Circle Island Tour in Oahu, Hawaii

The Circle Island Tour in Oahu is an extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of this Hawaiian paradise. In my opinion, it is an absolute must-do for everyone. Here are the highlights of our Circle Island Tour. 

We had the pleasure of spending eight delightful days exploring Oahu, Hawaii. Our base was at the Waikiki, which offered us convenience with its easy accessibility to various attractions on foot. However, to see the rest of the island, we decided to rent a car for a day.

We are no strangers to Hawaiian Islands as they have become one our favorite vacation spot. It is very easy for us to get there from California. And we usually like to explore the whole island while we are there, not just to stay in one place.

Navigating the roads in Hawaii is usually a breeze, with a majority of one lane highways weaving through the mesmerising landscapes. Most islands only have one road going around it. The only freeway in the Hawaiian Islands can be found in the heart of Honolulu.

Our island tour started from the Waikiki. It’s important to note that the road on the western coast of Oahu reaches its conclusion at the island’s northern point. As a result, the Circle Island Tour doesn’t follow the both coastlines entirely. Instead, it cuts through the island from a middle, leading to the breathtaking North Shore, and eventually completing the loop by returning to Honolulu from the eastern coast.

Tips to Circle Island Tour

The island of Oahu is not huge, so you can easily drive around it in about three hours at a brisk pace. However, to fully enjoy the Circle Island Tour and explore all the attractions along the way, you should allocate an entire day for it. There are numerous captivating stops, ranging from brief visits to more extended stays, depending on your personal interests.

During our tour, we encountered some unexpected road work that slowed our progress. In hindsight, it would have been wise to consider spending a night in the North Shore area to fully savour its offerings. But we made the most of our day, saw the island’s wonders and discovered many remarkable places.

When embarking on this tour, remember to pack your swimsuit, comfortable footwear, and sunscreen. The nature of your activities throughout the day will determine specific requirements.

We were grateful that we had also brought along some snacks, as we found ourselves stuck in traffic during lunchtime due to the road work. Most of the beaches offer restroom facilities, and if you need to buy anything, a grocery store can be found near the North Shore food trucks.

Now, here are the highlights of our Circle Island Tour:

Kūkaniloko Birthstone State Monument

This place was meant to be our initial stop on the Circle Island Tour in Oahu. Unfortunately though, it turned out to be a disappointing experience. As my husband possesses a deep appreciation for historical sites, he had researched potential stops along our journey. The Kūkaniloko Birthstone State Monument piqued his curiosity and he really wanted to see it.

Within this area lies ancient rocks that are over 900 years old. They were believed to offer solace and support in childbirth. Notably, also Hawaiian royals have sought this sacred place for the birth of their children. It is also revered as the symbolic “piko,” representing the very heart of the island of Oahu.

The state monument itself is along a bustling road, catching travelers off guard with its modest location. Initially, we drove past it, and we had to find a way to turn back. To our dismay, we discovered that the site was closed to visitors, its gates firmly shut and adorned with prominent warning signs. Our anticipation turned to disappointment.

We’ve noticed that many of these sacred areas have remained closed to the public since the onset of the pandemic. While we understand the concerns stemming from past incidents of ignorance, such as trespassing on heiaus or acts of vandalism, we hope they could restore these sites. Maybe at least implement some guided tours on them.

The lessons we learn from these historical landmarks hold great value, and we want to teach our kids to respect them. The mantra of “leave no trace” serves as a poignant reminder wherever we go.

Dole Plantation

I have already introduced you to the Dole Plantation in my recent post. There, you can immerse yourself in the world of pineapples.

There are various ways to explore the plantation, including a charming little train, a walking tour, or even navigating your way through a pineapple maze. Many visitors flock to this destination specifically to try their renowned Dole Whip—a treat that resembles soft-serve ice cream but is actually made from crushed pineapple.

The plantation was established by James Dole, who relocated to Honolulu in 1899 and began growing pineapples. His business experienced rapid growth, catapulting him to fame. Following James Dole’s passing, the plantation was transformed into a museum that showcases his remarkable life’s work and contributions to the pineapple industry.

Laniakea Beach– Turtle Beach

For the first beach stop, you should definitely visit Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. Even if you’re not ready to go for a swim just yet, it’s worth stopping by to catch a glimpse of the magnificent green sea turtles that frequent this area.

During our visit, we were fortunate enough to witness six turtles. We even had the incredible opportunity to observe one of them gracefully make its way onto the beach from the water.

While the surf conditions were too rough for snorkeling or swimming during our visit, we still had an amazing time watching the turtles. However, during the summer months, the waters tend to be calmer, creating a perfect opportunity for snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures.

Waimea Valley

Nestled by the picturesque Waimea Bay, Waimea Valley is like an oasis for nature enthusiasts seeking the great outdoors. This idyllic nature park beckons visitors with its lush landscapes, offering a lot of activities to enjoy.

Within Waimea Valley, you’ll discover a beautiful botanical garden, revered Hawaiian cultural sites, and a hiking trail that leads to the magnificent Waimea Falls. Depending on the day and water conditions, lucky visitors may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall.

It’s important to note that Waimea Valley is privately owned, and an entrance fee is required to access the area. For more details about the available activities, fees, and opening times, I recommend visiting the official Waimea Valley website. There, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your visit.

Kahuku Food Trucks and The Sunrise Shack

Once we finally reached the North Shore, we were all starving. We had gotten a tip from a friend to make a lunch stop at the Kahuku Food Trucks. Our taste buds were in for a treat as we found some incredible garlic shrimp served with fresh salad. The kids had their hearts set on hot dogs, and were happy that they found some. They also had a taco truck I believe.

For a dessert we got some coffee from the charming, yellow Sunrise Shack.

If you’re eager to learn more about Hawaiian cuisine, stay tuned for an upcoming post of what food to try while in Hawaii. I will be sharing more about the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the islands.

Beaches and snorkeling

Along the way on the Circle Island Tour, you’ll encounter many breathtaking beaches. They span from Laniakea Beach and extend all the way back to Honolulu. I highly recommend visiting at least Sunset Beach and Lanikai Beach, which is often referred as the most stunning beach in Oahu.

If you’re keen on snorkeling, I suggest heading to Sharks Cove. While there are numerous other snorkeling spots available, many of them are better suited for experienced snorkelers. The waves at several beaches can be quite powerful, and there may be hazardous currents, so do your research before venturing into the water.

We didn’t find anythings as unique as the Green Sand Beach in Big Island but some of them were truly breathtaking.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie is a nice little stop, particularly for those who enjoy shopping or have an appetite. The center is known from its’ events, such as luau’s, and the Hukilau Marketplace draws other type of visitors.

We indulged in some desserts at the Hukilau Marketplace and explored some stores. We couldn’t resist trying the pineapple ice cream and Malasadas, which are popular Portuguese-style donuts. After being confined in the car for quite some time, it was refreshing to stretch our legs. Additionally, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a convenient for restroom breaks.

Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site

A heiau is a traditional Hawaiian temple typically constructed with rocks and often consisting only walls. Ulupo Heiau is believed to have been built under Chief Kakuhihewa’s rule in the 15th century and later maintained during the reign of Kuali’i in the 17th century. By the time King Kamehameha conquered Oahu in 1795, the heiau had already been abandoned.

The Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site is situated in Kailua, adjacent to the local YMCA. Accessing the site can be a bit peculiar as you need to walk through their property and enter through a partially closed gate. According to multiple sources, despite its location you can visit the heiau during the YMCA’s operating hours.

Admission to the heiau is free of charge.

Makapu’u Lookout

Makapu’u Lookout offers an incredible view to the turquoise waters of Pacific Ocean. Next to the view point is a on Makapu’u Beach Park. This is a nice and quick stop, but definitely worth it.

There is a sizeable population of wild cats residing in the area, so when pulling into the parking lot, be cautious. They appear to be everywhere, and they come in a variety of colors. I don’t think I have ever seen so large gathering of cats in one place.

Hālona Blowhole

The Hālona Blowhole is an interesting rock formation on the picturesque east coast of Oahu. This natural wonder was formed by ancient lava flows, creating a hollow space within the rocks.

The rocks rest directly above the vast ocean. When gusty winds whip across the shoreline, the waves crash against the rocks with force propelling water through the hole in a display reminiscent of a geyser. However, on calmer days, this pretty cool phenomenon may not be there.

For safety reasons, a designated viewing area has been established by the Hālona Blowhole. Venturing too close to the edge can be quite dangerous, as the currents beneath are among the most treacherous in the world. Several incidents have occurred in which individuals were drawn into the hole’s powerful pull.

To watch the blowhole’s performance, you can park your car at the designated parking area and walk closer to the viewing point. While it may be tempting to explore the rocks or approach the blowhole, it is crucial to respect the risks. There are constantly people trying to climb over, which is why this time, a police officer was present in the parking area.

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By the way, if you are searching for these magnificent Banyan trees featured in the main photo, you can find them in two locations in Honolulu. The particular photo was taken near the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. This majestic tree was planted by Queen Kapiʻolani in the 1880s.

Additionally, you can also spot some along the beach boulevard in Waikiki, in close proximity to the Honolulu Zoo. For more information about the palace and other noteworthy sites in Honolulu, check out our Things to Do on Oahu with Family guide.

If driving isn’t your preference, there are several tour operators that offer various options for the Circle Island Tour. Some of these tours include stops at Diamond Head, an ancient volcano crater which reminded us of the Volcanoes National Park at Big Island.

I would recommend setting aside a separate day to fully experience Diamond Head, as the hike can be time-consuming and reading our tips to hiking with kids. The same applies to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. It’s best not to rush through these remarkable locations. They both also require a reservation.

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What would be your number one stop in Oahu?