Oahu Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

4.9
15 reviews + ratings

Tour Details

Driving
4-5 Hours
Purchase QTY
One Per Car
Distance
93+ miles
Audio Stories
71+
Self Guided
At Your Own Pace
Tour Benefit
Tour Anytime
Any Day
Works Offline
100%
Money-back
Guarantee

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All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle(8 tours)
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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!

Oahu Tour Map

How does it work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to O'ahu
Get ready for a totally comprehensive tour of Hawaii's most populous island: O'ahu. Home to the city of Honolulu, this island is chock full of culture, natural beauty, and fascinating history--all of which you'll experience during your drive!
Pearl Harbor
The tour begins in Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 changed the course of history.
Honolulu
As you drive through Honolulu, you'll learn about the city's unexpectedly humble origins, and how it became the hub it is today.
Bishop Museum
One of the first landmarks you'll pass is the Bishop Museum. This isn't just the largest museum in Hawaii, but also has a surprisingly sweet love story behind it!
Aloha Tower
Get a good look at the Aloha Tower next. This iconic waterside tower once greeted all travelers arriving in Honolulu, because everyone arrived by boat.
Iolani Palace/King Kamehameha Statue
Next, you'll pass the impressive Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaiian royalty, as well as a statue of King Kamahamaha, a hero you'll hear plenty about along the way.
Ala Moana Beach/ Regional Park
The first beach you'll see is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand which, believe it or not, used to be a garbage dump! But don't worry, it's perfectly clean now, and great for swimming.
King David Kal?kaua Statue
Next, you'll pass a statue of King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king.
Waikiki Beach and Duke Kahanamoku
The next beach you'll reach is Waikiki Beach, made famous by the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is responsible for bringing surfing to the world at large and bringing major recognition to this beach.
Kapi’olani Park
Your route takes you next past Kapi'olani Park, another beautiful space which was once little more than a soggy bit of marshland.
Diamond Head State Monument
After that, you'll come to Diamond Head State Monument, an immense crater left by a volcanic explosion. It's now become Hawaii's most popular park!
Diamond Head Beach Park
You'll also see Diamond Head Beach, which sparkles unlike any other beach around. Back in the 1800s, explorers actually thought the calcite crystals in the sand here were diamonds!
China Walls
As you continue, you'll reach the China Walls, an impressive formation of natural walls which some say rival the Great Wall of China!
Hanauma Bay Lookout
Get some unbeatable views up next at Hanauma Bay Lookout, and don't forget to snap a few pictures while you're there!
Lanai Lookout
Lanai Lookout is next, and it's especially good if you're trying to get away from the crowd.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
The next lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, offers views of a peculiar rock formation which shoots water into the air when waves crash against it.
Pele's Chair
If you trek along the shore a bit, you'll come to Pele's Chair, a natural formation which some believe to be the chair of Pele, a volcanic goddess.
Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Up next is Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're a fan of ocean views, this makes for a wonderful stroll.
Rabbit Island
As you drive, you'll catch sight of Rabbit Island. Once home to a rabbit farm, this island is now mostly untouched by humans.
Waimānalo Beach
Travelers seeking a pristine beach that doesn't see the same crowds as others will love Waimanalo Beach, a stretch of white sand sheltered by a wall of ironwood trees.
Kailua
Up next is the unassuming town of Kailua. Unassuming, that is, except for the fact that former president Barack Obama spent his winters here!
Kailua Beach
Your route takes you next to Kailua Beach, a favorite spot among kayakers and swimmers alike.
Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site
Next, you'll pass the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. This increidble archaeological site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple called a Heiau, which is almost 500 years old!
Golf on O’ahu
You'll also pass the Pali Golf Course and hear all about the plentiful offerings for golfers on O'ahu.
Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout/Likeke Falls/Likeke Falls Trailhead
After that, you'll arrive at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, a splendid vista which is also right near a trail leading to some sparkling waterfalls.
Lulumahu Falls
Looking for more waterfalls? You'll find one at the end of a trail up ahead, which leads to the gorgeous, secluded Lulumahu Falls.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Up next is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, home to a staggering 400 acres of tropical flora from all over the world. There's even a campground within the garden!
He’eia
Continuing on, you'll reach the town of He'eia and hear the wild legend behind its name.
The Byodo-In Temple
You won't want to miss the next stop, an elaborate Buddhist temple called the Byodo-In Temple. It was built as an exact to-scale replica of the temples one would find in Japan!
Kualoa Ranch
As you drive, you'll pass Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling jungle ranch which has been the filming location for countless Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and Lost!
Kualoa Rock Beach
Kualoa Rock Beach, up next, offers some great lounging opportunities, though swimmers will find the rocky shore a bit uncomfortable to wade along.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
The next beach, Kahana Bay Beach, isn't just a great stretch of sand, but is also packed with history! Archaeologists have found all sorts of pre-contact relics buried in the sand here.
Ahupua'a ‘O Kahana State Park
Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is next, offering plenty of lush greenery and stunning hikes for those looking to stretch their legs.
Maunawila Heiau
Continuing on, you'll pass the remnants of another Heiau, though this one hasn't held up to the ravages of time quite as well as the last one.
