Oahu Circle Island: Snorkel with Turtles & Explore Turtle Beach

Discover Oahu’s Top Highlights on a Small-Group Tour

The Oahu Circle Island: Snorkel with Turtles & Explore Turtle Beach tour offers an 8-hour journey around the island, starting at just $111.20 per person. With a small group of 24-28 people and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels, this experience combines scenic views, local attractions, and a unique snorkeling adventure with Hawaiian green sea turtles. The tour’s popularity is clear, with it being booked on average 24 days in advance and boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from over 5,100 reviews.

What sets this tour apart is its well-rounded itinerary, encompassing iconic landmarks like Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and Makapuu Beach, along with immersive stops at farms and the famous Turtle Town snorkeling site. The tour is suitable for those wanting a comprehensive, small-group experience that balances sightseeing, cultural insight, and memorable wildlife encounters.

A key consideration is that turtle sightings are not guaranteed, as they depend on weather and sea conditions. Still, the tour’s flexible nature and engaging guides make it a great choice for travelers eager to see the best of Oahu in one day.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 8 hours with hotel pickup from Waikiki
• Small group size of 24-28 ensures a personalized experience
• Includes snorkeling gear and local guide, with stops at major attractions
• Highlights include snorkeling with green sea turtles at Turtle Town and visits to Diamond Head and the Dole Plantation
• Visitors can enjoy Hawaiian plate lunch, macadamia nuts, and shave ice at local farms
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility

The Convenience of Hotel Pickup and Small Group Travel

This tour departs from Waikiki with hotel pickup included, making it easy to start your day without logistical stress. The air-conditioned minibus limits group size to 24-28 travelers, which enhances comfort and allows for more meaningful interactions. The small group setting is frequently praised in reviews for offering a more intimate and relaxed experience, avoiding the crowds typical of larger tours.

The tour operates rain or shine, so packing appropriate clothing and sun protection is advised. The pickup time at 7:20 am ensures a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed, and the drop-off returns to Waikiki after sunset, around 4:00 pm.

Iconic Views from Diamond Head and Halona Blowhole

The tour begins with a stop at Diamond Head State Monument, where the Amelia Earhart Lookout provides a spectacular vantage point. Travelers get a brief but breathtaking photo opportunity of Oahu’s southeastern coast, with on-clear days distant views of Hanauma Bay and Maui.

Next, the Halona Blowhole offers a fascinating glimpse of volcanic activity, where ocean waves shoot water up to 50 feet in the air through a lava tube. This natural display is a favorite for capturing dramatic photos and understanding Hawaii’s volcanic origins. The stop is brief but gives a vivid sense of the island’s geological history.

Exploring the North Shore’s Famous Beaches and Surf Culture

Driving along the coast, the tour passes Sandy Beach and Makapuu Beach, with scenic views of Manana Island (also known as Rabbit Island) and the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. These locations are renowned for their natural beauty and are perfect for photos or a quick walk.

The journey continues to Sunset Beach, celebrated for its expansive sands and legendary waves. In summer, the beach is tranquil, but during winter months, wave swells of 30 to 40 feet attract surfers from around the world. The stop at Sunset Beach offers a peaceful break from busy tourist spots and a chance to appreciate Hawaii’s rugged coastline.

Delicious Hawaiian Plate Lunch at a Local Farm

One of the tour’s highlights is a farm visit at 56-777 Kamehameha Highway, where a Hawaiian plate lunch is served. The farm showcases traditional Hawaiian agriculture practices, with the guide explaining the history of taro farming and land management methods passed down through generations.

Guests can choose from garlic shrimp, coconut shrimp, kalua pork, and vegetarian options, all prepared at the farm’s restaurant. The meal offers a genuine taste of local cuisine, enhanced with fresh ingredients. Post-lunch, visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the nearby Anahulu River, adding an active element to the experience.

Visiting Famous Farming and Film Sites

The tour includes stops at a macadamia nut farm and Mokolii Island (Chinamans Hat). The macadamia farm, operated by a family-owned business, is notable for cracking raw nuts, tasting macadamia nut coffee, and sampling local chocolates. This farm provides insight into Hawaii’s agricultural economy and local craftsmanship.

Mokolii Island is well known for its dramatic landscape and appearance in Hollywood movies like Jurassic Park. The striking basalt island resembles a Chinaman’s hat, earning its nickname, and offers picturesque views of the Kaneohe Bay area.

Snorkeling with Green Sea Turtles at Turtle Town

The highlight of the tour is the snorkeling stop at Turtle Town, a spot renowned for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu). The guide leads visitors to a secluded feeding ground, where chances are high to spot these majestic creatures basking or swimming.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and the approximately 90-minute stop allows ample time for swimming and wildlife viewing. The site is a feeding ground, and although turtle sightings are frequent, they cannot be guaranteed due to natural conditions. The experience of swimming alongside these gentle creatures remains a memorable highlight.

Visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation and Shopping

The day concludes with a visit to the Dole Plantation, where Hawaii’s famous pineapples are cultivated. Here, travelers can enjoy a frozen Dole Whip, a refreshing pineapple treat, and browse pineapple-themed souvenirs like magnets, shirts, and keychains.

This stop offers a light-hearted ending to the tour, allowing visitors to pick up gifts for loved ones while enjoying the vibrant pineapple displays. The 30-minute visit is enough for some quick shopping and photos before heading back to Waikiki.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour operates daily, with confirmation received at booking. It’s suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements noted, but packing sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and dry clothes is recommended. The tour makes several photo stops at scenic locations, providing excellent opportunities for pictures.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if plans change. The tour is operated by Hawaii Turtle Tours, a well-reviewed provider praised for knowledgeable guides like Kurt, Harry, Justin, and Nevin, who many reviews highlight as personable, informative, and engaging.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Oahu Visitors

This comprehensive tour offers a balanced itinerary, combining well-known landmarks with authentic Hawaiian experiences and wildlife encounters. The small group size ensures a more personalized atmosphere, and the professional guides consistently receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness.

Compared to larger, busier tours, this experience emphasizes quality over quantity, allowing for more time at each stop and less waiting. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and hotel pickup adds convenience, making it an easy and enjoyable way to see Oahu’s diverse highlights in one day.

The main limitation is that turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the likelihood remains high, and the scenic stops and cultural insights more than compensate. This tour appeals most to travelers seeking a well-paced, informative, and fun day exploring the island’s natural beauty and local charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Waikiki hotels.

How long is the snorkeling stop?
The snorkeling at Turtle Town lasts about 90 minutes, with gear provided.

Are vegetarian meal options available?
Yes, the Hawaiian plate lunch at the farm includes vegetarian choices.

What are the main attractions visited?
Stops include Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Beach, Sunset Beach, Mokolii Island, macadamia nut farm, and Dole Plantation.

Can I see sea turtles?
While many visitors see green sea turtles at Turtle Town, sightings depend on weather and sea conditions—they are not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s pace and activities are suitable for most ages, but bring sunscreen, towels, and dry clothes for comfort.

What should I bring?
Essential items include sunscreen, towel, swimwear, bottled water, and a small bag for dry clothes.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book approximately 24 days ahead, ensuring availability during peak times.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance; later cancellations are non-refundable.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by Hawaii Turtle Tours, known for friendly, knowledgeable guides.

This Oahu Circle Island tour delivers a well-rounded experience combining scenic views, cultural insights, and wildlife encounters—a reliable choice for anyone eager to explore the island’s highlights comfortably and personally.