Afternoon at McGarret – Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour

The best part of this Hawaii Five-0 tour is not simply spotting a building from the show. It is sitting at McGarrett’s House, looking out toward the water, and meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known on the series as Cousin Flippa. That personal connection gives the afternoon its spark.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which gives you room to ask questions, and I like the hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The guides, including Sean, Matt, and Eric, add local stories, filming details, and bits about other productions shot on Oahu. The main caution is price: at $229 per person, this is a specialized fan experience, not a general sightseeing bargain.

Key points to know before booking

• McGarrett’s House is the heart of the afternoon: You can visit the home used as Steve McGarrett’s house and see the famous setting by the water.
• Cousin Flippa is usually the star connection: Shawn Mokuahi Garnett meets the group, answers questions, and poses for photos.
• The focus is the 2010 to 2020 reboot: Fans of the Jack Lord series should set their expectations carefully.
• Diamond Head is part of the route: The tour includes a stop at Diamond Head State Monument, along with other outdoor filming locations.
• Lunch costs extra: Add a $13.50 sandwich meal or bring your own food to McGarrett’s House.
• The four-hour format is easy to fit into a Honolulu stay: Hotel pickup and drop-off save you from arranging transport.

McGarrett’s House is the afternoon’s big scene

The private home used as McGarrett’s House gives this tour something a normal movie-location drive cannot. You do not just point at a gate from the road. You enter the setting, sit in the backyard area, and see the water views that made the house so memorable on television.

The famous chairs by the water are an important photo opportunity when conditions allow. This is the spot many fans have been waiting for, so it is worth understanding that access can depend on what is happening at the property. A wedding or another private event has occasionally limited backyard time and prevented photos in the chairs. The homeowners are described as warm and welcoming, but this remains a private home, not a permanent museum.

That distinction matters. You should expect a gracious visit with a real connection to the show, not an open-ended house tour where every room is available for inspection. The time at the property can also change if the owners have another commitment. For most fans, the chance to sit in the familiar outdoor setting still makes this the most memorable part of the day.

Lunch takes place at McGarrett’s House if you choose the add-on. The meal is a simple sandwich with chips and a drink, not a restaurant lunch, but the setting carries the value. Your choices are the Beefy McGarrett, McGarrett Chicken, or Veggie McGarrett. You pay $13.50 per person, or you can bring your own lunch.

I would decide on the food before booking. If you want the full McGarrett-themed moment, the sandwich is an easy choice. If you have dietary concerns or simply prefer to save money, bringing your own food is allowed. Bottled water, soda, and snacks are included during the tour.

Meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, Cousin Flippa

The cast connection is more personal than a quick celebrity hello. Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, who plays Cousin Flippa, spends time with the group, talks about the show, and answers questions. Several aspects of the tour center on this relaxed conversation, and it is one reason the experience feels different from a standard location tour.

You may also meet other people connected with the series, including Dennis, known as Duke, depending on the day. The supplied details specifically identify Shawn as the regular cast member included in the lunch visit, so you should not book expecting a full cast gathering or a chance to meet the entire crew.

Shawn’s presence is especially useful for fans who want more than a photograph. You can ask about filming and his role, then connect the television version of Oahu with the actual places around you. He is also known as a musician, which adds another angle to the conversation.

The meeting works best if you come prepared with a few questions. In a small group, you have a fair chance to speak directly rather than simply stand in a line. The tone is friendly and informal, but the exact amount of conversation can vary with the group and the schedule at the house.

From Diamond Head to other filming locations

Diamond Head State Monument is the named sightseeing stop, and admission is included. The volcanic crater is one of Oahu’s best-known landmarks, so even a visitor who is only a casual fan gets a major Honolulu view and a useful sense of place.

This is not a Diamond Head hiking excursion. The listed stop is only 15 minutes, so expect a short visit for orientation, photos, and a look at the area rather than a climb into the crater. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, but do not plan your day around a long walk here.

The van ride links Diamond Head with other places used in Hawaii Five-0. The precise route can vary, but the tour has included outdoor locations, the Five-0 headquarters setting, streets featured in the program, and places connected with other Hawaii productions such as Magnum P.I. Guides point out filming areas from the vehicle and at scheduled stops.

This part depends heavily on the person leading the van. Sean has been praised for mixing show facts with Honolulu history, local lore, and even Hawaiian language tips. Matt is described as funny and energetic, while Eric is noted for sharing personal film-industry stories. That range means the experience can feel different from one departure to the next.

A good guide should explain why a location mattered, not just announce that filming happened there. One criticism of the tour was that too many places were identified without enough backstory. That is a fair concern at this price. If you are mainly interested in the show, ask questions as you go. The small group makes that practical.

What the tour really covers

This tour focuses almost entirely on the 2010 to 2020 reboot. The original Jack Lord Hawaii Five-O series from 1968 to 1980 is not the main subject, and many of its locations are no longer accessible or recognizable in the same way.

That makes the tour an excellent match for fans of Alex O’Loughlin’s era of the show. If your favorite memories are from the original series, you may find the visit less satisfying than expected. The provider has acknowledged this focus, so treat it as a reboot-era tour rather than a complete history of both programs.

The route also offers more than show trivia. Oahu itself becomes part of the story. You will see coastal areas, major Honolulu landmarks, and filming locations used by several productions. Some people with only a passing interest in Hawaii Five-0 have still enjoyed the scenery and local commentary.

I would not choose this as my only Oahu sightseeing tour. Four hours gives you a good sample, but it does not provide a full island loop, a long Diamond Head visit, or broad coverage of every famous filming site. Think of it as a television-location tour with a scenic Honolulu drive, not a general island tour with a few show references.

Small-group transport makes the afternoon easy

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is valuable in Honolulu. Parking can be difficult, and the pickup arrangement saves you from finding a rental car, navigating unfamiliar streets, or arranging a taxi to a private residence.

The van is air-conditioned, and bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks are provided. Four hours in a van can feel cramped on some sightseeing tours, but the maximum group size of 10 keeps this one more personal than a large coach outing.

Pickup coverage and exact meeting details should be checked when you book. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is offered in English. The experience is near public transportation, but pickup is the more convenient choice if it is available at your hotel.

Most people can participate, though the short Diamond Head stop and outdoor locations still involve getting in and out of the vehicle. The supplied information does not describe detailed mobility arrangements, so contact Secret Hawaii Tours before booking if you need specific assistance.

Is $229 a fair price?

At $229, this is expensive compared with a basic Honolulu sightseeing drive. You are paying for a small group, hotel transport, a local guide, admission to Diamond Head, included drinks and snacks, access to a private home used in the show, and a cast meeting.

The value depends almost entirely on your interest in Hawaii Five-0. For a devoted fan, the house and conversation with Shawn may justify the cost. The setting is difficult to reproduce on your own, and a self-guided drive would not give you the same access or personal connection.

For a casual viewer, the price is harder to defend. You will see attractive parts of Oahu and hear stories about local filming, but the tour may feel thin if you do not care about the series. One weak point is that the included lunch is optional and costs extra, so the advertised price does not cover the sandwich meal.

I would also factor in the tour’s uneven schedule at McGarrett’s House. If a private event cuts your visit short, you may miss the iconic chair photo or spend less time than expected at the property. This is not necessarily a flaw in the staff’s effort, but it is a reason to keep your expectations flexible.

The guides can make or break the day

A strong guide is central here. Sean has been singled out for his commentary on Oahu, the television programs, local history, and language. Matt is known for an enthusiastic, funny approach, and Eric has shared behind-the-scenes stories from the local film world.

The best version of this tour gives you context as you move. You learn how a location appeared on screen, what else was filmed nearby, and how the real place differs from the fictional one. The driver also matters because much of the experience unfolds from the van.

There have been departures where the commentary felt repetitive or light on explanation. That is useful to know before spending $229. The small group helps, since you can ask for more detail, but the tour’s quality will still depend on who is guiding that particular departure.

I would go in with a short list of questions about favorite episodes, McGarrett’s House, the Five-0 headquarters, and filming on Oahu. That turns the drive into a conversation and helps you get more from the guide.

Who should book this tour?

You should book if you are a serious fan of the 2010 to 2020 Hawaii Five-0 series and want to visit the house used for McGarrett’s home. Meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett is an especially strong reason to go, as the visit offers conversation as well as photos.

It also suits couples, families with adult children, and solo visitors who enjoy film locations but do not want to rent a car. Fans of Magnum P.I. or other shows filmed on Oahu may find the route worthwhile for its wider screen connections.

You should think twice if you mainly love the original Jack Lord program. You may also want to skip it if you are seeking a full island tour, a long Diamond Head visit, or a substantial restaurant meal. The tour is tightly focused and its value comes from access, fandom, and storytelling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The tour needs good weather and a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for either reason brings an alternative date or a full refund.

Should you book Afternoon at McGarret?

For fans of the modern Hawaii Five-0, I would book this as a special Honolulu afternoon, especially if visiting McGarrett’s House and meeting Cousin Flippa are high on your list. The small group, hotel transport, scenic stops, and personal cast connection give it more substance than a simple drive past filming sites.

At the same time, this is not a bargain and it is not a complete guide to every Hawaii Five-O era. Bring your own lunch if you prefer, confirm what you hope to see at the house, and remember that private events can affect access. If those limits fit your plans, the tour offers a memorable way to connect the television show with the real Oahu.

FAQ

How long does the Afternoon at McGarret tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $229 per person. Lunch is optional and costs an additional $13.50 per person.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the base price. You can add a Beefy McGarrett, McGarrett Chicken, or Veggie McGarrett sandwich meal, or bring your own lunch.

Who is the cast member I will meet?

The tour includes a meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, who plays Cousin Flippa on Hawaii Five-0.

Does the tour visit McGarrett’s House?

Yes. The private home used as McGarrett’s House is part of the experience, and lunch can be served there if you choose the lunch option.

Is Diamond Head included?

Yes. The tour includes admission to Diamond Head State Monument and a short stop of about 15 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.