Oahu Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor (combo)
Highlights
- Pearl Harbor and its most popular attraction, the Arizona Memorial (AZ)
- Scenic circle tour through the center of the island, along the North Shore, and down the eastern coast
- 30+ sights include pineapple & coffee farms, beaches, mountains, Valley of Temples, military cemetery
- Small group of 8 max (often less), or private tour
- Includes expert local guide, all admission tickets, hot lunch, and door-to-door transport
Overview
Experience the highlights of Oahu on a full day “circle island” tour with knowledgeable local guides in a small group setting.
In newer premium vehicles, you will be picked up from your lodging and start the day learning about famous Honolulu sites and Hawaii's most visited attraction, Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor, you will watch a moving 20 minute film, and then travel by boat to the Arizona Memorial*, where you will disembark on this hallowed gravesite for over a thousand U.S. service members.
After a couple of hours at Pearl Harbor, you'll head up through the middle of the island, where you’ll first stop at Green World Coffee Farm (with coffee and chocolate tastings) and then at the popular Dole Plantation, the last remaining farm for pineapples which have an important history in Hawaii. After a tasty made-to-order hot lunch at a highly rated local food stand, you’ll visit the famous North Shore beaches, including possible turtle sightings on the beach.
During the afternoon, you'll head down the eastern side (“windward side”) with stunning coastal views on one side (including of Chinaman’s Hat) and scenic farms and mountains on the other, with many picture-taking stops and a chance to purchase some local fruit.
Additional afternoon highlights include a Macadamia Nut Farm (with tastings), a historical Hawaiian place of worship (Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau), Valley of the Temples, Pali Lookout, and the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater (over 53,000 veterans laid to rest there), before returning to your lodging in the early evening.
TravelShack's Choice
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS OPTION OVER OTHERS
- For shared tour, the smaller group (8 or less, whereas others are often more than 25) means more personalized attention from guide, better group camaraderie, less time waiting around for everyone to get on and off, and more time for stops
- Includes some off-the-beaten-path stops/areas
* Arizona Memorial Update (September)
Until likely late 2022, there are ongoing repairs to the dock used to visit the Arizona Memorial, which has sharply limited the amount of tickets/visitors to the Arizona Memorial, impacting all tour operators and the general public.
In the meantime, there are 2 versions of this tour:
1) the original tour ($219/person) that has guaranteed tickets for the AZ Memorial. This is the (with AZ) option in the booking form.
2) a new version ($199/person) that doesn't go onto the AZ Memorial but that still spends a similar amount of time at Pearl Harbor -- to view the historical film, see the AZ from shore with commentary from your guide, and to visit multiple exhibits and memorials. This is the (without AZ) option.
In the recent past when there were no operating boat rides to the AZ Memorial, guests largely still found the visit to Pearl Harbor worthwhile, which is why we are offering this version in order to make more tour dates available (and also to provide a lower priced option).
Since AZ tickets are procured 2 months out, for within the next 2 months, which tour is available varies by date, as shown in the above booking calendar. If you already booked, please refer to your most recent confirmation email which will state whether your tour is the version with or without the Arizona Memorial; if you booked it with the AZ Memorial and tickets were not procured 2 months out, you would have been contacted.
Beyond 2 months, the tour doesn't know yet which dates will have guaranteed AZ tickets, so only the version without AZ tickets is currently bookable. However, your booking will be upgraded at no extra cost should AZ tickets be secured on the date you book, and your reminder emails will reflect this. However, if you are looking to book more than 2 months out and you are only interested in this tour with AZ tickets to actually step on the memorial, then your options are:
1) Submit our form and we will contact you 2 months out when we will know for certain which dates this tour will be operating with a visit onto the Memorial.
2) Check back when it's within 2 months and book with confidence then that the dates with guaranteed AZ tickets are set.
3) Book our more in-depth Pearl Harbor Tour which includes guaranteed AZ tickets for all dates. You could then book our similar Circle Island Tour (but without Pearl Harbor) for another date, since there is no overlap, and you'll get the most complete Circle Island and Pearl Harbor experiences.
The Arizona Memorial boat service is expected to return to full capacity within the coming months, and we will update our tour page and availability when it does. In the meantime, our booking calendar will be conservative for now and only assume all tours will have guaranteed AZ tickets again starting in February 2023, although it may be much sooner. To recap, a visit to the AZ Memorial with guaranteed tickets is only currently available on some tour dates for the next 2 months and on all tour dates beginning in February.
Key Details
Traveler Reviews
TravelShack Customer rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on:
Guidebook Reviews
Lonely Planet guidebook:
Pearl Harbor has a resonance for all Americans. The site is accessible, evocative, and moving. It’s the top site for visitors to Hawaii.
Oahu in 1 Day: Best Driving is Circle Island Tour.
Fodor's guidebook:
Pearl Harbor: Top Reasons to Go to Oahu. A sobering, don’t miss sight.
Byodo-in Temple: Fodor’s Choice. Peaceful surroundings set dramatically against the sheer, green cliffs.
Guided tours on Oahu are convenient; you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or getting admission tickets.
Moon guidebook:
The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are a must-see to grasp.
Oahu Revealed guidebook:
The USS Arizona Memorial is the single most popular visitor attraction on Oahu. One of those must-dos on Oahu and for good reason. It makes WWII real for the rest of us. Parking can be difficult at peak times.
Punchbowl Cemetery is an immensely moving place, guaranteed to put a lump in your throat.
Valley of the Temples: A Real Gem; the Byodo-In is the absolute essence of serenity, like taking a mini-trip to Japan.
FAQ
Where does this tour pick up from and at what time?
For those staying in Waikiki/Honolulu, the tour picks up from virtually all lodgings in this area.
Lodging pickups are around 6:30-7 am (the exact time will be included in your confirmation email) and drop-offs 5-6 pm, depending on your exact lodging, traffic, pace of group, etc.
For those staying in Ko Olina, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, or Waianae, please meet at Pearl Harbor (~15-30 min via Uber/Lyft, or free parking) at 7:20 am. Or you can book a private tour to include pickup/dropoff at your lodging (except Waianae).
If you are staying on the eastern coast (e.g., Kaneohe, Kailua), the North Shore (e.g., Turtle Bay Resort), or elsewhere, you can meet at Pearl Harbor or you can meet in Honolulu, at the Ala Moana Shopping Center (6:30 am), which also has free parking.
This tour can pick up at the Honolulu cruise terminal at 7 am. However, disembarking the cruise ship can take 30-60 minutes, so please factor that in.
Can I do this tour if I am doing the Pride of America cruise?
If you were to do it at the beginning of your trip, we recommend prior to your Saturday departure if possible. If you prefer Saturday, you would need to do a private tour to ensure you get dropped off at the Pride of America by 5 pm, or if it's within the next week and you can't do another day, you can contact us and we may have some flexibility. Alternatively, our Pearl Harbor only tour would drop you off by 3-4 pm.
If at the end of your cruise, Saturday would be too tight, so please choose a later date if you are spending additional nights in Oahu. Alternatively, please book our Circle Island Tour or Pearl Harbor Tour, either which would work due to a later start time.
Please note the tour typically does not like to take luggage due to security & liability concerns. The cruise terminal has a luggage storage service if needed.
Can I be picked up or dropped off at the airport?
Yes, but please make sure to arrive in time for pick-up at 7-7:15 am and depart after being dropped off around 6 pm. If you are also spending a night in Oahu, then it is recommended to store the luggage at your lodging prior to the tour. You could also consider storing or checking in your luggage early at the airport (more info here). Due to security & liability reasons, the tour prefers not to take luggage on the tour, although exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis for private tours.
Can I bring luggage on tour?
In general, the tour cannot bring luggage, for liability/security reasons and space constraints. Some options include:
1) Leaving at your hotel front desk even if you've checked out that morning
2) Storing at the airport (more info here)
3) Storing at the cruise ship terminal
4) Storing at another location as listed on Bounce
5) Book a date where you are not constrained by luggage
If necessary, there may be some flexibility with private tours.
What’s for lunch?
Lunch will be at a popular food stand, Big Wave Shrimp, on the North Shore. You can order off the menu, and an entree and drink is included in the price of the tour. The menu includes a variety of shrimp styles (Garlic, Crunchy, Spicy, Peeled, Lemon Peppered), Steak and Short Ribs dishes, and a kids menu (hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries). Served with rice, salad, and local pineapple. Seasonings have Thai and Japanese influences. Big Wave Shrimp has been featured in multiple tv shows, including on the Travel Channel, and has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (4.5 star rating).
Vegetarians/Vegans can have veggie spring rolls, and gluten-free eaters can have boiled shrimp and request no dressing. They can accommodate those with food allergies, including shellfish allergy and nut allergies (no nuts used). Nevertheless, if this eatery is not a good fit for you, there are nearby food stands you can order from (note: you will be responsible for paying at other places).
What is the age minimum?
There is no age minimum.
Hawaii law requires children under age 4 to ride in a child safety seat and children ages 4-7 to ride in a child safety seat or a booster seat. You may bring your own, or please select during checkout for the tour to provide ($20).
Please consider the length of the tour, much of it in a vehicle, in determining whether this tour is a good fit for your child and that your child won't significantly detract from the experience of any other passengers (if non-private tour). The guide does make an effort to engage and customize the tour for any children on the tour.
How much physical exertion is on this tour?
There are some short walks, but these are optional and the tour guide will use their judgment in determining which stops are most appropriate for the guests on the tour. At the time of booking, there is a place to indicate any physical limitations.
Is this tour appropriate for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or strollers?
No. Federal/state law prevents the tour from taking these items onboard because it is not an ADA-compliant vehicle and these objects can serve as hazardous projectiles. They wouldn't be suitable anyways for most stops. Canes are permitted.
Will I be on the same van as others traveling with me if they book separately?
There may be more than one van that goes out on the same day. Therefore, if booking separately, please answer the question at checkout about you being with another party so we can ensure you are on the same van.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring to Pearl Harbor?
For Pearl Harbor, you are welcome to bring cameras, water bottles (note: bottled water available as part of tour), wallets, and other items, but bags are not allowed on site for security reasons. Exceptions to this include bags for medical necessities and clear see-through bags. You may bring bags on the general tour for the day, but they will need to remain locked in the van during the Pearl Harbor portion (~2 hours).
Is there swimming on this tour?
This is more a sightseeing tour, with a lot of ground to cover. There is a good amount of time outside the van, including visiting a few beautiful North Shore beaches, but there aren't swimming opportunities due to time constraints and liability/safety concerns (note: the North Shore beaches can also be quite rough and are more for surfing, especially during the winter). The beach stops are more for the scenery than sunbathing or water play.
How long has this tour been operating?
The tour operator has been running highly rated private customized tours for groups through high end resorts on Oahu for a decade. Starting in Fall 2018, TravelShack partnered closely with them to develop an optimized standard itinerary and small group tour to allow more people to have a VIP experience at great value, with easy booking through TravelShack. More recently we've also added a private tour option.
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