Temple (Value $5.00), Shrimp Lunch (Value $15.00), and a 152-page book “ Pocket Guide to Nature on Oahu” (Value $11.50) that details other unique places on Oahu to see and enjoy nature (One book per party).
• Centralized Waikiki pick-up locations: Assigned centralized transportation from major Waikiki hotels including Ala Moana Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Army Museum Bus Stop, Ambassador, Hyatt Regency, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Lotus.
• Waimea Valley Tickets: The General Admission to Waimea Valley Arboretum and Botanical Garden is included ($20.00 per person)
• Take a leisure walk at the enchanting Botanical Garden that showcases over 5,000 species of tropical flowering plants and ancient archaeological sites.
• The Waimea Waterfall trail is 1.5 miles (round-trip), paved, rated easy. The path is stroller and wheelchair friendly
• See a 45-foot cascading tropical waterfall
• This tour does not include waterfall swim
• This tour is suitable for guests with walking difficulties because there is a small golf cart train in Waimea Valley that can accommodate a limited number of guests and take them up to the waterfall without having to walk at all. A shuttle runs approximately every 30 minutes and currently charges $10.00 for a one-way transportation and $14.00 for round-trip per person.

Pick-up from Waikiki Hotels

First stop is the world-famous icon of Hawaii, Diamond Head Crater, where overlooking the Pacific Ocean you can also marvel at the 100,000 year old volcanic crater towering above you.

Step into Hollywood history with a visit to the Halona Blowhole, and there you will also see the beach made famous in the classic film “From Here to Eternity”.

Visit Sandy Beach, a beautiful sandy-bottom beach that looks peaceful and serene but is known for its notoriously powerful shore-breaks. Next, enjoy incredible panoramic views of offshore islands, turquoise and azure ocean water and breathtaking lava cliffs above.

Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful bright blue waters off the Windward coastline. Don't forget your camera for photos from the look out and be sure to hold on to your hat.

The serene views at the Valley of the Temples are an amazing sight, and you will also visit the Byodo-In Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples on Oahu where you will have the opportunity to explore the grounds, and learn the history of the area.

Continuing on the scenic windward coast, visit scenic Chinaman’s Hat, a picturesque islet located in the warm, tropical waters of Kaneohe Bay

Enjoy a tasty selection of seven different shrimp plates for lunch, and even if you don't eat shrimp, it is not a problem! There are other delicious options including fried chicken cutlet, cheeseburger, and a veggie chow mein.

This is the legendary big-wave surfing location where towering, giant waves arrive between November-April.

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.

Find many colorful varieties of pineapple species from all over the world, as well as the popular Dole Whip! If you are a fan of frozen desserts, you will want to try a world-famous Dole Whip, and afterwards, take a look at some of the many gifts and souvenirs that are available.

Drop-off at Select Waikiki Hotels

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

• Grand Islander Bus Depot

• Mahukona Street Entrance

• Namahana Street Entrance

• Koa Avenue Back Entrance

• Curbside by the Front Entrance

• Seaside Avenue Front Entrance

• Saratoga Road Entrance Curbside

• Paoakalani Avenue Entrance

17:45-18:30

Important activity information, restrictions.

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Children 3 years old and above can participate in this activity.
• Tour vehicle is unable to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, scooters or strollers.
• Walking distance is approximately 1.5 miles (3/4 mile each way in the Arboretum to get to the waterfall *but guests may purchase shuttle tickets for the limo cart)
• This tour is suitable for guests with walking difficulties because there is a small golf cart shuttle in Waimea Valley that can accommodate a limited number of guest and take them up to the waterfall without having to walk at all. This small shuttle runs approximately every 30 minutes and currently charges $6.00 for a one-way transportation and $10.00 for round-trip per person. *Fee subject to change
• Due to Covid-19 masks are still mandatory while on the buses for this tour.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• The menu is subject to change without notice.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• Please note that pick-up times are approximate and could be up to 15 minutes later than your listed pick-up time.
• Please note, that as responsible tour operators and due to the presence of leptospirosis bacteria in Hawaii's freshwater pools, we do not allow any swimming on our tours for your own safety!

Required items to bring & attire

• Closed toe shoes
• Comfortable clothing

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Traveler's photos.

Overall rating

We booked this tour for the day before we left for home . The trip and the wealth of knowledge Brandon imparted was so good we really did wish we had booked it at the very start of our trip so we could take advantage of ... all the tips and suggestions he made to maximise our experience whilst visiting the island . Every stop we made added to our fabulous experience of the island . My only wish having now taken the tour was to have the bus stop on the north shore for 15 mins maybe to fully experience the fabulous waves we only saw from the bus window .. Brandon was a wealth of knowledge and kept the bus engaged at all times .

