Your afternoon turns into a Five-0 road trip. This small-group tour in Honolulu strings together real filming locations, a scenic stop at Diamond Head, and the kind of insider storytelling that makes the show feel close to real life. I also like the built-in highlight of lunch at McGarrett’s House, where the setting looks and feels like it does on-screen.

The meet-and-greet is the other big win: you get time with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, better known as Cousin Flippa. One thing to consider first is that the tour focuses mainly on the later Hawaii Five-0 era (2010–2020), so die-hard fans hoping for the original Jack Lord years may leave wanting more.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 10), so you can ask questions without shouting over the van.
• Meet Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) during your McGarrett’s House stop.
• McGarrett’s House lunch time includes a chance to sit in the famous backyard photo area (timing can be affected by private events).
• Diamond Head State Monument is the first stop, with a short visit and admission included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make this easy if you don’t want to figure out parking.
• Lunch can be optional depending on what you select; you can also bring your own.

Four hours in Honolulu: what the schedule really feels like

This tour is built for an afternoon, not an all-day commitment. Plan on about 4 hours total, with hotel pickup and drop-off and a small group capped at 10 people. That matters because the pacing stays friendly. You get driving time to see more of O‘ahu than you’d manage on your own, then focused stops for photos and questions.

You’ll ride in a van (often reported as comfortable and air-conditioned), and the guide keeps things moving. The flow is simple: you start with a quick, scenic photo-worthy stop, then you shift into the McGarrett’s House experience where the day’s biggest payoff happens.

The tour is offered in English, and you use a mobile ticket. That combo makes it easier than tours that require lots of paperwork or off-site check-ins.

Diamond Head State Monument: a quick starter you’ll actually enjoy

The itinerary begins at Diamond Head State Monument for about 15 minutes, and the admission ticket is included. This is a short stop by design. You’re not hiking for hours, but you’re also not just driving past and calling it a day.

Think of Diamond Head as a warm-up. The crater view helps set the tone for the rest of your afternoon because it’s instantly recognizable in Honolulu, and it gives you that classic “I’m in the right place” feeling fast.

Practical note: since it’s only 15 minutes, show up ready to move. If you’re the type who needs to browse every angle for the perfect photo, you may want to mentally pick one or two “must-have” shots before your time runs out.

McGarrett’s House lunch: the centerpiece of the day

Lunch at McGarrett’s House is the reason most people book this tour. You don’t just eat on a patio; you’re scheduled into the real setting used in the show’s world. The house-and-backyard setup is what turns this from a standard sightseeing tour into a TV-fan experience.

Food-wise, you’ll have sandwich choices tied to the McGarrett theme:

• The Beefy McGarrett
• The McGarrett Chicken
• The Veggie McGarrett

Here’s the practical part: lunch is described as optional in some bookings, and there’s also an option to add lunch for $13.50 per person, or you can bring your own. Either way, you’re still going to McGarrett’s House for the experience. Just don’t assume the same meal arrangement applies to every ticket type.

Also included for the ride: bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks. That’s a real value add in the middle of the afternoon because you’re spending time in a small window and don’t want to scramble for refreshments.

Photo time in the backyard: what to expect

This is where you’ll hear people light up. The famous backyard chairs and waterside look are the big photo goal. In many cases you’ll be able to get your pictures, but private events can affect access and timing—one reason some people end their day a little frustrated is not the tour itself, but the schedule constraints around the property.

So I’d plan your expectations like this: aim for the iconic chair photo, but don’t let the whole day depend on one single shot. If chairs aren’t available when you arrive, you’ll still have the house setting, the porch area, and time with the cast member.

Meeting Cousin Flippa (Shawn Mokuahi Garnett): why this matters

Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known as Cousin Flippa, is the meet-and-greet moment that people remember days later. He’s described as down-to-earth and easy to talk to, and the conversation time is usually generous—long enough for real Q&A and photos.

This isn’t just a quick photo line where you’re in and out. People highlight that Cousin Flippa chats with everyone, answers questions, and adds context to what it’s like being part of the show.

If you’re even a casual fan, you’ll probably appreciate the human angle: watching how a TV character comes across in real life, and how stories from the set connect back to the locations you just drove to. And if you’re a bigger fan, this is the part that makes the whole tour feel personal instead of scripted.

Guides also show up by name in past tours—people mention hosts like Sean and Matt, and team members like Eric and Suze. Since guide assignments can vary by departure, treat it as a plus if your host is especially chatty and funny, because that style tends to make the drive stops more interesting.

