Planning to explore Oahu, Hawaii? You’re in the right place!

Oahu is a big island with far more to see than just Waikiki, but with so much to see, fitting it all in can feel overwhelming! We found this especially true on our first visit, but that’s precisely where a Circle Island tour comes in. 

The right full-day guided tour will take you around the entire island and stop at many of Oahu’s most iconic sights. However, choosing a quality tour is crucial to ensure that you get the best experience, which is why we’ve ranked our top five island tours here to help you choose.

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

The Circle Island tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE tour is this one covering Oahu’s top sights! From scenic lookouts to the famous North Shore and the Dole Plantation, it was a stress-free way to explore the best parts of the island with no planning required.

Check out the 17,400+ reviews and book this tour here!

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Why take a Circle Island Tour? 

For us, the biggest reason to take a Circle Island tour is to save time and stress! A lot of first-time visitors to Oahu don’t actually realize how large the island is, and planning a route that hits all the must-see spots can be tricky. Plus, traffic can get pretty bad at peak times, so it’s worth having a driver who knows how to get around.

So, to save our sanity, we tend to favor full-day tours of Oahu over trying to explore on our own. We’ve actually done quite a few of these tours over the years because they’re a nice way to get out of Honolulu or Waikiki and see more of what the island has to offer. 

5 Best Circle Island Tours on Oahu

1. Oahu Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour (Best Overall Pick)

• Duration: 9 hours
• Time: 6:30 am
• Highlights: Halona Blowhole, and Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, visit to Byodo-In Temple and a Macadamia Nut Farm, free time in Haleiwa on the North Shore, stop at Dole Plantation
• Inclusions: Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned bus, professional driver guide, bottled water, local snack tasting, all taxes and fees
• Rating: 5.0 stars (check 17,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

This Oahu Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa tour is our top pick overall, especially for first-time visitors. It covers a lot of ground in one day, and we really got to see the contrast between the countryside and more urban areas. Plus, our guide, Marlon, was just amazing – one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had! It made such a difference being shown around by a local with such a strong passion for his homeland.

It was also amazing to be able to hit both hotspots and hidden gems without having to spend hours planning a route. And honestly, I do think it would have taken us hours! We got to enjoy the gorgeous drive along the windward coast, which feels completely different from Waikiki, with lots of lush green mountains and much quieter beaches. And we both agreed that we probably wouldn’t have made it to stops like the Halona Blowhole and Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout on our own, which made the tour more than worth it for us.

We also had a lot of fun exploring the North Shore and the surf town of Haleiwa, which we ended up returning to later in our trip. And depending on the season, you might even spot sea turtles along the beaches in this area, which is always exciting! 

We also really enjoyed the stop at the Dole Plantation. It’s a bit touristy, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. You can’t come to Oahu without trying the famous Dole Whip – we won’t allow it!

Whether you’re new to Oahu, short on time, or just want to get out of Waikiki for the day, we think that this Circle Island tour is very hard to beat. And with over 17,000 5-star reviews (no, I’m not kidding), you don’t just have to take our word for it, either. 

Book this top-rated Circle Island tour here and get ready to hit the highlights!

2. Majestic Circle Island Tour with Lunch (Best for First-Time Visitors) 

• Duration: 9 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Scenic coastal drive, stops at Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, Byodo-in Temple, Tropical Farms, short hike to Waimea Valley and waterfall, visit the famous Dole Plantation, and included sit-down lunch
• Inclusions: Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned mini-bus, professional guide, admission to Byodo-In Temple and Waimea Valley, lunch at a local restaurant
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 7,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We think this Circle Island tour is the perfect choice for first-time visitors to Oahu because it delivers such a well-rounded introduction to the island. What makes this tour stand out is how smooth and well-organized the entire day feels, especially since you get lunch included. Trying to figure out where to eat lunch can sometimes feel rushed or stressful on full-day tours, so having it arranged for you takes the pressure off.

As for the stops themselves, you’ll be hitting all of Oahu’s highlights, starting with the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, which offers some of the most incredible views on the island. And for us, the Byodo-In Temple is a very special stop because it commemorates Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, offering insight into the island’s rich heritage. It’s also just super peaceful and feels totally different from busy Waikiki, where you’ll likely be staying.

The visit to Waimea Valley is always a crowd pleaser – especially since it’s just a short hike to a spectacular 45-foot waterfall! This is one of the rare waterfalls you can actually swim at, so don’t forget your swimsuits (we did the first time we visited and I still regret that!). And of course, it wouldn’t be a Circle Island tour without a stop at the Dole Plantation. We embraced our inner kids and rode the Pineapple Express train to see the pineapple fields up close!

What makes this tour stand out are the amazing guides and the fact that admission to BOTH Waimea Valley and the Byodo-In Temple is included – that’s an $85 USD bonus! If you’re new to Oahu and want to fit a lot in, this tour is the perfect introduction to the island.

Read 7,000+ rave reviews and book this all-inclusive tour here!

Related Read: Curious how we fit this tour into our trip? Our 5-Day Waikiki Itinerary covers all the highlights – with a Circle Island Tour planned for Day 2!

3. Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling (Best Combo Tour) 

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 7:20 am
• Highlights: Small-group Circle Island tour, snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles on the North Shore, stops at Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, scenic coastal viewpoints, and Dole Plantation, visit a Hawaiian farm for a tour and lunch, pick up fresh fruit from local vendors, see North Shore surf beaches and hidden local spots
• Inclusions: Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned minibus, professional guide, snorkeling equipment
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 5,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

A tour that involves snorkeling with sea turtles is always going to stand out for us, and we love that this combo tour lets you see the island’s highlights and get close to these beautiful creatures in just one day. It’s a lot easier than booking two separate excursions, so it saves time and makes your itinerary much easier to manage.

This is an especially smart way to experience Oahu if you don’t have a lot of time on the island. Turtle snorkeling is a bucket list experience, and having it built into a Circle Island tour means you don’t have to go out of your way to organize it. Everything is arranged for you, including the equipment and transportation, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy! 

The snorkeling itself takes place on the North Shore, where you’ll spot Hawaiian green sea turtles in the wild. The first time we did this, we weren’t sure if we’d actually spot one, but it wasn’t long at all before we saw a turtle gliding close by. We’ve been snorkeling here quite a few times since, and I must say, we have a pretty high success rate.

This tour still hits a lot of Oahu highlights, like the Dole Plantation and Diamond Head, but it adds something extra special to the day. Nothing beats getting in the water and experiencing Oahu’s marine life firsthand – and the 5,000+ glowing reviews definitely agree with us.

You can book this epic combo tour here with free cancellation – but hurry, as it’s very popular!

4. Oahu Circle Island Tour with Waimea Waterfall (Best North Shore Tour)

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Full Circle Island tour of Oahu, visit to Waimea Valley and Waimea Waterfall, swim beneath a tropical waterfall, scenic stops at Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, North Shore beaches including Sunset Beach, stop at Dole Plantation and macadamia nut farm
• Inclusions: Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, admission to Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 3,800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If the North Shore is at the top of your Oahu bucket list, this Circle Island Tour with a stop at Waimea Waterfall is an amazing choice. While you still get to see many of the island’s iconic viewpoints, this tour puts more focus on exploring the famous North Shore.

For us, the North Shore is definitely one of the most special parts of Oahu. It has a more local feel, and it’s also known for its legendary surf beaches, including Sunset Beach. Even if you’ve visited Oahu before, there’s a good chance you didn’t have enough time to fully explore this area!

This tour gives you the chance to experience it properly without having to plan a separate trip yourself and go through the hassle of renting a car (which really can be a headache here, trust me!).

The standout stop on this tour is definitely the Waimea Valley and Waterfall. We loved how jungle-esque the gardens felt, and the walk to the waterfall is paved, so it’s suitable for travelers of all ages and abilities. In fact, if the conditions are right, you can even go swimming in the waterfall – how cool is that? This is something that you just don’t get to experience in Waikiki, so it made the trip totally worth it for us.

We also loved watching the surfers take on the massive winter waves at Sunset Beach and looking for shells here – I couldn’t believe how many we found! We also had time to pick up some of the best mango and coconut I’ve ever had from a local fruit stand that we chowed down on during the drive back to Waikiki.