It was a wonderful day that we felt sorry when we were back to our hotels. Our guide was amazing. He was wonderful storyteller. We enjoyed every moment. We saw breathtaking views, ate the tastiest shrimps ever. We also e ... njoyed the best Dole Whip from plantation center.

Beautiful spots and a great guide

The list of places to visit is nicely curated and I think we had enough time to walk around each site, take photos, and even buy souvenirs. Our guide, Jojo, was fantastic. He had too many stories to tell to keep us enter ... tained and was very knowledgeable about Hawaii's culture, history, and ecology. The only downside of this tour was that you are on a large bus so, if you are picked up last and have a seat at the back of the bus, you're going to spend a lot of time going on and off. However, Jojo knew that this might be frustrating and started counting time right after the last person was out. The bus was clean and the lunch was ok.

Activity Provider Oahu Nature Tours

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• For parties of 1 - 6 guests: Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. • For parties of 7 or more guests: Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 8 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• For parties of 1-6 guests: Any change or rescheduling within 2 business days of the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. • For parties of 7 or more guests: Any change or rescheduling within 8 business days of the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, is this activity suitable for children.

Yes, this tour is both suitable and appropriate for children. The traveling time is not too long and the sightseeing is interesting for children of all ages.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks along however you are requested to not eat on the buses, you are welcome to eat at the stops. Please dispose of trash properly at each location.

Is giving a tip (gratuity) required?

Gratuity is never required, but if you enjoyed your experience a tip is always greatly appreciated!

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least a few days in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is often possible, but limited.

Can we swim at Waimea Falls?

Sorry, swimming at Waimea is not permitted on this tour.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Snorkel tours from ko olina & waianae harbor, oahu guided island sightseeing tour other tours and activities, oahu island tour - north shore, turtle watch, kualoa beach & pineapple farm, oahu island guided tour, waimea waterfall swim & dole pineapple farm, guided circle island tour, free time at haleiwa & pineapple farm - royal star, oahu island sightseeing tour & polynesian cultural center admission tickets, the surf bus north shore fun tour - snorkel, bike, kayak, sup & waterfall, majestic guided island tour & waimea falls with lunch - from waikiki & ko olina, oahu ultimate circle island tour, waimea waterfalls & hawaiian food experience, oahu grand circle island sightseeing tour by roberts hawaii, oahu guided sightseeing tour, turtle watching & local food experience, north shore waterfall swim & hike tour at waimea valley with breakfast & lunch, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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Oahu Nature Tours

Review Highlights

“ I purchased a guided tour to the Manoa Falls which included transportation by Veltra (Oahu Nature Tours). ” in 10 reviews

“ We wore shorts and tanks for the hike , but definitely doubled up on our bug spray to avoid being eaten alive. ” in 58 reviews

“ The absolute best part of the tour was when Paul showed us where the USS Minnow launched for a fateful tour! ” in 33 reviews

Location & Hours

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1649 Kalakaua Ave

Honolulu, HI 96826

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About the Business

Business owner information

Business Owner

We specialize in small group size, guided eco-tours to see Hawaii's unique native bird and plant species. Spectacular scenery, excellent photographic opportunities, and information about the Geology, Archaeology, Mythology, and History of Hawaii await you on our fun and educational tours. …

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Overall rating

249 reviews

Anthony and Claudia treated us to an Ultimate Circle Island Adventure! I felt like we got our money's worth and then some. Anthony is a patient professional. He knew EXACTLY where his bus was the entire time and gave us a very comfortable drive. Claudia made us feel well taken care of and well informed about Hawaiian geology, culture, and some politics, both past and present. I highly recommend this tour.

I booked the All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour with Lunch and Waterfall via Viator. I didn't realize I was booking a tour on a huge bus, or I would not have booked this tour. That being said, we still had a pretty good time, other than dealing with a large crowd because we were on a huge bus. Our tour guide, Brandon, was outstanding and incredibly knowledgeable. Without him, I would have rated this tour no higher than 2-3 stars. Our driver, "K," was outstanding and friendly. The tour stopped at intetesting sights and the lunch was very good. If you don't mind being on a bus of around 50 people, this tour is well worth the time and money. If you don't like big crowds, try to book a smaller group tour.

Thank you Oahu Nature Tours for taking great care of my parents! We signed my parents up for the tour since husband and I were pretty much landlocked with baby at our hotel. Despite us being stuck at the hotel, we really wanted my parents to enjoy their first trip to Hawaii and see what Oahu has to offer. Searching online, we decided to go with Oahu Nature Tours. We were not disappointed. My parents had a blast. The bus was spacious and comfortable. The AC was great. The driver was safe. My parents didn't experience any motion sickness. This was critical, as my mom is pretty sensitive to winding roads. We did alert the tour guide of this, and he was so gracious and accommodating. He told us that he'd be sure to check up on my mom (which she verified to me at the end of the day that he did indeed check on her multiple times), arrange for her to sit up front if necessary, and had medications if needed. We had come ultra prepared as my mom already had a scopolamine patch on, but regardless she did well on the trip. The tour itself was great. It hit up so many monumental spots of Oahu. It took away the inconvenience of travel for my elderly parents. No planning, no GPS required, etc. All they needed were comfortable walking shoes, a poncho/rain jacket for unpredictable island weather, and a phone for taking photos. They returned with a million gorgeous photos taken from around the island. They enjoyed their shrimp lunch provided on the tour. 10/10 would recommend for anyone who requires a convenient, safe, efficient way to check out the island with no planning required. Parents were picked up at 7:30 AM and returned by 7 PM. Thank you Oahu Nature Tour for taking such great care of my parents!

I'm so happy we picked this tour out of all the options! Paul is the BEST tour guide I have ever come across! So much fun personality and just an overall great, informative guy. He really went above and beyond for us. Even after the tour ended, he recommended some fun things we do on our other days on the island. I'd give him 100 stars if I could. :) The tour itself was beautiful! We did the 10-hour tour and it's a perfect intro to the island, especially if it's your first time to hawaii. It's worth it.

It was excellent from beginning to the end. Branndon was our guide and Jose was our driver. This was our first time to Hawaii. We were celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. I wished that we had taken this tour at the beginning of our trip because Branndon told us so many great places to eat but also great things to do. We loved the fact that Branndon taught us so much about the animals and plants of Hawaii. He was very funny and entertaining. He made us feel so like we were his friends. Every stop on this tour was amazing and beautiful. It was great seeing the north side of O'hanu. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaii Village, so it was nice to see the nature part. I would definitely recommend this tour. I would suggest though to do it at the beginning of your trip. It was a nice way to end or trip, though. Thank you Branndon and Jose.

Hreat tour and a great host! Must do this tour at the beginning of your vacation. It will make the rest of your vacation better since the guide lets you in on great spots to see.

Paul and Kim were a great team! I have bad motions sickness and they were able to accommodate me in the front row. I didn't have any issues. The tour itself was very informative and a pleasure to be apart of. Paul was very kinda and had so many good tips and tricks for the remainder of our vacation. So many beautiful sights and the food was great. Highly recommend!

Koko crater look out spot

My boyfriend and I purchased tickets for the ultimate circle tour and had the best experience working with this company. To start off, communication was amazing, they send you clear instructions on where to meet your pick up group and are very kind if you have any questions or concerns. They were able to respond to me within 24 hours when I asked for clarification on the picture of google maps they had emailed me on how to get to our pickup location. The pickup process was smooth and easy, located about a 2 minute walk away from our hotel and our instructor Greg was very kind and patient with our group throughout the tour, he gave us a detailed history on locations we passed by, answered our questions, and he even taught us proper pronunciation of a few Hawaiian words and phrases! TL;DR: I one thousand percent recommend booking your Oahu circle tour with Oahu nature tours as it's the most cost effective option with amazing staff and tour guides and you get the most bang for your buck.

The best island tour I have ever had! Our guide Paul did an amazing job keeping us entertained and was very knowledgeable about the entire island. Me and my wife had a blast and are recommending this to all of our friends and family. Our driver Anthony did amazing driving us around as well. Kudos to the entire team and experience!

First off Alex & Paul are the Best. Alex is an amazing bust driver. Paul was an incredible tour guide, very knowledgeable. The entire tour was great!! I have to say money well spent. You won't regret it. Thank you for all the laughs. I think they made the tour great!!!

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Oahu Private Tours

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Top rated oahu private tours.

Book A Private Tour With a Professional Guide

Oahu circle island-most popular.

This full day sightseeing tour in Oahu is one of our most popular tours. Explore top scenic sites, such as Oahu's sacred Kaaawa Valley (where Jurassic Park/World was filmed), look for sea turtles and take as much time as you want to explore. 

