East Shore Island Tour
Tour Oahu's stunning East Coast with this half-day driving tour highlighting all the best, most beautiful, and biggest attractions on the coastline!
- Pali Look Out - More officially known as Nu'uanu Pali, Pali translating to 'cliff' in Hawaiian, this section of the windward cliff of the Ko'olau Mountain is located on the Pali Highway between Honolulu and Kailua. It is known for its strong howling winds, absolutely gobsmacking views, and holding the history of once being the site of the Battle of Nuuanu in 1795. This is the battle in which King Kamehameha finally won Oahu, but not before forcing hundreds of enemies off of the sheer Pali cliffs.
- Kahala - Known as the 'Beverly Hills' of Hawaii, Kahala is a ritzy neighborhood located on the south side of the island of Oahu, just east of the Diamond Head Trail Summit. This upscale community holds secluded, calm beaches, a massive shopping mall, health-conscious eateries, and plenty of mansions worth gawking at along the way, many of the homes belonging to celebrities and business moguls.
- Halona Blow Hole - Overlooking the pacific ocean at Halona Point you will find the famous Halona Blowhole, the rock formation that is considered one of Hawaii's natural wonders. Geysers of seawater shoot out as high as 30 feet through lava tubes created thousands of years ago, a unique sight you won't want to miss on your scenic Kalanianaole Highway journey! You can see the islands of Moloka'i and Lanai in the distance on clear days from this point as well.
- Makapuu Lookout - The Makapuu Lookout is another must-stop destination along the Kalanianaole Highway, this highly popular vantage point the perfect place to snap your picture-perfect Hawaii moment. With 600-foot sea cliffs as the backdrop and a perfect view of the tranquil turquoise waters below, it is certainly worth the 2.5-mile hike to the Makapuu Head, the easternmost point on the island of Oahu.
- Hawaii State Capitol - Save plenty of time to get a good glimpse of the official statehouse of the state of Hawaii during your adventure, the grand 1960s statehouse holding uniquely-Hawaii architectural elements throughout, including a Hawaii-style atrium, courtyard, memorials, statues, and more. Observe the natural aspects built into the design, such as the reflecting pool around the building representing the Pacific Ocean around the island of Oahu.
- Washington Place - This 3-acre historic mansion of Hawaiian rulers will immerse your group deep into local history and culture. This Greek Revival-style palace in Hawaii’s capital historic district was highly significant during the rule of King Kamehameha the Great, as well as during Queen Liliuokalani's infamous arrest during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
- Iolani Palace - The 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu stood as the royal residence for the Kamehameha Dynasty beginning with Kamehameha III and ending with Queen Liliuokalani under the Kalakaua Dynasty in 1893. Now a National Historic Landmark, the beautiful palace stands as a tribute to the days of Hawaii's cultural kingdom.
- King Kamehameha Statue - This is the perfect place on the island to pay your respects to a dynasty past for the Royal Hawaiian Kingdom, a truly impressive memorial statue located in North Kohala. This depiction of a famous warrior, diplomat, and leader is a representative of what united the islands into the Royal Kingdom in 1810.
- Punchbowl National Cemetery - The soberingly beautiful 34,000 grave cemetery that takes up 112.5 total acres and was established in 1949. Today this spot proudly serves as a historic burial site honoring local veterans from over four wars, as well as the area with one of the most striking views of the surrounding island from a volcanic crater.
Nuuanu Pali Panorama Credit Liz Backlund
