Five-O fans, this one hits. I love the chance to see real filming locations around Honolulu and then top it off at McGarrett’s House while meeting Cousin Flippa, Shawn Mokuahi Garnett. The main catch: this tour leans heavily on the 2010–2020 reboot, so original-series fans tied to Jack Lord may want to set expectations early.

This is a half-day outing (about 4 hours) built for a small group, capped at 10. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, plus bottled water, soda, and snacks along the way, which makes the driving portion feel easy instead of rushed.

You’ll also choose lunch: you can add the meal at McGarrett’s House (sandwich options like The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, or The Veggie McGarrett), or bring your own. Expect good weather to matter, and keep in mind that the house area can be booked for private events at times, which can affect photo spots.

Key highlights for Hawaii Five-0 fans

• Meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) at McGarrett’s House
• Lunch at McGarrett’s House with sandwich choices and a very show-like backyard setting
• Diamond Head State Monument stop (admission ticket included) with quick, classic views
• Small group size (max 10) so you can ask questions instead of just getting bus-rushed
• Guided photo stops and filming-location storytelling around Oahu’s most recognizable spots

Small-Group Five-O Energy on the Way to Diamond Head

The first thing you’ll notice is the tone: this tour is built for fans who want to actually talk, not just point and go. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the guide can pause when people have questions, and that matters once you get into the Hawaii Five-0 world where everyone is spotting something they recognize.

Pickup and drop-off are offered, so you’re not stuck figuring out parking or transit on your own. You’ll ride in a van with bottled water, soda, and snacks covered, which is a nice touch for a midday schedule where heat and hunger can team up against your good mood.

The day also starts by grounding you in place. One scheduled stop is Diamond Head State Monument for about 15 minutes, and admission is included. You’re not hiking for miles here. This is more about getting those landmark views and feeling how close Honolulu’s drama is to everyday life.

McGarrett’s House Lunch: Sandwich Choices and Chair-Photo Time

Lunch is the headline for a lot of people, and it makes sense. You’re not just eating near the show’s set, you’re eating at the kind of house location fans dream about. McGarrett’s House is where the day turns from sightseeing into something more like stepping inside the show’s atmosphere.

Here’s the practical part: lunch is optional, and when you do order it, you get a sandwich with chips and a beverage (based on what’s described for the meal experience). The menu choices are specific:

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

If you don’t buy the lunch add-on, you can bring your own food instead. There’s an extra cost mentioned for the provided lunch (listed as $13.50 per person), so it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether you want the full show-at-the-table effect.

Photo timing is the other big factor. The backyard area is set up for the McGarrett vibe during lunch, including those iconic moments people associate with the show. But in real life, the property can be under other bookings. If the yard is being prepared for an event, you might lose some of the usual chair-photo time. In other words: don’t bank your whole trip on one single photo angle, still plan to enjoy the whole visit even if one specific spot is unavailable.

Meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) and What to Ask

The reason most people book this isn’t just the scenery. It’s the meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known as Cousin Flippa. This is one of those rare opportunities where you’re not watching the show from a distance, you’re getting face-to-face conversation, photos, and real personality.

Because the tour is small, the interaction feels less like a quick autograph line and more like a brief hang. Many fans highlight that Shawn is friendly and willing to talk at length, and that you get the sense of a person who enjoys being there with the group.

What should you ask? I’d keep it show-related but open-ended, like:

• What it was like filming in Honolulu locations that visitors recognize
• Which part of the McGarrett House experience is most different behind the scenes
• Any advice for how to watch the series with an eye for settings and continuity

Even if you’re not a hardcore superfan, you’ll still get value because the conversation turns the locations into stories. The house becomes more than a backdrop, it becomes a place with context.

Filming Locations Around Honolulu: How the Drive Builds the Show World

After Diamond Head, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon working your way through filming spots. The stops aren’t just random pull-offs; they’re tied to recognizable scenes from the series, and the guide connects the dots as you go.

This matters because Honolulu can look similar block to block unless someone gives you a lens. The tour’s value is in that lens: the guide points out locations and shares context while you’re driving, and that makes the route feel like a guided map of the show’s world.

You should also know the tour’s focus area. One important consideration: the experience is primarily about the 2010–2020 reboot of Hawaii Five-0. That’s great if you love the modern show look and storylines. If you mostly grew up on the original Jack Lord era (1968–1980), you may feel the day doesn’t match the version of Five-0 you had in your head. The upside is that many filming spots from the reboot are still accessible and visible in a way that first-timers and new fans can appreciate quickly.

I also like that the van experience keeps things comfortable in Honolulu heat. You’re not juggling buses or long walks between distant points. You’re trading some spontaneity for a smooth, planned route with built-in photo opportunities.

Price and Lunch Value at $229 (What You’re Really Paying For)

At $229 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. The math only works if you’re getting at least two things you can’t DIY easily: a guided film-location route and access to the McGarrett House lunch + meet-and-greet.

So what are you paying for, in plain terms?

• A guided drive with storytelling that helps you recognize what you’re seeing
• A small group cap that keeps the day from feeling chaotic
• Diamond Head admission included for that landmark hit
• Lunch at McGarrett’s House when you choose the add-on (or bring your own)
• The centerpiece: time with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa)

If you were only chasing Diamond Head, you could do that cheaper on your own. If you were only chasing lunch, you could eat in Honolulu without paying tour prices. But this product bundles those moments with show-specific access and guidance, and that’s what pushes the value into the right lane for fans.

Still, one balance check: a few people felt the day was short at times, especially when house scheduling affects photo opportunities and yard setup. If your expectations are tied to maximum time in specific photo spots, you might want to mentally flex a bit. The experience is memorable, but it’s still run on a schedule with real property constraints.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Feel Let Down)

This tour is an easy match for:

• Hawaii Five-0 fans of the 2010–2020 series who want the modern show’s locations made tangible
• Couples on a honeymoon or special trip who want one memorable, story-based activity
• Families where everyone can enjoy a comfortable van ride plus a fun lunch encounter

It may not be the best match for:

• Original-series fans who want a bigger emphasis on the 1968–1980 Jack Lord era
• People who prefer ultra-scripted, entertainment-style touring with heavy audio-visual elements from start to finish
• Anyone who wants a strict, silent, museum-like experience. This is guided and conversational, and the guide’s style can strongly shape how the day feels

One more fit note: the day is designed for most travelers to participate, and it’s in English. The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and it’s near public transportation, so even if pickup details don’t align perfectly for you, it’s not like you’re trapped.

Should You Book Afternoon at McGarrett?

Here’s my call: I’d book this if you’re the type of person who gets a little thrill when you recognize a location from the show and you’d love to meet Shawn Mokuahi Garnett at the McGarrett House setting.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want a guided “Five-0 world” day, or do you mainly want photos and views? If it’s the first one, you’ll likely leave happy. If it’s the second, you may find better value by mixing DIY Honolulu sights with only the parts that matter most to you.

For best odds of a smooth day, go in with flexible photo expectations, especially if the property is scheduled for other events. If that’s okay, you’re in for a fun, small-group afternoon that makes Five-0 feel real in a way you can’t copy on your own.

FAQ

How long is the Afternoon at McGarrett Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.

What lunch options are available at McGarrett’s House?

If you choose the lunch, you can pick from The Beefy McGarrett, The McGarrett Chicken, or The Veggie McGarrett.

Can I bring my own lunch?

Yes. Lunch is optional, and you can bring your own if you don’t add the meal.

What’s included during the tour besides lunch?

The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, soda/pop, snacks, and an optional lunch meal (if you choose it).

Do you visit Diamond Head State Monument?

Yes. There is a stop at Diamond Head State Monument for about 15 minutes, and admission is included.

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.

Is there free cancellation, and how far in advance?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.