The driving filming-location portion: how the show map comes alive

After Diamond Head and before or around lunch time, you’ll spend time on the road visiting filming spots tied to Hawaii Five-0. The driving segment matters because it connects the dots. You see more of Honolulu and O‘ahu than you would with only one stop.

Guides do the heavy lifting here by pointing out where scenes were shot and adding context while you’re driving. People mention the storytelling style as a key part of the fun—especially when the guide ties show details to what you’re seeing outside the window.

One extra bonus from past experiences: some guides reference other production ties in Hawaii, including Magnum P.I. That doesn’t change what you booked, but it can make the day feel even more worthwhile if you like more than one TV universe.

A note for original-series fans

This is important before you spend the money. The tour is primarily oriented toward the later Hawaii Five-0 era (2010–2020). If your main goal is reliving the original Jack Lord timeframe (1968–1980), you may feel like the emphasis isn’t where you wanted it. Everyone can enjoy the scenery and the McGarrett’s House setting, but the focus is not built around the original run.

Price and value: is $229 actually worth it?

At $229 per person, you’re paying for more than viewpoints. You’re paying for:

• A small-group guided experience (max 10)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Access to the McGarrett’s House setting
• A meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett
• Snacks, bottled water, and soda/pop
• Diamond Head admission included for the first stop

That combination is why this tour often pencils out for fans. If you try to recreate it on your own, you’d still need transportation, time planning, and access to the specific house setting. Here, that work is done for you, and the cast meeting turns it into a once-per-trip memory.

Where the value equation can shift for you is lunch choices. Because lunch is described as optional (with a $13.50 add-on option or bring-your-own allowed), you’ll want to confirm what your ticket includes before you get hungry and assume everything is packaged in. If you do pay for lunch, the sandwich choices make it feel fun and on-theme.

Finally, the price is easier to justify if you care about the 2010–2020 show era. If you’re mainly chasing the original series, you may feel the cost is too high for the specific focus.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want to skip)

You’ll probably love this if:

• You’re a Hawaii Five-0 fan, especially of the reboot era
• You want one afternoon that feels like a fan pilgrimage
• You like guided driving stops where the guide turns locations into story
• You want the special moment of meeting a cast member like Cousin Flippa
• You prefer small-group travel and easy questions

You might hesitate if:

• You’re deeply attached to the original Jack Lord series and want most stops to reflect that era
• You’re the type who wants long, unhurried time at every photo spot. This tour is paced, and the best photos happen within scheduled time windows
• You’re traveling with very young kids who may not care about TV filming locations. One honeymoon story noted the kids didn’t love the format as much, while adults did.

Quick practical tips for your best experience

• Eat before you board only if you skip lunch. If you plan to do the McGarrett’s House meal, arrive ready for a sit-down break.
• Charge your phone and bring a spare charger if you’re doing heavy photo/video. The day’s rhythm is built around picture moments.
• Set your priority list. Pick your must-have shots at Diamond Head and at the McGarrett chairs, then let the rest be bonus.
• Be flexible about timing at the house. Private events can affect access to the iconic photo setup, so treat it as a chance, not a guarantee.
• Ask questions during the drive. With a max group size, you’ll often get more back-and-forth than you would on larger tours.

Should you book Afternoons at McGarrett?

If you’re a Hawaii Five-0 fan of the reboot era, this is one of the most straightforward ways to turn a Honolulu afternoon into something themed and specific. The value isn’t just “seeing filming locations.” It’s the combo of McGarrett’s House lunch, real time with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa), and a guided drive that keeps the story attached to what you’re looking at.

I’d skip or at least set lower expectations if you’re mainly chasing the original Jack Lord years. If that’s you, this tour may feel like it touches your fandom from the edges instead of centering it.

If you’re happy with a fan-focused afternoon, small group energy, and the chance to meet Cousin Flippa, then yes, book it and plan for a TV-magic day in Honolulu.

FAQ

How long is the Afternoons at McGarrett Hawaii 5-0 TV tour?

It runs about 4 hours, approximately.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour includes travel to and from your pickup area.

Where does the tour stop first?

The tour starts at Diamond Head State Monument, with a short stop and the admission ticket included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch at McGarrett’s House is optional depending on your booking. You can also bring your own, or add the lunch option for $13.50 per person. Sandwich choices include The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, and The Veggie McGarrett.

Who will you meet during the tour?

You get a meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, who plays Cousin Flippa.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to bring a paper ticket?

No. It uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is bottled water and snacks included?

Yes. The tour includes bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks.