Oahu Grand Circle Tour with Snorkeling with the Turtles

After hotel pickup by minibus in Waikiki, your day tour with your guide starts at Diamond Head for a brief photo stop at a lookout. Search the waters for migrating whales before heading to the Halona Blowhole, where you can watch waves crash into a lava tube and spray water up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the air.

Pass by Sandy Beach and make your way to Makapu’u Beach for a glimpse of the aquamarine surf and views of Makapu'u Point Lighthouse and Manana Island (Rabbit Island) in the distance. Your next 15- to 20-minute stop is a secret spot at Waimanalo Beach Park, a gorgeous white-sand beach that was featured in the TV drama Hawaii Five-0.

Then your guide drives you past lush rainforest en route to Tropical Farms, a family-owned macadamia nut farm and outlet. Try your hand at cracking raw macadamia nuts, enjoy a variety of samples and taste macadamia nut coffee. A short stretch up the road is Mokoliʻi, formerly known as Chinaman's Hat. Stop at Kualoa Point to snap pics of this basalt island in Kane’ohe Bay, and then head further up the windward coast to the rugged peninsula of Laie Point, with views of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Cruising along the North Shore, gaze out the window at famous surf breaks like Pipeline, Waimea and Sunset Beach before arriving at Tsue Farm, where you can purchase a Hawaiian plate lunch. Dig into pork, shrimp, teriyaki chicken or veggie stir-fry, and then stop by Tsue's Shave Ice for a classic Hawaiian treat (all food at your own expense). If you’d like, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak to venture down the Anahulu River during your 45-minute break here.

Next, it’s on to the highlight of your tour: green sea turtles! Stop by a secluded feeding ground referred to as ‘Turtle Town’ for one hour of guided snorkeling. Afterward, you may use the beach park’s outdoor showers and changing rooms before your final stop at the Dole Plantation. Spend about 30 minutes here, where you can walk around the grounds and perhaps try a refreshing Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavored frozen dessert (own expense).

Your day tour ends with the 30- to 45-minute return drive to Waikiki for hotel drop-off.