Guided Circle Island Tour, Free Time at Haleiwa & Pineapple Farm - Royal Star
Overall Rating
4.92
Best circle island tour
Reviewed by: Roxy Bentley, 2024/03/16This was the best circle island tour I could’ve had. Our bus driver, Lola, was fabulous. There were six of us on this tour, grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. We all very much enjoyed the tour and all of the Hawaiian history that Lola presented. We saw the best of the island (Oahu), and she got us in and out of places before they were overcrowded. We had plenty of time at all stops and never felt rushed. I could not have asked for a better experience for my family on their first trip to Oahu. I’m highly recommend this tour to anyone considering a full day’s tour. Sure, you can drive it yourself, but you’ll never get the full experience of hearing the history and stories from someone who actually lives on the island. Do yourself a favor and take this tour.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2024/02/23 |
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Great Tour and Great Guide!
Reviewed by: Erik, 2023/11/04We had a fantastic experience in the grand circle island tour. We got to see almost all the best attraction points in Oahu, with plenty of opportunities for food and souvenirs. The best part of the tour is probably that we get to really relax and pay full attention to the views, without having to worry about itineraries or directions. Coincidentally we did a self-drive over a very similar route last time we visited, and the experience is far better this time around with the tour. I think we also got very lucky with our driver and guide Kimo. He was both knowledgeable about everything in Hawaii, and great at storytelling along the way. He also dealt with a couple of unexpected issues caused by other traveler groups very fast and smoothly. Would recommend overall.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/28 |
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Best tour of Oahu
Reviewed by: Jody Rayner, 2023/09/20This was by far the best tour I have been on in a long time. Driver Danny was a wealth of knowledge and freely shared his experience of the island in a friendly and easy manner.
A small breakfast treat by the blow hole was unexpected, but was a great way to see the blow hole and beach.
Danny's suggestion of dole whip was spot on and I hope that makes its way to Australia soon. Yummmm
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/19 |
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A Great Learning Experience
Reviewed by: Mr.&Mrs. Trotter, 2023/09/19This Tour was an Excellent learning experience. The Tour Guide "Kimo" was super knowledgeable and entertaining!! We would recommend this tour to any first timers coming to the Island. The Tour was very helpful and informative which allowed us to plan where we wanted to spend our time on the island; because there is so much to see. This tour helped so much!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/16 |
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An AMAZING tour
Reviewed by: Aryanna, 2023/08/31This was probably one of my most favorite things I did while visiting the island. Everything was so smooth and the driver/tour guide took care of us the entire time. We saw all the sites we wanted to see on one simple tour, well worth it!! A special shout-out to our tour guide, Kalani who made the experience super amazing. DRIVER OF THE YEAR FOR SURE. Also stopping at the city was a great idea as it gives everyone a chance to do something different and have a different meal should they so choose. Overall I would definitely do this again.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/24 |
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Informative & Fun Time!
Reviewed by: Rosalba J, 2023/08/12Reserved this tour online a day before the event and was pleasantly impressed by the prompt response by the staff confirming my reservations. The driver, Lola, arrived on time & full of positive energy! The bus was so comfortable and clean with excellent accommodations & great temperature! Lola was such a great & fun host, very informative & had a lot of historical knowledge about each destination. She really made it so fun & enjoyable for all of us! I also felt safe on her bus. She brought us all a Hawaiian poi "donut" - which was absolutely delicious, and water! Lola is very personable & likable. She is very proud of her heritage & studied cultural history at the University which explains her great speaking skills & knowledge. I felt very entertained & a bit more informed of Hawaiian culture. The tour itself drove us by many beautiful beaches on the North Shore, rich & famous neighborhoods, gorgeous landscapes, saw many rock formations such as the Chinaman hat, alligator, rabbit popping out & the lion rock. Did some coffee & a variety of macadamia nuts tasting, visited the Dole Plantation, the Byodo-In Temple, saw a black goose, 2 huge turtles and a seal relaxing on the beach! Enjoyed the quaint beachside town of Haleiwa & the various food trucks! We ate coconut shrimp from one of many good trucks in the area, which I highly recommend and then stopped by a new Mexican restaurant for a drink. I highly recommend this tour, you will gain so much knowledge, there's shopping at each stop, food & drinks! Be sure to try an ice cream cone at the Dole plantation too! Again, Lola was an excellent host and she kept us on schedule!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/10 |
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North shore tour
Reviewed by: Wendy , 2022/07/23Friendly driver, clean bus, delicious malasadas!
Got to see all the good stuff and not have to drive.
I wish we had more time at the temple that is my only complaint.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/07/03 |
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Fabulous way to see it all in one day!
Reviewed by: Pam Wightman , 2022/05/23Lola was our guide. She was fabulous. We had just adopted our daughter - who happens to be named Lola, too.
The sights were perfect. Time at each perfect. I’d recommend highly.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/05/01 |
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Best bang for the buck!
Reviewed by: Deb N., 2022/04/10This all day long tour was the absolute best. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and shared a ton off information about all the stops.
Halaiwa town was very quaint, but expect to do a bit of walking, and waiting in line for good, if that's what you decide to do.
Overall, this trip was great, definitely worth the price paid.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/31 |
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Best way to get an overview of the island
Reviewed by: Elizabeth , 2022/03/30We 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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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/27 |
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Amazing Tour!
Reviewed by: A. Vergara, 2022/03/29- 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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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/28 |
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Excellent tour!
Reviewed by: Heather, 2022/03/23We 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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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
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Highly Recommend!!
Reviewed by: 50andFabulous, 2022/03/19This 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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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/17 |
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Best tour so far!!!
Reviewed by: Theresa T, 2022/03/16This 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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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/03/14 |
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The easiest way to see Oahu!