Hukilau Marketplace
Those looking to stop for a snack or a souvenir will want to stop at the next landmark: Hukilau Marketplace. This iconic market styles itself just like a classic 1950s Hawaiian market would.
Mālaekahana State Recreation
Beach campers will absolutely want to stop at the next spot, Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This shoreline camping area makes for some seriously memorable mornings!
Gunstock Ranch
After that, you'll pass Gunstock Ranch, where you can take a ride on horseback if you want to change up your travels a bit!
James Campbell Wildlife Refuge
Next is the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, where you'll learn the legend of how some of O'ahu's most recognizable birds got their iconic plumage.
Turtle Beach
After that is Turtle Beach, which is exactly what you'd expect. If you're here at the right time, you're bound to see some sea turtles!
Kawela Bay Beach Park
Continue driving to Kawela Bay Beach, home to some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to an offshore reef.
Sunset Beach Park
If the day is winding down, one of the best spots to be is your next stop: Sunset Beach. This is, hands down, one of the best spots on the island to catch a proper Hawaiian sunset.
Banzai Pipeline
As you drive, you'll pass the infamous Banzai Pipeline. This death-defying surf break has challenged some of the most famous surfers around for years, and not all of them survive it.
Shark’s Cove
After that is Shark's Cove. Don't worry though, it gets its name not because sharks infest the waters, but instead because it looks a little bit like a shark when viewed from above.
Waimea Bay/Waimea Bay Beach Park/Waimea Valley
One of the last beaches on your tour is Waimea Bay. This isn't just any beach, but has been featured in high-octane Hollywood adventures like Point Break!
Haleʻiwa Beach Park
The final beach you'll see is Hale'iwa Beach, which has some BBQs and picnic tables for folks looking to wind down with a picturesque picnic.
Dole Plantation
Your final stop is at the historic Dole Plantation, a window back in time which also features a train ride and the world's largest maze for some fun family activities. The tour concludes here.
Bonus Tour Stop 1: Jackass Ginger Pool
About a half-mile down the hiking trail to your left is one of Oahu’s most popular and idyllic swimming holes. In Hawaiian, this place is called Kahuailanawai - “site of tranquil water”. But it was renamed Jackass Ginger Pool about a hundred years ago by local youths who spotted a donkey tied up in a patch of ginger next to the pond itself.
Bonus Tour Stop 2: Queen Emma Summer Palace
To your left, the big white building with columns out front is Hānaiakamalama, the favorite retreat of Hawaii’s Queen Emma and her family. Born in 1836 to a native Hawaiian father and a white mother, she married King Kamehameha IV and reigned as his queen until his death in 1863. During her time as queen, she and her son Albert spent time here at the summer palace, where she organized many of her humanitarian efforts.
Bonus Tour Stop 3: Kapena Falls
Coming up on your right is the trailhead for Kapena Falls, the island’s most accessible waterfall. It’s only a half-mile round trip to the falls and back, so it’s a nice quick stop if you’d like to see it for yourself. Just don’t go in the water - there are some nasty bacteria that live in this particular stream.
Bonus Tour Stop 4: Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden
To your right is Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden, the smallest of Honolulu’s five famous botanical gardens. This particular garden was gifted to the city by its namesake, Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii.
Bonus Tour Stop 5: Foster Botanical Garden
Across the street from the Lili’uokalani Garden is a similar park, called the Foster Botanical Garden. In the 1850s, this land was leased to a German botanist named William Hillebrand, who planted a wide variety of unique trees and plants on the property.
Bonus Tour Stop 6: Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
Just up ahead is the entrance to Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park, located on the sides of Mount Tantalus, an extinct cinder cone leftover from volcanic explosions about 50,000 years ago, long before there was anybody living on the islands. Here you’ll see some of the gorgeous natural forests that Hawaii is so famous for.
Bonus Tour Stop 7: Viewpoint
This viewing area to your right is well worth stopping at. From here, you can look out over the whole city of Honolulu, which is especially beautiful at night.
Bonus Tour Stop 8: Round Top Forest Reserve
Mount Tantalus is just one part of the Round Top Forest Reserve, which holds 99 acres of protected forest land here on Oahu. If you go walking along some of the trails here in the reserve, you’ll see plenty of plants and animals native to Hawaii.
Bonus Tour Stop 9: Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park
You’ve reached the top of Mount Tantalus, the best sunset lookout on the whole island. This grassy hill on top of the cinder cone offers incredible panoramic views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the rest of the surrounding area. Feel free to take some time and enjoy the view.
Bonus Tour Stop 10: Mānoa Falls Trail
If you park here, you can reach the trailhead for the Manoa Falls Trail, one of the oldest and most popular hiking spots on Oahu. The trails out here date back to the ancient Hawaiians, who would follow these paths through the forest to hunt and gather plants. At the end of this trail is Manoa Falls, a 150 foot waterfall that the indigenous Hawaiians used as a natural shower.
Bonus Tour Stop 11: Manoa Falls Trail 2
As you walk through the forest here, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a whole other world from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. The trail you’re walking on now has been in use for over a thousand years, so allow yourself to be transported back.
Bonus Tour Stop 12: Manoa Falls
Just up ahead are the Manoa Falls, the last stop on the tour. With a height of 150 ft, it’s easy to see why so many people come here to check out the waterfall. Fans of blockbuster movies might also recognize Manoa Falls from a scene in Jurassic World where the two child stars leap from the top of the falls to escape the deadly Indominus Rex.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

