Ultimate Oahu Grand Circle Island self-guided driving 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.

This package also includes a free bonus tour of Oahu!

Next is Aloha Tower, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Continuing on, you’ll see Iolani Palace, the extravagant former home of Hawaii’s monarchs, as well as a statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

The first beach on the tour is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that was actually 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 got his start 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 popular park. You’ve really got to see this one up close to truly appreciate it!

Continuing on 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.

At the Hanauma Bay Lookout, next, 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 O’ahu’s 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 huge Buddhist temple in Hawaii, but that’s the next stop! After checking out the Byodo-In Temple, you’ll reach the Kualoa Ranch. A Hollywood 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 huge 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.