Oahu's North Shore-Top Tourist Destination

Visit world famous surf beaches, sleeping Hawaiian Sea Turtles, oceans of pineapples, local macadamia nut farms, and some 'Ono (delicious) Hawaiian eats for lunch. *Snorkeling is available in summer.

Custom Private Tours Oahu

There is so many things to see and do in Hawaii. You customize the places you want to sightsee and visit, or we can customize your tour specific to what what you want. Please send us private tour request form. .

Private photography service

Have you ever wished a professinal photographer would come with you on your tour and capture the special moments with family and friends. You want to capture captivating underwater shots? No problem. Let us be your paparazzi for your day!

WHY CHOOSE US? We are a locally owned, family owned company.

Explore the islands by joining a private tour with just you and your party. We have itineraries to choose from. Or customize your own tour to fit your needs.

Hiking Tours

Professional guides with knowledge of the Hawaiian Culture and the islands hiking trails.

Photography Tours

Explore the island and have our professional photographs document the experience for you.

Family friendly

All your family member should enjoy same time. our tours are family friendly.

Private Tours

Explore the island in your own private group, a personalized experience.

Private Tour Inquiry

•             Tour Type             Tour Type             Oahu East $450～             Oahu West $550～             Oahu South & East $550～             Oahu North Shore $550～             Oahu Circle Island $650～             Oahu/Activities $650～             Oahu Custom $550～             Oahu Photo service $450～             Maui Custom $900～             Big Island Custom $1000～             Other Inquire
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Tour Destinations

North shore, circle island.

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Oahu Nature Tours - 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 botanical garden at Waimea Valley, the Dole Plantation and many more! From Waikiki, you'll be heading east towards Diamond Head. The first stop is at Amelia Earhart Point on the ocean-facing outer slopes of Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii's icon and most recognizable landmark, where you can marvel at the 100,000-year-old volcanic peak perched above the Pacific. Traveling along Oahu’s spectacular southeast coastline we arrive at the famous Halona Blowhole and the “From Here to Eternity” beach, made famous by the only Oscar-winning movie made in Hawaii. We continue to visit Sandy Beach, known for its notoriously powerful shorebreaks, pounding waves and bodysurfing opportunities. Driving by Makapu'u Lookout 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 lava cliffs above. We continue to the world-renowned Pali Lookout that Mark Twain called the most beautiful views on the planet. Driving north we arrive at the Valley of the Temples and visit the colorful Byodo-in temple, a photographer's dream. This Hawaii state landmark is home to wild peacocks and a large reflecting pond with koi fish. Continuing on the relaxing windward coast we also visit scenic Chinaman’s Hat, a picturesque islet located in the warm, tropical waters of Kaneohe Bay. Further up north we’ll reach Kahuku, home of the North Shore famous shrimp farms. Here you can also observe endangered wetland birds, including Black-neck stilts, Hawaiian coots and Moorhens. Stopping at one of the locals’ favorite shrimp trucks, 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 and Vegetarian Chow Mein options are also available!) Next you can marvel at the world-famous Sunset Beach as we drive by this legendary big-wave surfing location where towering, giant waves arrive between November-April. Then we visit Waimea Valley Arboretum and waterfall. This enchanting and relaxing location showcases over 5,000 species of tropical flowering plants, ancient archaeological sites, and one of the most scenic waterfalls on the island. Our last stop is the historic Dole Plantation where you will find many varieties of pineapple species from all over the world. Here, you can buy a souvenir to take home and share with your family and friends and always remember your exciting adventure around the Island of Oahu and Waimea waterfall. (*Dole has just announced that, due to Covid, the next couple of Wednesdays they will be closed to disinfect their facilities. So, on Wednesdays only (until they fully re-open), we will replace this tour stop with the quaint north shore town of Haleiwa and its colorful marketplace.) Throughout your journey of discovery around the island of Oahu your nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii's bird and plant species, geology, history and culture. 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 $18)
• Delicious shrimp lunch at Fumi's Shrimp Stand (Value of $15)
• 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

• Birding Tours

Oahu Nature Tours offers four diverse birding tours.

We offer the  Endemic Species  birding adventure. During this tour, you will journey to the scenic mountains high above Waikiki. Here we will look for birds such as the island endemic Oahu Amakihi and Oahu Elepaio.

Additionally, you can observe Hawaii’s native seabirds on our  Coastal birding adventure. You may even encounter fascinating birds such as the Black-necked Stilt.

