ALOHA!
If you’re short on time and looking to circle the island of Oahu for a day as part of a self-guided driving tour, there are definitely enough places to visit and things to do on Oahu to fill up your whole day!
Scenic driving on Oahu
This is an abbreviated version of things to do in Oahu for your Oahu tour.
If you won’t be renting a car, here’s one of the best circle island tours on Oahu.
All the planning is done for you, and you will learn a lot!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Island driving = slow driving
Keep in mind that driving around the island takes time.
The time can be due to traffic, and it can also just generally be due to maximum speed on the island.
The highest speed limit you’ll find anywhere on Oahu is 55mph, and often you will be going below that.
So take it slow and take it all in!
And the earlier in the day you start, the more you can experience!
Your GPS device can also be cause for delay.
You can use the GPS on your phone as a guide, but it’s not definitive. Sometimes it might get confused and send you in the wrong direction.
But don’t get stressed!
You’re in Hawaii!
It’s all in the experience!
Just another reason to make sure you aren’t on a specific time table when you’re planning for an island road trip!
Now here first is a quick list.
Oahu circle island tour driving map
- Diamond Head Crater
- Hanauma Bay
- Koko Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Lanikai Pillboxes
- Mokulua Islands
- Pearl Harbor
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Waimea Bay
- Laniakea Beach
- Sharks Cove
Paid circle island tours
It’s definitely possible to rent a car and have a great day driving yourself around Oahu!
But if you want to get even more out of your trip around the island, you may also consider taking an organized tour. This can be a good way to learn more about Oahu and Hawaiian culture too.
Interactive map of Oahu
Now here is an interactive Oahu circle island tour map with points of interest.
Do you like maps? Also see the Oahu snorkeling map and Oahu hikes map.
OAHU CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
OAHU TOUR: Hanauma Bay snorkeling
OAHU TOUR: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
OAHU TOUR: Lanikai Pillbox Hike
OAHU TOUR: Sharks Cove snorkeling
HAPPY OAHU ISLAND DRIVING!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling