Map your way around Oahu with this Grand Circle Island tour route

Oahu is packed with beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and historic landmarks. This map will help you connect the dots of how your Grand Circle Island tour will look from Waikiki to the North Shore and beyond, so you don’t miss a thing.

Map of the Oahu Grand Circle Island tour route

Waikiki skyline with Queen Kapiolani Park, Kuhio Beach, and Diamond Head in the background.

This map outlines the most popular circle island tour route, starting in Honolulu and looping through the island’s coastal highways.

Major attractions include historic downtown landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural gems.

Stops like Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head lookout showcase Oahu’s diversity, while shrimp trucks and fruit stands along the way add local flavor to the adventure.

Heads-up: This map gives you an overview of the Circle Island route, but the exact stops, order, and timing can change depending on the tour company and the day’s weather.

oahu grand circle island tour route map

Visitor facilities

Starting points: Most tours depart from Waikiki hotels, with pick-ups included.
Restrooms: Available at major attractions like Hanauma Bay, Byodo-In Temple, and Dole Plantation.
Parking: Free or paid lots are provided at beaches, lookouts, and cultural sites along the route.
Food stops: North Shore shrimp trucks, macadamia nut farm tastings, and Dole Plantation snacks are must-tries.
Accessibility: Most cultural and historical sites are wheelchair-friendly, though coastal lookouts may have uneven paths.

Key stops & highlights of your tour

Iolani Palace entrance with ornate gates and lush palm trees in Honolulu, Hawaii.

ʻIolani Palace (Honolulu)

Step inside the only royal palace in the United States and get a glimpse of Hawaii’s rich monarchy history. It’s right in the heart of downtown Honolulu, making it an easy and fascinating stop.

Rainbow over Diamond Head mountain at sunset, viewed from a cruise in Honolulu.

Aerial view of Hanauma Bay's turquoise waters and surrounding greenery, Oahu, Hawaii.

Halona Blow Hole in Oahu, Hawaii, with ocean waves crashing against rocky shore.

Nuuanu Pali Lookout view of lush green cliffs and valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Byodo-in Temple reflecting in a pond, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.

Mokolii Island, also known as Chinaman's Hat, viewed from Oahu, Hawaii with palm trees in the foreground.

Espresso shot pouring into glass, highlighting single-origin coffee experience.

Sandy beach with palm trees and a rainbow at Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii.

Haleiwa Town sign with surfer and North Shore text on a sunny day.

Aerial view of Dole Plantation maze and gardens, Oahu, Hawaii.

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Tips for your visit

Start early: The full loop takes 6–8 hours with sightseeing stops, so leaving Waikiki in the morning helps you see more without feeling rushed.
Beat the crowds: Popular spots like Hanauma Bay and Waimea Bay parking lots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. So get there early.
Pack swimwear: You might want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, dip into Waimea Falls, or cool off at a North Shore beach.
Sample local eats: Don’t miss North Shore shrimp trucks, roadside fruit stands, and a refreshing shave ice in Haleʻiwa.
Bring cash: Smaller vendors, like fruit stalls and some food trucks, often don’t accept cards.
Check surf reports: North Shore waves can be massive in winter, while summer brings calmer waters perfect for swimming.
Download offline maps: Coverage can get spotty in places like Kualoa and along the North Shore coastline.