9 Best Circle Island Tours of Oahu
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No rental car? No problem. These circle the island tours are the best and easier way to see everything you need to see in Oahu and more in one full, fun-packed day!
On my most recent trip to Hawaii (actually, on all my trips) I always make time to circle the island. All of these photos are from my own around the island tour. Even if you would rather do it on your own, circling the island is an absolute MUST when you’re in Oahu!
Tours provide you with easy logistics, planning, and the ability to find hidden gems with locals that you would never find, or even think of finding, on your own! So, if that sounds like it’s up your alley, here are the best circle island tours of Oahu!
Before we get started – one thing you need to know about these tours: they are LONG! Prepare yourself. Pack snacks, lots of water, and get ready for a longggg day in and out of a car!
1. Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 10 hours | Book now!
From Diamond Head to the North Shore, this circle island tour covers it all. So many travelers stick to Waikiki, but that’s going to be your number one mistake. I circle the island every time I come to Oahu!
You’ll love watching the surfers at Banzai Pipeline and hopping in the water at Shark’s Cove. While you will get to see all of the most beautiful sights around Oahu, this tour is also a full day of learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.
Keep in mind some of this is seasonal – you can’t swim at Shark’s Cove for most of the winter, starting in December, because of the high tides, and Banzai Pipeline has much smaller swells in the summer.
No matter the time of year, though, this will be one of your favorite days exploring the island.
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2. Oahu Circle Island Small Group Tour
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 9 hours | Book now!
View and learn about Diamond Head State without the hiking! While the hike is my favorite part of Diamond Head, I know it might not be for everyone. This itinerary will take you to Diamond Head, Kualoa Ranch, Byodo-In Temple (pass by), a few other viewing points, and ending at the famous Dole plantation!
Another stop I love on this tour is Haleiwa Store Lots on the North Shore. You can’t go to Hawaii without bringing home some local gems after a shopping spree.
They’ll take you to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for lunch but pro tip: don’t bother. Walk over to Jenny’s Food Truck for an even better meal!
If going inside the temple is on your to do list, try out Hidden Gems of Oahu tour option instead
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3. Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 6-8 hours | Book now!
Circling your way around Oahu on your own can be stressful – full of logistics, timing, and planning. I’ve spent hours stressing out over planning days that hit everything I want to see.
This customizable tour is the perfect blend of a local guide’s recommendations mixed with your bucket list locations on Oahu.
The awesome tour guides on this private tour will give you ideas and take you to places around the island you’ve likely never even heard of – like the Mermaid Caves (when it’s safe, of course).
Speaking of safety – that’s one of the top perks of hiring a guide. Knowing whether or not snorkeling, cliff jumping, and off-path gems are safe to explore really depends on the time of year. June is best for lower times. Having a local will help so much with planning for the season.
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4. Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 6 hours | Book now!
Ever wonder where Macadamia nuts come from? You’re about to find out! One of my favorite stops on this tour – Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm.
This family owned farm has been growing, cracking, and packaging their own macadamia nuts for islanders since 1987. The perfect place to learn a bit about Hawaiian culture. Not just Oahu, but also Maui, the Big Island, and beyond.
There are only 9 stops on 6 hours on this tour, compared to some other options which make 10-15 stops in a full 10 hour day.
If a full day of driving doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, this might be a better option. It’s a great way to see the island without a car. Plus, the opportunity to spend a little more time at the places you do stop.
On the other hand, if you want to see as much as possible on one trip, I wouldn’t suggest this one.
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5. Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling & Turtles
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 8-10 hours | Book now!
This tour is for the Instagramers and the foodies! Some of the lookout points on this tour are *chef’s kiss*. Nu’uanu Pali and Makapuu Lighthouse Trail are two of the stops, and two of my favorite photo ops.
I like this tour because you also hit some more unique spots like Laie Point State Wayside Park and the Statue of Duke Kahanamoku that a lot of the circle tours don’t hit. At 8-10 hours in a small group, though, there’s a chance you may get tired of close quarters with your tour group.
Overall, this isn’t just a tour, it’s an experience with the people who know the island best – locals!
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6. Hidden Gems of Oahu Circle Island Tour with Byodo In Temple
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 9 hours | Book now!
Anytime I see hidden gems my eyes light up 🤩 Go Tours Hawaii will not steer you wrong on this Circle Island Tour – I promise!!
But don’t worry – not all these gems are hidden, this is still a great circle the island experience, just with a little twist. You still get to hit my favorite “must see spots” in Honolulu – Diamond Head, Byodo-In Temple, the North Shore, the Koko Head Crater Halona blowhole. The gems here come towards the end.
You’ll end your day at Sunset Beach and Pua’ena Point Beach Park, two spots that you probably wouldn’t hit (or find) on your own. That’s my favorite part about tours. Each tour guide will take you somewhere you likely would never find on your own. It’s the best way to dive deep into your favorite places.
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7. 8 Hour Circle Island Jeep Tour
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 8 hours | Book now!
Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy a VIP experience with this private jeep tour! Like I said earlier, 8-10 hours in a car with a small group might get old quickly, and this is the perfect solution.
With your own guide, you’ll have a full day to chat and learn about Hawaii – from the best spots and restaurants to the culture and traditions that make Hawaii, Hawaii!
This is my absolute favorite option on this list because you hit an exceptional number of unique spots during the trip – most that the other options won’t hit.
You’ll get to watch the surfers at Banzai Pipeline, learn a bit at the Makai Research Pier, and hit plenty more that only a local will know to take you to. It’s certainly on the more expensive side, but worth every penny.
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8. Oahu Circle Island Tours – Budget Pick
Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 9 hours | Book now!
Want to spend the day with a bus full of new friends? This budget pick is for you!
With 14 stops in 9 hours, this is a fast paced, see everything you can, as fast as you can tour.
You’ll stop at viewpoints for photos, local shops for shave ice and shrimp, and spot turtles at some of the best beaches on the island.
Personally, I hate buses, so I prefer to opt for a smaller tours, but if you’re on a budget and don’t mind a large group, then this is your best option.
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9. Oahu Circle Island – North Shore Snorkeling Tour (Dole & Temple)
Rating ⭐ 4.5 stars | Length 10 hours | Book now!
At 10 hours, this may seem like a long day, but it’s one of my favorites for one important reason: you get to spend more time at each location on this tour than almost any other tour on this list.
You’re not just “passing by”, you’re getting out, learning, and exploring at each spot for 20-40 minutes.
Pineapple lovers? You’ll get a whole 50 minutes at the Dole Plantation. You’ll even get an hour to go snorkeling and spot some sought after sea turtles.
The only stop I wish this tour included is the Polynesian Cultural Center, a great site for visitors to hit to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii.
Regardless, you simply can’t go wrong with this tour.
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Summary: Best Oahu Circle Island Tours
There you have it! Nine spectacular options to circle Oahu with a local. Like I said at the beginning, you don’t have to take a tour to get a real “around the island” experience. You can simply use these itineraries as inspiration and plan your own.
But, having a local to guide you, teach you, and drive for you definitely has its perks!! It doesn’t make which way you choose to explore, as long as you get out of Waikiki and see the rest of this incredible island!
Need help or have questions about your trip? Email me and let me know – I’m here for you!