The North Shore birding adventure provides you with close-up views of the rare Bristle-thighed Curlew and the majestic Laysan Albatross.

Last, but not least, if you’d rather get off land, our Pelagic birding tour can transport you offshore for a tour on the water. Invite your fellow birder friends to embark on this exciting boat tour (minimum of 3 passengers).

Oahu Bucket List Destinations for Nature Lovers

Are you looking for places to go on oahu to see the natural beauty keep scrolling see my oahu bucket list for nature lovers., this oahu bucket list for nature lovers was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Are you looking for the most beautiful places in Hawaii?

Oahu is the perfect place to explore Hawaii’s natural beauty. From hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls , Oahu gardens, and scenic lookouts, to kayaking through caves and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful reefs around, there are so many ways to get out into nature on this island.

If you love being outdoors but don’t want your vacation time spent entirely at the beach, here are five must-do adventures for outdoor lovers visiting Oahu!

So what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy everything that makes Oahu such an incredible place!

Keep scrolling to find out what to add to your Oahu bucket list!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu.

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• Toa Luau (this is my all-time favorite Oahu luau)
• CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Oahu)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Oahu Resorts/Hotels

• Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
• Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
• Royal Hawaiian Hotel (this is a luxury resort in Waikiki that is pink and gorgeous)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Beautiful Places in Oahu FAQs

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail offers a great view of the coastline. There’s also the Waimea Valley Trail if you want to hike to a waterfall where you can swim. The Manoa Falls hike is also really pretty and it’s inside a rainforest.

My top pick is Kualoa Beach Park because you can get photos at the beach, with Mokoli’i Island, and with the gorgeous Kualoa mountains. We recently did an Oahu photoshoot there and the photos were amazing! There are also the lagoons in Ko Olina that are easy for families staying at Disney Aulani Resort.

While there are several national parks in Hawaii , you won’t find any on Oahu. There’s the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Honouliuli National Historic Site (which is not open to public).

7 Oahu Hawaii Bucket List Adventures

Are you hoping to do some outdoor adventures or at least take some epic Oahu photos? You’re in luck! There are tons of cool places to see on Oahu!

Diamond Head

One of the most recognizable places on Oahu is Diamond Head . You can easily see it as the backdrop to Waikiki.

In fact, I’m sure you’ll recognize it right away since it’s featured on tons of Hawaii travel posters and postcards.

Hiking up to see the sunrise over Diamond Head is an experience like no other. But, this is one of the best Oahu hikes no matter what time of day.

The 1.6-mile trail offers a challenging uphill hike with beautiful views of the crater and of Honolulu.

Don’t worry if you’re not too used to hiking. The entire trail is paved and there are lots of stairs. And you can take advantage of the benches placed along the path.

As of May 12th, 2022 all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. Make your reservations HERE .

Get all our tips for hiking Diamond Head with kids!

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

The Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to get close and personal with Hawaii’s flora. It’s one of the prettiest botanical gardens in Hawaii .

With 400 acres of lush greenery, you can freely explore this botanical haven backdropped by the magnificent Koolau mountain range as well an idyllic lake that branches out into several streams for those looking at not only nature but also an adventure!

They have a lot of free activities at these Honolulu botanical gardens throughout the year, but it’s fun to just walk around and explore. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places on Oahu.

Kualoa Ranch

One of the most beautiful places on Oahu is Kualoa Ranch . It’s one of the few undeveloped areas of Oahu and it has some of the most epic views.

This 4,000 acre property was purchased in the mid-1800s by a doctor who specifically wanted to preserve this stunning part of Oahu.

They actually have a ton of Kualoa Ranch tours for everyone in your family. Our favorite tour is the ATV Raptor Tour that takes you to all three valleys and to some movie filming sites.

Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve

The beautiful Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the southeastern side of Oahu, just inside Koko Head volcanic region.

This stunning bay is enveloped by lush green hills making it a perfect beach + nature combo destination if you want to explore Hawaii’s waters as well as its mountains!

Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu for all skill levels. That’s because there are more than 400 species of fish who live here. And you can even spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles!

In 2021, the park put a limit on visitors and even closes 2 days a week in order to help preserve this amazing Oahu bay.

Hiking is another prime activity on the bay, with tons of lush plants to look at and gorgeous vistas of the bay acting as a backdrop for a splendid experience.

If you’re a newbie at hiking in Hawaii, Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is great for beginners. Those up for a challenge should head to the Koko Head Crater Trail .

