Experience Hawaiian Culture In Waimea Valley
Discover a hidden gem of Oahu on this full-day Circle Island adventure. Stroll the lush botanical gardens of Waimea Valley, visit the famous waterfall, and experience the charm of Oahu's North Shore with local flavors, tropical scenery, and incredible island views.
Travel around the island's scenic coastline with stops at iconic lookouts, including Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Makapuʻu Point, and the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Your guide will provide a great experience, helping you understand the history and legends behind the landscape.
Throughout the day, enjoy sweet tropical fruits & nuts, local dishes, amazing flavors, and make some new island vacation traditions. You will love the sights and the tastes of this amazing circle island tour.
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$165 USD
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3 yrs+
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9-hour
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Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Waimea Valley Oahu Circle Island Tour Features
Waimea Valley Cultural Botanical Garden & Waterfall
Waimea Botanical Garden, located on Oahu's North Shore, spans over 1,875 acres and features lush Hawaiian flora, tropical plants, and rare species from around the world — including collections from the Ogasawara Islands, Central and South America, Fiji, Guam, and the Mascarene Islands. Stroll through themed gardens and enjoy the opportunity to swim in a beautiful waterfall, where swimming is permitted when conditions are safe. A perfect way to cool off and immerse yourself in stunning natural surroundings.
South Oahu Scenic Stops
Leaving Waikiki and heading to the southeastern part of the island, the scenery changes to a dramatic, rugged coastline with steep cliffs and deep blue waters. Following the coast, we will pass beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, Hanauma Bay, and more. We will make stops to take in this view, plus check out a blowhole, a hidden beach, and try some tropical fruit too.
Treats, Snacks & Meal Stops
This tour is not just sightseeing; great tastes await you as well! There are stops for sweet tropical treats like fresh, ripe coconut and pineapple. A stop to sample Kona coffee and local macadamia nuts at a tropical farm. You can enjoy some delicious island-themed treats at our Dole Plantation stop. We break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can choose a famous North Shore Garlic Shrimp plate or other local delicacies.
Hawaiian Culture & Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
Perched along the breathtaking cliffs of the Koʻolau Mountains, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers stunning views of Oahu's windward coast. Rich in historical significance, this is the site where King Kamehameha I achieved victory in his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Surrounded by strong winds and lush landscapes, the lookout combines natural splendor with deep cultural importance.
Waimea Valley Oahu Circle Island Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Included
- Food & Drink
- Exclusions
- What to bring
- Cancellations
Highlights
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Waikiki Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off
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See Halona Blowhole & Makapu'u Point
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Look Out From The Famous Nu'uanu Pali
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Multiple Stops & Photo Opportunities
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Stroll Waimea Valley Gardens & Cultural Exhibits
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Enjoy Stops For Island Treats & Lunch
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Visit The Dole Plantation
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Drive By The Famous North Shore Surfing Beaches
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Full Day Oahu Circle Island Itinerary
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Professional Driver & Expert Narration
Description
Discover the beauty of Oahu on our full-day Circle Island Tour, designed to showcase the island’s most breathtaking natural attractions. From the rugged windswept shores of Southeastern Oahu to the lush valleys of the North Shore, you will see some of the most dramatic beauty Hawaii has to offer. The guide will make stops throughout the day to enjoy tasty treats and great island cuisine.
The day begins in Waikiki at one of several convenient pickup locations where you will meet your driver and guide for the day. They will take you from the city out to the beautiful windswept shores, passing by calm waters where outrigger canoe teams practice. Along the way, we can see into the sheltered Hanauma Bay before making at stop at a Halona blowhole.
The tour along the windward coast of Oahu continues with various stops to try some tropical fruit and snacks. The highlight of this area is a stop at the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout where the whole coastline is laid before you. This site is the final major battle for the Hawaiian Islands and united the people under one ruler. Itʻs a historically important and culturally significant place for the Hawaiian people.
From here, the tour winds itʻs way up the coast, making stops for food, drinks, and washroom breaks. The views outside the tour bus windows are spectacular, as the road sits right on the shoreline for most of the way.
After lunch and a quick drive along the North Shore, we make a long stop at a signature location. Take your time and stroll through the lush landscapes of Waimea Valley, home to vibrant tropical flora and a picturesque waterfall where guests may enjoy a refreshing swim with lifeguards on duty for safety. Enjoy the Hawaiian cultural exhibits, including hale, heiau, and other building examples. See artifacts, play music, and ask questions of the various kumu and educators situated around the gardens.
