Oahu: Circle Island Day Trip with Shrimp Plate Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and want to see the best of the island without the hassle of planning every stop yourself, a guided Circle Island tour might be just what you need. The tour I’m reviewing today is offered by And You Creations and promises a full day of stunning vistas, cultural insights, and tasty bites for around $128 per person. While I haven’t taken it personally, I’ve scoured the reviews, itinerary, and details to give you a balanced, honest overview.

What really caught our attention is how many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and delicious food experiences. Plus, the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat is a plus for nature lovers. On the flip side, some might find the 8-hour duration a bit long, especially if they prefer a more relaxed pace or have young children. But overall, this tour seems well-suited for those who want a comprehensive taste of Oahu’s sights and flavors in one day.

If you’re after a value-packed tour that combines scenic stops, local cuisine, and cultural stories, this could be a great choice. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in sampling Hawaiian snacks and learning about the islands from local guides. But, as always, it’s good to keep in mind that some locations might be seen from the bus rather than stopped at, depending on conditions.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines sightseeing, cultural stories, and food sampling in an 8-hour window.
• Great Value for Money: Includes lunch, snacks, and multiple scenic stops, making it a comprehensive day out.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Most reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise, adding real value.
• Flexible Food Experiences: From malasadas to garlic shrimp, there’s a tasty variety and opportunities to taste local favorites.
• Limited Time at Some Stops: Some locations might be viewed from the bus rather than explored in depth.
• Ideal for Food & Culture Enthusiasts: Offers a chance to connect with Hawaiian traditions through stories and local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This Circle Island trip is designed to give you a broad yet intimate view of Oahu’s highlights. Your day begins with a pickup from your Waikiki accommodation, a gesture that makes the experience a little more seamless. From there, the journey kicks off with a visit to Treasures and You, where you can browse souvenirs and sample Kona coffee along with Hawaiian snacks — a great way to start your day with tropical flavors. The coffee tasting is a highlight for those who love their caffeine, showcasing Hawaii’s world-renowned beans.

Next, you’ll make your way to Leonard’s Malasadas, a must-visit bakery famous for its Portuguese-style donuts that are golden, fluffy, and served fresh. We’ve seen many say this stop alone makes the trip worthwhile. The Halona Blowhole Lookout offers some of the most photogenic ocean views, where waves crash against rocks causing a dramatic spray — perfect for that vacation Instagram shot.

From there, the tour continues eastward to Makapu’u Lookout, which features sweeping vistas of the Pacific and the iconic lighthouse perched on rugged cliffs. For nature lovers, a visit to a macadamia nut farm is included, where you can sample fresh nuts and Kona coffee, and enjoy the calm beauty of the farm surroundings.

Food is a significant part of the day. The Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp stop is famous for its garlic shrimp plate — a flavorful, hearty dish that many reviews mention as a highlight. Afterward, more local flavors await at Kahuku Land Farms, where you can sample fresh fruits straight from the land, adding a sweet touch to your experience.

One of the most special moments is visiting Pua’ena Point to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sunbathing. The “Honu” are protected and often seen here, making it a memorable wildlife encounter. The day wraps up in Haleiwa Town, a surf-centric town filled with quirky shops and local eateries, perfect for soaking in the island vibe before heading back.

The Highlights That Make This Tour Stand Out

Stunning Ocean Views — Stops at Halona Blowhole and Makapu’u Lookout are visually memorable. Many travelers mention how breathtaking these sites are, with some describing them as “incredible” or “breathtaking.”

Delicious Local Food — From malasadas to garlic shrimp, the tour offers a variety of Hawaiian specialties. The garlic shrimp plate is a crowd favorite, praised for its flavor and generous portion.

Wildlife Encounters — Seeing Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at Pua’ena Point is often highlighted as a top-tier experience, especially for nature lovers.

Cultural Stories and Connection — The guides share meaningful Hawaiian stories that help you understand the islands beyond just sightseeing.

Comfortable Transportation & Group Size — The tours typically include pickup and drop-off at Waikiki, with a comfortable bus that fits the group size, making the day hassle-free.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The itinerary is crafted to balance scenic beauty, cultural insights, and culinary delights. While the exact timing for each stop isn’t specified, the order suggests a logical flow from east to west, covering key highlights along the way.

