Hidden Gems of Oahu with Byodo-In Temple & Turtle Spotting
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
Overview
Explore Oahu with Go Tours Hawaii on a full-day guided Circle Island tour, traveling in an air-conditioned shuttle from Waikiki. Visit Byodo-In Temple, where landscaped gardens, a reflecting pond, koi, and peacocks sit beneath the mountains. Temple admission is included. The route combines Diamond Head’s Amelia Earhart Lookout, Halona Blowhole, views of the windward coast and Mokoliʻi, coffee and macadamia nut tastings, and North Shore food and fruit stops. Look for Hawaiian green sea turtles from shore before a final stop at Dole Pineapple Plantation. Turtle sightings depend on wildlife and conditions. Lunch and personal purchases are extra; stops and their order may change with the day’s conditions.
What's Included
- Guided Circle Island sightseeing
- Byodo-In Temple admission
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Waikiki hotel-area pickup and drop-off
- Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nut tastings
- Lunch and other food or drinks purchased along the route
- Guide gratuities
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup offered
Waikiki hotel-area pickup and drop-off are included. Select an available pickup location with your departure and confirm arrangements with the operator. Arrive at your assigned pickup point at least ten minutes early.
Meeting point 3
Open in Google MapsWhat To Expect
- 1
Waikiki pickup
Board the air-conditioned shuttle at your assigned pickup location.
- 2
Diamond Head – Amelia Earhart Lookout
Pause for views and photos of Oahu’s southeast coastline from the eastern side of Diamond Head.
- 3
Halona Blowhole
View a coastal lava tube that sends seawater upward when surf conditions align.
Makapuʻu Point (Pass by)
Enjoy views of the windward coast, sea cliffs, and offshore Mānana, also known as Rabbit Island, while driving past.
- 4
Byodo-In Temple
Explore the temple grounds with lush gardens, a reflecting pond, koi carp, and peacocks beneath the mountains. Admission is included.
- 5
Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nut tastings
Sample local coffee and macadamia nuts, with chocolates and gifts available to buy.
- 6
Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat) and the Kualoa mountains
Stop for coastal views and photographs of the offshore islet against the Kualoa mountain backdrop.
- 7
North Shore lunch stop
Purchase garlic shrimp or another local dish at a North Shore restaurant. Non-shellfish and vegetarian choices are available; bring cash for lunch.
- 8
Tropical fruit stand
Browse fresh fruit, coconuts, and local snacks at a North Shore stand. Purchases cost extra.
North Shore Sunset Beach (Pass by)
See the North Shore coastline from the vehicle as the route passes Sunset Beach.
- 9
Additional Info
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for grass, sand, gravel, and dirt. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and cash or a credit card for purchases; cash is specifically recommended for lunch.
- Eat breakfast before joining the tour; the first food stop is around two hours into the outing. Lunch offers non-shellfish and vegetarian choices.
- Children of all ages may join. Infants aged 0–2 travel on an adult’s lap at no additional ticket charge, without a separate seat, and must be included in the booking’s traveler count.
- The website FAQ prohibits strollers on the bus, while booking notes discourage fold-up strollers because of uneven terrain. Confirm any stroller arrangement before booking. Coolers are not allowed.
- Car seats require an additional purchased seat arranged with the operator at least a day before the tour. Confirm acceptance in advance, as the booking notes otherwise list car seats as prohibited.
- Only standard foldable wheelchairs are accepted by prior arrangement. Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not permitted. Wheelchair users must be accompanied and able to walk a short distance to board; the bus has no ramp. The reservation team may call to confirm storage and boarding arrangements.
- Complete the operator’s tour waiver before travel. Return timing varies with traffic and conditions; avoid scheduling a luau, dinner cruise, or flight immediately after the tour.
- At least 48 hours’ notice is required for a full cancellation refund. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged in full. Requests to change a date or time also require 48 hours’ notice and depend on availability.
- The website FAQ mentions a doctor’s note for a refund within 48 hours; booking terms say late cancellations may be charged without exception. Confirm any medical exception directly with Go Tours Hawaii.
- A combined minimum of two guests is required for the tour to operate; this is not a two-person minimum per booking. If the minimum is not reached, guests may reschedule or receive a full refund. Low-participation cancellations may occur up to one hour before departure.
- Tours run rain or shine. Unsafe weather, company closures, and unforeseen circumstances may cause changes or cancellation. If the operator cancels, guests may reschedule or receive a full refund; cancellation can occur as late as the activity start time.
- Go City cardholders must provide 24 hours’ notice if they will not attend. Late notice or a pass that cannot be validated can result in a charge for the full tour price. Go City purchase terms also apply.
- Lost items are held for 30 days and returned by mail using a guest-provided prepaid USPS Click-N-Ship label. In-person meet-ups are unavailable; contact Reservations for assistance.
- Contact Go Tours Hawaii at +1 808-926-3090 or reservations@gotourshawaii.com. Office: 2500 Kalakaua Ave, Suite E, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815.
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