Reviewed by: Grodrg5, 2022/03/01So 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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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/27 |
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A trip around hawaii!
Reviewed by: Alyssa R, 2022/02/28My 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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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/27 |
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Amazing Day Around Oahu
Reviewed by: michael umayam, 2022/02/24went 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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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/22 |
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Great Overview of Where to Go!
Reviewed by: Hawaii Explorer, 2022/02/24We 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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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/22 |
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Fun times!
Reviewed by: Beth L, 2022/02/10The 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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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/06 |
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Awesome Tour & Mr Tony is the best!
Reviewed by: Amber Beasley, 2022/02/08Mr. 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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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/06 |
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A wonderful tour with a great host!
Reviewed by: APan, 2022/02/03We 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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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/01 |
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Great tour
Reviewed by: Byron, 2022/02/02We had Lola as our tour guide and she was very knowledgeable and a great driver. The tour brought us around the island and had some great stops and good food. Would highly recommend this tour! Must do while here
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/02/01 |
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Best Tour Ever!
Reviewed by: L. Bueno, 2022/01/22We were greeted at the large comfortable motor coach by LOLA. Throughout the day she demonstrated an amazing amount of knowlege coupled with humor about China man's hat, macadamia nut, sugar cane, coffee, pineapple, and coconut farms. The Japanese Temple and coy farm was an incredible sight. We were able to ring the bell for health and wealth then proceeded to the 10 foot gold Buddha. We ate at Shrimp truck which was delicious. We were given time to explore the North Shore town of Halewei. We learned about how the islands became under one ruler and where the original Oahu people were "pushed" over a cliff to their deaths by King Kamehameha. Thoroughly enjoyed the Doke Pineapple Plantation with the delicious dole whips. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST TOUR ON THE ISLAND. LOLA IS #1
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/12/30 |
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Great Time
Reviewed by: Frank , 2022/01/20We had a great time on the tour very easygoing and fun to meet new people
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/01/18 |
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Wonderful tour to appreciate Hawaiian history and delicacies! Great for newcomers and locals alike :)
Reviewed by: Clarisse, 2022/01/17Overall, this is the best tour for anyone wanting to see the major highlights of Oahu with wonderful opportunities to enjoy Hawaii's culinary delights. Our family has been to Oahu at least 4 times, so we thought we had seen it all, but this tour really allowed us to appreciate the beautiful island of Oahu even more. Our local tour guide, Tony, was very kind, informative and funny and really treated us like "ohana." He definitely made the tour memorable. He shared a lot of great recommendations! We loved the subtle but impactful hospitality touches of the tour, such as the free water bottle and malasada.
What we really loved about the tour was having a variety of stops that allowed you to appreciate the surrounding nature, history and food of Hawaii. There is something for everyone!
For the ocean lovers, make sure to sit on the passenger hand side of the bus because you will have ocean views throughout the journey. The stops at Hanauma Bay and the Pali really help you appreciate the lush surroundings.
For foodies, not only do you get a taste of the poi malasadas from Kamehameha Bakery during your journey, but you get to visit: 1) Tropical Farms where you can taste and purchase locally grown macadamia nuts, coffee and other island delights. Our favorite flavors of the macadamia nuts were the cinnamon glazed and maui onion. 2) Haleiwa town where you can enjoy the delicious garlic shrimp. We went to Camaron Shrimp Truck which serves theirs peeled with rice, salad and a slice of fresh pineapple. I really loved the coconut shrimp which comes with a side of the garlic sauce. The shrimp was crispy and scrumptious! 3) Dole Plantation where you can try their world famous Dole Whip! We got a cup of Dole whip with fresh pineapple topping each bec it's too good to share. Make sure to line up when you arrive because it gets busy!
For newbies, this tour is a great way to see it all in one day.
This tour is highly recommended!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/01/14 |
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Beautiful
Reviewed by: Brandon , 2022/01/10My family and I enjoyed this activity very much!!! We got to see other parts of the island that we wouldn't be able to do on our own.
We loved the Dole plantation and the Hale'iwa town, all the locals are very friendly.
We will definitely book this again if we get to come back!!
Thank you so much for this adventure!!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/01/07 |
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Amazing tour!!!
Reviewed by: Debranma , 2022/01/10My three teenagers and I had a great time visiting all of the places that Hawaii has to offer. Besides all the pretty places we loved learning about the history of Hawaii, our bus driver was very nice and very knowledgeable. My favorite part was definitely the breathtaken views everywhere.
I would recommend to other people doing the tour, to have good night sleep the night before, so you dont fall asleep and miss part of the fantastic ride around the Island.
The tour does have a bunch of stops and the driver will give you enough time on each one of them.
Mahalo!!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/01/07 |
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Waikiki Fun Day
Reviewed by: Ollie , 2021/09/11We took the round the Oahu Island tour. Best thing we could’ve done. The entire day we were shown fantastic sights, historic points, and history of the island. Dole PineApple Farm and the Macadamia Nut Farms were great stopping areas to have fun shopping. Please ask for the tour guide Lola- you won’t regret it as she is very knowledgeable about the entire island and it’s history. The bus today is well worth it.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/22 |
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Oahu Circle Tour with Kalani
Reviewed by: JYang, 2021/07/02This was such a great way to see the amazing sights of Oahu without the hassle of driving or looking/paying for parking! The bus was clean including the restroom and we felt safe being driven by our guide Kalani. He was both humorous and informative, we could tell he really loved his culture and the island.
The time allotted for each location was perfect. It was a long, adventurous day but we enjoyed every minute of it! We will definitely book with this tour company should we visit the island again.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/27 |
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Deluxe ocean circle tour
Reviewed by: Dan & Robin Dewey, 2021/06/18Our driver was the best. Friendly, informative and caring. Treated us like family.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/16 |
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