Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events · Waikiki
Star of Honolulu's big-coach loop around Oahu, with a restroom on board and a driver-guide who talks you through all 110 miles. Pick it for the long lunch in Haleiwa and the easiest pace of any full day here, not for beach time.
This is the most reviewed circle tour on Oahu, and the simplest. A full-size coach collects you at one of four Waikiki bus depots, rolls east past Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, and spends the day on six stops. The Halona Blowhole and the Nuuanu Pali Lookout get 10 minutes each. Byodo-In Temple and the Tropical Farms macadamia outlet get 20. Then the real break: 90 minutes in Haleiwa for lunch and a wander, and 30 at the Dole Plantation on the way home.
Read the price twice. The from-$100 fare is the 6.5-hour half day, which only goes to Dole and Haleiwa. The full circle with the temple and the Pali is priced by date at checkout, and the listing shows only from $100. Lunch is not included, and neither are the Dole train ($15 adult) or the maze ($10), per Dole Plantation. Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head and the North Shore surf beaches are window views.
Count on about three hours on your feet out of nine. Good for people who want the island explained more than they want to swim; frustrating if you hoped for a beach or turtles, in which case look at the turtle snorkel tour or the $89 snorkel loop. One October 2026 guest reports a road closure that cut out the North Shore, with longer stops elsewhere instead. Star of Honolulu can also cancel for bad weather, with a full refund.
Hilton Hawaiian Village (Grand Islander bus depot) first, then Hokulani Waikiki on Lewers St, the Hyatt Regency's Koa Avenue entrance and the Waikiki Beach Marriott on Paoakalani Ave.
Diamond Head, Kahala and Hanauma Bay slide past the window. First stop: 10 minutes at the Halona Blowhole.
Ten minutes at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, 1,200 feet up and very windy, then 20 at Byodo-In to ring the bell and see the koi.
Twenty minutes of free samples at Tropical Farms, a run along the North Shore, then 90 minutes in Haleiwa. Lunch is on you.
Thirty minutes at Dole Plantation for a Dole Whip, then back through downtown Honolulu to Waikiki.
★★★★★Tony was such an amazing guide. [...] He taught us lots of Hawaiian words and taught us a lot of Hawaiian history. We got to spend a decent amount of time at each stop and had a great time.
★★★★★Pick-up was on time. Our driver, Lola was fun, provided interesting facts [...] We had island donuts & water as a snack. Lola gave us good eating recs for one of our stops.
★★★★★We were unable to make it to the North Shore due to a road closure and he made up for it with longer stops elsewhere. Tony was kind, funny and the bus was very clean.
★★★★★We got to see areas outside the Waikiki area. [...] I especially enjoyed the temple and the blowhole area.
Read next:
No. The $100 from-price is the 6.5-hour half day to Dole Plantation and Haleiwa. The nine-hour full circle with Byodo-In and the Pali is priced by date at checkout; choose a 'Full Day' option at booking.
Halona Blowhole 10 minutes, Nuuanu Pali 10, Byodo-In 20, Tropical Farms 20, Haleiwa 90 and Dole Plantation 30. About three hours off the coach.
Neither. Both are drive-bys, as on every circle tour we list. Hanauma Bay needs its own reservation and a $25 non-resident ticket.
No. You buy lunch in Haleiwa during the 90-minute stop. The snack and bottled water on board are included.
Ready to book
Six real stops on the full day, Byodo-In entry, a restroom on board and 90 minutes in Haleiwa. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Hidden Gems Circle Island Tour with Byodo-In TempleTen stops after pickup: Byodo-In with entry paid, 40 minutes at Kahuku Farms and a turtle beach; food extra.★ 4.9 · 9 hours · from $159
Majestic Circle Island with Waimea Falls & Byodo-InSix stops with lunch at Pounders, Byodo-In and Waimea Valley entries paid; wheelchair accessible, max 28.★ 4.9 · 9 hours · from $186
Grand Tour Around the Island with SnorkelingTwelve real stops with a snorkel beach and three hour-long breaks, plus snacks and soft drinks; cheapest full loop.★ 4.8 · 8 to 10 hours · from $89