Hidden Gems of Oahu with Byodo In Temple & Turtle Spotting

The journey, in full

Our semi-private shuttle will arrive at 7 am for pick up in Waikiki, with a local guide to help you prepare for a day of exploring the island of Oahu. Pick-up times vary by hotel and will be automatically assigned when you input your information into our online booking platform. Diamond Head- Amelia Earhart Lookout: The first lookout we visit is an elevated view perched on the eastern side of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head Volcano, This lookout grants us a great opportunity for pictures of the southeastern coastline of Oahu, with notable sights as far as Hanauma Bay and Maui on a clear day. The location is more formally known as Amelia Earhart Lookout, known for where bystanders gathered to watch Earhart make her first solo aviation journey from Hawaii to North America. Halona Blowhole: Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions that occurred from Oahu’s Koko Head crater formed the natural occurrence known as the Halona Blowhole. This lava tube extends into the ocean with a very narrow opening at the top, and when the surf is just right, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening creating a special Hawaiian Geyser for your viewing pleasure. Makapu’u Point: Witness Waimanalo’s dramatic sea cliffs as we turn into Oahu’s windward side as we begin our journey to the North Shore of Oahu. Look off into the azure blue waters of the bay and you will see Oahu’s famous Manana Island also known as Rabbit island due to its Rabbit shape. Byodo In Temple (admission included): The Temple grounds are a lushly landscaped paradise nestled in a cleft of the pali and are home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The beautiful grounds include a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls. Our guests describe this destination as beautiful, peaceful, and restful. Admissions are included with the price of the tour. Hawaiian Coffee and Macadamia Nut Tastings: After a beautiful drive along Oahu’s eastern coastline, our next stop is a local shop that finds itself tucked away under-aged Banyan Trees with macadamia nut and delicious Kona coffee tastings, along with very tempting Hawaiian chocolates amongst other treats. Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Valley Mountain Range: Chinaman’s Hat, also known as Mokoli’i, is nestled right next to the Kualoa Valley Mountain range. This location is known for its dramatic landscape filmed in a number of Hollywood movies; most notably fan-favorite Jurassic Park. The island has earned the nickname Chinaman’s Hat from its resemblance to the straw hats that the Chinese immigrants wore when working Oahu’s sugar plantations during the early 1900s. Famous North Shore Shrimp Lunch on Local Hawaiian Restaurant We break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can have your pick of either a famous North Shore Garlic Shrimp plate or other local delicacies. Non-Shellfish and Vegetarian options are available. Please bring cash for lunch. Tropical Fruit Stands: After lunch, we make a stop at a North Shore tropical fruit stand which offers ice-cold coconuts to drink from, fresh mangos, and other tropical treats. North Shore Sunset Beach: A change of pace from the crowded beaches of Waikiki, The infamous Sunset Beach on the North Shore offers tranquility and is the epitome of a beautiful Hawaiian Beach. However don’t let the summer months fool you, during the winter months, swells of 30 to 40 feet can be seen from the safe confines of the shore. Hawaii Green Sea Turtle Spotting on the North Shore: Hono is the Hawaiian name for our beloved Green Sea Turtles. Our Honu is very Hawaiian in that they love to lay on the sand and bask under the warm sun. We take you to a beach where we hope to spot this incredible occurrence. Dole Pineapple plantation: A historic pineapple plantation home to pineapple magnets, pineapple t-shirts, pineapple keychains, and most importantly pineapple ice cream aka Dole Whip!! A great way to end the day and get some pineapple-themed souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Waikiki Return (3:30-4:00): After a day of activities and fun, we return to Waikiki, just in time to make plans for the night. Mahalo for joining us!