Waimea Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Honolulu: Oahu Helicopter Tour with Doors On or Off

1. From Honolulu: Oahu Helicopter Tour with Doors On or Off

Hop aboard a helicopter and admire Oahu’s landmarks on a guided flight tour from Honolulu. See the Waikiki skyline from above, fly past Diamond Head, and round the volcanic cliffs to Makapu’u Lighthouse. Choose a private or shared tour, with your choice of an on-or-off door experience. Make your way to the local partner’s helipad to begin your experience. Ascend above the city and follow the Windward Coast, with breathtaking views of the Ko’olau Mountains in the distance. Listen to your guide's live tour commentary. Pass Lanikai Beach and see its gorgeous coral formations. Cruise over Kaneohe Bay and discover why this place is regarded as one of the most scenic locations on Earth. Glide past the “Chinaman’s Hat” off the east coast of Oahu. See the Ka’a’awa Valley—the historic home of the island’s kings. Plus, take in views of the lush rainforest surrounding the Sacred Falls. Continue onto the North Shore to spot surfers at the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. Loop back to Honolulu and get a glimpse of the pineapple-tastic Dole Plantation. Finally, pass over the iconic Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, before returning to the helipad.

Oahu: Circle Island Tour with Lunch & Waimea Waterfall

2. Oahu: Circle Island Tour with Lunch & Waimea Waterfall

Join an exciting circle island excursion that will satisfy your senses and provide exceptional photo opportunities. Drive past Amelia Earhart Lookout Point on your way to the famous Halona Blowhole. Visit the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, and admire views of Chinaman’s Hat and Malaekahana Bay. Continue to one of the North Shore’s most famous shrimp stands, where you’ll be served your choice of 9 different sautéed shrimp plates, or other options. Drive through the town of Haleiwa and visit Sunset Beach before reaching Waimea Valley. This enchanting location, also known as the "Valley of the Priests," has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of Hawaiian history. Stop at the Arboretum and admire a scenic waterfall, before heading to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Throughout your journey your nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii’s bird and plant species, geology, history and culture. You’ll receive, a "Guide to Nature on Oahu" book as a gift.

Oahu: 16-Point Guided Circle Tour with Snorkeling and Dole

3. Oahu: 16-Point Guided Circle Tour with Snorkeling and Dole

Be sure not to miss one of Hawaii's top excursions that will guide you to the finest sights on Oahu, and leave you in total amazement. It’s the amazing Tour Guides that will make all the difference in this action-packed day. They will spoil you rotten by telling funny stories, giving their knowledge of Hawaii, and sharing the precious culture of Hawaii with You. Whether this is your first trip to the islands, or you’re a seasoned veteran, this exclusive 16-Point Circle Island Tour combines the best highlights that Oahu has to offer, and serves them up into a full-day adventure that you will always remember! Take in the beautiful vistas of the Dole Plantation on the North Side, and the Halona Blowhole on the South Coast. Discover a Hawaiian nut plantation with free all-you-can-eat Macadamias and Kona coffee to drink. Come see the green sea turtles on the North Shore. Learn about Hawaii and its unique culture from the most dynamic tour guides in Hawaii. This tour will bring you relaxation, excitement, awe, and all the emotions in between! Enjoy visits to major Oahu hot spots like Chinaman’s Hat, North Shore Beaches, and the Diamond Head Beach Lookout, along with a ton of spots that are “off the beaten path.” This experience is ready to show you some major fun and give you the lay of the land. Please bring a swimsuit, extra clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, bag, & camera. We will provide bottled water, but please bring some cash for lunch.