After enjoying the gardens, we continue the drive around Oahu's North Shore, passing by famous beaches where surf competitions are sometimes in full swing. Before returning to Waikiki, the tour makes a stop at the Dole Plantation for some more pineapple and island-themed treats (or some BBQ corn). Clean washrooms, water refills, and snack samples are available.
Our route takes us back through the city and into Waikiki to complete a full day of exploring the most popular island in Hawaii. Join us for a memorable day that perfectly blends botanical beauty, scenic vistas, and the spirit of aloha.
Itinerary
Pickup between: 6:55–7:20 AM & Return 4:30–5:30 PM)
- Diamond Head Lookout (Amelia Earhart Lookout) - 10–15 minutes
Take in panoramic views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline and the iconic Diamond Head crater. This historic lookout is named after Amelia Earhart, who departed from Hawaii during her record-setting flight across the Pacific.
- Halona Blowhole - 10–15 minutes
Watch powerful ocean waves surge through a natural lava tube, creating an impressive water spout along Oahu’s rugged coastline.
- Makapuʻu Point Lookout - Drive-by
Enjoy sweeping views of dramatic sea cliffs, turquoise waters, and Rabbit Island as the tour travels along Oahu’s scenic southeastern shore.
- Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout - 20 minutes
See the beautiful views and take in the historical site that was the final site of the battle for the Hawaiian Kingdom. Tall cliffs, incredible views, and history converge on this location.
- Hawaiian Coffee & Macadamia Nut Tastings - 20–30 minutes
Sample locally grown Hawaiian coffee, macadamia nuts, and island treats while learning about some of Hawaii’s most famous agricultural products.
- Chinaman’s Hat & Kualoa Valley Lookout - 10–15 minutes
Capture photos of Mokoliʻi Island, commonly known as Chinaman’s Hat, and admire the dramatic landscapes of Kualoa Valley, featured in numerous Hollywood films.
- Lunch at a North Shore Local Restaurant - 30–40 minutes
Enjoy lunch on Oahu’s famous North Shore. Popular options include fresh island-style seafood, garlic shrimp, and vegetarian selections available at local eateries.
- Tropical Fruit Stand Stop - 10–20 minutes
Taste seasonal tropical fruits such as pineapple, coconut, mango, and other locally grown favorites.
- Sunset Beach - Drive-by
Pass one of the North Shore’s most legendary surf beaches, known worldwide for its massive winter waves and surfing competitions.
- Waimea Valley Botanical Garden & Waterfall - 60–90 minutes
Explore the lush botanical gardens of Waimea Valley and walk through a beautiful tropical landscape rich in Hawaiian history and culture. The paved trail leads to the famous Waimea Waterfall, one of Oahu’s most beloved natural attractions.
- Dole Pineapple Plantation - 20–30 minutes
Finish the day with a visit to Hawaii’s famous pineapple plantation. Browse local gifts, enjoy pineapple treats, and try the iconic Dole Whip before returning to Waikiki.
Price & Availability
9-Hour Oahu Waimea Valley Tour From Waikīkī Hotels
| AdultAges 13 yrs+ | $165.00 |
| ChildAges 3-12 yrs | $129.00 |
Included
- Guided Sightseeing Tour: Enjoy a scenic drive with stops at notable Oahu landmarks.
- Waimea Botanical Garden Entry: Explore diverse plant collections, and enjoy the waterfall where you can swim
- Itinerary Highlights: Visit Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and Makapu’u Point.
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle: Travel comfortably throughout the tour
- Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Provided from Waikiki hotels
Food & Drink
We break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can choose a famous North Shore Garlic Shrimp plate or other local delicacies. Non-shellfish and vegetarian options are available. Please bring cash for lunch.
We make other stops during the day to refill your water bottle and sample tropical fruit, coffee, and other local treats.
There are other food options at Waimea Valley and Dole Plantation for meals or snacks.
Exclusions
- Lunch: Not included in the tour; cash or credit is required for food purchases.
- Gratuities: Tips for the tour guides are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases or souvenirs are not covered
What to bring
- Swimwear and Towel
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Cash or Credit Card
- Camera
- Sunscreen
Cancellations
TOUR CANCELLATIONS
A 72 hours’ notice is required to qualify for a full refund. Guests who provide less than 48 hours’ notice, as well as no-shows, may be charged the full price without exception.
TOUR CHANGES
A 472 hours’ notice is required to request a change to your tour date or time. All rebooking requests are subject to availability and must not conflict with the minimum capacity requirements listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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