oahu nature tours

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

251 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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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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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 ultimate circle island tour, waimea waterfalls & hawaiian food experience, majestic guided island tour & waimea falls with lunch - from waikiki & ko olina, oahu island sightseeing tour & polynesian cultural center admission tickets, the surf bus north shore fun tour - snorkel, bike, kayak, sup & waterfall, diamond head hike & oahu island tour - haleiwa, kualoa beach & dole plantation, oahu grand circle island sightseeing tour by roberts hawaii, oahu guided sightseeing tour, turtle watching & local food experience, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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Hawaii Real Nature Tours

Oahu Private Tours

Oahu Circle Island Tour

Pick up at 9am: drive to beautiful north shore, waialua coffee farm, dole pineapple plantation, north shore (turtle beach, surfing beach etc), local fruit stand, drive through the beautiful coast of huula side, lunch at local shrimp food truck, chinaman’s hat and kualoa ranch park, macadamia nut farm, drive through the amazing koʻolau range, makapu’u lookaout, hālona blowhole/eternity beach, hanauma bay lookout.

Q: Are you family friendly? A: Yes we are! If you are traveling with a child of any age please let us know when you book.

Q: Do you pick up at Kailua/Ko Olina resort/North Shore? A: Yes we do. We will pick up anywhere in Oahu with no extra charge.

Q: We are not staying at a hotel. Where are you going to pick us up at? A: It depends on where you stay. If we can park in front of your accommodation we can pick you up there, if not we will find a place where we can.

Q: What are we going to do for lunch? A: We’ll stop at Local shrimp truck, it’s popular lunch at North Shore. (If you don’t like shrimp please let us know.)

Q: Can we eat/drink in the vehicle. A: Yes and No. Please do not bring coffee/tea cup or can drinks. Screw top drinks are fine.

Q: I have a disability, can I still book? A: As long as you can step up/off from our van absolutely! However, we do not have space for wheelchair, we are very sorry.

Q: If we don’t want to stop some place and want to add another place on our itinerary, can we change our itinerary? A: Yes you may, as long as we are going in the same direction. If you want to skip shopping places and spend more time on the beach just ask your driver, we are flexible!

Q: What is your cancellation policy? (This only applies who booked direct with us. If you book with third party please see cancellation policy there.) A: Reservations canceled at least 73 hours prior to the tour receive a 100% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 73 hours or no shows. Tour date can be changed for a fee: 20% of tour fee within 73 hours. No change fee if over 73 hours before your tour date.

Tour Photos

This is most popular tour in Oahu. You will see top scenic places, East Oahu to North Shore. You will see almost all beauty of Hawaii in one day. Spend the day exploring Island of Oahu. It’s about 120-mile (193-km) circle tour around the coast of Oahu.

Majestic blue Hawaii views from the Makapuu lookout, iconic North Shore locations, turtle beach and white sand beach. Varaety of local tropical fruits stand, pineapple dole plantation and local macadamia nut farm.

This is our Oahu circle island private tour itinerary.

Lunch at Shrimp Food truck or local food

Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Ranch Park

Makapu’u lookout

The 5 Best Oahu Circle Island Tours

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Ditch the need for a rental car by going on one of the best Oahu circle island tours! Take in the best stops on the island with a local guide who does the driving, talks story, and is your private photographer.

While we enjoy making Hawaii island itineraries and sharing them with you, we would be doing you wrong by not recommending an Oahu circle island tour.

Here are our reasons for doing an Oahu circle island tour during your visit:

• Pick the Oahu circle island tour right for you! Large group, private, adventure, small group, Pearl Harbor included, etc.
• They are a great way to see the whole island in one day and then go back to your favorite part of the island.
• Let a local guide share their island knowledge, history, and stories. Plus, they will know the best stops based on the weather.
• Skip a rental car on Oahu and those $50-a-night parking fees by exploring the island with a circle island tour.
• Do the tour on your first day. You will have a better understanding of the island’s geography, where to go back, and the history of the island.
• A photographer is included! Your guide is also your photographer to help capture those Hawaii memories

When it comes to guided tours, Oahu circle island tours are your one-stop shop for the North Shore and sights like Diamond Head and Makapu’u Lighthouse! You’ll get to see some of the best of the Gathering Place without the hassle of planning and driving, which is also great if you’re short on time. 

