Reviewed by: Skylar and Kelsey
Great crew. Great time! Even with choppy waters, we felt safe and enjoyed every minute of it!
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Packages: | Shark Cage Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/04/05 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/03 |
Reviewed by: Mitch
I've been to the island dozens of times over the last 50 years and this tour was one of the highlights of all the visits.
Our pickup time was 6:40am from the Ala Moana Hotel. This is right next to a major shopping mall with ample parking. After a few more pickup locations, at various hotels, we were on our way.
Our driver, Danny (Driver of the year), was outstanding. He not only provided us with island history, but his own personal experiences growing up on the island, while pointing out many points of interest as we spent the day traveling around the island. As we approached each of the stops throughout the day, Danny played a brief video describing the highlights of the next destination.
The bus was clean and comfortable, with an onboard restroom. Bottled water was available throughout our entire tour.
We made our way out of Waikiki, traveling east through the neighborhoods to our first stop at the Halona Blowhole where Danny provided us with a tasty taro poi malasada (a purplish colored glazed donut that was outstanding). We spent about 15-20 minutes taking in the sights, before heading off to our next stop.
We arrived at our next stop, the Pali Lookout, about 20 minutes later. The views down to Kaneohe Bay were amazing. Again we had 15-20 minutes to enjoy the view and take photos.
A short time later we arrived at the Byodo-In Temple. After ringing the bell for luck, you can walk thru the Temple and around the grounds and koi ponds.
After leaving the Temple, we enjoyed an hour long drive along the coast, including amazing views of the North Shore, before arriving in Haleiwa town.
Here you'll have 90 minutes to enjoy lunch from one of the many food establishments.
The final stop in the tour was the Dole Pineapple Plantation, before returning to Honolulu where we got to view the Iolani Palace, and the King Kamehameha Statue.
The nine and a half hours flew by and was time well spent.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/31 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/27 |
Reviewed by: yifamily
The overall trip was good. The driver was on time to pick us up and very nice and accommodating. We started with the early hiking at the diamond head hike which is great because it gets quite hot after 9am at the top and by the time we got back, there was a large crowd waiting to get the tickets to start the hike. The view at the top of the crater was very nice. You can see all the high rise buildings in the waikiki area. It does take about 45min one way with 0.8 miles to climb up to the top. You will climb through a small tunnel which was cool.
Then he drove us around the island and we stopped at a few different beaches. We saw the area with very expensive houses which was very interesting. We also stopped to see the koko trail and the blowhole. We then stopped at a few additional places including the place where they sell macadamia nuts. That was a very nice place where we get free coffee and can taste all different kinds of macadamia nuts before we decide to buy them. We then stopped at the food truck place for lunch and the food was not that good. The garlic shrimp has too much garlic and the butter and lemon shrimp was too blend. What is worse is there was a lot of flies, so we have to constantly worry about the flies going to our food! The kids had a great time chasing the the chickens though.
We then stopped at another fruit stand and the sunset beach. We were supposed to stop at another beach but we decided to skip as there were too many stops along the way and mostly are shops for tourists. The last stop was the Dole plantation which was a big disappointment. I did not even get a chance to see even one pineapple! The place was so crowded with fancy stores selling tourist merchandises and the ice cream was ok. We were not able to get on the train to see the pineapple fields as the tickets were sold out. The maze was ok, but no pineapple there. I personally do not recommend going to dole plantation.
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Packages: | Diamond Head Hiking Tour & Island Tour Experience [until May 11, 2022] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/30 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Elizabeth
We were lucky to be the first pick up of the day and got front row seats! The views out the windshield and side windows really enhanced the experience. We were also lucky to get Driver of the Year “Danny”. Danny shared personal stories, island folklore, history and lots of other informational tidbits that kept the passengers interested and engaged in between stops. Although it was overcast most of the day and we did get rained on, the stops and views did not disappoint. I would recommend this tour for those wanting to get a good overview of the island, take in the sights and to help plan where to visit or explore for a longer period of time. Our 15 year old son and friend also really liked it.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/30 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/27 |
Reviewed by: A. Vergara
- Our guide Marlon is the best! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and funny!
- The schedule for the stops were perfect.
- Overall had a great experience.
- Recommendation: Schedule the tour Wednesday to Sunday if you'd like to see Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays due to ongoing preservation efforts. We didn't mind at all. Our guide added more time to the other tour spots
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/28 |
Reviewed by: Nikki T.
Overall, this was a great tour for a first time visitor to Oahu. We liked the variety of sights and experiences. Our guide was also very knowledgeable and funny. The tour was well paced and we didn't feel like we needed any extra time at any of the spots. The complimentary water bottle and malasada were a nice touch!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/23 |
Reviewed by: Heather
We had the best time on this tour. Our driver, Lola had a wealth of information to provide during the tour. Her fun personality made the trip worth while. There were so many Beautiful views to see. We were given poi donuts in the morning. I was nervous to try it, but let me tell you... they were so good! This is a must do experience and you will be lucky if Lola is your tour guide!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/03/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Darryl S
Our tour was amazing, perfect amount of stops and perfect amount of time spent at each stop. Our tour guide Lola was awesome. She got us yummy donuts to start the tour off and she was super knowledgeable about everything throughout the tour. Could not have asked for a better experience, and would definitely recommend to anyone that is looking to site see or get to experience Hawaii.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Jennifer
Overall the experience was amazing and very enjoyable. The tour guide named Lola was very passionate about what she was talking about and it was easy to tell that she enjoys her job. She tries to make the extra effort to make the experience that much more fun, knowledgeable, and enjoyable. All of the stops were very enjoyable and the experience is unforgettable.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/03/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
Reviewed by: 50andFabulous
This was definitely worth the experience. Lola is a wealth of knowledge and very entertaining. Her knowledge of the island history history is great. I highly recommend taking this tour. You won't be disappointed!!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/03/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/17 |
Reviewed by: Kelsee L
We had the absolute best time on our tour. Guides were super fun and really knowledgeable about hawaii, the history, local fun facts and recommendations, an all around amazing experience. Would highly recommend this to anyone and would love to even go again our next time I’m Oahu!
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Packages: | North Shore ATV Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/24 |
Reviewed by: Theresa T
This was an amazing tour! Danny, our driver was very knowledgeable, not only with the land but the history of the island! The tour seems long, but it flies by!! I wish it was longer! Does not feel like a 9 hour tour at all! The bus was extremely comfortable and Danny even gave us water and Hawaiian donuts. I highly recommend this tour!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/14 |
Reviewed by: Ryan
we had so much fun and the view was so great on the tour. ATV’s were very easy and fun to drive, tour guide made everything easy and gave lot of fun info. We would definitely recommend it to anyone!
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Packages: | North Shore ATV Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/03/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Filipa
This tour was great, all thanks to Jonah!! Beautiful sights and stops with interesting facts and information about Hawaii keenly shared by Jonah. Strongly recommended!
Hello Filipa,
Thank you so much for your review. It was a great time having you on the tour. We had a special group that day. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip out here and have a safe trip back to Switzerland.
Mahalo
Jonah
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Packages: | Diamond Head Hiking Tour & Island Tour Experience [until May 11, 2022] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2022/03/14 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/10 |
Reviewed by: Kristen Clark
Loved seeing Diamond Head and doing the hike to the top! Got to the top to see the sunrise, just beautiful! Our tour guy was amazing and heard us talk about coffee, so he took us to get some local much needed coffee:)
Got to see some beaches and the blowhole was just a gorgeous, don't want to miss sight! We ate at a foods truck park which was interesting. We ate at Mike's, which was soo good! Guy Ferrari approved!!!
We took our children, 7 and 5, so by the time we got to Dole plantation they just wanted Dole Whip ice cream. So, the line was long and moved somewhat fast but we didn't have time to do the train ride and learn about the plantation. But, was all around great to see everything and worth it!!
Hello Kristen,
Thank you for the review. We are glad you had a great time with the family on the tour. The coffee at the Island Brewhouse is so good. I hope you enjoyed your time in Hawaii and hopefully you can return to the islands again.
Much Mahalo
Jonah
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special - Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/03/09 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/12 |
Reviewed by: Grodrg5
So I had the privilege of taking all my family to a trip to Hawaii but because getting a rental car can be a pain an expensive I decide to splurge and just book tours that included transportation…. Who wants to drive around during a vacation… it was all out first time to Hawaii so now that I know all the good spots I can’t wait to go back and explore on my own… we did the Royal star circle tour and it was worth it… it had a/c, a bathroom, opportunities for snack time and a hell of a spot for amazing local lunch options… we got to see up close and some spots actually explore the main hot spots of this amazing island… it’s so green and has a bit of the city flair but the locations that you get to see on this tour really show you the real Hawaii… I had a driver by the name of kalani! He was so funny and attentive to the littles ones in my group… the picture don’t do the trip justice… so if your looking for easy and a lot to check off in one day then this trip is for you… little warning… the day of the week determines on how busy some of the tourist location will be … I went on a Sunday and most places were packed! Another tip is sit on the passenger side of the bus it makes for great water views!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/03/01 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/27 |
Reviewed by: Alyssa R
My overall impression of the trip was great. I was traveling with my family including young children. I think the time at each stop wasn't enough when with kids. It's always a delay with them but if your going just adults I feel like the time is perfect. So many different stops an beautiful mountains an ocean views. Our tour guide kalani was awesome. Very family friendly an communicative with the kids also very caring. Teddys Burger place was delicious. Sadly we didn't get enough time to ride the train at the dole plantation but the dole whip was delicious.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/02/28 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/27 |
Reviewed by: Alvin
Amazing tour guide and an amazing ride! I loved the off roading of this tour and learning all about Hawaiis environment. Would definitely do this again and recommend this to anyone visiting Oahu if they want to see more of the gorgeous North shore.
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Packages: | North Shore ATV Adventure |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/02/26 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/24 |
Reviewed by: michael umayam
went with my mom and sister on our first full day here. we thought it would be a good idea to take a tour of the entire island so we could see everything and take notes in what we’d want to do throughout the week we’re here. we had a great time from seeing the blow hole to eating dole whip. and our driver and your guide lola was great.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/02/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Hawaii Explorer
We took this tour on our first day so that we would know where we wanted to spend more time. It gave us a great overview and hit lots of spots that tourists would enjoy. Would definitely recommend it!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/02/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Heather
This was the first time to Hawaii (Oahu) for my husband and I. We were very impressed with the tour. It was very informational and since we did the tour on one of our first days there, we were given some ideas on places we wanted to go back to (because of limited time on tour). I liked it so much that we have planned a family trip with the kids and grandparents and we will be taking the tour again so the kids can get a taste of things (this will be their first time ever going).
We loved the driver too!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/15 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/23 |
Reviewed by: DontGetLeftBehind
This was our first time in Hawaii, well it was for my wife and not myself because I spent 4 years stationed here as a US Navy sailor. It has been 20+ years ago for me, but the driver of our bus, Kalani (hope I spelled his name correctly), made the first impression of Hawaii for my wife and myself after 20 years one we will never forget. The bus was clean and well-kept including the onboard restroom. Kalani kept the bus temperature nice, and his driving was calm. The tour was well organized. The points decided to stop at and the length we stopped versus the points we did not stop at was well thought out (from feedback or experience). The tour latest 9 hours, but it didn't seem that long. It was easy to lose track of time at the points of interest, so I highly recommend you use a timer on your watch. Time spent driving from point to point was filled by humorous humor, Hawaiian cultural (respect) and pronunciation (W pronounced like V) lessons, and pop quizzes (bus driver name and bus number). We would highly recommend this driver and his tour. This was "his" tour because he made it more than what was scripted (points of interest and videos). You can tell he was very passionate about the service he provides to so many people 6 days a week. I might be a little biased because this is the only tour I've taken, but a first impression is a lasting impression. I would leave photos, but they are too large. VELTRA Voucher #: 6518054
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/14 |
Reviewed by: Tegan
A brilliant tour for sampling what Oahu has to offer, seeing what more there is to the island, and soaking up the nature out side of Waikiki.
The tour guide Lola was amazing and the comfort and easy of the coach was brilliant.
Would definitely recommend!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/14 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/13 |
Reviewed by: Funmi
Lovely experience. Staff were on time and took cautions. Gave the rules and were professional. Saw so many sharks. Overall, it was a good experience. My children loved it
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Packages: | Now Available - Shark Cage Dive without Transportation |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/02/14 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/12 |
Reviewed by: SHERIDAN C
This is a definite must do when visiting Oahu, Tony was our driver and he was funny and informative. He knew a lot of history on the monuments and had personal stories to share. we visited a lot of cute places we wouldn't of thought about with the comfort of being able to be picked up and dropped off from our hotel, if you are thinking of an activity in your trip, this one is it :D
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/13 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/06 |
Reviewed by: Beth L
The entire tour was informative and fun. Oahu is a beautiful place and it was good to see the other side of the island while getting a full but interesting history lesson. Tony was kind, funny, and knowledgeable. The Dole Plantation was my favorite part of the tour. We were able to see several beaches but would have like to walk on one especially in Haleiwa. We will definitely be booking another excursion when we return! The tour bus was clean and comfy, great to seethe sights in style!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/02/10 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/06 |
Reviewed by: Lily Z
It was our first time to the island of Oahu. We booked this island tour for a complete island experience. Boy, we were thoroughly impressed! The tour started with a Diamond Head hiking trip at sunrise. David picked us up at 6am outside our hotel. Surprised to learn we were the only guests for the day. It was like our own private tour. The van was clean and comfortable. David was very courteous and knowledgeable.
We had an enjoyable hike to the peak of diamond head. The view of Waikiki was gorgeous. Nice picture opportunity! Next, David drove us around the island to all the popular spots including Halona blowhole, Kualoa beach park, Sunset beach at north shore, Haleiwa beach park, Dole plantation etc. We also stopped at Kahuku for lunch. We ate at Da Bald Guy food truck place. I learned they were in the Netflix Street Food show. I can see why now :). I had Chipotle canjun butter shrimp, my husband had Furikake crusted salmon. Both were very tasty, highly recommended!
The tour ends around 4pm. So we still had time to go out for a great dinner in Waikiki afterwards. What a day! We were completely satisfied. So book the tour and see what Oahu has to offer. You will thank me later :).
Hello Lily,
Thank you for the review. I am glad you had a great time with David. I will let him know about your comments. Da Bald Guy is one of the best on the North Shore. We are glad that you enjoyed the tour and hope that you have a great time in Hawaii.
Mahalo
Jonah
Fun Group Hawaii
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special - Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/09 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/08 |
Reviewed by: Cassie Benisch
Our trip was amazing. Stephanie was awesome! She knew so much about the island, and pointed out different things during the trip. The way that this tour was laid out was great as well. Starting the hike at diamond head early, we were able to get to the top before the sunrise and that was such a beautiful sight! The beaches and water is so pretty as well!
Hello Cassie,
Thank you for your review. I am glad that you had a great time with Stephanie. I hope you have a great rest of your trip and I will let Stephanie know about the your comments.
Mahalo
Jonah
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special - Buy One, Get One FREE! |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/08 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/05 |
Reviewed by: Amber Beasley
Mr. Tony was AMAZING! He is so knowledgeable, funny and friendly! The tour itself was gorgeous! We learned so much about Oahu, the culture and history. This tour is perfect for people visiting for the very first time! The only thing I would change is allowing for more time ar the North Shore and the Dole Plantation. If you opt to dine while in Haleiwa, you don't have time to go to the beach. Mr. Tony forewarned us all about this so at least we had a choice. Be sure to grab a shaved ice and some goodies at Tropical Farms as well! And you'll also love the masalada treat they give out on the tour! Definitely would book this tour again! Mahalo!
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/02/08 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/06 |
Reviewed by: APan
We took the Grand Circle Island Tour with Royal Star on 1st Feb 2022. Our driver and guide was Lola, who was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and funny. Lola peppered the entire trip with a lot of not so well known facts and trivia which made us appreciate the various destinations on our tour memorable. The itinerary was well planned and there was sufficient time allocated for us to get a good sense of the places we were visiting. We were also treated to delicious poi (Portuguese donuts) for breakfast which was a nice little bonus.
Overall, the tour was fantastic, well worth the time and money. I would highly recommend it for any first time travelers who are looking to get the best of Oahu in a day’s time.
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Packages: | Review Rebate Special! Buy One, Get One FREE! [Dec] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/01 |
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Hello Yi Family,
Thank you for the review. The tour can be a long day. I am glad you got to enjoy some parts of the tour. I am sorry you did not get to enjoy the garlic shrimp. There are a lot of options out there so some of them are hit or miss. Dole Plantation is another one. During the busy season, it can get really packed out there. But I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip out here.
Mahalo
Jonah
Fun Group Hawaii