Oʻahu day trip: the circle island drive

The classic full-day loop: head east past Hālona Blowhole and Makapuʻu, up the windward coast through Waimānalo, Kailua and Kualoa, stop for garlic shrimp in Kahuku, see the big-wave beaches of the North Shore, have shave ice in Haleʻiwa, then come back through the pineapple fields of Central Oʻahu. Plan 8 to 10 hours with stops.

1. Waikīkī
2. Hālona Blowhole
3. Makapuʻu Point Lookout
4. Waimānalo Beach Park
5. Kailua Beach Park
6. Kualoa Regional Park
7. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Kahuku
8. Sunset Beach Park
9. Matsumoto Shave Ice
10. Dole Plantation
11. Waikīkī

• 1. Hālona Blowhole Lookout (Hawaiʻi Kai): ocean blowhole and coast views.
• 2. Makapuʻu Point Lookout: windward views to Rabbit Island. (The upper lookout had weekend closures in fall 2026.)
• 3. Waimānalo Beach Park: long turquoise beach for a swim.
• 4. Kailua Beach Park: lunch or coffee in Kailua town.
• 5. Kualoa Regional Park: views of Mokoliʻi (Chinaman's Hat) and the Kualoa cliffs.
• 6. Kahuku shrimp trucks: Giovanni's, Romy's or Fumi's for a garlic shrimp plate.
• 7. Sunset Beach Park: famous winter surf.
• 8. Haleʻiwa town: Matsumoto Shave Ice (since the 1950s), shops and food trucks.
• 9. Dole Plantation (Wahiawā): pineapple treats on the drive home.
• Driving: about 110 to 130 miles with the loop back; go clockwise early to beat windward traffic. Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head need separate reservations if you add them.
• Tap "Open all stops in Google Maps" for the whole route. Phone browsers may show only the first few stops; the Google Maps app shows them all.

Sources: Hawaii News Now: Matsumoto Shave Ice turns 75 (2026) · Hawaiʻi Guide: Best food trucks on Oʻahu (Mar. 2026) · Hawaiʻi DLNR State Parks: notices (closures after Hurricane Lowell, Oct. 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.