Oahu: Complete Island Tour with Tropical Waterfall

4. Oahu: Complete Island Tour with Tropical Waterfall

The North Shore of O'ahu holds some of the most famous names with Waimea Bay, Haleiwa historic town, Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and much more. Take a break from the touristy entertainment and see what the North Shore is all about. Join the North Shore Photo Tour as you travel the world famous North shore. Depending on the time of year you will be coming you will document the day's adventure looking for beautiful waves, clear waters, pristine beaches, pounding shore breaks, local daredevils, the green sea turtle, and much more. You will be taken to the Waimea waterfall and botanical garden. In this peaceful setting you will be able to photograph with the sounds of the forest and the cool breeze coming through the valley. Stop in the world famous historic Hale'iwa town for some local eats at the famous food trucks after exploring so many beautiful locations. You will walk away from this tour with great photographs of the North Shore and its way of life. Some say if you want to see Hawaii 50 years ago, head to the North Shore. After the food truck stop for lunch, stop in a few art galleries or surf shops for your enjoyment. Stroll through the town and peruse the art galleries and surf shops that some say reflect what Hawaii was like decades ago.

Oahu: North Shore Circle Island Full-Day Tour w/ Snorkeling

5. Oahu: North Shore Circle Island Full-Day Tour w/ Snorkeling

Take in the most popular sights and attractions on the island of Oahu on this full-day trip including transportation and a guide. Save money and time as you savor the island atmosphere, including making a stop to go swimming or snorkeling with turtles. Explore all that Oahu’s north, east, and northeast shores have to offer on this circular island tour. Meet your driver and get ready to take in the picturesque island scenery from your seat in the vehicle. Witness iconic sights with plenty of stops for attractions as you go. Get up close and personal with marine life, with a swimming and snorkeling stop at a beach. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters and encounter the famous Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and other ocean creatures. Have peace of mind knowing that snorkeling equipment is provided for your activity. Learn all about the island's nature, history, and culture from your guide as you travel. Avoid the stress of planning your own experience as you make the most of your time on Oahu on this adventure.

Oahu | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

6. Oahu | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Want to explore Hawaii, beyond Waikiki? Then it’s definitely worth taking a full day from sunbathing, renting a car, and driving to tour around Oahu. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Byodo-In Temple* Diamond Head Dole Plantation* Hale'iwa Hanauma Bay Kailua & Lanikai Ko Olina Laie Sea Arch National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific North Shore, Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline Pearl Harbor* Punchbowl Crater Shrimp Trucks* The Pali Lookout Includes: Island Circle If you want to have an amazing day and see everything, then all you have to do is start early and spend a full day of sunshine driving all the way around the island. Whichever direction you choose to go around, you will hear all of the commentary and visit all the best locations. Explore Oahu's Beaches and Volcanoes If you have more than one day and you like to do the activities as well as enjoying sightseeing, this is a great route to follow that can be completed in as little as half a day - but you can easily fill a full day too. This route starts by driving from Waikiki to Diamond Head (reservations now required). It then explores the south eastern corner of the island, places like Hanauma Bay (reservations now required), Halona Blowhole and Kailua before you have the option to cut back across the island to Waikiki, via the Pali Lookout. Head to the North Shore Many visitors are excited to start their journey by heading to Oahu's most famous surfing beaches and the eclectic town of Haleiwa first and then following around the windward side of the island (clockwise). Again, you can fill a day of touring by stopping at all the suggested attractions including the Polynesian Cultural Center. Instead of going all the way around the island, you can also cut across the island back to Waikiki as a shortcut at the Pali if you don't have time to complete the full circle in daylight. Visit Pearl Harbor It's recommended to dedicate at least a half day as its own day trip from Waikiki for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center if you want to pay your respects and explore this still active naval base.

Oahu: Doors-Off Circle Island Helicopter Experience

7. Oahu: Doors-Off Circle Island Helicopter Experience

Covering the island of O‘ahu from above, this is the only full circle tour of O‘ahu by a doors-off helicopter. You'll see incredible aerial views, starting with a glimpse of history as you fly over Pearl Harbor, WWII Arizona Memorial, and Battleship Missouri. Next, soar above the bustling Honolulu harbor, beautiful Waikīkī, and the iconic Diamond Head Crater. Heading further east, you’ll overfly Koko Head Crater and Hanauma Bay before seeing Sandy Beach and Makapu‘u Lighthouse. Heading north, you will come across the fantastic coral formations of Kāne‘ohe Bay, Mokoli‘i (Chinaman’s Hat), and take a peek into “Jurassic Park” — or, as it has been known locally for hundreds of years, Ka‘a‘awa Valley. The thousand-foot cascade of Kaliuwa‘a (Sacred Falls) is a stunning view and is accessible only by air. Then you’ll see the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay Resort, and world-famous surfing spots of the North Shore: Sunset, Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and more. As you round Ka‘ena Point you get a glimpse of the serene Wai‘anae Coast, a hidden gem of the island. Uncrowded and glorious white sand beaches such as Yokohama, Mākaha, and Pōka‘i lace the coast. Historic Mākaha Valley comes into view on the return back to Ko‘olina.

