Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an awesome adventure that takes you along Oahu’s scenic eastern coastline, but there are a few things you should know about the tour before you get started!

• The tour begins and ends in Waikiki and travels counterclockwise only.
• Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden — the last stop on the tour — closes at 4 p.m.
• Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The bay opens at 6:45 a.m.-4 p.m. with last entry at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Arrive early to find parking.
• Reservations are now required to visit Hanauma Bay. You can make a reservation up to two days in advance here. 
• Diamond Head now charges both entrance ($5/person) and parking ($10/car) - fees are credit card only. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
• Diamond Head is now closed on Wednesdays. 
• Pali Lookout has a parking fee, see budgeting below for more information.
• Waves can get rough in winter (November-April), when in doubt ask a lifeguard.

What to Expect

To Spend a Full Day Exploring

If you plan on doing everything on the tour, we recommend you set aside 10 to 12 hours. This means visiting each stop, hiking every trail, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and exploring Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. The East Oahu Shoreline Drive has 19 major stops and over 100 audio points. Of course, Shaka Guide gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace so you can skip spots based on your interests or time restraints.

To Be Active

Whether or not you choose to hike the trails along the East Oahu Shoreline Drive, the tour is an active excursion. Expect to jump in the ocean, snorkel, go on beach walks, stroll through gardens, and stop for photos. This is not an experience where you’ll want to sit idly by. Get out and explore the beauty of Oahu’s coastline! You won’t regret it.

To Learn

Hawaii has a unique history and culture. From the tales of King Kamehameha the Great, to the story of an ancient heiau, you can expect to learn something new. Oh, and did we mention you’ll learn a bit of Hawaiian too? Take what you’ve learned home to share with your friends and family — they’ll be floored by your knowledge of Hawaii!

To Enjoy Local Food

You’ll visit some of the best food neighborhoods in Oahu on the East Oahu Shoreline Drive. In fact, you can get some of Hawaii’s most popular dishes along this drive. Try malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery; a plate lunch from Ono Steak and Shrimp; an acai bowl from Lanikai Juice; poke from Foodland; or kalua pork at Konos. Here’s a list of some eateries you can visit along the tour.

To Take A LOT of Pictures

Whether you’re using a smartphone, GoPro, or old-school, point-and-shoot — make sure your camera is charged with storage. As we mentioned, there are 19 stops along this tour, which means tons of photo ops to take advantage of.

Budgeting

• $10.00: Parking at Diamond Head (credit card only)
• $5.00: Entry to Diamond Head (per person, credit card only)
• $15.00: Lunch (per person)
• $4.00: Ice Cream or local Snack (per person)
• $3.00: Parking at Hanauma Bay (cash only)
• $25.00: Entry to Hanauma Bay (per person, children 12 and under get in FREE)
• $7.00: Parking at Pali Lookout (per vehicle)

Start Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Sneakers 
• Hiking Clothes 
• Water Bottle 
• Bug Spray 
• Towel 
• Bathing Suit 
• Sandals 
• Sunscreen 
• Sun Glasses and/or Hat 
• Snacks 
• Cash 
• Car Charger *Very Important*
• Phone Mount 

Malama Aina

In Hawaiian the word malama means “to take care” and the word aina means “land.” When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe. Hawaii’s natural resources are precious, it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources for generations by respecting the land and culture when you visit. 

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us, so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

RELATED: 10 Ways to be a Safe and Responsible Traveler in Hawaii

For more help planning your day check out our East Oahu Shoreline Drive suggested itinerary.