Oahu Grand Circle Island Excursion (Pride of America Exclusive)

Listed in chronological order, the following are a mixture of stops (“S") and drive-bys ("D") (i.e. photo ops from the comfort of the bus with large windows; the bus usually pulls over if possible or otherwise drives by slowly). The longest stops are Haleiwa (~90 min) and Dole (~30 min), whereas the other stops are 5-20 minutes.

Diamond Head Crater (D) 

Kahala Gold Coast (D) - storied estates of the rich & famous

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (S) - dedicated lookout of famous scenic bay (admission fee included for this restricted-access location)

Halona Blowhole (S) - see ocean water enter collapsed lava cave and spew up to 30 ft in the air (depending on ocean conditions at the time)

Nuuanu Pali Lookout (S) - expansive scenic views of the eastern coast at historically important site

Byodo-In Temple (S) - beautiful Japanese temple located in lush valley among Koi fish ponds and tropical landscapes

Tropical Farms (S) - farm visitor center known for its local macadamia nuts & coffee, with free tastings

North Shore Beaches (D) - picturesque beaches known for their monster waves and surf competitions in the winter

Town of Haleiwa (S) - charming beachside town, with independent time (up to 1.5 hours) for lunch and shopping (map with recommendations provided)

Dole Pineapple Plantation (S) - learn about the storied history of pineapples in Hawaii, explore the grounds to see different varieties, and enjoy treats such as the famous Dole Soft Serve / Whip

Honolulu City (D) - see sites such as Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower, and Chinatown

• There is so much to see on the popular circle island route. This tour has been optimized by those with decades of experience and will ensure you see the most with high quality stops than would likely be possible on your own in one day, especially given a more compressed timeline of arriving by cruise ship in the morning and for many flying out later in the day. Proper pacing means you will spend a reasonable amount of time at each stop without the day being overly long or conversely rushing through. 
• Learn from a local guide with a deep knowledge of Oahu, which will bring to life your Hawaii sightseeing experience
• This is a popular route that can be crowded at times; let the tour handle parking at the various stops, as well as optimize the best itinerary to minimize peak crowds
• Unfortunately car break-ins do occur on this route, and it’s less stressful and safer with a secured tour bus, especially with bags from your cruise

Pickup at the Pride of America cruise ship (Pier 2) is at 7:30-8 am, timed with the ship's arrival. Luggage is securely stored in the baggage bay of the bus during the tour.

Dropoff is at the airport at 3:30-45 pm or in Waikiki (where most lodgings are) by 4:15-30 pm.

For those flying out after the tour, please ensure the tour schedule fits your flight itinerary. You may want to consult the TSA app for historical and real-time security wait times at the Honolulu airport, which is not a large airport but does have 2 terminals. The driver can try to base the order of airport dropoffs (e.g., Terminal 1 vs. 2 first) as needed based on any time-sensitive departures, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please also note your departing flight details with your booking.

For those being dropped off in Waikiki, the tour can likely drop off at your lodging, although some lodgings in this busy urban area are not possible for the tour bus, in which case you would be dropped off nearby within a short walking distance. The exact dropoff location will be included in your confirmation email. 

If you have a late flight and would rather be dropped off centrally in Waikiki to have dinner and spend more time in Oahu's main tourist center before heading to the airport, that can also be an option.

The tour uses a 34-seat deluxe midsize coach bus, although on rare occasions it may be a larger bus. Capacity is generally maxed at less than 30 people and potentially as few as 15 (the minimum). 

Amenities include:

• Onboard restroom
• Large baggage bay below, and ample overhead storage
• Air-conditioning
• Panoramic window views
• Reclining seats
• Adjustable headrest / footrest
• Microphone and flat screen video system (multiple short videos will likely be shown to enhance the educational component)
• Seat belts
• In addition to regular thorough disinfection, the onboard HVAC system has a combination of antimicrobial filters and UV lights to eliminate 99.99% of airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold, exceeding standard HEPA filters and government requirements

This Pride of America excursion (Saturdays only) is:
$199 for age 12+
$149 for age 3-11
free for age 2 & under

Note: For those staying in Oahu before or after the cruise with more flexibility to do a Circle Island tour on another day beyond the Saturday return, you may also consider our smaller van tour, including a version that includes Pearl Harbor. Please note these are not compatible with Saturday pickup from the cruise ship with luggage.

This sightseeing tour is suitable for most people. While there are multiple stops and ample time to walk around outside the vehicle, the amount of walking can be fairly minimal if desired.

However, due to there being many stops, wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted. Walkers, strollers, canes, etc. are fine.