From the sacred cliffs of Nu'uanu Pali to the 45-foot waterfall at Waimea Valley, a first-hand guide to experiencing all of Oahu's most extraordinary landmarks in a single unforgettable day.
There is a particular kind of traveler who arrives in Hawaii and immediately wants to understand the whole island before committing to any one corner of it. On our first trip to Oahu, we were exactly those travelers. With so many points of interest spread across the island (ancient temples, dramatic lookouts, sacred valleys, legendary surf beaches) we made a decision that turned out to be one of the best of the entire trip: we booked the Majestic Oahu Circle Island Tour with E Noa Tours. The tour picks you up at your hotel in the early morning and deposits you, twelve hours later, with a completely different understanding of what Oahu actually is. Not just Waikiki. Not just Diamond Head. But an island of extraordinary geological drama, deep cultural history, and natural beauty that rivals anywhere in the world. Hanauma Bay & Halona Beach Cove The tour begins by circling Diamond Head and passing through Kāhala (known locally as the Beverly Hills of Oahu) before arriving at the first stop: the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The preserve is one of the most protected marine ecosystems in Hawaii, and the view from the overlook alone is worth the stop. The bay curves in a perfect crescent, the water shifting from deep blue to translucent turquoise as it shallows toward the reef. A short drive further brings you to Halona Beach Cove; the intimate pocket beach made famous as the location of the iconic love scene in From Here to Eternity. The cove is small, dramatic, and surrounded by volcanic rock that the Pacific has been sculpting for millennia. Makapu'u Beach The east coast of Oahu is where the island shows its wilder face. Makapu'u Beach is one of the most visually striking stretches of coastline on the island; a long arc of white sand backed by dramatic cliffs, with the uninhabited Mānana Island sitting offshore like a sentinel. The beach is also home to some of the island's most powerful shore break, which makes it a favorite of bodysurfers and a place of genuine respect for the ocean. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout If there is a single stop on the Circle Island Tour that stops conversation entirely, it is the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. At 1,200 feet above sea level, the lookout sits at a gap in the Ko'olau mountain range and commands a panoramic view of the windward coast that is, without exaggeration, one of the most dramatic vistas in the Pacific. The trade winds at the lookout are so powerful they can lean against you. The view stretches from the city of Kāne'ohe all the way to the northern coastline. The site also carries significant historical weight; it was here, in 1795, that King Kamehameha I drove the defending O'ahu warriors off the cliff in the battle that unified the Hawaiian Islands under a single ruler. Byodo-In Temple Set within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kāne'ohe, the Byodo-In Temple is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places on Oahu. A smaller replica of the 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, it sits at the base of the Ko'olau mountains, reflected in a koi pond that circles the structure. The temple is non-denominational and welcomes visitors of all faiths. The three-ton sacred bell at the entrance is rung to cleanse the mind before entering. The peacocks that wander the grounds are an unexpected bonus. Waimea Valley, The Highlight of the Tour If the Pali Lookout stops conversation, Waimea Valley earns it back. The valley is over 1,800 acres of sacred land, botanical garden, and living cultural heritage; and at its heart is a 45-foot waterfall that visitors are permitted to swim beneath. The hike to the falls is a gentle three-quarter mile along a paved path through dense tropical vegetation, with an optional river trail that adds a more immersive dimension to the walk. Waimea Falls was the unanimous highlight of our day. Swimming at the base of the falls, surrounded by the valley walls and the sound of water, is one of those travel experiences that is difficult to describe without sounding hyperbolic. It simply has to be felt. The North Shore & Dole Plantation The drive along the North Shore is a lesson in how quickly Oahu's landscape can shift. The resort hotels and surf shops of Waikiki feel like a different island entirely as the road narrows and the coastline opens up into the legendary breaks of Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. In winter, these waves reach heights of 30 feet or more. In summer, the same water turns glassy and calm. The final stop is the Dole Plantation; a sprawling agricultural attraction that is part history lesson, part gift shop, and entirely worth the stop for the Dole Whip alone. The frozen pineapple soft-serve is, as advertised, exceptional. The line moves slowly. It is worth it. Practical Notes The tour runs approximately 10 to 12 hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes, the terrain varies considerably across stops. Bring a light layer for the Pali Lookout, where the wind can be surprisingly cold. The Hanauma Bay preserve is closed on Tuesdays. Book in advance, particularly in peak season, as the smaller bus tours fill quickly.