North Shore and Circle Island Adventure

Travel with the island's premier eco-tour company on an exciting journey of discovery to the famous North Shore of Oahu. Driving over the Ko'olau Mountains to the windward side, our first stop is the fabled Valley of the Temples where we visit the picturesque Byodo-in Temple located at the base of stunning 2,000 foot lush green cliffs.  The temple grounds are home to wild peacocks and hundred of Japanese koi carp including a reflecting pond, meditation niches and small waterfalls. Driving along the scenic shores of Kahana Bay we arrive at Malaekahana Beach, a great opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of Mokuauia Islet and the wild and rugged  East-Oahu coastline. Continuing North to Kahuku, we visit a shrimp farm and one of the locals' favorite shrimp trucks, where you will be served a delicious garlic shrimp, fish, or chicken plate and Hawaiian-style shaved ice. After lunch, you can observe endangered wetland birds, and learn about Hawaiian aquaculture. Our next stop if the world famous Sunset Beach where incredible waves thrill viewers, especially between November and April. Following the stunning coastline of legendary Waimea Bay we stop at a well-known basking and feeding ground to look for wild Green Sea Turtles. Traveling South we drive through the colorful and historic village of Haleiwa, well known in North Shore and home to many surfers, artist and craftspeople. After passing extensive pineapple fields we arrive at our last stop, the historic Dole Plantation. Here, you are able to purchase a souvenir to take home to share with friends and family and always remember of your beautiful journey to the famous North Shore of Oahu. Lunch Options: Burger and Veggie options are also available. Age limit: Children must be at least 3 years old and require their own reserved seat on the bus.

Visit the temple gorunds and the peace bell. The Bell House, called kanetsuki-do, contains a five foot high, three ton brass bell, called bon-sho (sacred bell), cast in Osaka, Japan, from a mixture of bronze and tin, by permission of the government of Japan. It closely resembles the bell hanging in an identical Bell House at the Uji Byodo-In. The original is said to be more than 900 years old and to have come from India. It is revered for its distinctive shape, and the tone of the bell sounds a message of deep calm and peace, cleansing the mind of evil and temptation. The resonant sound of the bon-sho creates an atmosphere of tranquility for meditation that travels for some distance. A soft wooden log called the “shu-moku” is used to strike the bell. The bell is customarily rung before one enters the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha. Ringing the bell will purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life. It is customarily rung before entering the temple.