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Shaka Guide App - Oahu Self-Guided Audio Driving Tours

Shaka Guide app of Oahu, and of Hawaii

Available daily, pick-up not available, what to expect.

• Travel around the island on this full day driving tour.
• Stop at world famous surfing beaches, foodie towns, historic sites and explore the North shore.
• Approximately six to eight hours round trip with 120 narration points
• Spend a day exploring one of the most scenic roadways in Hawaii.
• Visit beautiful beaches, explore volcanic geography, snorkel at Hanauma Bay or hike to the Makapuu Lighthouse.
• Approximately six to eight hours round trip with 116 narration points
• Visit and explore Honolulu’s most iconic locations.
• Drive through the lush, green Manoa Valley. Lookout over the city from Tantalus mountain. Discovery hidden local culinary delights.
• Approximately two to four hours round trip with 73 narration points
• Spend a day exploring the most infamous stretch of coastline in the world, The North Shore of Oahu!
• Cruise through the Dole Pineapple Fields, watch professional surfers at Pipeline and Sunset beach in the winter or snorkel the clear waters of Sharks Cove during the summer.
• Eat at the Famous North Shore Shrimp trucks
• Approximately eight to ten hours round trip with 119 narration points

Transportation add-ons

Important activity information, restrictions.

• You will be charged for an additional audio tour if you download the tour through the Shaka Guide app without using the provided confirmation/purchase code.
• You must download the Oahu Shaka Guide to utilize the audio tours for the island of Oahu. The Big Island, Maui, or Kauai Shaka Guides will not work on Oahu.

Additional notes

• The Shaka Guide app can be downloaded at anytime from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
• You will receive Purchase Code once your booking has been confirmed, and this code will allow you to download your audio tour.
• Access to each audio tour is permanent on the app once the Purchase Code is redeemed.
• Your Redeem Code is case sensitive. Also, please make sure you whitelist our email address [email protected] so our emails do not get lost or routed to your Junk or Spam folders.
• Should you need further assistance or have other questions, please email [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

Required items to bring & attire

• While you are downloading the tour, make sure you leave the app open. Closing the app or switching over to another app may stop the download or cause an error.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 1.

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Overall rating.

This is a great addition to enrich your travel experience. I recommend you don't visit the Hawaiian Islands without it. We thoroughly enjoyed the music, history, directions, and interesting narration.

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• Any cancellations made after the booking confirmation date will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

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• Location: Hawaii, USA
• Audio Points: 230+
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Flexible
• Direction: Multi
• Download: ~94Mb

FLEXIBLE TOUR

This complete island tour is designed to be flexible, so you can road trip the way you want. No worrying about where to start or which portion of the island you want to see. Use our suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips across the island.

Tour Route Map

Audio preview.

Highlights Include

• Byodo-In Temple
• Diamond Head
• Dole Plantation
• Hanauma Bay
• Kailua & Lanikai
• Laie Sea Arch
• National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
• North Shore, Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline
• Pearl Harbor*
• Punchbowl Crater
• Shrimp Trucks
• The Pali Lookout

What to Expect

Want to connect with Hawaii, beyond Waikiki?  Then it’s definitely worth taking a full day from sunbathing, renting a car, and driving to tour around Oahu.

There are many stories, tips and advice along the way, that will enhance your Oahu, Hawaii vacation experience.  We’ll highlight the many viewpoints, but how and how long you choose to explore is up to you.

Includes 4 suggested road trips to explore Oahu;

Have a full day to sightsee  drive the north shore loop.

The main attraction is the North Shore , and its famous big wave surfing beaches of Sunset Beach  &  Banzai Pipeline . 

Hear about the history of surfing, local legends and some overseas challengers to the throne.  Enjoy a stop for some tropical delights at the Dole Plantations on the way to the laid back North Shore town of Haleiwa , or continue on to Shrimp Truck heaven. 

We’ll point out a few of our favourites, but remember to bring mints or friends that don’t care about garlic breath. 

Continue driving along the windward side and grab a photo of the hole in the rock  Laie Sea Arch .

Looking for a cultural experience? The  Polynesian Cultural Center  is a theme park and living museum, home to the Islands biggest luau and evening show.  Or find your zen at the serene Buddhist Byodo-In Temple .

Loop back around the Pali and return to Waikiki.   You can also choose to drive this route in the opposite direction and arrive at Sunset Beach , late in the afternoon before returning to Waikiki.

Or scope out  Ko Olina , the resort area with crested shaped beach lagoons and the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa .

Only Have A Few Hours? Tour Oahu’s Beaches and Volcanoes

Oahu’s Southeast corner is an area dominated by extinct volcanoes and sandy beaches.  Get fit by hiking up the short but steep staircase at  Diamond Head , you’ll be reward with breathtaking view overlooking  Honolulu .  And one of the best, but also most popular spots to snorkel is  Hanauma Bay .  To help the reef, the bay is closed on Tuesdays, so make sure you plan around that.

Escape to the small towns of  Kailua  and  Lanikai  for pristine beaches, or take a guided kayaking tour to the twin islands, “ The Mokes ” just offshore.  It’s not hard to feel the spiritual significance at the Pali Lookout , but hang onto your hats, you’ll also feel the strong wind blowing up against these cliffs.

Continue on the Pali to finish the loop back in Waikiki, or continue driving to complete the Island Circle.

Drive all the way around the island in one day!  

If you want to have an amazing day and see everything, then all you have to do is start early and spend a full day of sunshine driving all the way around the island. Simply combine the North Shore Loop and Volcanoes & Beaches into one easy continuous tour.

You can drive either way around the island, start at the North Shore and go clockwise, or start with Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay and go counter-clockwise – it’s your choice.

If you want to make longer stops like hiking Diamond Head , snorkelling at Hanauma Bay  or visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center , then you will need to keep an eye on time to make sure you don’t run out of daylight! If going counter-clockwise, its nice to watch the sunset at Sunset Beach , have dinner at Haleiwa and then drive back to Waikiki in the dark.

You’ll be amazed by the variety of experiences, including authentic Hawaiian places of interest, once you drive away from Waikiki.

Want to Visit Pearl Harbor?

We recommend you dedicate at least a 1/2 day as its own day trip from Waikiki for the  Pearl Harbor Visitor Center  if you want to pay respects and explore this still active naval base.  

We include driving instructions on where to exit for Pearl Harbor as you are heading towards the North Shore.

Suggested Start Location

Official starts are along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki or Ko Olina, or join and pick up commentary anywhere along the route.

Suggested Time

Island Circle  – expect to spend a full day (10+ hours) between driving and sightseeing stops

North Shore Loop – expect around 6 hours between driving and sightseeing stops

Beaches & Volcanoes – allow a half day to drive with sightseeing stops.

Pearl Harbor – Expect a half day depending on how busy the site is.

Driving Distance

Island Circle Loop – 105 miles

North Shore Loop – 90 miles

Beaches & Volcanoes – 45 miles for the loop

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT OAHU?

Most visitors have their first experience of Hawaii on Oahu. You may love the bustling atmosphere and amenities of Waikiki, but if you venture around the island you’ll start to see the tropical scenery, turquoise waters, rich culture and history that attracts many visitors.

IS OAHU WORTH GOING TO?

Also known as ‘The Gathering Place’, Oahu is Hawaii’s third largest island but has far more activities and cultural/historical sites than any other island. From the surfing beaches on the North Shore, to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, to historic sites like Pearl Harbor, there’s something for everyone in Oahu.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT MISS ON OAHU?

There are far more activities and cultural/historical sites on Oahu than any other island, but some of the top highlights include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, watching surfers along the North Shore, hiking Diamond Head and visiting Pearl Harbor.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT OAHU?

The off-peak, shoulder seasons of April to May and September to mid-December are when you’ll find the best values in Oahu. You can expect far more crowds (and higher prices) in the winter months, with a similar, schools-out family vacation crowd in June, July and August.

HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED IN OAHU?

Depending on your list of what you want to experience, and considering the travel time involved, one should try to stay a week on Oahu if they don’t want to feel rushed.

IS OAHU AND HONOLULU THE SAME?

Honolulu is the state capital and largest city in Hawaii, and millions of visitors arrive through Honolulu to stay on the island of Oahu.

WHEN IS HANAUMA BAY OPEN?

No trip to Oahu is complete without a trip to Hanauma Bay, consistently one of the top three attractions. As part of the conservation efforts, reservations are now required to enter the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The nature preserve is open to the public from Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry from 6:45am to 1:30pm, and can be booked online two days in advance  or by walk-in and drive-in. A small fee applies for entry and parking to this popular spot.

Trip Planning

Reservations required.

Reservations are required to visit Hanauma Bay in Hanauma Bay State Park, visit the honolulu.gov website for reservations and further details.

Reservations are also required to visit Diamond Head State Monument, including the Diamond Head hike. Visit the hawaii.gov website for reservations and further details.

For visitors to Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial boat tour tickets must be booked in advance at recreation.gov .

Oahu, Hawaii Trip Planner

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Self-Guided Tour of Oahu

Social Distance and see Oahu like you've never done before

Experience the best of Oahu with Shaka Guide and have an amazing and memorable Hawaii vacation!! Shaka Guide 4 Guided Driving Tours and 2 Guided Walking Tours for Oahu

Description

Experience Oahu's best scenery, history and culture! Get an in-depth look at Oahu with the Shaka Guide Oahu Driving Tour bundle! We’ll travel the island stopping at world-renowned surf spots, historic sites, foodie towns, and the famous North Shore. Or traverse unique corners of the island to discover hidden beaches, famous hikes, and volcanic landscapes thousands of years in the making.

Combine the convenience of a tour with the flexibility of independent exploration! We will take you to Oahu's best beaches and landscapes, as well as some off-the-beaten-path gems.

Complete Tour Inclusions:

• Watch surfers at Banzai Pipeline
• Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley
• Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa
• Snorkel at Shark’s Cove (no sharks)
• Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation
• Hike Diamond Head Crater
• Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
• Hike Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
• Relax at Lanikai Beach
• Grab lunch in Kailua Town
• Explore the gorgeous and green Manoa valley before driving to Tantalus mountain for some breathtaking city views.

Experience Details

Fitness and experience.

All levels of fitness can enjoy these self-guided tours.

What to Bring/Wear

A Smart Phone with IOS or Android Operating System

What is Supplied

• All six Shaka Guide Oahu tours
• An offline map of Oahu (no data or wifi necessary) 
• Audio narration with stories and music 
• Turn-by-turn directions to popular sites 
• Tour highlights with local recommendations 
• Customer support

More Information

• Tours never expire - take them multiple times
• Self-Guided Tours work 100% offline - no data or Wifi necessary
• Travel at your pace
• Take the tour when you want  - choose the day that works best for you

  Available Dates

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Self Drive Tour - your itinerary? - Oahu Forum

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SELF DRIVING TOURS

Hi everyone

I am looking at doing North shore one day and Winward side (Hanauma/Kallua/ Lanikai /Waimonolo/Makapu'u etc) on another.

Note: I have researched online and seen the driving tour posts on Trip Advisor just wanting to see what people have actually done and what works.

We usually drive counterclockwise

Halona Blow Hole

Lanikai Beach (not so good street parking)

Nu uanu Pali Lookout

Byodo In Temple

View of Chinaman's Hat Island

Kualoa Ranch

Turtle Cove

Sunset Beach

Bonzai Pipeline

Haleiwa Town

Dole Plantation (tourist trap and toilet break)

If time allows and rental car not due back drop into Waikele Premium Outlets

Back to Waikiki .

We always seem to hit bumper to bumper traffic heading back to Waikiki

We'll be going tomorrow for our third trip, also counterclockwise, so that we will be driving on the ocean side of the road.

Our first stop is the overlook after passing Hanauma Bay, then the blowhole, then Sandy Beach.

Pali overlook is closed due to rock slide, so we won't be stopping there.

Stopped at the temple on our second trip, won't stop tomorrow. Will stop for the third time at Tropical Farms macadamia nut farm for some free samples and a couple of bags to bring home. Then Chinaman's Hat.

At Kahuku we stop at Giovanni's shrimp truck for lunch.

Twice we parked at Turtle Beach Resort for a visit and watched surfers, but we won't tomorrow. Then we stop at Sunset and Pipeline.

On the way back to Wakiki, i'll drive H-3 off of H-1 to cross back over to the other side of the island. That's when I have visited Pali Overlook in the past, but because the road, 61, is closed, I'll turn around and enjoy the scenic drive back on H-3 to H-1 like Magnum PI on the CBS tv show.

Thank you fir posting. What are the “peak” times?

Thank you for your post. It’s very helpful to hear different itineraries and get ideas. Did you actually stop and swim anywhere?

When you arrive at the airport - keep your eyes open for the freebie information stands ... basically restaurants, activities ... but usually a good map or two of the North Shore /Windward Side. These are very helpful and focused.

I would avoid "Tropical Farms" - far too many negative posts over the years. And they do not grow mac nuts there. Also ... run away from anything in the "Revealed" series. Years and years of serious issues with them. Even a long post recently.

Driving is one thing ... seeing is another. Waimea Valley is worth your time for sure, and is Kualoa Ranch .

I can't imagine what could be negative about Tropical Farms, it's the one stop that my wife specifically mentioned that she wants. Free coffee and many different flavors of nuts to sample with no obligation to buy anything. Where else do you get that?

Waimea Valley worth it. Haleiwa too. I didn’t like Dole. Definitely a tourist trap, but then I know people who love it.

planning to use the Shaka App for island tour one day this trip

Worth mentioning is to leave EARLY, it's a big day if you're going to stop and check out the many sights.

Getting out early will also mean you might be able to grab a quick park at Hanauma Bay before it fills, allowing you to check out the wonderful view from up top. If you stop for just a few minutes, parking is free.

As Roger mentioned, the landslide below Pali lookout has severely impacted that area, with teams hard at work to stabilise the area, so give it a wide berth.

It's interesting to see the positives and negatives regarding Tropical Farms. Many regard it as a "tourist trap" and warn people off. We regard it as a handy rest stop and an opportunity for a fee delicious magnet coffee and magnet free samples. We always buy a couple of packets of their flavoured macnuts to go, as they're great road trip food, Mmmm! However, if I was rushed, I would pass it bye.

If you want a turn-by-turn-by-mile route, I can PM it to you, as it's a bit long to just post here and I'll need to remove the Pali Lookout section from it.

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Driving Along the North Shore of Oahu

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Known as the "surfing capital of the world," Oahu's North Shore spans from La'ie to Ka'ena Point. Still, it's an area that far too many visitors never take the opportunity to see.

In this feature, we'll show you the best ways to get to the North Shore by car and then we'll take a look at some of the highlights of the area. You can get to the North Shore by bus, but it's a long, slow ride with many stops.

Driving Tour of the North Shore of Oahu

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Driving to Oahu's North Shore

There are two main ways of getting to the North Shore. The first way is to drive via Central Oahu.

Heading west on H1 from Waikiki , turn north on the H2. When the H2 ends in Wahiawa near Schofield Barracks, follow the signs for the Kamehameha Highway (#99). This road will take you past Dole Plantation on your right and right into Haleiwa town.

For the purposes of this feature, we're going to drive to the North Shore via the other route.

The other way to get to the North Shore is to take H1 to either the Likelike Highway or Pali Highway towards Oahu's Windward Coast near Kaneohe and Kailua.

If you choose the Likelike Highway (#63) once you drive through the Koolau Mountains, and down the other side, take the first right-hand exit (Kahekili Highway), which soon turns into Kamehameha Highway (#83).

If you take the Pali Highway, look for signs for the Kamehameha Highway (#83). Once you go under the H3, turn left on the Likelike Highway (#63). Turn right at the second stop light onto Kahekili Highway, which soon turns into Kamehameha Highway (#83).

You'll be on the Kamehameha Highway for about 23 miles along Oahu's most scenic coast that includes Mokoli'i Island (Chinaman's Hat), Kualoa Ranch and the Ka'a'awa Valley and Kahana Bay. Soon you'll enter La'ie.

La'ie is home to the Mormon Temple, Brigham Young University, and the Polynesian Cultural Center .

Visitors to the Hawaiian Island of Oahu have the unique opportunity to learn about the culture and people of Polynesia , not from books, films or television, but from the actual people who were born and live in the area's major island groups.

Founded in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center or PCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Polynesia and sharing the culture, arts, and crafts of the major island groups to the rest of the world. The Center has been Hawaii's top paid visitor attraction since 1977, according to annual state government surveys.

The Polynesian Cultural Center features six Polynesian "islands" in a beautifully landscaped, 42-acre setting representing Fiji , Hawaii , Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti , and Tonga. Additional island exhibits include the great mo'ai statues and huts of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the islands of Marquesas. A beautiful manmade freshwater lagoon winds throughout the Center.

Near the PCC, La'ie Point is a great place to view the North Shore coastline.

Just a few minutes north of La'ie is Kahuku, an old plantation-town camp that was established in 1890 when sugar was Hawaii's largest single source of income.

Still in existence at the century-old sugar mill are three of the original steam engines. One dates back to the Civil War and all are in working condition.

Surrounding the mill is a shopping complex and close by the town are several of the famous North Shore shrimp trucks where visitors have a chance to taste delicious shrimp that are raised nearby. It's a great place to stop for lunch or just a small snack.

Just north of Kahuku is the ​ James Campbell Nature Wildlife Refuge where, from the third Saturday in October through the third Saturday in February, bird lovers can tour one of Hawaii's few remaining wetlands.

The Refuge provides habitat for approximately 119 species of birds and contains one of the largest concentrations of wetland birds in Hawaii, including four of Hawaii's six endangered waterbirds.

The refuge also serves as a strategic landfall for such migratory birds as the kioea (bristle-thighed curlew) and 'akekeke (ruddy turnstone) from as far away as Alaska and Siberia. Unusual vagrant birds include the northern harrier, peregrine falcon, black-tailed godwit, Hudsonian godwit, curlew sandpiper, solitary sandpiper, and snowy egret, making James Campbell NWR one of the top lowland birding sites in Hawaii.

Down the road from Kahuku is Turtle Bay, known as a prime spot for whale watching and home to one of Oahu's most isolated and least visited beaches.

Starting at the Makahoa Point, adjacent to Malaekahana State Park , the shore stretches five miles and often has no footprints from prior visitors.

It is also home to the Turtle Bay Resort . Imagine that you could take all of Waikiki and place it on one piece of property. That is how expansive the Turtle Bay Resort is - 880-acres of resort hotel and spa, swimming pools, golf courses, wetland preserves, ironwood groves, and some of the most amazing beaches and bays you'll find anywhere in Hawaii.

Horseback rides are offered through a forest of ironwood trees and across secluded beaches or if you don't ride, then just take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

If you've always wanted to learn to surf, you can take a lesson or two at the Hans Hederman Surf School. You can then say that you have surfed at Oahu's famous North Shore.

There's even a helipad located right on the property from which Paradise Helicopters offers 20 to 60-minute tours of Oahu.

You'll never feel crowded while at Turtle Bay, something you can rarely say when you're in Waikiki.

West of Turtle Bay is idyllic Kawela Bay, perfect for swimming, with a sandy bottom and a coconut-lined crescent-shaped beach.

North Shore Beaches

Beyond Turtle Bay is the gateway to Oahu's famed surfing beaches. Sunset Beach, 'Ehukai Beach Park (home to the Banzai Pipeline) and Waimea Bay are famous locations that both the amateur and professional surfer are well aware. Many sites are visible from Kamehameha Highway, yet some remain known only by word of mouth from the local surfers.

During the winter, massive waves pound the North Shore of Oahu thrilling visitors and locals who come to watch one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Each November and December the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing takes place at beaches along the North Shore. The competition consists of three events for men and three events for women. The men compete at the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park; the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach; and the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the Banzai Pipeline. The women's events are the Vans Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park; the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach; and the Billabong Pro Maui which is held at Honolua Bay, Maui .

When any of the events of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing are taking place, locals and visitors alike from all over the island flock to the North Shore, creating a traffic nightmare. If, however, you arrive early enough to park, you'll be treated to the best surfers in the world who tackle some of the world's highest and most exciting waves. 

During the summer, the roaring ocean turns into a calm body of water ideal for fishing, diving, snorkeling , and swimming.

Be sure to stop at Laniakea better known as Turtle Beach where you can enjoy seeing green sea turtles lounging on the beach almost any day of the year. It's located a little over two miles past Waimea Bay and about 1.5 miles before you get to the signs for Haleiwa town. Look for signs for Pohaku Loa Way on your right and you'll know you're there.

About a mile further down the Kamehameha Highway, you'll see signs for Papailoa Road. Drive to the end of the road, park and take the narrow path to the beach. Turn left and walk for about 15 minutes and you'll come to Police Beach, which has been used for the beach camp for ABC's hit TV series, Lost .

Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Park

Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Flickr

A little less than two miles past Sunset Beach on the Kamehameha Highway (and before you get to Waimea Bay) watch for Pupukea Road on your left (across from Pupukea fire station). This road will take you up to the Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site and O'ahu's largest Hawaiian heiau (temple), covering almost 2 acres.

The name is translated as "hill of escape." Believed to have been constructed in the 17th century and expanded in the 18th century.

As indicated on the park's website, "Undoubtedly, this heiau played an important role in the social, political, and religious system of Waimea Valley which was a major occupation center of O'ahu in the pre-contact period."

Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962 in recognition of its importance to Hawaiian culture and history. Also in 1962, the 4-acre property encompassing the heiau was placed under the jurisdiction of State Parks to preserve this significant site for future generations.

Waimea Valley

Just past Pupukea Road lies Waimea Bay, an excellent spot for spectacular surf watching. About halfway around the bay on the left is the entrance to Waimea Valley . These tropical gardens, filled with native flora and fauna, are where any outdoor enthusiast or plant lover can spend an entire day and wind their way to a beautiful waterfall.

One of Oahu's last partially intact ahupua'a (Native Hawaiian land use system), Waimea Valley consists of 1,875 acres and has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of Native Hawaiian history.

Waimea, "The Valley of the Priests," gained its title around 1090 when the ruler of Oahu awarded the land to the kähuna nui (high priests). Descendants of the high priests lived and cared for much of the Valley until 1886. As part of a cooperative conservation land purchase, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs acquired the property in 2006. In 2008, Hi'ipaka LLC was established to manage Waimea Valley and hold the deed.

78 ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites of interest have been identified in the valley, including religious sites and shrines, house sites, agricultural terraces, and fishponds.

The 150-acre Arboretum and Botanical Garden contain more than 5,000 documented species of tropical plants including native and endangered Hawaiian plants.

Several native and endangered birds including the Hawaiian Moorhen, the 'Alae 'Ula are found in Waimea. Also in Kamananui Stream, four out of five species of native freshwater fish can be found.

Several free walking tours (with paid admission) are offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. including native plant, history, wildlife and 'alae 'ula interpretation.

Visitors to the Valley are invited to participate in several free activities (with paid admission) including lei making, kapa demonstration, hula lessons, Hawaiian games, and crafts, music & storytelling with küpuna.

An attraction of great interest and enjoyment is the Valley's 45-foot waterfall. Waihï is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the park entrance booth.

Ku'ono Waiwai, the Valley's retail store, showcases the work of North Shore artists and Hawaii crafters of locally made products. The store also hosts weekly demonstrations by featured vendors. The Valley's onsite concession services use locally grown, made-in-Hawaii ingredients for local dining at its best.

Hale'iwa Town

At last, you'll come to the historic town of Hale'iwa, the quintessential beach and surf town on the North Shore. This quaint locale is a mecca for beachgoers, surfers, fishing enthusiasts, craftsmen, artists, clothiers, visitors, and locals. It's the perfect place to park from your North Shore drive and take a walk down the town's main street with its art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and surf shops.

The prevailing architecture style in Hale'iwa is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) style with many of the structures built in the early 1900s. The rustic charm of Hale'iwa ("house of the frigate bird") remains, although its roadside stands and hand-painted signs now compete with restaurants and surf shops.

You'll find a wide range of art for sale in Haleiwa from the most expensive glass, paintings and pottery to more affordable locally-made arts and crafts. In many of the galleries, you can meet and talk to the artists themselves. Be sure to stop in one of the surf shops to see the wide assortment of merchandise for sale as well as some classic Hawaiian surfboards.

Stop by the M. Matsumoto Grocery Store for shave ice , better known on the mainland as a snow cone or water ice. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, Hale'iwa has numerous small restaurants where you can get a snack or plate lunch as well as two larger restaurants, Hale'iwa Joe's Seafood Grill and Jameson's by the Sea that both have bar service, and full lunch and dinner menus that include excellent locally caught fresh fish.

Hale'iwa has two excellent beaches, both popular with surfers: Hale'iwa Beach Park (north side) and Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park (south side). If you've driven to the North Shore by Central Oahu, here's where you'll get a good idea if the north shore surf is up.

Next to Hale'iwa is Waialua, the old sugar mill town that has survived by moving away from sugar and carving another niche market.

Waialua Estate Coffee is only grown on O'ahu and uses farmlands that once produced sugar. The same company also produces Waialua Estate Chocolate. Their processing facility is located in the old Waialua Sugar Mill. They have a tasting room which you can visit by appointment.

Waialua Soda Works produces gourmet sodas with unique tastes, such as lilikoi, mango, and pineapple. Their lightly carbonated, old-fashioned sodas come in a glass bottle are made with pure cane sugar, natural flavors, and ingredients from Hawaii (Maui Brand cane sugar, Big Island vanilla, honey from ​ Kauai ).

Also in Waialua, next to the rusting mill in the center of town, is the columned, stately, former Bank of Hawai'i building.

Today, Waialua is primarily a residential community, but it's one you'll pass right through if you head west from Haleiwa towards Mokule'ia and Ka'ena Point.

If you're a fan of ABC's hit series Lost , they've done lots of filming on the grounds of the old sugar mill.

Mokule'ia

The fertile lands of Mokule'ia, "Isle of abundance," once supported a large population of farmers and fishermen. Ironwood trees are a common sight in this area because the sugar plantations planted and used them as windbreaks. Mokule'ia also had several dairies including Dillingham Ranch .

Dillingham Ranch remains an active cattle ranch but it is also a prime location for the filming of numerous motion picture and television productions. The ranch has superb equestrian facilities and also offers very personalized trail rides with two guides accompanying a maximum of eight riders.

Devotees of polo attend weekend matches at the Mokule'ia Polo Field of the Hawaii Polo Club. You can even schedule a trail ride on one of the thoroughbred "ponies" that plays in the polo games on Sundays. These are the Lamborghinis of horses and you'll never have a more pleasant horseback ride. You'll take a winding ride through the ironwoods and Naupaka bush and along the Pacific Ocean. Small, intimate group rides are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Private, couple and full moon rides are also available upon request. Children age 8 and up are welcome.

But, for the most part. today Mokule'ia is a much quieter and peaceful area with beautiful coastline and uncrowded beaches which many local families use as a picnic retreat and escape from urban life.

It was on these beaches that ABC's hit series Lost filmed much of their first season before moving to the more private Police Beach area east of Haleiwa when fans started seeking out the production.

