Small group or big bus?

How big are the groups on each circle island tour?

From a maximum of 13 on the Premium small-group tour to 50 on the Grand Circle Island tour and the snorkel grand tour.

What does the big bus do better?

Comfort and reach: a restroom on board, a half-day option, stroller access, and the most reviews of any tour here (19,681, rated 5.0).

Guests praise the driver-guides by name and the clean bus. The cost is time: stops run 10 to 20 minutes apart from Haleiwa, beaches are drive-bys, and one guest wrote "you remain mostly on bus".

What does a small group do better?

More stops and beach time on most of them; guests on the turtle tour report about 9 to 10 people on board.

One Premium tour guest "appreciated the small group tour versus the giant tour buses we saw on the way". The downside is space: guests on both small-group tours mention a cramped vehicle, and one turtle-tour guest who boarded last found the only seats were at the back.

Is the Premium small-group tour really from $99?

Yes, it is from $99 per person for up to 13 guests, with snorkel gear, water and Pali Lookout entry included.

Read the details before you book: pickups are only in Waikiki and Ala Moana (not airport hotels or Ko Olina), they start at 7 AM (the listing's start time is 6:30 AM, and the driver sets your exact time), with sunrise pickups in winter. The adult band is 18 to 63, with separate youth (8 to 17), child (3 to 7) and senior (64 and over) rates.

Want a small group at a big-bus price? Up to 13 guests, with a North Shore snorkel stop.

★ 4.8 · 9.5 hours · from $99

Explore the Premium small-group tour → Tour details

Which small-group tour has turtles?

The turtle snorkel tour: a guided snorkel at a spot known as "Turtle Town", with gear included and no guarantee of sightings.

Guests mention a lifeguard and safety instructions at the beach, and that after storms the water can be too cloudy to snorkel. Food is not included; the lunch stop at Tsue Farm is at your own expense. The child band is 4 to 12, and the listing says no heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Which tour includes lunch?

Only the Majestic tour: lunch (the listing names Pounders Restaurant), plus Byodo-In and Waimea Valley entry, from $186.

It runs a mini-bus for up to 28, is wheelchair accessible and operates in all weather. Bring a swimsuit if you fancy a dip at Waimea Falls; the listing suggests a change of clothes.

Do small groups get longer at each stop?

Not always: the Majestic tour's stops run 15 to 45 minutes, and some of its guests still found them rushed.

One Majestic guest wrote that each destination "seemed as if we were rushed"; another suggested 10 to 15 more minutes per stop. Hidden Gems packs 11 stops of 20 to 40 minutes, and a few guests found some of them commercial. A smaller group mostly saves time at boarding and photo stops.

Which should you choose?

Match the tour to what matters most: comfort, beach time, lunch or price.

• First visit, want the overview: the Grand Circle Island full day.
• Snorkel on the same day: the Premium small-group tour or the turtle tour.
• Lunch and entry fees sorted: the Majestic tour.
• Lowest price with a snorkel stop: the grand tour with snorkeling, from $89.
• Wheelchair user: the Majestic tour, which is wheelchair accessible.

For family age rules, see the circle island tour with kids.

Frequently asked questions