After morning pickup from your Waikiki hotel, start your scenic drive in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach to the beaches along the North Shore of Oahu, among them Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. Waimea Bay was made famous in the 1960s by pioneers of big-wave surfing and continues to draw big-wave surfers from all over the world.

After snapping some photos, continue to the Dole Pineapple Plantation where you walk through the garden to see exotic pineapple varieties and sample locally grown pineapple. Find treats to take home in the enticing gift shop!

Down the road, visit La’ie Point, known for its breathtaking views and the ‘puka’ island with a distinctive hole in its center  made by a 1946 tsunami! Then swing by another island that is said to resemble a Chinese hat, a shark fin or a lizard. Next, head to Tropical Farms where you can taste macadamia nuts, Hawaiian coffee and other native foods  fresh from the farm!

When you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center, take several hours to explore the simulated villages representing islands throughout Polynesia  including Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa and the Marquesas. Watch costumed performers demonstrate canoeing, traditional dancing and music, and learn to dance hula or play the ukulele. Marvel as the ‘locals’ shimmy up a tall palm tree to pick coconuts and try it yourself!

While at the center, enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch buffet (included) of traditional Hawaiian foods such as kalua pork, which is baked in the imu  an underground oven that uses layers of hot coals, stones and leaves to cook the food.

After your time at the center, head back toward Waikiki with a short excursion to the Byodo-In Temple, a replica of an ancient Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. See the golden Buddha that stands over 9 feet tall (3 meters), an elegant meditation pavilion and koi fish pond with black swans, turtles and peacocks.

Finish your fascinating day of touring Oahu when your mini-coach returns you to your Waikiki hotel.