A TV set, but with real Oahu time built in. This half-day style tour sends you around Honolulu for Hawaii Five-0 locations and ends with lunch at McGarrett’s House, where the show details come to life. Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy, and the small group size keeps it from feeling like a cattle-call.

I like two things most. First, the pacing fits a vacation afternoon, with a focused stop at Diamond Head and plenty of time for photos. Second, you get an actual meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known on the series as Cousin Flippa, which turns the whole McGarrett’s House moment from watching into chatting.

One thing to consider: this tour leans heavily toward the 2010 to 2020 reboot era, not the original Jack Lord run. If your heart is set on reliving 1968 to 1980, you might feel the spotlight is on the newer series instead.

Quick hit takeaways

• Small group max 10 means more time to ask questions and get your photos right
• McGarrett’s House lunch brings you into the yard and the show vibe with cast interaction
• Diamond Head admission included gives you scenic payoff without extra ticket juggling
• English guide plus driver keeps the route moving and the stories attached to real streets
• Optional lunch format helps you match the meal to your budget and appetite

Why McGarrett’s House Feels Like a Set (Not Just a Stop)

This tour is for people who want the fun part of TV fandom, without turning the day into a theme park performance. You are not just hearing show trivia through a headset. You are walking into a private home environment that viewers recognize, then sitting down for a meal where the conversation stays human.

The best part for me is how the day mixes two types of fun. There is the show connection, including time with Cousin Flippa, and there is the Honolulu connection, meaning Oahu locations, views, and local context during the drive. That combo helps even people who are not die-hard fans enjoy the day, because the scenery and the setting still do the heavy lifting.

Also, the setup is built around comfort. Most of the time you are riding in an air-conditioned van, with bottled water, soda, and snacks included. So your brain is free to look out the window and pay attention, instead of doing the usual vacation math about what you will need later.

The 4-Hour Game Plan Around Honolulu, Pickup to Drop-Off

You are signing up for an approximately 4-hour afternoon tour in Honolulu. It is designed to start with pickup (hotel pickup is offered) and end with drop-off, so you avoid the biggest headache of filming-location touring, which is getting yourself from spot to spot on a tight schedule.

The route is structured enough that you do not feel lost. You start with a quick but iconic stop, then you head into the McGarrett’s House portion for the lunch and the meet-and-greet moment. After that, the tour continues with additional filming locations by car, with photo opportunities along the way.

Because the group is small, you usually get more flexibility for photos and questions. Some reviews specifically call out that the smaller size helps people ask questions and not feel rushed. And since the guide and driver are part of the day together, it tends to flow like one coordinated plan rather than separate chaos.

What to expect time-wise

From what is listed, Diamond Head is about a short 15 minutes stop, and the tour overall stays around four hours. That is a good setup for a first-time visitor who wants a “worth it” TV day without stealing your whole daylight.

Diamond Head State Monument: Included Entry and Quick, Big Views

Your tour kicks off with Diamond Head State Monument, with admission ticket included. This is a smart first move because the views are instant, even if you only have a short window.

Real talk: 15 minutes is not the time for a long hike. It is the time for orientation, quick photo stops, and getting that Waikiki area context into your head. If you are picturing Diamond Head from postcards, this is where the picture starts to feel real.

Why this matters for a Five-0 fan day: Oahu locations on TV look “made for TV,” but the island itself has scale and light that you only fully notice once you are standing there. Even a brief stop helps the rest of the afternoon feel grounded, instead of like you are only chasing sets.

Practical tip: wear sun protection. Even if your stop is short, Hawaii sun does not ask permission.

Lunch at McGarrett’s House with Cousin Flippa (Shawn Mokuahi Garnett)

This is the centerpiece. You choose from sandwich options tied to the McGarrett’s House meal, including The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, and The Veggie McGarrett. The tour includes water, soda, and snacks, and the lunch itself is described as an optional meal arrangement at McGarrett’s House.

So here is the practical way to plan: if you want the lunch experience at the house, budget for the lunch option at $13.50 per person (or bring your own, if you prefer). Reviews consistently mention the lunch setup as a highlight, and people describe it as enjoyable, but the clean planning approach is to decide ahead of time whether you want the sandwich meal.

Then comes the meet-and-greet moment. The cast member you can count on meeting is Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known as Cousin Flippa on Hawaii Five-0. In reviews, people describe him as friendly and down-to-earth, and they mention plenty of time for photos and conversation.

What the house experience actually feels like

The McGarrett’s House moment is not only “look at the house.” People talk about being in and around the home area used as Steve’s home in the series. Some reviews also mention classic photo-chair setups by the water edge. You may get time for that exact kind of picture, but it can depend on what is happening at the property.

One review mentions a wedding setup that limited access to the iconic chair photo area. That is the kind of real-life factor you should keep in mind for any private home experience. The good news is that even when a specific photo spot is affected, people still describe great interaction and a warm welcome during lunch.

A note on who you might meet besides Flippa

The tour data clearly anchors the meet-and-greet on Shawn Mokuahi Garnett. Some reviews also mention other familiar names, like Dennis (Duke) and Bruce, plus the home owner joining in during lunch. I would treat those as “sometimes” rather than a promise, but it does match the general feeling that the day can turn into more than a one-person photo opportunity.

Filming Locations by Car: Stories You Can Actually Use on Oahu

After lunch, the tour continues with additional filming locations, mainly from the modern Five-0 reboot era. This is where the guide’s role really matters, because you are riding past recognizable spots and you want more than, yep, that was on TV.

From the reviews you provided, the strongest guide moments often share two things:

1) the show context, like what you are seeing in relation to specific series details

2) local Honolulu context, like how the city works and what else to notice beyond the set

You can also see a clear split in feedback. When the commentary is specific and story-based, people call it a “must.” When the guide sticks to generic repetition without backstory, some people feel disappointed for the price. So the best advice I can give you is to come ready with questions, because this kind of small-group setup rewards curiosity.

Small-group matters more than you think

This tour tops out at 10 travelers, and that changes the feel. Short photo stops do not become a line. Questions are more likely to get time. And if you want a show connection explained in a more meaningful way, a smaller group makes that more realistic.

If you are the type who likes to compare real streets to remembered TV scenes, you will have a better day here than on a big bus tour.

Price Check: Is $229 a Smart Value for This Kind of Tour?

At $229 per person for about four hours, this is not a budget activity. But the value is not just “ride around and see stuff.” For this price, you are paying for:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• a small group setup
• Diamond Head State Monument admission included
• drinks and snacks (bottled water, soda, snacks)
• a meal stop at McGarrett’s House with sandwich options
• and the real draw, a meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa)

The easiest way to judge value is to compare it to what you would pay if you did this on your own. If you are trying to recreate a TV day, you would still need transport, entry for Diamond Head, and time to schedule a house visit. The tour basically bundles the logistics, which is a real cost saver on a vacation.

Is it worth it for non-fans? Some reviews suggest yes, because the locations and general Honolulu context still make the day enjoyable. But if you want heavy coverage of the original Jack Lord series, you may feel the focus is not what you hoped for, since the day is geared toward the later reboot era.

My practical rule

If Hawaii Five-0 is a real obsession for you, and you want the McGarrett’s House moment plus the cast interaction, the price starts to feel fair. If you want a deep dive into the oldest era specifically, then decide carefully and be honest about your priorities.

Who Should Book Afternoon at McGarrett, and Who Might Skip

This tour fits best for:

• Hawaii Five-0 fans of the 2010 to 2020 reboot era
• people who want a cast meet-and-greet, not just a photo-op
• travelers who like a short half-day activity with structured stops
• anyone who wants the Diamond Head payoff without adding a separate planning day

It may be less ideal if:

• you mainly want original Jack Lord era locations
• you strongly prefer detailed storytelling at every stop, and you get frustrated with repetitive commentary

One more practical thought: kids and mixed-interest groups can be a mixed bag. One review mentions adults enjoying it more than kids, which makes sense since the core value is show-specific. Still, if you have family members who enjoy filming locations and the scenery, it can work as a “one special afternoon” activity.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your House Lunch and Photo Time

Here are the real-world things that help, based on how the experience is described.

1) Decide on your lunch plan ahead of time

You can bring your own, or choose one of the sandwich options for the house meal. If lunch is part of why you booked, confirm that plan in advance so you do not end up debating mid-day.

2) Bring photo patience, not just photo ambition

Some of the iconic chair photo setup depends on what is scheduled at the property. If that area is not available on your day, you will still have the house environment and the cast interaction, but you might not get the exact angle you dreamed about.

3) Ask questions early, especially about the route

The day is short. If you want show details tied to specific scenes, ask right away. Small groups work best when your curiosity is active.

4) Use the names of the people running the show

Reviews repeatedly highlight guides and hosts by name, including Sean, Matt, Eric, and Suze, plus the cast member Shawn (Cousin Flippa). If you connect with your guide, say thank you and ask one follow-up question. It improves the odds of getting a better story.

5) Plan for sun and quick walking

Diamond Head is brief, but it is still Hawaii. Bring sunscreen and something comfortable for short walks and photo stops.

Should You Book Afternoon at McGarrett?

Book this if you are chasing the Hawaii Five-0 feeling in a real place, and you care about the McGarrett’s House experience with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett. The small group size, the Diamond Head included stop, and the lunch stop at the house all point to a tour designed for fans who want more than just scenery.

Hold off if your main goal is the original Jack Lord era. The focus is much more on the modern reboot era, and some fans specifically called that out as a mismatch.

My final take is simple: if Cousin Flippa and McGarrett’s House are on your Hawaii to-do list, this is one of the more direct ways to make that happen without spending your vacation doing logistics. And if you show up curious, you will likely leave with the kind of TV-meets-Honolulu memories you can talk about for years.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Afternoon at McGarret – Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour?

It runs about 4 hours, give or take.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $229.00 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered.

What is included with the tour besides the filming locations?

The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, soda, snacks, and (at the first stop) admission ticket for Diamond Head State Monument.

Do I meet a cast member?

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

Is lunch included?

Lunch at McGarrett’s House is described as optional. You can choose a lunch option there, and there is also an option to bring your own. The lunch add-on price listed is $13.50 per person.

What lunch options are offered?

Sandwich choices listed include The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, and The Veggie McGarrett.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.