Oahu Waterfall & North Shore Guided Tour
See Oahu's coast, waterfall, and plantation in one guided day
Duration
7-8 Hours
Includes
Guided tour, Waimea admission
Highlights
Explore Oahu's North Shore, East, and Northeast shores without renting a car. Travel by minibus or van with a guided tour throughout the day.
- Discover coastal viewpoints and island scenery
- Visit locations featured in Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Here to Eternity, and 50 First Dates
- Enjoy guided sightseeing and a waterfall hike
- Browse pineapple-themed souvenirs at Dole Plantation
Itinerary
#Waikiki Hotel Pickups Start (6:55am to 7:20am)
#Diamond Head - Amelia Earhart Lookout an Aviators Vista (If parking lot is full we will drive by)
Our initial stop takes us to an elevated viewpoint nestled on the eastern slopes of the renowned Diamond Head Volcano in Waikiki. This vantage point provides an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs of Oahu's southeastern coastline, offering panoramic views that extend to notable landmarks such as Hanauma Bay and, on clear days, even as far as Maui. Familiarly referred to as the Aviator's Vista, this location carries historical significance as the site where spectators gathered to witness Amelia Earhart embark on her pioneering first solo aviation journey from Hawaii to North America.
#Drive-by Hanauma Bay State Park
Halona Blowhole
Marvel at the natural wonder created by molten lava tubes from Oahu's Koko Head crater at the Halona Blowhole. This unique formation, resulting from volcanic eruptions, sends water shooting through a narrow opening in the lava tube, creating a captivating Hawaiian geyser when the surf is just right.
Perched atop the rugged cliffs of the Ko'olau Range on Oahu, the Pali Lookout offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the island's windward side. Known for its historical significance in the Battle of Nu'uanu, where King Kamehameha I secured his
#Pali Lookout
Perched atop the rugged cliffs of the Ko'olau Range on Oahu, the Pali Lookout offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the island's windward side. Known for its historical significance in the Battle of Nu'uanu, where King Kamehameha I secured his victory in uniting the Hawaiian Islands, the lookout provides a glimpse into both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With strong winds often sweeping through the area, it's a must-visit destination for those seeking awe-inspiring vistas and a sense of Hawaiian history.
#Hawaiian Coffee and Macadamia Nut Delights
After a picturesque drive along Oahu’s eastern coastline, delight in a one-of-a-kind tasting experience at a distinctive macadamia nut shop nestled beneath towering Banyan Trees. Immerse yourself in the distinct flavors of exquisite Kona coffee, relish the richness of macadamia nuts, and succumb to the allure of Hawaiian chocolates, all within the tropical charm of this unique find.
#Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Valley Mountain Range
Immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of Chinaman’s Hat, or Mokoli’i, harmoniously framed by the majestic Kualoa Valley Mountain range. Renowned for its cinematic plendor showcased in iconic films like Jurassic Park, this island earned its moniker from the straw hats worn by Chinese immigrants toiling in Oahu’s sugar plantations during the early 1900s. As you absorb the panoramic beauty, envision the historical tapestry woven into this landscape and appreciate the island's unique blend of natural allure and cultural history.
#Local North Shore Restaurant
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, offering the renowned North Shore Garlic Shrimp plate and other local delicacies. Non-shellfish and vegetarian options are available, and don't forget to bring cash for lunch.
#North Shore Tropical Fruit Stands
Visit a North Shore tropical fruit stand, where you can savor ice-cold coconuts, fresh mangos, and other tropical treats. This delightful stop offers a refreshing array of locally sourced fruits to enhance your journey through the vibrant flavors of Hawaii.
#North Shore Sunset Beach
Escape the crowds and experience the serenity of Sunset Beach on the North Shore. This picturesque Hawaiian beach offers tranquility, though during winter months, witnesses impressive swells ranging from 30 to 40 feet from the safety of the shore.
