Know Before You Go, Shaka Guide's East Oahu Shoreline Drive

January 02, 2025

Shaka Guide

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an awesome adventure that takes you along O'ahu’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.
Diamond Head now charges both an entrance fee ($5/person) and parking fee ($10/car). Fees are credit card only. Online reservations are required can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The bay is open Wednesday-Sunday from 6:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the last entry at 1:30 p.m. Arrive early to find parking.
Hanauma Bay charges $25 per adult (13 yrs and older) and also requires advance reservations. You can make a reservation up to two days in advance here. Limited walk-in tickets are available at 6:45 a.m. but sell out quickly. There is also a $3 parking fee per vehicle.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is free. The garden closes at 4 p.m.
Pali Lookout has a $7 parking fee.
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 includes visiting each stop, hiking every trail, and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, plus shopping, swimming, and exploring.

The East O'ahu 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 O'ahu 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 O'ahu’s coastline! You won’t regret it.

To Learn

Hawai'i 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.

To Enjoy Local Food

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You’ll visit some of O'ahu's best food neighborhoods on the East O'ahu Shoreline Drive. In fact, you can get some of Hawai'i’s most popular dishes along this drive.

Try malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Waikiki or Hawaii Kai; a plate lunch from Ono Steak and Shrimp in Waimanalo; an acai bowl from Lanikai Juice in Kailua; poke from Foodland; or kalua pork at Konos in Kailua. 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 and has plenty of 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 - $20.00: Lunch (per person)
$5.00: 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)

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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/Sandals/Slippers (Flip Flops)
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray
Towel
Swimsuit
Reef-safe 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 of” and the word aina means “land.”

When you’re in Hawai'i, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe.

Hawai'i’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.

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