For the adventurous, Dillingham Airfield and Gliderport is home to Honolulu Soaring, the Original Glider Rides . They offer scenic flights for one and two passengers that offer panoramic views of the Wai'anae Mountains and Mount Ka'ala. You'll see cattle trails and horse trails and may even see wild pigs. If you fly between December and April you will most likely be able to view the humpback whales that make Hawaii their winter home.

Without engine noise all you hear is the wind rushing over and under the glider. It's an amazing experience.

The farthest point west on O'ahu is Ka'ena ("the heat"). Aptly named, this area appears almost barren and desolate. Ka'ena Point is no longer accessible, even to four-wheel-drive vehicles, but is a great place for a leisurely hike. One of the state's best examples of coastal lowland and dune ecosystems, it was made a nature reserve in 1983.

The old O'ahu Railway Train rounded Ka'ena Point and stopped briefly to allow passengers to take snapshots of the beautiful Wai'anae Mountains before continuing eastward toward the sugar fields of Waialua.

In 1913, first-class passengers paid $2.80 each for a roundtrip ticket to the sugar plantation town of Waialua and the nearby elegant Haleiwa Hotel. Oahu's north coast was an endless cane field rustling in the trade wind, and the Waialua Mill smokestack stood out against a blue sky.

If You Go to the North Shore

A visit to Oahu's North Shore is a full day trip. In fact, there's so much to see and do that you may want to go back again and again. You'll find new things to do on every trip and the ocean and surf will never look the same on any return visit.

During the winter, temperatures reach highs of 79 F and dip to 60 F. During the summer, temperatures range from 86 F to 66 F.

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USA Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout USA is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop at photogenic hotspots and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 19 tours are guaranteed to deliver a truly unique experience.

19 Self drive tours in USA with 6 reviews

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure

The Bucketlist group travel team was well organized, friendly, and excited an fun packed adventure. It was an awesome adventure. Best travel adventure I've experienced.

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Great experience and personable tour guide. Will travel with Hiramanshu again.

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Adventure

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USA – New Mexico Balloon Festival & Santa Fe

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• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

USA Road Trip: From the Big Apple to Niagara Falls

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

California Bucketlist: Beach Lovers & Road Trip Summers (11 destinations)

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California Bucket List: Road Trip Dreams & National Wonders

California Bucketlist: Beach Lovers & Road Trip Summers (12 destinations)

New York & Florida: From the Big Apple to the Sunshine State

Usa road trip reviews.

We experienced more of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with this tour, than we would have on our own. We enjoyed meeting new people, seeing all the sights, and not having to worry about driving and directions. Be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking - but it is worth it!

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

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How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own (No Tour Needed!)

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Visiting Pearl Harbor is a fascinating and enriching experience that should not be missed during your trip to Oahu. Commemorating the horrific events of December 7, 1941 , the memorial and its accompanying museums provide a unique look at one of the most pivotal moments in American history. 

While many people choose to visit Pearl Harbor with an organized tour , you can also visit the site on your own. However, doing so requires a bit of planning and preparation, as there are certain attractions that need to be reserved far in advance.

If you’re trying to figure out how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, then you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. In this article, we’ll share an overview of what you can see during your visit, how to secure reservations, as well as a few tips and tricks on how to maximize your time there. Plus we include an example itinerary to help you organize all of these steps!

Want help planning the rest of your Oahu trip? Get a feel for the island with our Oahu Travel Guide If you’re on Oahu for a cruise, our Cruise Travel Guide will be invaluable! Our packing list will help you maximize space in your suitcase. Don’t book that rental car just yet, you may not need one after all .

Can You Go To Pearl Harbor on Your Own?

Yes! Pearl Harbor and its historic sites are open to the public, whether you come on your own or with a guided tour. There are no reservations needed for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. 

However, you do need to reserve a ticket if you want to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. There are no first-come-first-serve tickets available, so reservations need to be secured online. A select number of tickets are released eight weeks prior (at 3 PM Hawaii Time) to the visitation date. The rest of the tickets are then released 24 hours before, which means you might be able to snag one last minute if you’re lucky.

Can You Do a Self Guided Tour of Pearl Harbor?

Absolutely! You are free to purchase tickets or reserve your spot for any or all of the attractions you want to visit at Pearl Harbor. You don’t have to book through an organized tour company to visit. 

The only exception is the Ford Island Bus Tour (which we’ll talk about a bit later). This is the only attraction where you’ll be accompanied by a tour guide.

It’s also worth noting that while you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial on your own, your ticket will be for a specific time slot. And if you want to visit the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (which are located on Ford Island), you need to take the shuttle. It’s free and leaves every 15 minutes from the Visitor Center.

Pearl Harbor is still an active military base for the U.S. Navy. Visits to the Pearl Harbor Memorial is currently managed by the National Park Service.

How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own

Pearl Harbor isn’t just one place. Between the museums, the ship tours, and the historical sites, there’s a lot for you to see and do here. You could spend an entire day here and still not get to see everything Pearl Harbor has to offer!

Therefore, it’s important to decide which sights you want to see during your visit. At Pearl Harbor, there are several main attractions:

• The USS Arizona Memorial (reservations)
• The USS Battleship Missouri ($)
• The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ($)
• The USS Oklahoma Memorial (reservations)
• The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (with the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum) ($)
• The Visitor Center

When choosing which sites to visit, keep in mind what attractions are paid and which ones require advance bookings. We’ll share more about each one a little bit later.

If you’re a budget traveler, Oahu is the island for you ! We’ve done the math for you and have the cost for a trip to Hawaii for two as well as for a family of four . Be sure to also check out how we book our travel and getting a cheap ticket to Hawaii . Better yet, book your travel with points and thank us later!

Pick a Date and Plan Ahead

There are two main attractions that require advance reservations – the USS Arizona Memorial and the Ford Bus Tour to see the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular attraction at Pearl Harbor and definitely something you should see while you’re here. Therefore, we recommend basing your trip to Pearl Harbor around when you’re able to secure tickets for this tour.

If you want to see the USS Oklahoma Memorial and USS Utah Memorial, then you’ll also be required to reserve a spot in advance on the Ford Island Bus Tour. This 90-minute park ranger-led tour will take you by bus to see the memorials as well as a few other “hidden” sights of Pearl Harbor. 

Once you secure your reservation(s) for a specific date and time, you can decide which museums or sights you have time to see before or after.

However, we recommend blocking out an entire day for your Pearl Harbor Visit. Even if you only tick off two or three sights, you’ll still want to give yourself extra time for travel, lunch, and bathroom breaks.

Find more to do around Oahu: 34 Great Things to Do in Honolulu (that are actually IN Honolulu) The 21 Best Things to Do in Waikiki Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore The Ultimate Ko Olina Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay

Book Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial

Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are free (although there is a $1 service charge), but they need to be made online and in advance. Tickets are released in two booking windows on the site. The first one opens eight weeks out, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re hoping to secure a spot for a specific day. If you’re already in Hawaii and planning to visit Pearl Harbor spontaneously, then you can check back 24 hours before the visitation day, as a select number of tickets are released then as well.

When reserving a ticket, you’ll see that tours for the USS Arizona Memorial are offered every 15 minutes. Not only will you need to choose a date in advance, but you’ll also need to pick a time, so keep that in mind if you need to arrange transportation or schedule around flights.

Make Reservations for the Ford Island Bus Tour

The Ford Island Bus Tour is an informative 90-minute led by a National Park Ranger. Although it’s not self-guided, it’s a great experience if you want to have a more in-depth understanding of Pearl Harbor. The tour takes you to a few hidden sites as well as to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma memorials.

If this sounds like something you want to do, then you’ll need to reserve a spot online . Like the USS Arizona Memorial tickets, there is a $1 reservation fee that needs to be paid during the booking.

The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaves only once a day at 3:15 PM, and goes until 5 PM. If you want to do this tour in addition to the USS Arizona Memorial tour, then make sure you do NOT reserve your USS Arizona Memorial tickets during this time frame. 

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Decide Which Museums to Visit

Besides the USS Arizona Memorial and the Ford Island Bus Tour, all the other sights and attractions at Pearl Harbor can be visited on a whim. If there is time before or after your scheduled tours, then you can visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and/or the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

If you are planning to visit multiple sights during your visit, then it may make financial sense to purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor . This includes general admission tickets to the following Pearl Harbor Historic Sites:

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
• USS Battleship Missouri Memorial

It also includes an audio tour of the Visitor Center and the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience.

Arrive Early

To make the most of your day trip to Pearl Harbor, we strongly suggest that you come early! Of course, your schedule will likely depend on when you make your USS Arizona Memorial Reservation. However, you should still plan on arriving early so you can explore the Visitor Center or museums without feeling too rushed.

Leave Bags at the Hotel

Pearl Harbor is an active military base and is quite strict when it comes to what’s allowed on the grounds. Specifically, it’s prohibited to bring in purses, backpacks, or bags that are larger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″. Instead, make sure all your personal belongings fit inside a small purse or fanny pack.

However, you are allowed to carry your items in a clear plastic bag, similar to what you would bring to a sporting event. 

If you have luggage or a larger backpack that you have to bring to Pearl Harbor, you’ll need to check it at the storage facility near the entrance of the Visitor Center.

On Oahu for a cruise? We have everything you need right here: Pick the best time to cruise Hawaii and get to know the cruise ports . Check out our favorite Honolulu shore excursions and find the rest in our Cruise Travel Guide and even more in our Cruise Itinerary .

Watch the Clock

With so much to see, it’s easy to get distracted or lose track of time while you’re hopping from one sight to the other. It’s a good idea to create a rough itinerary of what you want to see and how long you want to spend at each place. 

In order to make your reservation times (either for the USS Arizona Memorial or for the Ford Island Bus Tour), make sure you keep an eye on the clock! And give yourself ample time for bathroom breaks or to walk to the meeting point.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss: 23 Best Things to Do on Oahu With Kids (from The Hawaii Vacation Guide mom and dad) Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids: The 7 Best Family Hotels

What Can You See at Pearl Harbor?

The first time we visited Pearl Harbor, we just saw the USS Arizona Memorial and left! That was a huge mistake, as we later discovered that there are so many interesting museums and sights to explore at Pearl Harbor.

To help give you an idea of what to see, here are detailed descriptions of the main sights and attractions.

USS Arizona Memorial

The iconic white structure marks the spot where the USS Arizona was bombed, killing 1,177 sailors and marines and leading to the country’s involvement in WWII. While the sunken ship remains at the bottom of the ocean, the memorial was constructed over it in 1962 and features a viewpoint over the sunken decks of the ship and a shrine to the lives that were lost.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater

We recommend that everyone watch the historical film shown in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater before your visit to the main sights. They show a 23-minute long film about the attacks that occurred on December 7th. In addition to the footage from the attacks, you’ll also hear stories from survivors, which makes it an informative yet extremely emotional film. 

The film is shown at 15 and 45 past the hour.

Exhibit Galleries

Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find two exhibit galleries about Pearl Harbor – “Road to War” and “Attack”. With memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts, they provide more information about what happened at Pearl Harbor.

Remembrance Circle

Remembrance Circle is located outside, facing the USS Arizona Memorial. This concrete structure is a memorial that’s dedicated to all the lives (military and civilian) that were lost during the attacks on December 7th. This includes the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hickam Field, and the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay.

USS Bowfin Submarine

Located right next to the USS Arizona, the USS Bowfin Submarine is one of the 15 surviving US combat vessels. You can step aboard and walk the deck, visit the interior rooms, and see the torpedoes in the torpedo room! 

Tickets to the USS Bowfin Submarine also include entrance to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Battleship Missouri is located on Ford Island. It’s here where the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Powers in September 1945, officially ending WWII. It was decommissioned in 1992 (making it the last active WWII battleship out of any nation in the world), making it one of the most important historical sights to visit in the US.

With your ticket to the USS Missouri, you’ll be able to do a free guided or self-guided tour of the submarine. To get here, you’ll need to ride the free shuttle from the Visitor Center, which takes approximately 10 minutes. You can also visit the USS Missouri as part of the Ford Island Bus Tour.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is also on Ford Island (so you’ll need to take the free shuttle or book the Ford Island Bus Tour to visit). It’s quite a large museum, taking up two massive aircraft hangers.

In hanger 37, you’ll find a detailed museum about island life in the 1940s as well as the Pearl Harbor attacks. There are also restored military aircrafts from both the US and Japanese forces, as well as a flight simulator for those who wish to channel their inner pilots.

Hanger 79 features an impressive collection of vintage bomber jets and figthers that were built after the war. You can also visit the restoration shop, which restores aircrafts that will soon be on display in the museum.

Where is Pearl Harbor Located?

Located on the island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor is roughly 10 miles from Honolulu and 12 miles from Waikiki. If you are typing it into your GPS, make sure to use the following address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place

Find a great place to stay on Oahu: Where to Stay in Waikiki: The 12 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals Where to Stay in Honolulu: The 10 Best Spots Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore

Getting to Pearl Harbor

There are several different options for getting to Pearl Harbor if you aren’t going with an organized tour company. If you’re coming from Waikiki, expect the drive to take around 30 minutes. You can take a taxi, an Uber or Lyft, or drive yourself (parking at the Visitor Center is $7 a day). 

Another option is to take public transportation. The Bus is Honolulu’s transport service, and it’s a cost-effective way to get around the city. Take the #20 or #42 to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. From Waikiki, the trip will likely take around an hour. Taking the bus from other parts of the island is possible, but it can be quite time-consuming, depending on where you are. 

There are also different shuttle services that you can take to Pearl Harbor. Ask your hotel if they provide a shuttle or work with a company that offers trips to and from the site.

Pearl Harbor Sample Itinerary

Having a planned itinerary can help you make the most of your time at Pearl Harbor. Therefore, we wanted to share a full-day option for those who want to tick off the main sights, like the USS Arizona, the museums, and the other battleship memorials.

One thing to note is that we did this itinerary with two young kids, which meant we didn’t spend a lot of time at each spot. However, we did get to see a lot more than most people who visit Pearl Harbor. If you don’t want to cram a lot into your day, then feel free to adjust the following schedule to fit your interests and travel style.

How long does it take to visit Pearl Harbor?

This answer depends on exactly how many sights you want to see during your visit. If you’re short on time, a half-day trip to Pearl Harbor is doable, although don’t expect to see more than two attractions. 

Ideally, you’ll want to block out an entire day to visit. That way, you can take your time touring the museums or wandering through the different submarines and memorials.

Here are the operating times for the different attractions at Pearl Harbor:

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: 7 AM to 5 PM

USS Arizona Memorial: 8 AM to 4 PM

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: 9 AM to 5 PM

Battleship Missouri Memorial: 8 AM to 4 PM

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum: 7 AM to 5 PM

Our recent Pearl Harbor Visit Itinerary

8:15 AM: Arrive at Pearl Harbor (remember to come as early as you can!). Spend some time walking around the Visitor Center and checking in for the USS Arizona Memorial tour. They suggest getting to Pearl Harbor an hour or so before your tour is supposed to start. Check-in should also be done 10 minutes before.

9:00 AM: Our USS Arizona Memorial tickets were for 9 AM. Including the boat road, you’ll be at the memorial for about 45 minutes.

10:00 AM: Dock back on land and head to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater to watch the 23-minute film. Afterward, head outside and visit Remembrance Circle.

10:45 AM: Buy tickets for the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (which includes access to the USS Bowfin Submarine). The tours are self-guided, but they do give you a free audio tour if you want to learn more about the grounds and submarine.

11:45 AM: Take the free shuttle ride to Ford Island. By now, you’re probably feeling a bit hungry, so grab lunch at the Ford Island Bistro or mini-mart.

12:45 PM: Buy tickets for the Battleship Missouri Memorial. A free guided tour is included if you want more information about the museum, although we did the self-guided tour and found that to be perfect for our visit!

2:00 PM: Get back on the shuttle and make your way to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. General admission includes a free audio guide, but they also offer guided tours on a first-come-first-served basis. If you want to have more information about the different aircrafts, it’s definitely worth doing! Make sure you also have time to do the flight simulator (only 150 tickets are given out each day so make sure you ask for one once you arrive). Compared to the other sights, this museum was the most interesting for our kids, as there are a lot of fun things to see in both of the hangers!

4:00: After a long day, we got back on the shuttle towards the Visitor Center and said goodbye to Pearl Harbor! 

Pearl Harbor Tours

There are advantages and disadvantages of visiting Pearl Harbor on your own. While it gives you more flexibility to see the exact sights you want, you will miss out on having a guide to share insights and bits of information. In addition, you absolutely have to make sure you reserve your tickets in advance. 

After seeing how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, if you would prefer to go with a guide, or if you discover that tickets are sold out for your dates, you can always book a guided tour. Most companies always include entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial as part of their offering. 

We’ve done both guided tours and self-guided trips to Pearl Harbor, and the choice ultimately comes down to your travel preference or style. If you decide a guided tour is more up your alley, then check out our list of the best-rated Pearl Harbor tours . We have a helpful chart to show the sites each tour visits and we’ve included half-day and full-day tours so you can pick something that works with your schedule!

Related reads: 10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu Oahu Whale Watching: The 7 Best Tours and How to DIY

Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor Memorial With Kids

If you’re a parent of young children, there are a few extra things you’ll want to think about before visiting Pearl Harbor with kids. These are some of the tips we found helpful when visiting with our kids:

• Strollers are allowed, but not everywhere. You can bring a stroller into the main Visitor Center area of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, but if you’re heading to the USS Arizona, you’ll have to leave them before boarding the boat.
• Infants and Kids need a ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial. Even if they’ll be sitting in your lap for the boat ride, they still need a ticket in hand.
• No diaper bags! Bring everything you need (like diapers) and put it in a clear bag.
• Restrooms have changing tables but once you get on the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll be without a bathroom for 45 min to 1 hour.
• Our kids enjoyed the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum the most!

The Best of Oahu at Your Fingertips

A trip to Hawaii isn’t cheap, so don’t leave your vacation to chance. No matter where you are in the planning process, grab an itinerary to help you finish strong. It is packed with the best restaurants, beaches, hotels, vacation rentals, tours, and complete itinerary days. Better still, if you run into any hiccups along the way, you won’t miss a beat. Just pull out our itinerary and you’re off to something just as spectacular.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

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I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Oahu Circle Island Tour Map + Itinerary

Here's a map of what's called the "Oahu Circle Island Tour" or "Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour."

Here are some common questions:

Q: How long is the Circle island tour?

A: Time-wise, a normal Circle Island Tour is between 6-8 hours.

If you were to just drive straight through, which you wouldn't really do, you could do this route in about 3 hours. Q: Can you circle Oahu?

A: You can half- circle the island of Oahu (see the yellow route above.)

Because the road stops at the northwest corner of Oahu, you cannot actually drive around the entire island.

Whenever you hear a tour company refer to a "circle island tour," they're always following Oahu's eastern coast (whether clockwise or counter-clockwise) and cutting through the middle of the island. Q: What is Oahu Grand Circle?

A: An Oahu "Grand" Circle is simply an Oahu circle island tour with the word "grand" in front of it, and is the same as any "circle island tour."

More often than not, it's used to refer to Oahu island tours in the larger 5 motor coaches. Q: How many miles is the circle of Oahu?

A: About 110-120 miles, starting from Waikiki.

Oahu Circle Island Tour Itinerary

Here's a general itinerary for the Oahu Circle Island Tour. Keep in mind that each company may add or skip stops, and also spend different amounts of time at each stop, but in general, this is what 90% of the tour companies use as their "Oahu Circle Island Tour Itinerary"...

1. Diamond Head Lookout : 10 min

2. Drive through Kahala : 5-10 min

3. Drive between Hanauma Bay & Koko Head Crater

4. Halona Blowhole 15 min

5. Drive by (or stop at) Sandy Beach

6. Makapu'u Lookout : 10 min

7. Waimanalo Gift Shop  (Restroom Break): 15 min

8. Pali Lookout (sometimes): 20 min

9. Byoda-In Temple (sometimes): 45+ min

10. Tropical Farms Macadamia Farm : 25 min

11. Chinaman's Hat : 5-10 min

12.  Plate Lunch at a Food Truck or Fumis: 30-45 min

13. Turtle Beach (Turtle Spotting or Snorkel): 30-1 hr

14. Dole Pineapple Plantation : 30-45 min

15. Green World Coffee Farm (sometimes) 15 min

16. Drive back to Waikik i: 50 min

Useful Links: Best North Shore Oahu Tour:  Kevo's Beach Bus Best Private Oahu Convertible Tour: Special Hawaii Tours Instant Hawaii Itinerary Generator: Hawaii Trip Planner

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Kualoa Ranch Oahu | Photo by Cosmin Serban via Unsplash

Kualoa Ranch on Oahu: Everything You Need To Know

June 30, 2023

Spencer Lowe

If you’re in search of an adventure, Kualoa Ranch has an array of exciting outdoor activities to offer. Whether you’re looking to experience the Island of Oahu by land, sea, or even sky, the ranch has several tours of each variety to choose from. 

ATV outings, Helicopter tours, and ocean kayaking are only a few of the phenomenal attractions that the ranch has to offer. We’ll cover each of these and more here, as well as all the information you’ll need to begin planning your Kualoa Ranch visit. 

Directions, Parking, Transportation

Kualoa Ranch sits right about the middle point of Oahu’s windward shore. To find it, head north on Highway 63 out of Honolulu. In Kaneohe, exit onto Highway 83 and drive for about twenty minutes and you’ll see a large, paved driveway and signs for Kualoa Ranch, where you’ll turn left. The trip will take about 45 minutes. 

From Ko Olina, take the H1 east and exit onto the H3. In Kaneohe, exit onto Highway 83 and head north for around 20 minutes. The drive will take about an hour in total. 

The address for Kualoa Ranch is 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744. There is plenty of parking on site. 

Kualoa Ranch Shuttles

Alternatively, Kualoa Ranch also offers shuttles from popular lodging areas in Waikiki. These pick up at 7:00-7:35 a.m. or 10:00-10:30 a.m. Returning shuttles depart from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.  

And, if you're taking Shaka Guide's Grand Circle Island Tour - we'll guide you to Kualoa Ranch on the route! 

Most of Hawaii only has two seasons, a wet winter from November to March and a dry summer from April to October. In the Kualoa Ranch area, daily high temperatures generally stay between 77 and 84 all year-round. There’s an average of 15 days of rain per month plus or minus two or three days based on the season.  This region is much rainier than areas like Ko Olina or Waikiki, but activities and tours run rain or shine. Rainy days at the Kualoa Ranch also make for some truly epic photos!

The ranch offers a wide variety of tours across the 4,000-acre property and surrounding area. These adventures are truly remarkable experiences that you won’t ever forget. We’ll detail your options in this section. 

UTV Tours   (2 HOURS)

• ADULT $144.95 
• CHILD  (5-12) $69.95

UTV tours drive through trails and paths deep into the remote regions of the tropical valleys surrounding the ranch. The tours last between one and two-and-a-half hours. UTVs differ from ATVs in that they seat up to 6 individuals and allow you to take pictures.  While this tour is protected from potential rain, we recommend bringing sunglasses or wearing the protected glasses provided. There UTV kicks the dirt up and the experience can get dusty. But, it won’t ruin your fun! 

Horseback Tours   (2 HOURS)

• ADULT  $144.95  
• CHILD (10-12 yrs)  $90

If you’re looking for something with a bit more yee-haw, you can take one of the two horseback riding tours that the Kualoa Ranch offers. These tours allow you to explore the valley of Oahu and Kualoa Ranch. Pants and sunscreen are strongly encouraged, and closed-toe shoes are required. There are one-hour and two-hour tour options. 

Price: $110

For this Kayaking adventure, you’ll depart from the beach that borders the Kualoa ranch and paddle into the Kaneohe Bay. From there, you’ll make your way along Mokoli’i Island and then continue on to Secret Island, where you’ll make a stop to explore on foot. You’ll make a quick second stop at a sand bar and then head back to shore. 

Jungle Expedition Tour (90 Minutes)

• ADULT $51.95
• CHILD $36.95

If you’re a fan of Jurassic World, Kong Skull Island, or Jumanji (2017), you might consider taking a tour through the jungle that served as sets for each of these films. This guided tour seats sixteen passengers in the back of a custom jungle jeep for a 90-minute expedition into a tropical valley. The bumpy ride is all part of the fun of this tour–hold on tight!

Secret Island Activites

Full-day 

• ADULT $114.95
• CHILD $69.95

You can book a trip to the Secret Island Beach for a half-day or whole day. Secret Island is not an actual island, but more of a peninsula, since it is connected to Oahu by a thin stretch of land, which. On the beach, you’ll have kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, a ping-pong table, beach volleyball, horseshoes, and hammocks to use at your leisure! The whole day option also includes lunch.

Trolley Tour (90 Minutes)

• CHILD (3-12) $36.95

If you’d like to see the ranch grounds and experience the food grown on the farm, the taste of Kualoa Farm Tour offers a trolley ride through the ranch and samples of the fruits grown on the premises. You’ll also be taken to see an 800-year-old ancient Hawaiian fish pond.

Hollywood Movie Filming Sites Tour (90 Minutes)

Oahu has been the site of several film sets over the years. And few places in Hawaii have been used as much as Kualoa Ranch and surrounding Ka’a’awa Valley. On this tour, a vintage school bus will take you to several filming locations which feature props from original motion pictures like  Jurassic Park, Godzilla, You, Me & Dupree , and  50 First Dates .

Zipline Tour (3 Hours)

• ADULT $174.95 (plus 4.712% tax)

Kualoa Ranch also offers zip lining across the “Jurassic Valley” (AKA Ka’a’awa). You’ll sore across the canopy while looking down on and cultural sites and film locations. There are seven tandem ziplines, two suspension bridges, and three short nature trails. 

Electric Mountain Bike Tour (2 Hours)

• ADULT $119.95
• CHILD (10-12) $89.95 + tax

You can also explore the beauty of this area via e-bikes. These electric pedal-assisted bikes are a great way to experience the Ka’a’awa Valley. There are one and two-hour tours available. 

Aunty Pat’s Cafe

If you’re hungry after your adventure, the Aunty Pat’s Cafe offers Hawaiian-style foods including breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials like Kualoa loco-moco, Kualoa Grown grass-fed beef, and banana-taro bread. 

FAQ - Kualoa Ranch

Do i need to be on a tour to visit the ranch.

You can stop by the ranch and visit the immediate area around it including Aunty Pat’s Cafe. However, to experience the valleys, you’ll need to book a tour. 

How do I book?

You can book tours from the  Kualoa Ranch website . You’ll want to make your reservation two to three weeks ahead of time as tours can fill up. 

What should I wear? What should I bring?

If you’re going on any of the land-based adventures, you’ll want to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. For kayaks or secret island beach, be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel. You’ll also want sunblock for any of the activities and plenty of water. 

How much time should I expect to spend?

Tours last between one and three hours. The secret island beach experience can last an entire day, however. Keep in mind if you’re shuttling that the final pick up is at 3:45. 

RELATED: Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide and Famous Oahu Film Locations You Can Actually Visit

Interested in taking a trip to Oahu?

Download our Grand Circle Island Tour ,  Legendary North Shore Loop Tour ,  East Oahu Shoreline Drive Tour ,  Honolulu's Backyard Rainforest Tour

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