Starting with a souvenir shop and coffee tasting is a smart move, waking up your senses early. The Leonard’s Malasadas stop is a sweet introduction to Hawaiian baked goods, with many reviews emphasizing how fresh and delicious these donuts are. It’s a perfect snack to tide you over through the morning.

Moving to Halona Blowhole, you’ll experience one of Hawaii’s most dramatic ocean displays. The views here are often described as “spectacular,” with some reviewers mentioning how the crashing waves and spray are truly mesmerizing.

Next, the Makapu’u Lookout offers expansive vistas perfect for photos, with some reviewers noting this as a highlight for its breathtaking scenery. The lighthouse on the cliffs makes a striking backdrop.

A visit to a macadamia nut farm is both tasty and scenic, giving you insight into local agriculture. Tasting fresh Kona coffee and nuts makes for a genuine Hawaii experience, and many find it a relaxing break from the busy sightseeing.

The Garlic Shrimp stop is a true standout for food lovers—many reviewers call it “delicious,” “flavorful,” and “a must-try.” The generous portions and fresh ingredients are often praised.

Following that, Kahuku Land Farms gives you a chance to sample tropical fruits like bananas, sugar cane, and breadfruit, offering a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory stops.

The wildlife encounter at Pua’ena Point with sea turtles is often described as “beautiful” and “a memorable wildlife sighting.” Watching these turtles sunbathing in their natural habitat is a calming, almost meditative experience.

Finally, ending in Haleiwa Town allows you to soak in the laid-back surf culture. Many reviews mention this as a fun, relaxed way to wrap up the day, shop for souvenirs, or grab a quick snack.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight how much people appreciate the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Multiple reviewers mention that guides like Koa, Sandy, Jackson, and others go above and beyond to make the day enjoyable and informative. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was Koa and he was excellent! He gave us a lot of information regarding Hawaii and its culture.”

The food stops are consistently praised, particularly the malasadas and garlic shrimp. Reviewers often mention how fresh and flavorful the food is, making the whole experience feel authentic and satisfying. One even said, “If you’re a foodie, this is a must-do,” emphasizing how the tour caters to those eager to taste local specialties.

Several travelers mention how the scenic stops like Halona Blowhole and Makapu’u Lookout are truly breathtaking, often described as “spectacular” or “incredible.” The wildlife sighting of the green sea turtles also gets high marks, with many stating it’s a highlight of their trip.

Some feedback notes that the duration can be long, with 8 hours feeling like quite a stretch, especially if you’re not used to full-day tours. Also, a few reviews mention that some locations might be viewed from the bus rather than stopped at, which could be a downside if you’re hoping for more in-depth exploration.

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Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Circle Island tour offers a well-rounded package that suits travelers who want to see a variety of Oahu’s top sights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in local food, cultural stories, and scenic vistas. The inclusion of lunch and snacks adds value, making it a good option for those who prefer a day full of experiences rather than multiple separate trips.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about the places you visit and appreciates delicious food with a side of panoramic views, you’ll probably find this tour very fulfilling. The friendly guides and comfortable transportation are big pluses, helping to make the long day more manageable.

However, if you’re sensitive to long days or prefer more time at each stop, you might find the schedule a bit packed. Also, folks who prefer to explore on their own might miss the freedom of wandering at their own pace. But overall, for adventure seekers, foodies, and culture lovers, this tour hits many marks.

Whether you’re visiting for a quick taste of Hawaii or want a memorable, fun-filled day with plenty of photo opportunities and tasty bites, this Circle Island trip seems set to deliver a satisfying experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at designated locations in Waikiki, making it easy to start and end your day without extra fuss.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, which is a full day of sightseeing, eating, and exploring.

What’s the main food included?
The highlight is a garlic shrimp plate lunch at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp, along with snacks like malasadas and banana lumpia.

Are there wildlife sightings?
Yes, the tour stops at Pua’ena Point, where you can often see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sunbathing.

Can I expect a lot of scenic views?
Absolutely. Stops at Halona Blowhole and Makapu’u Lookout offer some of the best ocean vistas on the island.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the stops and scenery are family-friendly, but keep in mind the long duration.

What about the tour size and guides?
Most reviews mention small to medium groups with friendly, knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with stories about Hawaiian culture and history.

This tour is a solid choice for travelers eager to mingle scenic beauty, local flavors, and cultural insights into one satisfying day on Oahu. Keep your camera ready, your appetite hungry, and your curiosity alive—you’re in for a memorable island adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: