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Hawaii Turtle Tours · Waikiki pickup

Small-group circle tour with turtles

Hawaii Turtle Tours drives the circle in an air-conditioned minibus and stops for a guided snorkel at a spot known for green sea turtles. Book it if a swim near turtles matters more to you than a long list of stops, and accept that the sea decides.

Small-Group Circle Island with Turtle Snorkeling

About this experience

This is the tour on this site built around the water. After the Diamond Head lookout (10 minutes) and the Halona Blowhole (15), the minibus heads up the windward side to a macadamia farm, Mokoli'i and a 45-minute lunch stop, where you can buy a plate lunch and shave ice. Then comes the guided snorkel at a beach the operator calls Turtle Town, about an hour on the North Shore with a guide in the water. The day ends at Dole Plantation.

The operator is blunt about turtles, and so are we: they cannot be guaranteed. Guests in 2025 and 2026 report days with many turtles, days with cloudy water after storms, and guides who found turtles on the sand when the snorkel was off. Hawaii Turtle Tours also warns that the listed stops can change with conditions. NOAA Fisheries asks everyone to stay at least 10 feet from turtles.

The listing caps groups at 28, and recent guests describe much smaller buses: 9 or 10 people. One said the back seats were cramped. Food and drinks are not included. If you'd rather keep your feet dry, the Hidden Gems tour covers similar ground with temple entry included.

  • A guided snorkel at a turtle feeding beach, gear included
  • Pickup points chosen close to Waikiki's hotels
  • Diamond Head, the Blowhole and Mokoli'i on the way
  • Small group: up to 28 in a minibus
  • Ends with Dole Plantation

How the day runs

  1. About 7:20 AMPickup near your hotel

    The operator sends a pickup point and time based on your Waikiki hotel.

  2. 10 + 15 minDiamond Head and the Blowhole

    A photo stop at the Diamond Head lookout, then waves spraying from the Halona Blowhole. Makapuu Point passes by.

  3. 25 + 15 minMacadamia farm and Mokoli'i

    Crack macadamia nuts and taste the coffee, then a photo stop for the islet in Kaneohe Bay.

  4. 45 minLunch stop

    Plate lunch and shave ice at your own cost.

  5. 10 min + 1 hSunset Beach and the turtle snorkel

    A photo stop at Sunset Beach, then gear on and a guided swim where turtles feed. A quick shower at the beach park before the bus.

  6. 30 minDole Plantation and back

    A frozen pineapple treat at Dole Plantation, then the drive back to Waikiki.

A green sea turtle resting on a sandy beach as a wave washes inSea spray shooting up from the Halona Blowhole on a rocky lava coastThe cone-shaped islet of Mokoli'i rising from turquoise water

What's included

Included

  • Guided circle island tour
  • Small-group minibus, air-conditioned
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels)

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Guaranteed turtle sightings
  • Dole train and maze tickets

Who it suits

Book it if

  • Snorkelling with turtles is the highlight you want
  • You prefer a small group to a big bus
  • Your kids are 4 or older and confident in the water
  • You're happy to trade stop count for time in the sea

Skip it if

  • You have heart problems or a serious medical condition
  • You need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
  • You'd be upset if the snorkel is called off after a storm
  • You want lunch included: try the Majestic tour

What guests say

★★★★★

WOW this far exceeded my expectations. Nevin was the best tour guide I've ever had! We learned so so so much about the island, saw so many sights, and had so much fun. The stops were perfectly timed and chosen. [...]

Anna_B · Apr 2026
★★★★★

Our tour guide was Raul, who was super professional and friendly. [...] During snorkeling, he got into the water to make sure everyone was safe and was able to use the gear.

Brian_H · Dec 2025
★★★★★

Was an amazing day! Only 10 people on the tour so it truly is a small group which made it even better! [...]

Misty_B · Jul 2026

Tips before you book

  • Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and dry clothes in a small bag, as the operator asks.
  • Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. There's a quick shower at the beach park afterwards.
  • If you're picked up last, you may end up in the back row. Guests say it gets tight.
  • Book early in your trip. If the water is murky on the day, you have time for another turtle try on your own.

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Frequently asked questions

Will I definitely see turtles on this tour?

No. Hawaii Turtle Tours says it visits the beaches turtles use most, but weather and sea conditions decide, and it cannot guarantee sightings. Many recent guests did see them, in the water or on the sand.

How small is the small group?

The listing allows up to 28 travelers in a minibus. Guests in 2025 and 2026 report groups of 9 or 10.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are excluded; there's a 45-minute lunch stop where you buy a plate lunch, and a frozen pineapple treat at Dole costs extra too.

Can children snorkel on this tour?

Children from 4 can book, at about 13% off the adult rate. They should be comfortable in open water; see our kids guide.

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A small group, a guided snorkel at a turtle feeding ground and the island's highlights.

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A small group, a guided snorkel at a turtle feeding ground and the island's highlights.

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