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Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple: Our most recommended tours and activities

Oahu: Full-Day Island Sightseeing Day Trip by Bus

1. Oahu: Full-Day Island Sightseeing Day Trip by Bus

Uncover Oahu’s majestic grandeur on a full-day day trip. Ride in a spacious and air-conditioned bus and be captivated by the unique beauty and the dramatic history that is found behind every corner. Take an unforgettable journey through the history of the island. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation. History comes alive before your eyes as you weave your way up the Koʻolau Mountains to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout where King Kamehameha I battled to unite the Hawaiian Islands.  Shortly after, gaze at the beautiful Byodo-In Temple, a replica of the Byodo-in Temple in Japan, built to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.  Cruise along 7 miles of world-famous surfing beaches on Oahu’s north shore and sample the local flavors along the way. Waimea Valley and its waterfalls await you, discover this beautiful place steeped with history, spirituality and island traditions.  Follow your guide through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. Learn how deeply embedded tradition is in today’s Hawaiian culture. Stop at the historic Dole Plantation surrounded by rows of pineapples and fields of sugarcane. Hear about how this plant became a symbol of Hawaii before returning to your accommodation. 

Oahu: Multi-Stop Island Highlights Tour

2. Oahu: Multi-Stop Island Highlights Tour

Spend the day exploring Oahu’s most scenic sights, unique culture, and rich history. Travel from Diamond Head Crater along the southern coast to the famous surfing beaches of the North Shore. Get a complete overview of all the scenic points from your tour driver. An experienced tour driver will provide a complete overview of all the scenic points that the “Heart of Hawai‘i” has to offer. Some of the featured sites include: (*Denotes a stop) • Diamond Head Hawai‘i’s most recognized landmark. • Exclusive Kahala Estates Hawai‘i’s Gold Coast. • Hanauma Bay Lookout* Formed within a volcanic cone, this marine ecosystem offers spectacular views (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) • Halona Blowhole Lookout* Where a volcanic lava tube propels water up to the sky. • Waimānalo Town Known for its local flavor and numerous plant nurseries. • Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout* With panoramic views of the coast line to the sheer mountains veiled by the clouds. • Chinaman’s Hat The basalt islet in Kaneohe Bay is shaped curiously like a hat. According to Hawaiian mythology, the island is formed from the remains of a giant lizard or dragon’s tail tossed to the ocean. • Kualoa Ranch* Daily lunch stop (subject to change) at Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve on 4,000 acres, it is one of the most sacred places on the island with their goal to protect the natural beauty of the lands. • La‘ie Hawai‘i Mormon Temple Contains breathtaking lush tropical gardens of Hawaiian foliage and flowers, cascading water features and more. • North Shore Surfing Beaches The surfing mecca that attracts surfers from around the world for the massive winter waves and Hollywood for the 7 miles of picturesque beaches. • Dole Plantation* Visit Hawai‘i’s Pineapple Experience, see pineapple varieties and try the delicious Dole Whip.

Oahu: 120-Mile Full-Day Circle Island Tour

3. Oahu: 120-Mile Full-Day Circle Island Tour

The popular Circle Island tour takes you on a scenic 120-mile trip around the beautiful island of Oahu. Enjoy a scenic drive along the slopes of Diamond Head and catch a view of some of Oahu’s most impressive homes in the Kahala area. The tour continues along the coastline to the famous Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach, and Makapu’u Point. Get out that camera to capture the view of Windward Oahu from the scenic Nu’uanu Pali Lookout (subject to availability). Take a tram ride at Waimea Valley and swim in a waterfall-fed pool (weather permitting). A "to go" lunch is included. Visit the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe, set against the majestic Ko’olau Mountains (admission included). Take a moment to meditate and take in the beautiful temple grounds, including traditional Japanese gardens and a koi pond. See the world-famous North Shore beaches of Sunset, Banzai Pipeline, and Waimea Bay, home to big wave surfing and surf competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surf. Finally, stop at the Dole Plantation to read the information displays and presentations, as well as browse for gifts at the country store. This is sure to be an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

