1 day to see the islands best

Question

Hi Arriving on a cruise ship 24/9/25 dock 9am and leave 11pm.

The wife and I ( both in our 70.s and reasonably fit) are looking to find a day tour that will give us a scenic look at the beautiful scenery the Island has to offer, beaches, mountains, valleys, would like to see the valleys that you see in Jurassic park, would like to see the Byodo-in temple and gardens, looking for suggestion for day trips that cover this type of stuff

Answer

With only one day on Oahu from a cruise ship, you’ll want to maximize your time while seeing the island’s iconic scenery. A full-day guided tour or a private driver is ideal, especially to access locations that are spread across the island and to avoid the stress of driving yourself.

Oahu offers a range of scenic highlights, from lush mountains and valleys to coastal beaches and cultural landmarks. Since you mentioned wanting to see the “Jurassic Park” valleys and the Byodo-In Temple, a route that covers both the Windward (eastern) and North Shore areas would work best.

Private or small-group full-day tour: Many companies offer shore excursion packages that pick you up directly from the cruise terminal. This is convenient and ensures you won’t miss the ship departure.
Key stops to request or look for in a tour:
- Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples — a peaceful, photogenic spot with Japanese gardens and koi ponds.
- Kualoa Ranch / Kaneohe Valley lookouts — for lush green valleys that were filming locations for Jurassic Park.
- North Shore beaches — Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, or Banzai Pipeline for scenic coastal views.
- Punchbowl Crater or Tantalus Lookout — for panoramic views over Honolulu and the surrounding mountains.
- Scenic drives along the Windward Coast — including the Pali Highway, offering dramatic mountain and valley vistas.
Optional additional stops:
- Lunch at a local shrimp truck or casual Hawaiian eatery on the North Shore.
- Short walks at scenic beaches or small nature trails, depending on your energy and comfort level.

If you prefer more flexibility, hiring a private driver or guide for the day is often the best way to ensure you see all the sights you want without feeling rushed. They can tailor the itinerary to your interests, pick you up and drop you off at the cruise terminal, and provide local insight along the way.

Book the tour or driver in advance, especially for September, which can be a busy cruise month.
Pack light snacks, water, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the mountains.
Keep a camera or smartphone ready — the views, especially at Kualoa Ranch and the Pali Lookout, are incredible.

Overall, a combination of a private guided tour or small-group shore excursion with stops at Byodo-In Temple, Kualoa Ranch, Windward Coast lookouts, and a few beaches will give you a full and scenic experience of Oahu in your single day.