Afternoon at McGarret – Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour

Five-0 fans, get ready for serious scene hunting. This 4-hour Honolulu outing strings together filming spots, real-time storytelling on the drive, and hotel pickup so you spend more energy watching and less time figuring out logistics. You also get a meet-and-greet moment with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, better known as Cousin Flippa.

My favorite part is how the day is built around Diamond Head State Monument plus a full stop at McGarrett’s House for lunch. The van time also comes with bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks, which keeps the schedule from feeling like it’s constantly interrupted by food errands.

One consideration: this tour is mostly about the 2010–2020 reboot of Hawaii Five-0, so if you’re laser-focused on the original Jack Lord run, a lot of what you’ll see will skew newer.

Key takeaways before you book

• Meet Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) at McGarrett’s House
• Diamond Head State Monument stop with admission included
• Small group cap of 10 people for more time and questions
• Hotel pickup and drop-off with an air-conditioned van feel
• Sandwich lunch choices tied to the McGarrett’s House experience

A Hawaii Five-0 afternoon built around Diamond Head and McGarrett’s House

If your idea of a perfect Honolulu afternoon includes TV show locations, this is aimed right at you. The whole pacing is designed around one big anchor: McGarrett’s House, paired with Diamond Head State Monument and additional outdoor filming-area stops around O‘ahu.

You’re not stuck sprinting from one ticket line to another. The day runs as one smooth flow: you get picked up, you drive, you stop for photos and show details, and you get back again. For fans, that’s the difference between a fun day and a day that actually feels like part of the series.

Hotel pickup and drop-off: why the small van matters in Honolulu traffic

Honolulu traffic can chew up an afternoon fast. That’s why I like that this tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off and keeps the group small (maximum of 10 people). Less time waiting around usually means more time at the places you actually came for.

Most of the day is done by car/van, which also helps with comfort. Several people highlight getting around in an air-conditioned van, plus the snacks and drinks included onboard, so you’re not dealing with the usual heat-and-hunger combo.

This is also a good fit if you’d rather not chase parking in town. The tour location is near public transportation, but if you’re staying far from the action, pickup is the easy button.

Diamond Head State Monument stop with admission included

Your first major stop is Diamond Head State Monument, with a short on-site window (about 15 minutes) and the admission ticket included. It’s a quick hit, not a long hike day, but it gives you that iconic O‘ahu backdrop that makes the rest of the day feel extra “Hawaii.”

What you should bring to make this part painless: comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. The monument area is scenic, and short stops still mean you’ll likely want to get in a few photo angles.

If you’re planning your overall trip schedule, consider how this works as a reset. You start with something outdoorsy and visually loud, then you move into the more story-focused McGarrett’s House portion of the day.

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

This is the main event. The tour includes lunch at McGarrett’s House (time on-site is part of the schedule), and you get a meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, who plays Cousin Flippa.

The lunch setup also matters because it’s not just food—it’s a setting. People describe it as surreal to be in the familiar chair-and-porch environment tied to the show, and the backyard views are a big part of why the stop feels special. You’re there to eat, yes, but you’re also there for that behind-the-scenes feeling: the chance to talk, take pictures, and hear show stories in person.

What you can choose for sandwiches

Lunch works as an option tied to the experience. If you choose the included lunch, you can pick one of these sandwich names:

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

If you don’t want the lunch option, you can bring your own food. There’s also mention of an optional lunch add-on cost (so double-check what your booking includes when you pick your menu option).

Expect the conversation to be part of the meal

One of the most praised elements is how much time you get to interact with Shawn. People mention he’s friendly and willing to chat at length, and that he welcomes questions rather than doing a quick hello-and-go.

You might also enjoy the human side of the house. Some people note that the homeowner joins in the day’s fun at lunch, which can add a warmer, less manufactured feeling to the experience.

Filming locations beyond the house: photo stops and show context on the drive

After Diamond Head and during/after lunch time, the tour continues with additional filming-area stops. The exact lineup of spots can vary by day, but the theme stays consistent: you’re moving through O‘ahu areas that connect back to Hawaii Five-0 scenes, with photo opportunities built in.

People consistently mention that the drive includes narration that links what you’re seeing to what happens in the show. That’s a big deal. Driving through Honolulu is one thing; driving through Honolulu while the guide points out show details and filming context turns it into a “how do I recognize this place?” game—one that fans usually love.

If you’re a multi-show TV-location person, you’ll also be in good territory. A few comments connect the experience to other filmed-in-Hawai‘i productions beyond Hawaii Five-0, which is a nice bonus if you don’t want the entire day to be one-note.

A quick heads-up on photo expectations

The house is a real private setting, and there can be schedule changes that affect certain photo angles. For example, there’s a documented situation where a wedding setup impacted the iconic chair photo area. So if your heart is set on a very specific shot, keep expectations flexible and focus on the experience as a whole—being there still tends to land as the highlight.

Price and what $229 buys you: value math that actually makes sense

At $229 per person for roughly 4 hours, this isn’t a bargain tour. But it can be good value for the right buyer—mainly because you’re not only paying for driving and stories. You’re paying for access and interaction.

Here’s what you effectively get in the value stack:

• Diamond Head State Monument admission included
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Small group size (maximum of 10), which increases time for questions
• Bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks
• Optional lunch at McGarrett’s House tied to the experience
• A meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa)

If you price those pieces separately (especially the admission + guided time + cast interaction), the total starts to look more reasonable. If you’re not very attached to Hawaii Five-0, it’s easier to feel like the day is too short for the money.

So the question isn’t just is it worth $229. The better question is: do you want a show-focused afternoon with cast time and a real house stop, not just a generic sightseeing loop?

Who should book this Hawaii Five-0 tour, and who should skip it

Book it if you fit one of these:

• You’re a Hawaii Five-0 reboot (2010–2020) fan and you want locations you recognize without needing deep research.
• You want the house experience with a cast member, not just photos from outside the gates.
• You like small-group tours where you can ask questions and keep momentum.

Consider skipping (or booking with eyes open) if:

• You’re mainly loyal to the original Jack Lord era. The tour is primarily geared toward the reboot era, since those locations are more accessible and recognizable for today’s visitors.
• You’re paying mostly for “views and wandering.” This isn’t a long scenic hike day. It’s a show-and-setting experience with multiple short stops.

There’s also a practical personality fit. People who enjoy TV-location trivia tend to have the best time. If you want quiet nature sightseeing, you may find the focus too show-specific.

Practical tips to make your afternoon smoother

A few small choices can make the difference between a good day and a great one:

• Wear sun-safe clothing and shoes you can stand in. You’ll be outside at least part of the time.
• Pick your lunch option early if you want it included. The sandwich choices are part of the fun at McGarrett’s House.
• Bring a photo-friendly mindset. Focus on getting there and enjoying the moment, not one perfect shot.
• Ask questions during the drive. With the group size capped at 10, you’ll often have more back-and-forth than on big bus tours.
• Plan for good weather. This experience depends on weather, so have some flexibility on your Honolulu schedule.

And book ahead if you can. This tour tends to be scheduled out in advance (on average, many people book about 77 days ahead), and it’s capped small, so later dates can disappear.

Should you book this Hawaii Five-0 tour?

If you’re a reboot-era Hawaii Five-0 fan and you want a real McGarrett’s House lunch + Cousin Flippa meet as the centerpiece, I’d say yes. The combination of Diamond Head admission, included snacks/drinks, small-group pacing, and cast interaction is exactly the kind of value mix that fans can feel in the moment.

If you’re on the fence, decide based on one thing: how much you care about the show world. For dedicated fans, it’s a bucket-list afternoon. For everyone else, the price is harder to justify because the time is short and the focus stays firmly TV-location specific.

FAQ

How long is the Afternoon at McGarrett Hawaii Five-0 TV Tour?

It runs about 4 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered.

Is admission to Diamond Head State Monument included?

Yes. Diamond Head State Monument admission is included.

What lunch options are available at McGarrett’s House?

If you choose the lunch option, you can select one sandwich: The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, or The Veggie McGarrett. Lunch is optional, and you can also bring your own if you do not add lunch.

Who do you meet during the tour?

You meet Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, who appears as Cousin Flippa.

How many people are on the tour?

This experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your dates and whether you’re more into the original or the 2010–2020 series, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right kind of Five-0 day for your trip.