Self-guided Oahu Circle Island Tour

Aloha! Welcome to Hawai’i. Are you looking for places to go or a nice drive around the island? You’ve come to the right blog post! This guide will have TONS of places you can visit along the road, feel free to cherry-pick the location that interests you the most and make it your own tour! It may be difficult to hit every single spot on this tour in one day, as it is meant to be a list of things you COULD do, but feel free to try it! Since most of the first few spots don’t have hours of operation, you could start this as early as 6 a.m. (if you want to). I typically would recommend people to start around 8 a.m., so that they are well rested for the full day of driving. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it!

What is a “circle island tour”?

As the name suggests, you circle around almost the entire island using a car. There are paid tours where a tour guide can take you around, but if you enjoy your personal space (or want to save a few bucks), the island is totally navigatable by yourself!

Stop #1: Diamond Head Lookout

Photo by Samaneh Saadat

I am going to assume you are staying somewhere in Waikiki, so Diamond Head Lookout should only be about a 10-15 minute drive from your hotel. This is a good, quick stop you can make as you circle around the famous Diamond Head, where there is parking along the waters for you to stretch your legs and take some scenic ocean pictures!

Stop #2: Halona Blowhole Lookout

Halona Blowhole, Dshumy/Shutterstock.com

As you continue on towards the east of the island, you will be driving along the coast for around 20 minutes, passing by the famous Koko Head and Hanauma Bay. You will eventually see another rest stop on the right called Halona Blowhole. This is called the blowhole because as the waves crash into the rocks, the water that sprouts out of the rocks resembles a whales blow. If you are in Hawaii between December through March, you may be lucky enough to see a whale in the distance!

Stop #3: Makapu’u Lookout/Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Makapu’u, photo by Go Hawaii

Here you have an option: take some nice pictures at the Makapu’u (Mah-kah-poo-woo) lookout and move on, or do the quick 2-mile, completed paved hike. The hike is arguably the easiest hike on the island and it will take approximately 1.5 hours for the round trip. The end of the hike features a lighthouse that was built in 1909. On a clear day, you may even see the island of Moloka’i in the distance!

Stop #4: Makai Pier

Picture from Tripadvisor

The Makai Research Pier Facility is a test facility for underwater equipment and instrument by the University of Hawaii. Underneath the pier is an amazing photo spot!

Stop #5: Waimanalo Country Farms (season dependent)

Image from Waimanalo Country Farm

Waimanalo (Why-ma-na-low) Country Farms features a beautiful, picturesque sunflower field, with delicious lemonades! They also offer professional photography sessions if you are here for a special occasion (or if you just feel like having one, you really don’t NEED a reason to have nice photos). Because it is a sunflower field and bloom season varies, check out their Instagram for the most up-to-date opening statuses.

Stop #6: Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Image by Go Hawaii

The Pali (Pah-lee) Lookout is a historic place. In 1792, a battle happened here where many warriors were driven off the cliff, and it became a key victory for King Kamehameha I to conquer the islands. About 100 years after the war, construction workers discovered 800 skulls along the Pali road, which was believed to be the aftermath of the warriors who fell from the cliff. Keeping that little piece of history in mind, enjoy the strong breeze and breathtaking outlook the Pali Lookout have to offer! Be aware that there is a $7 entry fee.

Stop #7: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Image from Tripadvisor

The Ho’omaluhia (ho-oh-ma-loo-he-ah) Botanical Garden is a 400 acres garden that has various wildlife and spectacular views. This is a great place to have a picnic if you want to bring in food (just be sure to look out for signage). Best of all, this garden is completely free to enter!

Stop #8: Byodo-In Temple

Keep driving along the mountain ridges, and you will hit the Byodo-In Temple. This temple was established to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. It is a replica of the Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan. All religions are welcome, just be respectful of the signages around you. As of 2023, cash is longer accepted, so you will need to pay the $5 admission with card.

Stop #9: Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

Photo from macnutfarm.com

Stop by the Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts for a quick snack or souvenir shopping! In addition to macadamia nuts, they also sell coffee, island snacks, spices and condiments, tea, and skin care products.

Stop #10: Chinaman’s Hat/Mokoli’i

Picture from Best of Oahu

I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it’s okay to call it Chinaman’s hat. I am Chinese. Phew, okay, now that’s out of the way; Chinaman’s hat is a small island off the side of the east coast. You can see it from the Kualoa Regional Park which should have ample free parking spaces. Take some goofy pictures of you wearing the “hat”! Be sure to use the restroom here because the next stop will be about 30 minutes away.

Stop #11: Garlic Shirmp Trucks

Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp Truck, picture from Tripadvisor

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, picture from Tripadvisor

As you enter the Kahuku area, you are going to see multiple shrimp trucks! Make sure you bring some cash as most of these places are cash only. Some of the most popular shrimp trucks are Giovanni’s, Romy’s and Fumi’s shrimp trucks. There are also various other food trucks in the area if you are not a big shrimp person.

Stop #14: Waimea Valley

Waimea (Why-meh-ah) Valley is a botanical garden-waterfall swimming-cultural learning valley. The walk towards the waterfall is approximately 1 mile, and there are various flowers and cultural sites along the way where you can learn some Hawaiian culture and history. If you are not a big walker, you can pay $10 for a one way shuttle to or from the waterfall. If the conditions are good, you are allowed to swim by the waterfall as well! The admission fee for adults are $25, so if anyone if your party is a Hawaii resident with valid ID, military, student, or a senior, be sure to ask for the discounted rate.

Stop #15 Haleiwa

Picture from Haleiwa Store Lots

Haleiwa (ha-leh-yee-wah) is a historic town with lots of local stores and food. They have an amazing selection of gifts and delicious shaved ice. The parking can be a little tricky, as they will aggressively tow people’s cars if you are parked in the wrong spot. Enjoy the artistic and local ambiance before you head to the final spot of the day.

Stop #16: Dole Plantation

Picture from Hawaii Guide/John C Derrick

Your final stop in this long journey is the Dole Plantation. They have a train that will take you around a 2-mile journey through the plantation, with narrations explaining some history of Hawaii. They also have a Pineapple Garden Maze, which is actually the world’s largest maze. The maze stretches three acres with lots of Hawaiian plants. Be sure to end the day with their famous pineapple soft serve. Be aware that they close at 5:30pm, so if you want to enjoy the plantation in it’s entirety, plan to arrive by 4:30pm.

Summary

If there is no traffic and you make 0 stops, the drive alone is about a 114-mile, 4-hour drive. Of course, you should take into account how many stops you plan to make, food stops, and bathroom breaks. All in all, if you do about 10 out of these 16 stops, you can start your day at 8 a.m. and be back at the hotel a little past 6 p.m. Be sure to follow road signs, traffic rules, and respect the land while you embark on this amazing Circle Island Tour.