Oahu Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

Welcome to the Oahu Tour

Welcome to the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu! Featuring the vibrant city of Honolulu, lush jungles that have appeared in blockbusters like Jurassic Park, and the most stunning beaches in the world, the Oahu tour truly has a little bit of everything. Cruise around this tropical paradise, hike its best trails, and learn about its incredible conflict-strewn history, all from the comfort of your vehicle or rental!

We are proud to be an official Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau member.

Preview the Tour

Your tour around this island begins in Honolulu, near Pearl Harbor. You’ll hear about the “day that will live in infamy” as well as the unexpected history of Honolulu.

Next is Aloha Tower, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Continuing, you’ll see Iolani Palace, the luxurious former home of Hawaii’s monarchs, as well as a statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

The first beach on the Oahu tour is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that was once used to dump garbage! But don’t worry, it’s almost impossibly clean these days. Waikiki Beach follows it. This is where surfing superstar Duke Kanahamoku started before he transformed the world of surfing forever.

Leaving the beaches behind for a moment, you’ll see Diamond Head State Park, an enormous volcanic crater, and Hawaii’s most famous park. You’ve got to see this one up close to appreciate it truly!

Continuing toward the volcanic China Walls, you’ll hear the dramatic tale of Kamehameha’s rise to power, and his rival, Kalanikūpule, who was even willing to kill his own family to take control for himself.

Next, at the Hanauma Bay Lookout, you’ll find some of the most spectacular views on O’ahu. Be sure to have your camera at the ready! For a less crowded spot, follow the route to the next lookout, which most visitors miss.

After passing some seriously scenic shoreline, you’ll see Rabbit Island just off the coast and learn about the utterly failed rabbit farm that once operated here. Then you’ll come to Waimānalo Beach, the perfect stop for anyone seeking a little seclusion.

As you approach the town of Kailua, where former President Obama spent his winter vacations, you’ll hear a dramatic account of the Battle of Nu’uanu, which earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii once and for all. And if you’re a kayaker, you won’t want to miss Kailua’s beach!

Up next, you’ll catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu. These ancient temples were deeply sacred to the Hawaiians and still hold a great deal of significance today.

After that, you’ll find a trail to one of Oahu Tours’ famous waterfalls. If you’re craving more nature, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden will be just ahead, offering a staggering 400 acres of carefully cultivated flora.

You might not expect a vast Buddhist temple in Hawaii, but that’s the next stop! After checking out the Byodo-In Temple, you’ll reach the Kualoa Ranch. A show biz favorite, this ranch has appeared in everything from Jurassic Park to Hawaii Five-O and much more!

Feeling peckish? You’ll soon arrive at Hukilau Marketplace, a quaint cluster of restaurants and gift shops that retains its original 1950s charm.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love what comes next: a colossal wildlife refuge and Turtle Beach, frequented by the enormous Hawaiian green sea turtles. Then it’s on to Sunset Beach, the perfect spot to catch the day’s final rays of light. You’ll then head to the historic Dole Plantation, where the tour concludes.

Bonus Tour

Get access to 12 additional stops on the Oahu Bonus Tour at absolutely no additional cost. When you purchase the main tour and input the password in the app, you will see the main + bonus tour.

Additional stops include:

• Jackass Ginger Pool
• Queen Emma Summer Palace
• Kapena Falls
• Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
• Foster Botanical Garden
• Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
• Viewpoint
• Round Top Forest Reserve
• Tantalus Lookout – Puu Ualakaa State Park
• Mānoa Falls Trail
• Manoa Falls Trail 2
• Manoa Falls

Check the itinerary below for additional details on the stops.

Tour Start point: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA

Drive Your Way to Paradise

Experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and vibrant culture at your own pace with our All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle! Enjoy the freedom to explore the islands on your own terms, we guide you to the best hidden gems and must-see attractions. This bundle has everything from the stunning beaches of Maui to the lush rainforests of Kauai. So, grab your keys and prepare for an unforgettable paradise adventure!