Oahu: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Experiences

4. Oahu: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Experiences

The Oahu All-Inclusive Pass provides free admission to the island's top activities, attractions, and tours, offering the ultimate in convenience, savings, and flexibility. Choose between a 1- to 7-day pass at a low, pre-paid price and pay nothing at the gate. Save up to 60% compared to full retail admission prices. The more you do, the more you save. When you buy a 3-, 4-, 5-, or 7-day pass, you’ll also receive free admission to one premium activity. Simply check your digital guide for any instructions, including how to make advanced reservations for selected activities, then show your pass on your mobile device or in printed format at each attraction for admission. Included activities, attractions, and tours with the Oahu All-Inclusive Pass (for all pass durations): Cultural and Historic Sights • Polynesian Cultural Center • Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor • Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor • USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour at Pearl Harbor • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum • Bishop Museum • Iolani Palace • Honolulu Museum of Art • Queen Emma Summer Palace Tours and Cruises • Makani Catamaran Sail • Secret Island Beach Activities at Kualoa Ranch (choice of 1 Kualoa Ranch activity per day) • Ocean Voyage Adventure at Kualoa Ranch (choice of 1 Kualoa Ranch activity per day) • Aloha Aina Tour at Kualoa Ranch (choice of 1 Kualoa Ranch activity per day) • Malama Experience at Kualoa Ranch (choice of 1 Kualoa Ranch activity per day) • Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City tour (including tickets to Arizona Memorial) • Guided Hike on the North Shore • North Shore Soap Factory Tour • Taste of Hawaii: two bars of delicious Manoa Chocolate Outdoors • Diamond Head Hike: Shuttle & Self-guided Hike • Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Movie Sites: Shuttle & Self-guided Hike • Makapuu Lighthouse & Halona Blowhole: Shuttle & Self-guided Hike • Waimea Valley • Wet ‘n Wild Hawaii including Da Flowrider • Sea Life Park Hawaii • 3-Hour Kayak Rental • Stand Up Paddle Board 3-Hour Rental • Full-day snorkel rental near Hanauma Bay • SUP Morning Yoga by Yoga Floats • Morning Yoga under the Palms • Shoreline Fishing Experience on the North Shore • 8-Hour Bike Rental (choice of 1 rental per day) • 3-Hour Moped Rental (choice of 1 rental per day) • 3-Hour E-Bike Rental (choice of 1 rental per day) • Coconut Palm Basket Weaving on Sunset Beach • Shell Pendant Making on Sunset Beach • Hawaiian Lei Making on Sunset Beach • Lyon Arboretum • Waikiki Surfboard Rental Premium Activities (3+ day passes only) (choose 1): • Makani Catamaran Sunset Sail with Drinks • Private Group Surf Lesson (for 2+) • Hidden Gems, Byodo-In Temple & Turtle spotting • North Shore Dole Pineapple Farm Tour • Moana Splash Luau • Dolphin Aloha + Hawaiian Reef Encounter + Sea Life Park Admission Please note attractions and tours are subject to change. Check your digital guide for an up-to-date attraction line-up including instructions before you go.

Oahu: Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour

5. Oahu: Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour

A "no rush" private tour which is customized for you, your family and friends. You will be hosted by an experienced guide who knows the island including, it's history, culture, flora and wildlife. They will love to share all of it with you. Because your tour will be customized for your group, you will be taken to some of the sights and locations that will work best within your half day (5 hour) tour. Then, you will be offered an itinerary, with special requests being honored. The itineraries vary with each tour, some suggested spots include Lanai Point, Halona Blowhole, Sandy's Beach, Makapu'u,  Pali Lookout, and the Byodo-in Temple.   Your tour starts with pick-up at a time of your choosing. As you drive to the different locations, you are more than welcome to stop if you see something interesting along the way, such as a Hawaiian monk seal who just happens to be basking on the beach or a rainbow on the horizon. This is both a flexible and a visual road trip with every day providing different sights to see. For half day tours, you will usually stop at between 5-7 locations. Time spent at each location is up to you, with no rush to move on with the tour until you feel ready. You will visit scenic and historic sites and will also be able to stop for a snack and/or lunch if you desire.   

