We were looking for a tour to see the North Shore but have the freedom to do what we want to do....we couldn't have picked a better tour. This is the perfect tour for people looking for freedom to do/go where they want. We had Sam as our tour guide, a native from Hawaii. He was informative and very the perfect style of guide for this tour. Knew what he was talking about, laid back but still detail oriented enough to handle everyone's activities and where they were. We went there the day of the Volcom Pipe Pro at the Pipeline. We rented bikes at the North Shore Surf Shop (an included activity with the tour - no extra charge) and that allowed us to go freely around. We rode up to the surf competition to watch live. The nice part was with the bikes, you were stuck in one spot the whole time. Watched the competition, then rode down the coast to Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay. It was great to have no schedule or "planned activities" when we got there. We had 3 hours to do what we want. Some wanted nothing to do with the surf competition and they could do what they want. Everyone had their own agenda and this tour worked great with it. (For a quick bite to eat, hit up Pupukea Grill. Its a food truck in Sharks Cove with a heavenly flatbread.) Met back next to Sharks Cove for the bus and rode to Haleiwa for the afternoon. Again, free time through the town to experience the city itself or do water activities at Surf N Sea. We wanted to experience the town, so we went into the surf shops, stores and walked around the town itself. (For a great sandwich, hit up Waialua Bakery and Juice Bar next to the grocery store...phenomenal.) For being a smaller town, Haleiwa is a very cool town to experience. After the town, we were to a beach to view the sea turtles that come on shore. It was amazing to see the turtles that close.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2014/02/03 |
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Good circle trip of island. Saw many beautiful vistas, temple, beaches. Good way to see things you may want to go back to but is a long day. Driver was also tour guide which probably shouldn't have been... Felt that was distracting and dangerous.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2014/01/19 |
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This was an awesome tour. The driver was local and gave lots of information about the area...what it used to be and what it is now. Many changes in 45 years. There was plenty of free time to explore. That was the best!
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2013/11/17 |
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Harry is a great guide with plenty of energy, he will make sure you have a good time and show you some of the best places to hang out. You can lay on the beach and chill out of take part in a host of activities.
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2013/10/22 |
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The "Surf Bus" Rocked my world, got timed out and lost my heartfelt compliments. I can't rewrite my praises. It does not do justice. Going to try:
Sam was an amazing guide, the playing, eating, and listening on the North Shore, my taste of heaven. Just visualize; Sea Turtles, tidal pools and an eye to eye with an Eagle Ray, food to die for, and 1000 reasons to keep coming back. An awesome "build your own burger". Surprise yourself and go for it! Not a sit and stare tour, unless your waiting for a set, or focused on sea turtles. You still get to do your driving. Came back exhausted and completed. 50 years in and now I figure out happy. Better late than never.
Mesmerized by the bright smiles, and sense of community that emerged as we talked through our day. 20 people, 5 countries and a bevy of dialects. It was right Kraky, but no worries mate.
@Sam, the Tiki was truly over that rainbow.
Mahalo nui loa!!!
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2013/10/23 |
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We had a wonderful tour guide by the name of Leo C. He showed us the island and kept us entertained all day!! The stops were all beautiful and we had ample time at each stop. Leo gave clear and concise instructions and stayed on schedule. Will book again!!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2013/08/30 |
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Best way to visit the North Shore Area. There is so much to do on this tour I only wished it had lasted longer. We snorkeled at sharks cove where we saw beautiful fish and sea turtles, swam under a waterfall at Waimea Valley, visited sunset beach and turtle beach. We then hung out and ate in Haleiwa town. There are different options to choose from depending on your package. We missed Waimea bay - could not fit into schedule. Maybe next time. Highly recommend if you are NOT renting a car.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2013/08/25 |
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What a wonderful way to see the island. Delightful day :-)
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
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Every time we take this tour we learn something new and we have done this at least 3 times and you still show that the best drivers and buses are on top of the line!! Would recommend to all
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2013/07/03 |
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The tour guide was the most personable, knowledgable tour guides I have ever had. She took the time to explain where we were, what was special about it and answered any and all questions. Would definitely use their services again!
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Attended as: | Friends |
Activity Date: | 2013/06/30 |
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Sam was a wonderful friendly tour guide. I liked the flexibility of the tour, being able to do various activities and see many different things. The sea turtles were a highlight. I also enjoyed the history and personal anecdotes of the tour. It was the best part of my trip to Oahu.
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2013/05/06 |
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a good day, very enjoyable, the driver/host was informative.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2013/04/25 |
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Had a great time. We go to Hawaii once a year, and have gone on almost every tour. The best thing about this was the tremendous flexibility to do and swap activities. Not a "tourist" tour. Little fubar on scheduling, but the drive Harry made up for that. Time with Harry was as good or better than seeing the falls!!
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2013/03/14 |
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Ed ("just plain Ed") did a great job narrating our tour around the island.. It was nice to get away from busy Waikiki and see the island. It is a beautiful island and I would recommend this tour as a great overview of Oahu.
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Attended as: | Friends |
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Had great day. My grandsons and self really enjoyed it. Lots of time to wander around. Sam was great. Very knowledgable .answered lots of questions.really appreciated his friendly attitude.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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This was one of the highlights of our trip to Oahu. This trip is a must for those who have never been to the island before. You get the taste of the island in this one trip and then you can go off on your own and know where you are and what you will see. Great time
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Attended as: | Couples |
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Great time, great guide, lots to see and a ton of information!
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Having taken the Grand Circle Tour on a previous holiday we decided to do it again. Keow our driver and guide made the second time so enjoyable. His vast knowledge and information along with his friendly personality made it a day to remember.
Giving us photo taking stops along the way and interspersing his commentary with his own humour kept us well amused
It was a long day so maybe not so suitable for famililes with young children but for all other ages well worth considering as it gave the opportunity to see many areas that we would have otherwise missed , the beautiful beaches, magnificent views and interesting places. These along with our very special guide definitely made this a day we will always remember.
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Attended as: | Couples |
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I chose to go to the Waimea Falls and Botanical Garden and on the Kayak ride...also got to lay around on Waimea Beach and jump off the rock! I had a total blast. The driver/guide was knowledgable and friendly and made sure we all had a great time. I would recommend this to anyone.
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Attended as: | Friends |
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Everything was extremely enjoyable.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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First time on surf bus, me(45), niece(25), son(9), daughter(4). Only paid for 1 activity each because we didnt know the time schedule or what would work best. Pick up 8:15am. Nice tour of different beaches at north shore. Finally arrived at 1st activity spot at 10:30 me/daughter went to waimea beach, niece/son waimea falls and walked to us. Others did snorkeling. Picked up at 1pm. Next stop haleiwa where we got 1 paddle board and 1 double kayak. Son loved padded boarding by himself! We switched off and met back at 3. Others walked through town and ate. We did great with just one activity eac (2 waimea waterfall entrance, 1 paddle board, 1 kayak). Others did th snorkel then th paddle board the 2nd half. The falls walk was hot and long but my son still enjoyed. Beach was nice for me and my 4 year old to float in the calmer waves. Definitely enjoyed our trip! Nice ending was a couple days later I realized I had left my daughter's life jacket (brought a good one for my entir vaca
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Not much of a tour. Driver OK - very little information given during ride, made a few recommendations. Driver dropped everyone off then went surfing for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Other folks in group disappointed in the amount of walking, lack of bike helmets and places where the road had no bike trail.
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Attended as: | Families |
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This was a great acivity. We learned all about the island on the drive to the North Shore. Saw all the great surfing beaches, did some snorkeling and kyaking....a very fun day.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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This was a wonderful way to see the whole island. Even with a little rain we had a wonderful time. The tour guide was very informative and had great knowledge of the area. He made great stops for an appropriate amount of time, helped take pictures of guests, and overall made the day go so fast. I would recommend this tour to any first timers in Oahu!
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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The best of the tour where our guide " aunt Em " she was more like a grandmother and she was so nice and sweet and she told us so many things.
The vehichle was not so good as I thought. I know the roads are pretty bad some places but in a big bus it´s more comftable.
But we visited some nice places, my favourit was the temple, the beaches and the lookouts.
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Attended as: | Friends |
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Garfield was the best guide ever. He was so knowledgable and was really dedicated. Rain dampened some of the tour but was an exceptional day and experience.
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Attended as: | Couples |
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Very informative and great for the first time coming to Hawaii but it does not take you into Diamond Head, you just go around it!
I had a wonderful time and will recommend to anyone traveling to Oahu.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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We thought we could hike to the waterfall and then go snorkeling. From what I had read that would be a possibility. Both were morning options. He parked centrally then we walked to meet him. For the price I should not have expected to be taken to each destination I suppose, but I did. Still we had a good time and swimming in the waterfall was GREAT
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Attended as: | Couples |
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I have been to the North Shore before and enjoyed this trip the most. We enjoyed the Waimia Falls park more due to the guides suggestions. he was very knowledgeable and interesting. I especially enjoyed the turtles. I would recommend it for the young and hardy or an old folk like me. Great fun!
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Attended as: | Couples |
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This tour was fantastic and was the second time we had taken it. The first time was five years ago and we took it again this time with a friend. She thought we would be bored but not at all as we learned even more about the island. Our driver grew up on the island and was able to tell us stories going back generations. This tour is a must see for anyone visiting the island! Aloha!
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Thank you so much for the good review.