Tour stop
Grand Circle Island Tour
About The Tour
Get an in-depth look at Oahu on the Grand Circle Island Tour! You’ll travel the island stopping at world-renowned surf spots, historic sites, foodie towns, and the famous North Shore. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Watch surfers at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline
• Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley
• Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa
• Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
• Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation
And so much more! With 15 unforgettable stops this full-day tour gives you a true sense of the island's beauty, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
• Watch surfers at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline
• Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley
• Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa
• Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
• Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation
And so much more! With 15 unforgettable stops this full-day tour gives you a true sense of the island's beauty, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
About the tour
Get an in-depth look at Oahu on the Grand Circle Island Tour! You’ll travel the island stopping at world-renowned surf spots, historic sites, foodie towns, and the famous North Shore. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Watch surfers at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline
• Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley
• Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa
• Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
• Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation
And so much more! With 15 unforgettable stops this full-day tour gives you a true sense of the island's beauty, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
• Watch surfers at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline
• Hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley
• Eat garlic shrimp in Kahuku and shave ice in Haleiwa
• Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
• Grab a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation
And so much more! With 15 unforgettable stops this full-day tour gives you a true sense of the island's beauty, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
STARTING POINTS
-Waikiki-Ko Olina
RECOMMENDED START TIME
-9:00 a.m. (after morning rush hour)
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the Grand Circle Island Tour Preview!
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Now Playing
2. La'ie & the Hukilau
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04:54
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3. Eddie Would Go
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02:55
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4. Pearl Harbor & WWII
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03:09
Grand Circle Island Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Grand Circle Island Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Pounder's Beach - La'ie
Tour stop
Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) - North Shore
Tour stop
Kualoa Ranch
Tour stop
Leonard's Bakery - Kapahulu
Tour stop
Kahuku Shrimp & Food Trucks
Tour stop
Kahuku Fruit Stand
Tour stop
Ted's Bakery - North Shore
Meet the Creators
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Grand Circle Island Tour
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Andrew Fowers
Writer/Editor
“I started this business because I believe that when you connect a story to a place, it transforms your journey. It allows you to step beyond being just a tourist and become an informed traveler, fully present in the moment. Our hope is that you come for the guide, but stay for the stories that bring these destination to life.” - Andrew Fowers
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
Grand Circle Island Tour
$ 19.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Grand Circle Island Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Important Update!
Aloha Shaka Guiders,
Due to the March 2026 storms, you may notice some changes along your tour—things like temporary road closures, limited access to certain stops, or areas that are still recovering. Our routes are designed to guide you safely, but conditions can shift, so a little flexibility goes a long way.
As you explore, we ask that you travel with care and respect—for the land, the communities, and the people who call these places home. If an area looks closed or impacted, please honor posted signs and avoid entering. These moments are part of the story of Hawai‘i too, and your kuleana (responsibility) as a visitor helps keep these places protected for everyone.
Mahalo for your understanding, and for exploring with aloha 💛
Amy
Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Grand Circle Island Tour start & end?
This tour has two starting points, Waikiki on the south shore of the island and Ko Olina on the west side. Regardless of where you start, the tour will travel in a counterclockwise loop, ending where you began.
Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!
Byodo-In Japanese Temple
Sunset Beach
Banzai Pipeline
Haleiwa
Shark’s Cove
Kahuku Shrimp trucks
Kualoa Ranch
Polynesian Cultural Center
Waimea Valley
Waimea Bay
Dole Plantation
For help planning your day check out our Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go!
Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!
Byodo-In Japanese Temple
Sunset Beach
Banzai Pipeline
Haleiwa
Shark’s Cove
Kahuku Shrimp trucks
Kualoa Ranch
Polynesian Cultural Center
Waimea Valley
Waimea Bay
Dole Plantation
For help planning your day check out our Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go!
2. Can I join the Grand Circle Island tour along the route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
3. What should I budget for the Grand Circle Island tour?
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs:
Byodo-In only accepts credit cards and contactless payments.
Adult: $10
Senior: $8
Child 2–12: $6
Parking: $6
$26.00/adult and $18.00/child per person: Waimea Valley entry
$28.00/adult and $24.00/child per person: Dole Plantation — Train, Maze and Garden pass
Budget extra for meals, snacks, and souvenirs throughout the day.
Byodo-In only accepts credit cards and contactless payments.
Adult: $10
Senior: $8
Child 2–12: $6
Parking: $6
$26.00/adult and $18.00/child per person: Waimea Valley entry
$28.00/adult and $24.00/child per person: Dole Plantation — Train, Maze and Garden pass
Budget extra for meals, snacks, and souvenirs throughout the day.
4. What should I pack for the Grand Circle Island tour?
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
Sneakers
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray (for Waimea Valley)
Towel
Bathing Suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Cash
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount
Sneakers
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray (for Waimea Valley)
Towel
Bathing Suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Cash
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount
5. What are the hours of operation for stops on the Grand Circle Island tour?
Leonard's Bakery: 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., open daily
Moanalua Gardens: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Green World Coffee: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., open daily
Dole Plantation: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily
North Shore Soap Factory
Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Matsumoto Shave Ice: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., open daily
Waimea Bay: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Temple - Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., daily
Ted's Bakery: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., open daily
Kahuku Shrimp & Food Trucks: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., daily
Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., daily
Laie Point: 7:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., daily
Polynesian Cultural Center — Opens at 12:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and most Wednesdays. Hours vary by experience and season, so check the official operating calendar before visiting.
Kahana Bay: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., daily
Kualoa Ranch: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily
Byodo-In Japanese Temple: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., open daily
Moanalua Gardens: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Green World Coffee: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., open daily
Dole Plantation: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily
North Shore Soap Factory
Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Matsumoto Shave Ice: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., open daily
Waimea Bay: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Temple - Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., daily
Ted's Bakery: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., open daily
Kahuku Shrimp & Food Trucks: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., daily
Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., daily
Laie Point: 7:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., daily
Polynesian Cultural Center — Opens at 12:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and most Wednesdays. Hours vary by experience and season, so check the official operating calendar before visiting.
Kahana Bay: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., daily
Kualoa Ranch: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., open daily
Byodo-In Japanese Temple: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., open daily
6. Can I take the Grand Circle Island tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour can only be done counterclockwise. If you’re looking for a similar experience but want to travel clockwise around the island — starting your day on the North Shore — check out our Legendary North Shore Loop.
7. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.