Byodo Temple and Waimea Botanical Garden Tour
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Byodo Temple and Waimea Botanical Garden Tour

Active
(40 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Received the Honolulu 2025 Best Tour Agency Award.
We have received the 2023 & 2024 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award as "Best of The Best"..

We are proud and excited to give you the best of Oahu. We provide a Transit Van or Shuttle to drive our guests around the island on a Circle Island Tour with a professional and licensed driver and guide.

Visit top locations like Halona Blowhole, Byodo-In Japanese Temple, Macadamia Nut Farm and the Dole Plantation.

Waimea Botanical Garden is Closed on Mondays in October and November of 2025.

Please join us on this Laid back Epic Tour of Oahu with Small Groups.

Pick up from Every Waikiki Hotel.

Available options

Byodo Temple and Waimea Botanical Garden Tour

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. Honolulu Zoo is home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, while parrotfish and urchins inhabit Waikiki Aquarium’s reef exhibit.

2
Stop 2

Home to the Emelia Earhart monument as well as Iconic Views of Oahu.
We will Stop during Whale season to view the Whales passing by starting End of November thru March.

3
Stop 3

Popular lookout point featuring panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs & neighboring islands. Halona Beach Cove (see more photos, view panorama) is a small pocket of sand located on the southeastern shore of Oahu. It was made popular in the movie From here to Eternity, filmed here in 1953, where it was a love scene of a couple (Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr).
We will stop for Picture taking and expeditiously get in and out to stay in front of all other Companies and lots of other Guests.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Makapuʻu Point is the easternmost point on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu, located in the Makapuʻu region. Twelve miles east of Honolulu, it is a popular hiking spot, offering great views of Makapuʻu and Waimanalo Bay on one side and the Ka ʻIwi Channel on the other side.
Rabbit Island is an uninhabited islet located 0.75 mi off Kaupō Beach, near Makapuʻu at the eastern end of the island of Oʻahu in the Hawaiian Islands. In the Hawaiian language, mānana means "buoyant".

5

Hawaii Treasure Shop for Amazing selection of delightful and beautiful designed jewelry along with unique souvenir's. Enjoy a restroom break while you enjoy some local Hawaiian hand made items as well as a Rest Room Break.

6

Please know this is Only if Time permitting we will stop expeditiously for the group to purchase a Hot Malasada from Leonard's Bakery.

This is an early morning Stop and again only if the Owner deems enough time to do so.

This Stop is not guaranteed!

7
Stop 7

The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple in O'ahu is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan.
The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty.

8
Stop 8

Located on the east coast of Oahu, 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Honolulu, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts is set in the shadow of the mountains of the Koolau Range and is a stop on many circle-island tours. It’s a great place to enjoy a Hawaiian treat and shop for gifts and souvenirs.

Rest Rooms Available.

9

Venture through the World Famous Waimea Botanical Garden before reaching the Waimea Waterfall. Waimea Valley is an area of historic cultural significance on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The valley, being an important place in Hawaiian religion, includes several historical structures including stone terraces and walls constructed during the time of the Hawaiian monarchy. Also enjoy this picturesque waterfall in Waimea Valley drops into a pool surrounded by lush foliage.

Swimming is allowed. Life Vests are supplied at no additional cost and are required to Swim.

Entrance to Waimea is a Discounted Price of $20 per person for Adult with No Waiting in Lines.

This 3/25 of a Mile walk is not for Everyone. Please consider taking the Golf Cart Ride which is an additional $20 Round Trip Per Person.

The walk into the Waterfall is still natural and is very Rocky. Be Advised if you choose to bring Reef walking Shoes or Water Shoes it is entirely up to you.

10
Stop 10

Be Advised this Tour will not have time to go Into the Maze or Ride the Train. Both take over 2 Hours.

In 1899, James Dole, just 22 years old, moved to Honolulu from Massachusetts and purchased 64 acres of land in the central plains of Oahu. After trying several experimental crops, he settled on pineapple. This was the beginning of the pineapple empire. Dole created two canneries in Wahiawa and Honolulu Harbor and started advertising, resulting in nationwide consumer popularity. After bringing in automatic pineapple peelers, business boomed even greater. In 1950, a small fruit stand was created in Dole’s fields. A plantation-style home was erected in 1989 and turned into an archive and living museum, honoring the work and life of James Dole.
Please understand you will not have time to ride the Train or get in the Maze. The lines are long and this stop is only for 30 to 45 minutes.

11

Sit Down Lunch at Liliha Bakery on Nimitz Road. Famous Miso Butterfish, Loco Moco, Grilled Garlic Shrimp, Oxtail Soup, BLT, Terryyaki Chicken, Beef or Pork, Chicken Salad, Hamburgers, Clam Chowder Soup. Etc

12
Stop 12 Pass by

Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii. Built in 1882 by King Kalakua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom's political and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.
Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and the only official royal residence in the United States.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

The most recognized Kamehameha statue stands in front of Aliiolani Hale (home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court) across from Iolani Palace and a short walk from historic Kawaiahao Church and the State Capitol. Dedicated in 1883, this was actually the second statue created after the ship delivering the original statue from Europe was lost at sea near Cape Horn.

What's not included

Gratuities
Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
18 reviews
5★
15
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 5.0
22 reviews
5★
21
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Highly Recommended for Everyone

About Honolulu

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical paradise. Nestled along the coast of Oahu, it offers stunning beaches, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Waikiki Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach offers golden sand, clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities and rentals vary)

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

A significant historical site, Pearl Harbor is where the attack on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into World War II. The memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Historical Half day to full day Free (timed tickets required for the USS Arizona Memorial)

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewarding.

Nature 2-3 hours $5 per vehicle parking fee

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Often served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various types of fish and is gluten-free if soy sauce is omitted.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with vegetarian or vegan alternatives.

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.

Snack/Dessert Vegan options available with plant-based syrups and toppings.

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Snorkeling Scuba diving Parasailing Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the most popular time to visit due to the pleasant weather and whale-watching opportunities. Expect lush landscapes and occasional rain showers.

22-26°C 72-79°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Honolulu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
  • • Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
  • • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 10 km from city center
By bus

Honolulu International Airport, Downtown Honolulu

Getting around

Public transport

TheBus system covers all of Oahu and is affordable and reliable. Buses run frequently and connect major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Waikiki Downtown Honolulu Kakaako

Day trips

North Shore
50 km from Honolulu • Full day

The North Shore of Oahu is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring local attractions.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
15 km from Honolulu • Half day

Hanauma Bay is a stunning marine embayment formed within a tuff ring that is a partially submerged crater of the Koʻolau Volcano. It is a popular spot for snorkeling, with a variety of marine life and coral reefs.

Polynesian Cultural Center
30 km from Honolulu • Full day

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum and luau that showcases the cultures and traditions of the Polynesian islands. It offers a variety of exhibits, shows, and activities, as well as a buffet-style luau dinner.

Festivals

Honolulu Festival • March (annually) Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November (annually) Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival • June (annually)

Pro tips

  • Visit the beaches early in the morning to secure a good spot and avoid crowds
  • Book popular attractions and tours in advance, especially during peak season
  • Explore the local food scene by trying street food and visiting food trucks and markets
  • Be mindful of the ocean and its creatures, and always follow safety guidelines when swimming, snorkeling, or surfing
  • Respect local customs and traditions, and be open to new experiences and cultural exchanges
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-100
1
Childs
Age 4-10
0
Infants
Age 1-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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