Tantalus Lookout

Mt. Tantalus is a hidden gem in the making! It offers some of Oahu’s best views, both day and night. If you’re looking for an adventure with your significant other or friends that will make memories to last forever then take them up on Mount Tantalus.

If you’re visiting Tantalus Lookout during the day, plan to spend some time at Puu Ualakaa State Park for a lovely picnic and views.

The short 1/2-mile loop of ‘Ualaka’a Trail is perfect if nature walking interests you or your children enjoy shorter walks with great opportunities to take photos from various angles.

Once sunset arrives there are several stops along 9 miles Round Top Drive where it will be easy get up close looks at Honolulu when lit up beautifully by Hawaii’s city lights!

This is also the same location as Experience Nutridge Luau , one of the best Oahu luaus .

Ka’ena Point State Park

Located at the westernmost tip of Oahu, Ka’ena Point State Park is yet another incredible location in Hawaii and a must on any nature lover’s itinerary.

This park features some fantastic views with lots to offer for both hiking trails as well as scenic spots like tide pools where you can spot fascinating sea creatures!

If your aim this trip was not only to capture stunning photos but also take part in some adventures close-up then we recommend checking out the 5-mile long hike.

The Ka’ena Point trail leads along an extinct volcanic coastline while passing through gorgeous scenery including Pacific Ocean vistas galore (and plenty more wildlife encounters too)! Find out our top tips for families hiking the Ka’ena Point trail HERE .

Waimea Falls Park

One of the most accessible hikes on Oahu is Waimea Falls. Plus, it offers visitors a chance to learn about Hawaiian culture.

The nature walk features lush botanical gardens that lead right up next door, where you can find this beautiful 45-foot waterfall cascading down into a stunning pool near its base!

This park also has educational presentations with workshops about Hawaiian culture which make it perfect if you want an authentic experience away from tourists spots or visitor centers.

This is also where you’ll find one of the best luau in Oahu : Toa Luau . When you book this look, you’ll get free access to the park all day long.

Best Oahu Nature Tours Worth Booking

Island photo tours – sunrise, sunset, rainforest & waterfalls.

Receive a deep dive into Hawaii’s nature with this guided photography tour. Experience the island like never before as you navigate Oahu, from its lush forests to bustling towns and beyond!

You’ll have access not only all day long but also sunrise/sunset options depending on your preference – there really is something for everyone here. Check the latest rates and availability .

Kualoa Ranch Experience – Movie Set Tour, Jungle Jeep Expedition & Farm Tour

The most popular destination in Hawaii is Kualoa Ranch. And with good reason! The Best of Kualoa Ranch experience includes three tours that are a must-do for any visitor to Oahu: the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, Aloha ‘Aina Farm tour and finally an all-new Jurassic Jungle Expedition.

But you can also choose just one or two out these offerings when traveling here with friends/family who may not want as much off roading. This is one of the most unique things to do in Hawaii. Check the latest rates and availabilty .

Honolulu Volcanic Rainforest Guided Hiking Tour at Mt. Tantalus

Take this 2.5-mile hike through Oahu’s lush rainforest and explore the ancient Hawaiian volcano that lies beneath it all, learning about Hawaii from your guide as well.

Check out indigenous plant species along the way as you climb up to the 600-foot mountain peak. There, you can see Diamond Head, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Kailua all from one vantage point. Check the latest rates and availability .

Oahu Adventures in Nature Wrap Up

I hope this list of the best destinations for nature lovers in Oahu provided some inspiration! Although there are many wonderful places to see, these spots really stand out.

They’re worth planning into your itinerary and offer a chance to get more personal with Hawaii’s nature beyond its beaches during your visit.

Looking for more things to do on Oahu ? Find out the best Oahu waterfall hikes , where to go kayaking on Oahu , best kid friendly hikes on Oahu , best Oahu boat tours , best North Shore beaches , and my guide to North Shore Oahu .

Ready to plan your trip to oahu.

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AMAZING ADVENTURES, MAGNIFICENT MEMORIES

• About Wild Side
• The Reviews
• The Place – Wai’anae, O’ahu
• Tour Overview
• “Best of the West” 3hrs
• Wildlife Photo Tour 6 hrs
• Show Hawaii Wildlife Aloha
• Hawaii’s Dolphins
• Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
• Bottlenose Dolphin
• Spotted Dolphins
• Rough-toothed Dolphins
• Dolphins in Hawaiian Culture
• Whale Watching Hawaii
• Humpback Whales in Hawaii
• Pilot Whales
• Hawaiian False Killer Whales
• Pygmy Whales
• Melon-headed Whale
• Beaked Whales
• Sperm Whales
• Guided Sea Turtle Snorkel Oahu

Green Sea Turtles

• Turtle Cleaning Station
• Hawaiian Monk Seal
• Whale Sharks | Oahu, Hawaii
• Eagle and Manta Rays
• Pelagic Birding | Hawaii
• Coral Spawning
• Kids Corner
• Take Action
• Frequenty Asked Questions
• How to Swim with Wild Dolphins Oahu
• How to Choose a Whale Watch Tour
• How To Teach Small Kids to Snorkel
• Snorkeling in Hawaii
• Best snorkel, free dive or scuba dive spots off Oahu’s West Coast beaches
• Wildlife Photography Tips
• Wild Side Specialty Tours Reviews
• Wild Side in the News
• Citizen Science Oahu | Nature Tours that Malama Hawaii
• Wildlife Charter Job Postings Oahu Hawaii
• Internships

Citizen Science Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Mālama hawaiʻi, mālama kuʻu home.

In Hawai‘i, we have a proverb that says “ He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka ”: “The land is a chief, and man is its servant.” In our worldview, there is no separation between nature and people; just as the land takes care of us, we need to take care of the land.

C itizen science gained through our O’ahu nature tours help us to protect, preserve and create sustainable practices. Data obtained alongside our biologist/naturalist crew is presented to and helps to influence scientists and local communities. Methods learned  can easily be used to protect your own backyard or wherever you may wander.

Partners using photos and info from our tours

Research photography – dolphins and whales of oahu.

Educating both visitors and the community, experts on our dolphin and whale watching tours foster lifelong love of marine life. Often, tour boats are the first line of defense when it comes to spotting and reporting entanglements and injuries. Whale and dolphin watching vessels are on the water way more often than scientists can be. They collect important data, such as fluke photos for scientists to track, and also by report species and behaviors they see.

Our charters head offshore seeking our more endangered and lesser studied species. Target species are the Hawaiian false killer whales, pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, beaked whales and even dwarf sperm whales. When encountered, observers (you!) grab a whiteboard and record how many individuals, any babies present, injuries and other notables. You may help with taking id photos of individuals for population and distribution findings. This information is passed on to the quite prolific Cascadia Research Collective for cataloging and analyzing. PUBLICATONS CO-AUTHORED

Be a citizen-scientist and submit your marine wildlife sightings from any location around the world. Whale & Dolphin Tracker app , available from the App Store , allows you to log sightings in real time, create a full GPS track, and upload photos from your mobile device. Your contributions will add to a global database that will help researchers track and monitor cetaceans, determine patterns of species distribution, and study marine animal interactions with their environment. You can also contribute to whale health via cell phone apps like iNaturalist and Whale Alert , which reports deceased or distressed whales to NOAA.

Wildlife Photography Tours – facilitating whale and dolphin conservation

Humpback Whales

It’s a special moment, watching a gigantic humpback going for a deep dive. The whale’s back arches and the tail swings up, disappearing below the surface like the pointed toes of an Olympic diver. The camera fires off.

We submit our photos of humpback whale flukes to HappyWhale who engages citizen scientists using conservation photography identifying individual whales. by their unique markings, and tracks them around the globe. T o date (2022) we have submitted 869 photos from 332 encounters – with 285 different individuals identified.

Humpback whales are primarily identified by markings on their flukes.

A whale we photographed back in April 2017 was identified as “Flint”, and in 2018, was identified in both Mexico and Hawaii, in the same season. **Super** rare!

Darling JD, Audley K, Cheeseman T, Goodwin B, Lyman EG, Urbán RJ. 2022 Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) attend both Mexico and Hawaii breeding grounds in the same winter: mixing in the northeast Pacific. Biol. Lett. 18:20210547. Download PDF

Have some extra time for virtual voluntourism? Snapshots at Sea – filters through photos submitted to HappyWhale where you will answers photo submission questions.

Every year green sea turtles travel 12-hundred miles round trip on a migration from foraging habitats. Starting in Hawaii, to nesting areas in the French Frigate Shoals of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Each year, researchers spend several months monitoring honu nesting activity, counting nests and keeping track of growing populations. They set up camps and spend days and nights tagging, and logging every turtle they see. This year, over 400 nesting turtles were tagged, and identifying numbers painted on their shells. Once important habitats are known, turtles can be better managed, especially for nesting females.

Using voluntourism, when see a numbered or tagged turtle, without disturbance we take down the number or take a picture and report it to NOAA by calling 1-888-256-9840 or emailing [email protected]

Green sea turtle with etched number on its shell in non-toxic paint on the shores of French Frigate Shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Marylou Staman).

Whale Shark Sightings

Entanglement artwork by: Danielle Burnside

Our Oahu charters have came across and identified a handful of new individuals on the Waianae coastline here since this effort began in 2018. As they are newly id’d individuals, we get to name them! So far we have Alaka’i, Noelle, Jaxson ( entangled ), JJ, Kalea, Lynn, Mackey, and Giant. We actually found “Giant” first, but shared that sighting with another tour boat and their photographer phoned her photos in before we even got back to the dock. That’s a thing! Science is exciting! We phone our sightings in right away now…

Our partner Hawaii Unchartered Research Collective (HURC) uses voluntourism and conservation photography for id. Skin patterning behind the gills of each shark and any scars (entanglement!)- sighting data (location, size, gender) are recorded along with id photos. During collection, it is recommended to stay about 10-12 feet away.

Marine Debris/ Plastic Monitoring

While underway, we’ll stop for retrieval of plastic bags, ‘dead’ balloons, or whatever other marine debris found. It’s also good ‘man overboard’ practice!

Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been abandoned, lost or discarded. They will often form their own community beginning with algae attracting small fish and crabs. But when larger wildlife come in to feed on these, especially sea turtles and birds, they can get caught and die unable to come up for air.

Monitoring and assessment of debris found is documented, including what we find snorkeling – which can often be ugly wads of fishing line tangled on the reef or turtles. We have partnered with Pacific Whale Foundation to study the effect of marine debris on the naia , kohola and honu of our coastline.

You can also print their datasheet HERE to report debris you collect on our beaches!

Entanglement in fishing gear affects hundreds of marine species worldwide and can cause immediate death or long term effects often leading to the same. This video of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin entangled in a plastic bag did have a ‘happy ending’, though not wildlife does.

Manta Ray Awareness Program

Manta rays are known to congregate in very specific locations around shallow water reefs. They vulnerable to pollution, coastal development and eco-tourism. What impacts these man-made threats are having are unknown. Manta rays have very slow growing populations with limited capability to re-establish themselves if their numbers were to decline.

The manta rays we regularly encounter along the Waianae coast of Oahu are reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) with the common coloration pattern of a dark (grey to black) dorsal side contrasted with a white ventral. When a manta is encountered, we look for and photograph that unique spot pattern on its ventral side. To make the comparison even easier, we focus on the spot pattern between the gill slits.  These spot patterns can be used to accurately identify individuals and a life history for each individual manta ray can be created.  Matched photographs or ‘resights’ over time can tell us valuable information about the manta ray’s home range, fidelity to specific areas, social bonds with other manta rays, pupping rates for adult females, and other interesting facts.

photo credit @HAMER

Oahu Pelagic Seabirds

Island species are vulnerable because they have a small geographic range and usually have low numbers, making them vulnerable to disease, fire, and population fluctuations. Human development and hunting also take a toll, and introduced predators such as rats and snakes can wreak havoc on populations that did not evolve under these pressures.

We photograph rare or uncommon species of seabirds. Our seabird photos are sent to the Institute for Bird Populations for identification, and many have been included in the online  Birds of the Hawaiian Islands . As well as an important opportunity to document the seabird community in Hawaii, we also record information on seabirds interactions with various species of whales and dolphins.

Eyes on the Reef (EOR)

Diseased or bleached coral click here to find out what to do next..

A trumpetfish hovers over bleached coral 🙁

“ The future for corals is not something to be predicted by computer models; it is plainly obvious for all to see ” Charlie Vernon – who discovered and described 20% of all coral species in the world. Reef Reminiscences (pdf)

Hawaii’s reefs span a huge area making it difficult to detect the early onset of coral bleaching, disease, Crown-of-Thorn (COT) and invasive species outbreaks. Reef users are essential in helping managers monitor reefs, providing the ‘eyes on our reefs’ needed to detect and report events. Wild Side crew are trained by EOR to inform, engage and train participants and promote visitor and community stewardship of our valuable marine resources. Conservation photography is used for documentation.

Training Opportunities – all islands

Report opportunities.

• Coral Bleaching R eport
• Coral Disease Report
• Crown-of-Thorns Seastars Report
• Marine Invasives Report