Book this top-rated North Shore tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!

5. Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu (Best Private Tour) 

• Duration: 6 to 8 hours
• Time: Flexible departure time
• Highlights: Private customizable Circle Island tour of Oahu, fully personalized itinerary based on your interests, visit top sights like Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Byodo-In Temple, Green World Coffee Farm and the North Shore, travel in a comfortable private vehicle
• Inclusions: Private transportation, Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, professional private guide, bottled water, fully customizable itinerary
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

If you want to explore Oahu without being tied to a fixed itinerary, then we highly recommend this private Circle Island tour. It’s super flexible, so instead of following a strict schedule, you can customize the day around what interests you most. And if you’re not sure, you can just chat to your local guide and they’ll make recommendations accordingly! 

This is why we love private tours. On shared tours, stops are often limited to a set amount of time, and the day can feel a bit rushed. With a private tour, you have much more control over the pace. If you arrive somewhere and really love it, you can stay longer and enjoy it properly instead of having to head back to the tour bus before you’re ready. We did this on our last private tour so we could spend more time at stops like Sunset Beach and the Dole Plantation.

Plus, because it’s just your group, the guide can focus entirely on you, answer questions, and even adjust the plan throughout the day. You also won’t be waiting on a large group of passengers at every stop, which definitely makes things run more smoothly and gives you extra time to enjoy each stop. 

We think that this tour works well for anyone who wants a more personal experience, but it’s also perfect for those who have visited Oahu before and want to explore more deeply. It allows you to see the island on your own terms without having to rent a car and navigate yourself.

Reserve your private tour of Oahu here, with FREE cancellation!

How long do Circle Island Tours last?

Circle Island tours usually last between 8-10 hours, so allocate a full day for it! We normally try to take a tour like this on our first day or two in Oahu, and we definitely recommend taking this approach if you’re a first-time visitor.

These sightseeing tours offer a great introduction to the island, and you can always plan to come back to a spot later if you find somewhere that you really love. For example, we fell in love with the North Shore on a Circle Island tour, and now we come back to explore the area every time we visit Oahu!

When should I book my Circle Island Tour?

We suggest booking your Circle Island tour a few months in advance. We usually book ours about two months ahead of time to make sure that we get the tour and time we want. Viator usually offers free cancellation anyway, so you’re not risking anything by being organized! 

But if you aren’t planning that far in advance, you can wait until a few weeks before to grab your spot. However, I really don’t recommend waiting until the last minute, especially during peak season. Oahu is popular and the good tours fill up fast. 

When you arrive, you’ll see people on the streets of Waikiki selling Circle Island tours, but we don’t recommend booking with them. There’s just really no way to know what you’re getting by booking these tours in person. We always book online so that we can read reviews and check itineraries in advance to make sure we’re in for an enjoyable day out.

Related Read: While you’re planning ahead, make sure to get your airport transfer handled with our guide on getting from the Honolulu Airport to your hotel!

Can I rent a car and drive myself instead?

You can, but we don’t really recommend it. Oahu is a huge island, and the traffic can be crazy, especially in Honolulu. Driving around here during the morning and evening rush hour is a nightmare, and parking at some of the island’s more remote spots can be a challenge, so doing it yourself is a lot more stressful. Oh, and the hotels have crazy high parking fees (around $50 USD per day), so the DIY approach doesn’t even save you money! 

With that said, if you only have one or two spots that you really want to visit, or return to after a tour, then renting a car can be a great way to do that. We often use Discover Cars and rent a vehicle for just one day so that we can explore Oahu at our own pace and avoid the hotel parking fees. 

Top Activities to do While in Honolulu

Once you’ve booked your Circle Island tour, don’t stop there! Oahu has so many other incredible experiences that you can only do here. From seeing a luau to soaring above the island in a helicopter, these are some of our favorite experiences on Oahu. Be sure to book early—these tours are popular and often fill up weeks in advance!

• Ride a Glass Bottom boat – See some of Hawaii’s best wildlife without getting wet on this glass bottom boat tour! Look through the glass viewing ports to see fish and coral, and then look up to spot turtles, seals, dolphins, or even humpback whales!

• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau – The Mauka Warriors Luau offers an authentic evening of Hawaiian hospitality and entertainment. This luau includes a warm welcome with a lei, a traditional feast, and captivating Polynesian performances, including hula and the best fire dancing we’ve ever seen.

• Explore Pearl Harbor and historic sites – This comprehensive tour offers a thoughtful visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor, diving deep into WWII history. You’ll also explore Honolulu’s iconic landmarks, like Iolani Palace, with convenient hotel pickup.

• Swim with sea turtles – Gliding through crystal-clear waters alongside green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, this Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour is an unforgettable experience. The crew provides all the gear you need, and it’s close to Waikiki. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins and whales!

• Soar above Oahu – For an unforgettable thrill, this doors-off helicopter tour lets you soar above Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Fly over Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and lush valleys with the wind in your hair and nothing but sky between you and the island’s breathtaking views.

Where to Stay in Honolulu

With booking tours checked off your list, it’s time to find a great place to stay in Honolulu. We suggest staying in Waikiki, so you’re close to all the action, but since it’s THE place to be, finding a hotel from the hundreds of choices can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have standout picks for all budgets – including our favorite beachfront hotel where we stayed for our last trip!

All the hotels below are in Central Waikiki for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe and put you close to the beach and the best restaurants and shopping. Our biggest tip is to book early – Waikiki is popular for a reason, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice!

The Royal Hawaiian – $$$ 

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in that famous pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, this is the one. The Royal Hawaiian is an icon, a Luxury Collection resort with its own stretch of sand and that “old Hawaii” glamour. Rooms are bright and tropical, with garden or ocean views, and the hotel’s location on Waikiki Beach makes it easy to enjoy Diamond Head views and live entertainment.

With a full-service spa, two gorgeous outdoor pools, and cultural activities, it’s a proper treat-yourself stay. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely money well spent! Rooms here start from around $500 USD per night. Check staying here off your bucket list by booking here!

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – $$ (Where we stayed!)

The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort is our favorite pick in Waikiki — we loved every minute of our stay! Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it’s steps from the sand and is home to the legendary Duke’s restaurant. We loved listening to the ocean from our balcony and watching the water turn golden at sunset. Plus, it was so easy for beach days since we went from our room to having our feet in the sand in two minutes!

Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, so you’re set up for relaxed beach days and easy mornings. We also love the little extras like free water bottles and a beach bag, and daily cultural activities (think lei-making and ukulele lessons). It’s a brilliant all-rounder in Waikiki with rooms starting around $350 USD per night. See if there’s a room available for your trip here!

Hotel Renew – $

Hotel Renew is a budget-friendly gem just one block from Waikiki Beach. This modern boutique hotel is known for its calming vibe and thoughtful touches, like beach towels and gear for guests to borrow. The bright, clean rooms are simple but comfortable, with plush beds and a 50-inch flat-screen TV for cozy nights in. Some rooms even have a partial ocean view or a balcony—perfect for sipping a morning coffee before hitting the sand.

Rates at Hotel Renew typically start at around $150–$250 USD per night, making it a great option for budget travelers who still want comfort and a prime Waikiki location. Check availability and book Hotel Renew online in advance!

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Honolulu here.

Related Read: Still wondering which hotel to choose? Have a look at our detailed guide that goes over all of Honolulu’s best areas and hotels!

Renting a Car in the USA

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the USA

• Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
• Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
• Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
• Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

A Circle Island Tour is our favorite way to see the most of Oahu in a day without having to stress or plan it ourselves! I remember taking my first tour around the island as a child, and I still love hopping on one of these tours today. All the ones I mentioned include some of our favorite spots from tasting Dole Whip to seeing Waimea Falls and the North Shore, and of course, fun extras like snorkeling or local lunch spots we never would have found on our own.

Whether this is your first time in Hawaii or you’re returning again, check out all our Hawaii blogs for more ideas and inspiration. We have step-by-step itineraries, top activities and tours, and the hotels we recommend. Aloha!

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The post 5 Best Circle Island Tours on Oahu: Which One to Choose appeared first on Destinationless Travel.