Oahu: North Shore Horseback Adventure with Transfer

8. Oahu: North Shore Horseback Adventure with Transfer

Explore the gorgeous North Shore of Oahu by horse and enjoy an amazing opportunity to truly connect with the natural landscape. Join a guided journey departing directly from your Honolulu hotel and marvel at your surroundings with a scenic drive and horseback ride. Start your day with a lovely drive while hearing the history of the island. Cross the Nu’uanu Pali Highway to the windward coastline. See the picturesque Ko’olau Mountain Range and Chinaman's Hat Island from afar as you head to the famous North Shore. Ride a horse up scenic mountain trails, through open pastures and a serene forest. Admire the incredible views before stopping to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the beautiful North Shore ranch. On the way back to Honolulu visit the historic Haleiwa Town, home to Hawaii’s famous treat, shave ice. Observe the coffee and pineapple farms of Central Oahu and finish off your experience having acquired a deeper knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle.

From Maui: Pearl Harbor and Oahu Circle Island Tour

9. From Maui: Pearl Harbor and Oahu Circle Island Tour

We begin at Pearl Harbor where you’ll experience first-hand the earth-shattering events that catapulted the U.S. into World War II. Learn about the December 7, 1941 attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor that sank the USS Arizona and resulted in a devastating loss of life as you watch the poignant documentary film featuring archival footage. A Navy boat will transport you across the harbor to the famous USS Arizona Memorial, the iconic white structure suspended over the remains of the sunken battleship. Witness the final resting place of the 1,177 seamen who perished that fateful day. Look down into the harbor and note the oil drops – “The Black Tears of the Arizona” – that continue to escape the sunken hull today. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center museum is home to The Road to War and Attack galleries featuring dramatic images, artifacts, and memorabilia. The bookstore offers an extensive collection of historic WWII memorabilia, books, and souvenirs. Next, our Maui to Pearl Harbor tour heads to the legendary North Shore, where world champions compete every November and December at famous Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. The tour passes through charming Haleiwa Town, with its many galleries, shops, and cafes. Enroute, we stop at Dole Pineapple Plantation, where you can learn all about Hawaii’s legendary pineapple crop. Our breathtaking voyage continues as we take in the valleys and cliffs of the emerald green Koolau Mountains. On our way back to airport for your flight back the panoramic views await you at Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Throughout the day, our friendly and expert guide shares the fascinating history, heritage, and culture of Oahu and Hawaii, revealing insider secrets only a local would know. You’ll travel in comfort and luxury in our well maintained mini bus and enjoy the intimate personal experience of our small group tours. We’ll have you back to Honolulu Airport in plenty of time for your return flight to Maui.

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What people are saying about Waimea Bay

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 350 reviews

Great experience. Andrew was our guide and took us on a all day tour of Oahu that included North Shore beaches, a coffee farm, a Buddhist temple, a botanical garden. We saw a rare monk seal and Humpback whales. Lunch stop was at a collection of food trucks with great native dishes.

Always wanted to ride in a helicopter. Great experience. WE had the doors off and wife has long hair and she did not realize it would be as windy as it was, so she did not enjoy it as much as I did.

The botanical garden and waterfall hike were the best stops for me. I was a little disappointed with Dole Pineapple I was expecting more of a place to tour not just gift shop.

Such an intimate exposure to life in Oahu!! Our tour guide was exceptional. Thank you for such an amazing experience!

Fantastic way to see the island. We had a really memorable flight and experience