Oahu: Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour – Honolulu, Hawaii

EXPERIENCE

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! NOTE: This 90-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Oahu Grand Circle in 3 – 5 hours.

As an added perk, enjoy animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms, along many of the tour stops.

Next is Aloha Tower, one of the city s most iconic attractions. Continuing on, see Iolani Palace, the extravagant former home of Hawaii s monarchs, as well as a statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

The first beach on the Oahu tour is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that was once used for something else entirely. Then, visit Waikiki Beach, where surfing superstar Duke Kanahamoku got his start before he transformed the world of surfing forever.

Leaving the beaches for a moment, get an up-close look at Diamond Head State Park, an enormous volcanic crater and Hawaii s most popular park.

Head toward the volcanic China Walls next, where you ll hear the dramatic tale of Kamehameha s rise to power and his rival, Kalanikkpule, who was willing to do the unspeakable to take control for himself.

At the Hanauma Bay Lookout, find some of the most spectacular views; be sure to have your camera at the ready. For a less crowded spot, follow the route to the next lookout, which most visitors miss.

After passing some seriously scenic shoreline, spot Rabbit Island just off the coast and learn about the utterly failed rabbit farm that once operated here.

Then come to Waim nalo Beach, the perfect stop for anyone seeking a little seclusion. As you approach the town of Kailua, hear a dramatic account of the Battle of Nu uanu. If you re a kayaker, you won t want to miss Kailua s beach.

Up next, catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on Oahu. These ancient temples were deeply sacred to the Hawaiians and still hold a great deal of significance today.

Find a trail to one of Oahu s famous waterfalls. If you re craving more nature, the Ho omaluhia Botanical Garden will be just ahead, offering a staggering 400 acres of carefully cultivated flora.

You might not expect a huge Buddhist temple in Hawaii, but that s the next stop! After checking out the Byodo-In Temple, reach the Kualoa Ranch that s become a Hollywood favorite.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love what comes next: a huge wildlife refuge and Turtle Beach, frequented by the enormous Hawaiian green sea turtles. Then, head to Sunset Beach, the perfect spot to catch the day s final rays of light.

Later, head to the historic Dole Plantation, where the tour concludes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the rich culture of Honolulu, Hawaii s biggest city
Learn about the island s complex history as you drive
See filming locations from Jurassic Park to Hawaii Five-O
Discover the best beaches, trails, and photo-worthy spots
Visit Aloha Tower, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Park

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Honolulu