#Waimea Botanical Garden & Waterfall Hike (1.5 hours) *Admission Included. (Closed Mondays SEPT - NOV & JAN - MAY)
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary botanical collections at Waimea Valley. Explore diverse gardens featuring flora from various parts of the world, including the Ogasawara Islands, Central and South America, Fiji, Guam, and the Mascarene Islands. Wander through the Hawaiian collection, showcasing rare and endangered plants brought to Hawaii from their places of origin.
Don't miss the captivating waterfall in the garden, where swimming is allowed (Swim in waterfall is not guaranteed & dependent upon rainfall the night before.), and lifeguards are present. Life jackets are required.
#Dole Pineapple Plantation (Ice Cream not included)
Conclude your day at the historic Dole Pineapple plantation, home to pineapple-themed souvenirs such as magnets, t-shirts, keychains, and the iconic Dole Whip pineapple ice cream. It's the perfect way to wrap up your day of exploration.
#3:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Waikiki Hotel drop off
Note: These are estimated times, actual times & stops may vary due to weather, traffic and/or driver's discretion.
It is fun, relaxing and affordable - Oahu’s premiere 5 star tour. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, towel, cash, sunscreen, camera and leave the rest to us!
What's Included
- Guided tour
Important details
- Arrive at your pick-up point 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time
- Wear a life jacket for waterfall swimming
- Standard foldable wheelchairs only; wheelchair users must be accompanied and able to walk a short distance to board the bus
- No wheelchair ramp is available
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 48 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice and no-shows may be charged the full price. Date or time changes require 48 hours' notice and are subject to availability. A minimum of 2 participants is required. Tours run rain or shine but may change or cancel for weather or unforeseen circumstances; receive a full refund if the operator cancels.
Product ID: 859QN9
FAQs
Arrive at your pick-up point 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Bring cash for lunch and gifts. Lunch does not accept credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Meeting details
Honolulu, HI
More about Waimea Botanical Garden
Tucked into the lush folds of Oahu's legendary North Shore, Waimea Botanical Garden unfolds across the storied Waimea Valley, a place where Hawaiian history, native plant life, and a thundering 45-foot waterfall come together in one unforgettable setting. As part of this North Shore tour, your visit to Waimea Botanical Garden gives you the chance to wander shaded pathways lined with rare tropical species, hear the rustle of palms overhead, and breathe in air thick with the scent of ginger and plumeria. The garden is sacred ground for Native Hawaiians, and that reverence shapes every step of the experience, making it far more than just a scenic stop.
The walk through Waimea Botanical Garden leads you gently uphill toward Waimea Falls, with interpretive markers introducing you to heliconia, hibiscus, and other botanical collections gathered from across the Pacific and beyond. Along the way, you will pass ancient Hawaiian cultural sites that whisper stories of the families who once lived in this valley. The payoff at the end of the trail is the falls themselves, where you are welcome to swim in the cool pool beneath the cascade if conditions allow. Compared to the dramatic coastal vistas at the Pali Lookout or the famous surf breaks of the North Shore, Waimea Botanical Garden offers a softer, greener kind of beauty, immersive and quietly powerful.
This stop is ideal for nature lovers, families with curious kids, plant enthusiasts, and travelers who want a deeper cultural connection to Oahu beyond beaches and viewpoints. Photographers will find endless frames among the foliage, and anyone seeking a refreshing swim will appreciate the chance to cool off beneath the waterfall. If you enjoy gentle walks that reward you with both knowledge and wonder, Waimea Botanical Garden is the kind of place you will be talking about long after your trip ends, a living, breathing centerpiece of any North Shore day.
Related locations
Waimea Valley
Admission includedTucked into the green folds of Oahu's North Shore, Waimea Valley draws you in with the scent of tropical blooms and the sound of birdsong drifting through dense forest canopy. A paved trail winds past hundreds of labeled plant species, each one part of one of Hawaii's most significant botanical collections. Waimea Valley rewards slow walkers who pause to notice the details, from ancient Hawaiian heiau platforms rising quietly through the foliage to the cool mist rising off Waihi Falls at the trail's end.