The North Shore of Oahu is popular among tourists for its beautiful beaches and famous surf spots. Read more here.

Maui is often considered to have some of the best beaches in Hawaii, with picturesque spots like Wailea Beach and Kaanapali Beach.

The choice between Oahu and Maui depends on personal preferences; Oahu offers a mix of urban attractions and beautiful beaches, while Maui is renowned for its natural beauty and more laid-back atmosphere.

The months of April, May, September, and October are considered the best times to visit Oahu due to fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

The Iolani Palace is historically significant as the luxurious former residence of Hawaiian monarchs, representing the monarchy’s history in Hawaii.

Duke Kahanamoku, the surfing superstar, started at Waikiki Beach before transforming the world of surfing forever.

At Diamond Head State Park, visitors can explore an enormous volcanic crater and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The Battle of Nu’uanu, a significant battle in Hawaiian history, earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii.

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu during the tour, where these ancient temples still hold great significance.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.

Exclusions:

Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.

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Oahu Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Driving Tour

Tour Details

Upgrade to Bundles & Save

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 100+ Tours for $99.99 SAVE WITH BUNDLES $99.99

All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle(8 tours) SAVE WITH BUNDLES $69.96 $29.99

Welcome to the Oahu Tour

Preview the Tour

Bonus Tour

Oahu Tour Map

How does it work?

What You'll See

Welcome to O'ahu

Pearl Harbor

Honolulu

Bishop Museum

Aloha Tower

Iolani Palace/King Kamehameha Statue

Ala Moana Beach/ Regional Park

King David Kal?kaua Statue

Waikiki Beach and Duke Kahanamoku

Kapi’olani Park

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head Beach Park

China Walls

Hanauma Bay Lookout

Lanai Lookout

Halona Blowhole Lookout

Pele's Chair

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Rabbit Island

Waimānalo Beach

Kailua

Kailua Beach

Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site

Golf on O’ahu

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout/Likeke Falls/Likeke Falls Trailhead

Lulumahu Falls

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

He’eia

The Byodo-In Temple

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Rock Beach

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Ahupua'a ‘O Kahana State Park

Maunawila Heiau

Hukilau Marketplace

Mālaekahana State Recreation

Gunstock Ranch

James Campbell Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Beach

Kawela Bay Beach Park

Sunset Beach Park

Banzai Pipeline

Shark’s Cove

Waimea Bay/Waimea Bay Beach Park/Waimea Valley

Haleʻiwa Beach Park

Dole Plantation

Bonus Tour Stop 1: Jackass Ginger Pool

Bonus Tour Stop 2: Queen Emma Summer Palace

Bonus Tour Stop 3: Kapena Falls

Bonus Tour Stop 4: Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden

Bonus Tour Stop 5: Foster Botanical Garden

Bonus Tour Stop 6: Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside

Bonus Tour Stop 7: Viewpoint

Bonus Tour Stop 8: Round Top Forest Reserve

Bonus Tour Stop 9: Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park

Bonus Tour Stop 10: Mānoa Falls Trail

Bonus Tour Stop 11: Manoa Falls Trail 2

Bonus Tour Stop 12: Manoa Falls

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

Which side of Oahu is the best for tourists?

Which Hawaiian island is known for having the best beaches?

Oahu vs. Maui: Which one is better for a vacation?

What is the best month to visit Oahu, Hawaii?

What is the significance of the Iolani Palace in Honolulu?

Which famous surf spot is located near Waikiki Beach?

What can visitors expect to see at Diamond Head State Park?

What historical event earned Kamehameha the title of King of Hawaii?

Where can visitors catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on O’ahu?

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 100+ Tours for $99.99
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$99.99

All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle(8 tours)
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$69.96 $29.99

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 100+ Tours for $99.99
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$99.99

All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle (8 tours)
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$69.96 $29.99