Nine ways to see the island in a day, sorted by what you actually get: the classic big bus, a mini-bus with lunch, a small group with turtles, a cheap shuttle or your own car. Each one has its own page with the route, the day and what guests say.
The most reviewed circle island tour on this site: a half day from $100, the full circle from $140.
Most reviewedThe classic big-bus loop: six stops on the full day, a restroom on board, and 90 minutes for lunch in Haleiwa.
Route: Full day ($140): six stops around the island. Half day ($100): Dole Plantation and Haleiwa only. Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay are drive-bys
Day-long loops from Waikiki with snorkel gear or lunch included.
Snorkel stopTwelve stops in 8 to 10 hours, snorkel gear, snacks and soft drinks, for the lowest price of the guided loops.
Route: 12 stops from Diamond Head to Waimea Bay and Dole, plus a snorkel stop. Makapuu, Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Haleiwa are drive-bys
Lunch includedLunch, Byodo-In and Waimea Valley entry included, in a mini-bus for up to 28. The only tour here with all three.
Route: Six stops: Pali Lookout, Byodo-In, Tropical Farms, lunch, Waimea Valley and Dole. Entry fees and lunch included
Temple entry includedEleven stops around the coast, from Diamond Head to Sunset Beach, with Byodo-In Temple entry included.
Route: 11 stops: Diamond Head, Blowhole, Byodo-In, Tropical Farms, Kualoa, Kahuku Farms, Sunset Beach, Pua'ena Point, Dole. Hanauma Bay and Pipeline are drive-bys
Smaller vehicles, more stops and a swim where turtles feed.
Small groupA guided snorkel where green sea turtles feed, plus the Blowhole, Mokoli'i and Dole, in a minibus for up to 28.
Route: Diamond Head lookout, Blowhole, Mokoli'i, lunch stop, Sunset Beach, guided turtle-beach snorkel, Dole. Sandy Beach and Waimanalo are drive-bys
Max 13 guestsA group of 13 at most, snorkel gear and a North Shore beach stop, for about the price of the big bus.
Route: Diamond Head, Blowhole, Pali, Makapuu, North Shore beach time, Haleiwa, Dole. Hanauma Bay, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are drive-bys
A shuttle to the North Shore, or an audio guide for your own rental car.
BudgetTransport only: two hours at Dole Plantation, a shrimp truck, an hour in Haleiwa, back in about six hours.
Route: Four stops: Dole Plantation, Jenny's Shrimp Truck, Haleiwa, a macadamia nut shop. No east or windward coast
Self-driveAn audio guide for your own car: one price per vehicle, 18 suggested stops, your pace. Car and fees not included.
Route: 18 suggested stops, from Leonard's Bakery and Byodo-In to Pipeline, Waimea Valley, Haleiwa and Dole. Skip any you like
Pearl Harbor is not on the circle route.
Cross-sellThe USS Arizona Memorial and visitor center with Waikiki pickup, plus downtown Honolulu from the coach.
Route: USS Arizona Memorial program and the visitor center. Battleship Missouri and the Aviation Museum only with upgrades. Downtown sights from the coach