Oahu: Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

6. Oahu: Grand Circle Island Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

With an app that functions as your guide, audio tour, and map all in one, explore Oahu and the vibrant city of Honolulu that offers a little bit of everything, from lush greenery to the most stunning beaches in the world. Cruise around this tropical paradise, hike its best trails, and learn about its incredible conflict-strewn history, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. As an added perk, enjoy animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms, along many of the tour stops. After downloading the tour app (download instructions sent via email after booking), start your Oahu adventure at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial where you’ll begin to learn about the unexpected history of Honolulu. Next is Aloha Tower, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Continuing on, see Iolani Palace, the extravagant former home of Hawaii’s monarchs, as well as a statue of King Kamehameha the Great. The first beach on the Oahu tour is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that was once used for something else entirely. Then, visit Waikiki Beach, where surfing superstar Duke Kanahamoku got his start before he transformed the world of surfing forever. Leaving the beaches for a moment, get an up-close look at Diamond Head State Park, an enormous volcanic crater and Hawaii’s most popular park. Head toward the volcanic China Walls next, where you’ll hear the dramatic tale of Kamehameha’s rise to power and his rival, Kalanikūpule, who was willing to do the unspeakable to take control for himself. At the Hanauma Bay Lookout, find some of the most spectacular views; be sure to have your camera at the ready. For a less crowded spot, follow the route to the next lookout, which most visitors miss. After passing some seriously scenic shoreline, spot Rabbit Island just off the coast and learn about the utterly failed rabbit farm that once operated here. Then come to Waimānalo Beach, the perfect stop for anyone seeking a little seclusion. As you approach the town of Kailua, hear a dramatic account of the Battle of Nu’uanu. If you’re a kayaker, you won’t want to miss Kailua’s beach. Up next, catch a glimpse of the last remaining Heiau on Oahu. These ancient temples were deeply sacred to the Hawaiians and still hold a great deal of significance today. Find a trail to one of Oahu’s famous waterfalls. If you’re craving more nature, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden will be just ahead, offering a staggering 400 acres of carefully cultivated flora. You might not expect a huge Buddhist temple in Hawaii, but that’s the next stop! After checking out the Byodo-In Temple, reach the Kualoa Ranch that’s become a Hollywood favorite. Wildlife enthusiasts will love what comes next: a huge wildlife refuge and Turtle Beach, frequented by the enormous Hawaiian green sea turtles. Then, head to Sunset Beach, the perfect spot to catch the day’s final rays of light. Later, head to the historic Dole Plantation, where the tour concludes.

Other Sightseeing Options in Byodo-In Temple

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What people are saying about Byodo-In Temple

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 509 reviews

We booked our tour online; it was fast and easy! Received a text and reminders about the tour day prior, informing us where to meet and what time. Also because there are so many your buses, it explained which bus to look out for. Upon entering the bus, our guide Deno greeted us and was super friendly. He accommodated those who needed the restroom before the tour started. Was patient with everyone. Very funny guide! He had some good jokes and great stories about the history and tales of the island! We visited many sites and even drive last Pearl Harbor for us to see because it was not included in the tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone that wants to see most of the island in a day.

Kim was so sweet, full of knowledge and humor, and did an incredible job. This tour was a great use of our time (we only had 2.5 days in Oahu), and maximized our view of the island without having to rent a car. I felt like we spent the right amount of time everywhere, except we could have spent more time at the botanical gardens and less time at Dole (though I know people love Dole). Thank you for everything, Kim!

Our driver was amazing, he showed up promptly, and was very friendly and courteous. Despite rain and one of the planned sites being closed due to rain (causes potentially hazardous conditions) and mechanical issues, he remained calm and upbeat and taught us so much about Hawaii, history, the people, the food. I would highly recommend this tour. They will make sure your experience is one that lasts a lifetime!

Fred (our tour guide) was extremely informative and a very personable guide. Fred was able to tell is about the island, the history as well as showed us many different places along the route. Our group was small relative to some others (per Fred) which made it even better as we could ask more questions as the day went on. Highly recommend.

Kudos to the driver! He was very knowledgeable. We learned a lot from him during this trip . Beautiful scenery!