Majestic Circle Island Tour
Out of all circle island tours this is the most popular! This 120 mile excursion covers the island’s most scenic spots.
The tour starts with a view of Diamond Head and premiere neighborhood of Kahala. Then, it stops at the Holona Blowhole lookout, the beach made famous in the kissing scene in the movie “From Here to Eternity”, as well as stops at Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead, Makapu’u Lookout, Sandy Beach, and Hanauma Bay overlook (every day but Tuesday) .
Leaving downtown Honolulu, the tour stops at Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of Nu’uanu Valley and Ko’olau Mountains. A short time later you enter the peaceful, serene grounds of the Byodo-In Buddhist Temple with its koi ponds and manicured Japanese gardens. You pause – and ring the temple’s Peace Bell, said to ensure happiness and a long life.
Then you will descend into the old plantation town of Haleiwa, now a state historic, cultural, and scenic district; home to surfers and artists alike. This is home to some of the most famous surfing spots in the world, including Banzai Pipeline, Sunset and Waimea Bay. Enjoy a short hike to Waimea Falls through the beautiful botanical gardens. Swimming is permitted by Waimea Valley lifeguards. The tour guide will tell you folk stories and Hawaiian traditions.
The last stop is the historic Dole Plantation where you can learn about the sweet, spiky fruit that became the taste of Hawaii.
The tour will include a no host lunch stop where you can purchase your own lunch. Our advice is to tell your driver that you’d love to try a local plate lunch from one of the “shrimp trucks.”
Schedule: Daily. Morning pickup at Waikiki hotels, Aloha Tower, and airport hotels is between 8:00am and 8:20am. Approximate return is 5:30pm.
What to wear: Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes. Please bring a bathing suit if you wish to swim.
Restrictions: This tour requires participants to be in moderately good shape and may be unsuitable for those with medical conditions.