South Shore Driving Tour: A Guide to O'ahu’s Scenic Beaches and Hiking Trails

The South Shore of O?ahu is one of the best parts of the drive during any Circle Island Tour. On this driving tour from Diamond Head to the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery at sites like Makapuu Lookout. En route, you’ll learn about the Hawaiian Kingdom, Prince Jonah K?hi?, and the golf course (now the Kahala Resort) where his adopted father, King Kal?kaua, used to spend his time enjoying a horse race or l??au. As we travel the coastlines, you’ll also hear about Hawaiian fishponds, local lore, and the traditional names of the places we pass by. Movie and television lovers will recognize spots from their favorite productions. These include the Bayer Estate from Hawai?i Five-0 and the Sea Life Park where Adam Sandler worked in the movie Fifty First Dates. Classic movie buffs will recognize Hanauma Bay from Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawai?i and the beach near H?lona Blow Hole from the movie Here to Eternity, where you might even choose to re-enact the famous love scene with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. On this tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to: • Drive through the caldera of the Ko?olau Volcano (don’t worry, there’s no lava anymore!) • See volcanic tuff cones like Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and Koko Crater, to name a few • Take in the surfers and body surfers from Sandy Beach • Enjoy a dip at Kailua or Lanikai • Hike some of the island’s marvelous trails including the Makapu?u Lighthouse and Lanikai Pillbox trails This 45-mile tour will take at least an hour and a half to complete. However, guests will want to budget a minimum of four hours from start to finish to get the most out of each lookout, including a bathroom break, a drink at Ko?olau Distillery, and time to explore Ho?omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are a wide variety of ways to experience this tour, from less active with an easy drive and a few handicap-accessible lookouts, to spending multiple days enjoying every hike and beach along the route. The choice is yours. We have pointed out restrooms, parking spots, rest stops where you can get food and drinks, and other points of interest along the way to try to keep you as comfortable as possible. This island is famous for its traffic. Along the route, we have given a few easy options to avoid any peak traffic spots, in case your time is limited. Of course, the tour does not include admission costs, reservations to attractions, or any food and drinks. Your guide on this adventure is Uncle Eddie. Born and raised on O’ahu, he grew up in Waim?nalo Town. When he?s not guiding visitors, he loves the ocean and spending time with his wonderful wife, children, and grandkids. Don?t forget about the free and fun scavenger hunts and quizzes that accompany every tour. There are Easy(ish) 10 Question versions and Hard(er) 25 Question extras to enjoy. Now you don?t have to worry about pulling the kids off their phones to enjoy the day!

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