Ready to explore the best of Oahu? Join one of these Oahu circle island tours and get to adventuring!  Our quick list is below!

Here are the best Oahu circle island tours (in our opinion): – Are you looking for an adventure tour ? Take a private tour that you can customize with hiking, waterfall swims, snorkeling, and more! – A private tour of Oahu with two 1.5-hour activities and multiple photo spots. – Best large group tour (45 passengers) at a good price. – Are you staying in Ko Olina in West Oahu? This tour will pick you up at your Ko Olina resort (Disney’s Aulani, Four Seasons, Marriott, etc) – Small group tour (13 people) without the private tour price

When you book an Oahu circle island tour on our website, you are getting the best price and you are booking directly with the local tour company.

By booking here, you are helping us provide more quality reviews . Mahalo!

The Best Oahu Circle Island Tours

Full disclosure, we have been on some of these circle island tours but not all of them. But, we have thoroughly researched all of these tour companies and gotten feedback from our newsletter community.

We are confident you will enjoy these Oahu circle island tours as we looked at the following characteristics:

• Value: a quality tour at a good price
• The best online reviews and comments
• They have the best Oahu stops and activities
• Their local guides are knowledgeable, fun, and professional
• They have quality and comfortable vehicles

Watch our experience on our favorite Oahu circle island tour below to help you better understand what to expect on your day around the island.

Best Large Group Oahu Circle Island Tour

Hop on this 10-hour Oahu adventure that’s perfect for big families and groups. Oahu Nature Tours Ultimate Circle Island Tour accommodates up to 45 people and is a jam-packed day of sightseeing!

The tour includes lunch and access to Waimea Valley . Some of the notable stops include Diamond Head Crater, Halona Blowhole, sea turtles at Halona Beach, Makapu’u Lighthouse, Mokoli’i Island, North Shore shrimp farms, and the Dole Plantation. 

One of the coolest things about this Circle Island tour is that they bring along an expert nature guide to point out Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna, alongside information on Oahu’s rich history, geology, and heritage. 

This tour includes roundtrip transportation – they’ll pick you up from your hotel in Honolulu – and lunch from Fumi’s Shrimp Stand, with delicious options like lemon pepper shrimp and chicken katsu. You’ll also walk away with a 152-page, pocket nature guide as a souvenir!

Don’t forget your rain ponchos! Hawaii’s variable weather won’t stop you as this tour operates rain or shine. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes ( we like Tevas ) although you’ll only clock about 1.5 miles throughout the day. Guests must be 3 years and older. 

Best Oahu Private Tours

A private tour of Oahu is a special treat! We love customizing our itinerary and having the flexibility of a private guide for the day. This is one of those times when splurging is well worth it!

Some of the best parts of a private tour is that you get to pick exactly what you want to see and do (or they’ll choose for you), you’ll be picked up right at your accommodation, and you have your tour guide all to yourself for any burning questions. 

Here are two of our favorite companies for private tours of Oahu.

Mahina Hawaii

Mahina Hawaii runs completely private, 8-hour tours of Oahu, whether you want to do a full Circle Island Tour or focus on one specific area. The entire tour is tailored to what your group wants to see and they choose locations based on both your preferences and current weather conditions. 

Although the itinerary is fully customizable, some options include snorkeling, hiking to waterfalls, cliff jumping, local food tastings, and traditional sightseeing at destinations like the Byodo-in Temple. Because this tour is just for you and your group, you can stop anywhere along the way, whether it is planned or spur of the moment.

Your private guide, transportation, snacks, water, snorkel equipment, and GoPro photos and videos are all included. Although lunch isn’t provided they have many delicious recommendations to choose from along the way.

If you have more than 7 in your group, you’ll need to let them know when you book the tour. They can get more van and local guides to fit your group size. 

We went out with them on one of our Oahu trips and had a blast!

Halia Tours

Halia Tours operates a 9-hour circle island tour that can accommodate groups of up to 10. Each tour aims to include two 1.5-hour activities and 3 to 5 photo stops with plenty of time to grab snacks and a bite to eat along the way.

Because this is a private tour, your itinerary is fully customizable to circumnavigate Oahu’s Koolau Range. Just some of the activity options include Oahu’s world-famous beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking to Diamond Head or the Waimea Valley waterfall, scenic lookouts, and downtown Honolulu stops like the Bishop’s Museum. You can even “theme” your tour around foodie hot spots and shopping. 

Although they are a private tour group and guests can “go anywhere” they emphasized not entering local neighborhoods or heading to unsafe areas. Food, drinks, rentals, and any additional entrance fees are a la carte. 

If you’re looking for a half-day option, they can also do a “ mini tour ” that will have you back at your hotel, sipping Mai Tais by the early afternoon. They have flat rate pricing for groups of 1-5 or 5-10, which might affect your decision if you’re a smaller group.

Best Oahu Circle Island Tour from Ko Olina

Most group tours on Oahu leave from Waikiki. If you’re staying in Ko Olina Resort (Disney’s Aulani, Marriott, Four Seasons) , E Noa is your best option! Offering a 9-hour, group circle island tour for up to 25 guests, this group size feels a little less “big box” than the large tours and allows for plenty of time to truly experience all of the wonderful Oahu highlights along the way. 

You’ll avoid Honolulu traffic, stopping at sights like Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Byodo-In Temple, Tropical Farms for macadamia nut cultivation, Waimea Valley, and end at the Dole Plantation.

Lunch and all of your admission fees are included in the price which makes this a great value. You’ll also be riding in style in a mini-bus with A/C and pick up and drop off from your hotel. Don’t forget to bring along your bathing suit and comfortable walking shoes.

Reminder, this tour departs from Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu.

Undecided about where to stay? Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore Where to Stay on Oahu: the Best Locations and Hotels Hawaii Hotel vs Airbnb: How to Decide What’s Best For Your Hawaii Vacation

Best Small Group Oahu Circle Island Tour

Pineapple Exp ’ small group circle island tour is the perfect option for those who want a more intimate experience without the private tour sticker shock.

Not only will you have plenty of time to stop and truly experience each place but your guide will be more readily available for questions and to drop some knowledge.

You’ll travel around Oahu with up to just 13 other vacationers on this 9-hour journey. Just some of your stops along the way are popular sights like Diamond Head State Monument, Byodo-In Temple, Makapu’u Point, Haleiwa Town Center, Dole Plantation, and North Shore Macadamia Nut Company. You’ll also stop at a few places that some of the other tours don’t such as Secret Turtle Beach and the Halona Blowhole.

Transportation to and from your hotel, water, snorkeling equipment, and Dole Whip are all included and all ages are welcome. You’re also gifted a Hawaiian pineapple at the end! How awesome is that? 

Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, comfy walking shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen!

Thinking of staying on the North Shore? The Best North Shore Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals 21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore A Local Resident’s 10 Free Things To Do on North Shore Oahu

What to Expect on an Oahu Circle Island Tour

Oahu circle island tour itinerary (sample).

Wondering what you’ll see on an Oahu Circle Island Tour? Here’s an idea of what you can expect… 

• Tours typically start in Honolulu and head east in a counter-clockwise direction around the island. 
• First stops are often Diamond Head Crater and Makapu’u Point, continuing north to Byodo-In Temple and one of the macadamia nut farms (yum!). 
• You’ll then explore the North Shore including the town of Haleiwa and Waimea Valley. 
• Most tours finish up at the Dole Plantation for a sweet treat on your way back to Honolulu.

We highly recommend saving Pearl Harbor for a day of its own. Circle island tours that include a stop at Pearl Harbor are exceptionally long and it takes up a good chunk of the day that could be spent seeing other sights on Oahu.

We have a separate list of Pearl Harbor Tours if you’re interested in a guided option or you can easily visit on your own .

How long is an Oahu circle island tour?

Plan to be gone for an entire day on one of Oahu’s circle island tours. Most options range anywhere from 8 to 10 hours in total, with the majority of tours taking around 9 hours on average. Tours typically pick you up from (or near) your hotel early in the morning and drop you off just in time for dinner.

What is the best way to tour Oahu?

Hopping on a circle island guided tour is one of the best ways to see Oahu. These tours include most of the famous sites on the island, so you can tick off a bunch of different activities in one go. You’ll also have the added benefit of a professional guide, who can give you background on local history and culture, and you won’t have to worry about any planning.  

If you’re thinking about DIYing the same route with a rental car, we highly recommend following our Oahu itinerary ! Keep in mind that renting a car can be a little bit of a hassle and comes with some “hidden” fees like overnight parking at your hotel.

What is the most scenic part of Oahu?

We couldn’t give the award for the most scenic part of Oahu to just one place. The whole island is very beautiful! 

Our two favorites for scenery on the island are the North Shore and Windward Oahu. 

The North Shore is a must for its more down-to-earth, local vibes and lush scenery. Winter brings big waves and surfing competitions that are exciting to see. A visit in summer means you can enjoy the stunning beaches from both the sand and the water. 

Windward Oahu has a truly stunning stretch of coastline between Kualoa and Kailua. The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden also makes for an incredible stop and is one of the most scenic spots we’ve found on Oahu. Picture 400 acres of gardens to explore with plants from around the world, all with the backdrop of Oahu’s jagged, Ko’olau Range.

Keep exploring: Is There a Best Time to Visit Oahu? The 4 Best Months 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!) 10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All 34 Great Things to Do in Honolulu (that are actually IN Honolulu)

If you love the idea of a circle island tour so you don’t have to worry about planning, then you are going to love our itineraries . The best beaches, restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, tours, and fully planned excursion days are at your fingertips. Skip the countless hours of research and planning, leave it to us, and go have an amazing vacation!

we are very very pleased with the itinerary you have put together. Well worth the money as I think this would have taken days and days to research ourselves .  You two do a great job putting this together and it’s much appreciated. Robert K.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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NORTH SHORE ECO TOURS

Premier north shore oahu off-road adventures & hikes, choose your tour, off-roading tours, hiking tours, community work, huakaʻi nui ~ the big hiking adventure.

Experience the best of Oʻahu’s natural beauty on a 4WD adventure to the Nui Valley, where you’ll hike through rainforests, swim in mountain pools, and learn about Hawaiian culture.

• Hour Glass 6 hours
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SEE WHY PEOPLE EXPLORE WITH US!

Did this mountain trail hike with my three teenagers and my husband. Even though it says “Little hike” it was a challenging 2 1/2 mile trail though beautiful Hawaiian flora. Our guide Ryan was perfect. He made the hike fun and I felt very at ease with him leading the group. It was an awesome experience of nature run by a business whose whole point is to preserve and protect the integrity of the area. Would recommend for families with older children who are looking to connect with the natural beauty of Hawaii!

Great Hike for beginners. Ryan was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Plan on coming back for a more advance hike.

This was an awesome excursion for our family! We did the Wild Boar Tour which included rides through the forest and off-roading. Ryan was very informative, engaging, and made the trip super fun. Highly recommend for teens and young adults. One suggestion - don't wear good clothes. We had two shirts ruined from the dirt that stained. Otherwise, highly recommend!

Great hike through an area not open to the public. The mountains above Haleiwa were so beautiful and natural. Ryan , our guide, was great : very knowledgeable and engaging with all five of us. I think this hike would be very challenging for someone that isn't physically active and also for people that aren't confident with their ability to climb and hold onto ropes and tree limbs. But it was Fantastic

What an awesome experience we had four wheeling in the mountains around the North Shore. Our guide Keoki was exceptional, shared lots of information about the history and culture of the islands and ensured we had a safe experience. The scenery was spectacular and the mud and rain added a sense of adventure to our tour. Totally recommend!

North Shore EcoTours represents the best in Hawaiian nature, history, and cultural tours in Haleʻiwa.  We are Oʻahu’s premier Aloha ʻĀina eco-tour company.  As a Native Hawaiian and woman owned company , Aloha ʻĀina is at the heart of everything we do.  Aloha ʻĀina is a cultural value that expresses deep love for and responsible stewardship of nature. We operate on thousands of acres of private conservation land in Haleʻiwa, which means that you get a truly immersive nature experience!  Our expert, local guides take you off the beaten path and show you a side of Hawaiʻi that many rarely get to see.  Enjoy hiking and off-roading activities, breathtaking views, and lush tropical forests without noisy Honolulu crowds.

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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).