REVIEW · HONOLULU
Afternoon at McGarret – Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour
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Five-O fans get a real Honolulu treat. This Hawaii Five-0 TV tour mixes filming locations, a meet-and-greet with Cousin Flippa (Shawn Mokuahi Garnett), and lunch at McGarrett’s House, all with hotel pickup and drop-off. I especially like the small group size, which makes it easier to ask questions and actually enjoy the stops, and I also like that the day includes both the set-world fun and a real Honolulu sightseeing moment at Diamond Head State Monument. The main drawback to consider is that the experience leans heavily toward the 2010–2020 reboot, so original Jack Lord-era fans may feel shorted.
On the ground, the format is simple: you ride in an air-conditioned van, you get water and snacks, you stop for photos, and you end up at the kind of private-home setting where the show world feels close enough to touch. Lunch can be the highlight, but it’s optional, and timing can shift if the home’s yard is booked for other events. If you’re the type who expects endless time at the iconic chair spot, plan for a tighter window than you might imagine.
In This Review
- Key things I’d put on your radar
- Why a Five-0 afternoon tour feels better than a random drive
- Diamond Head State Monument: quick stop, big payoff
- McGarrett’s House lunch and the Cousin Flippa moment
- The filming-locations drive: where the day turns fun
- Cast meet-and-greet reality check: what’s included vs what might happen
- Price and value: what $229 buys you in the real world
- Who this tour suits best (and who might feel disappointed)
- Practical tips so your day runs smoothly
- Should you book Afternoon at McGarret?
- FAQ
- How long is the Afternoon at McGarret Hawaii 5-0 TV tour?
- What’s the price per person?
- What does the tour include besides the filming locations?
- Can I add lunch, or do I need to buy it?
- Who do I meet at McGarrett’s House?
- Is there hotel pickup and drop-off?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Key things I’d put on your radar

- Cousin Flippa meet-and-greet at McGarrett’s House, with a chance to chat and take photos
- Diamond Head State Monument stop with admission included, even though the time is short
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, so you spend your energy on the island, not logistics
- Small group limit of 10, which makes the tour feel personal instead of crowded
- Lunch options at the house with sandwich choices if you add it on (or bring your own)
- Primarily the 2010–2020 reboot, not the original 1968–1980 series focus
Why a Five-0 afternoon tour feels better than a random drive
Honolulu can be a lot if you’re trying to do everything on your own. This kind of Hawaii Five-0 tour turns that mental load into a plan: pickup, a tight route, photo stops, and one big payoff stop at McGarrett’s House. The duration is about 4 hours, which fits nicely into a day when you still want beach time or dinner plans after.
The small group matters. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re not shoved into “look and move” mode every five minutes. You get the chance to talk with the guide about what you’re seeing and ask show-related questions without shouting across a bus.
I also like that the tour is built for comfort. You get a van with built-in water plus soda/pop and snacks, so you’re not hunting for refreshments mid-drive.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Honolulu.
Diamond Head State Monument: quick stop, big payoff

The tour includes a stop at Diamond Head State Monument, with admission included. The time is listed at about 15 minutes, so this is not a full hike. Think of it as a fast hit: get oriented, grab a few photos, and take in the view while you can.
Here’s how I’d use that quarter hour:
- Arrive ready to point your camera fast and shoot from the best obvious angles
- Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses, because it can feel bright and exposed even if you’re moving quickly
- If you want more time, treat this as the opener and plan a separate Diamond Head visit on your own later
This stop is worth it even in short form because it gives you a true Honolulu “you are in Hawaii” moment, not just a TV-location day.
McGarrett’s House lunch and the Cousin Flippa moment

The heart of the afternoon is McGarrett’s House, where you can choose a lunch option and dine at the property used as Steve’s home in the show. The featured cast member at lunch is Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known on the show as Cousin Flippa.
Lunch options are part of the design. You have sandwich choices:
- The Beefy McGarrett
- The McGarrett Chicken
- The Veggie McGarrett
If you don’t want the lunch add-on, you can bring your own. The tour also notes an optional lunch add-on cost of $13.50 per person.
What makes this stop special isn’t only the food. It’s the feeling of being in a real, private-home setting that’s been turned into a show set. A lot of fans go for the chair-by-the-water vibe, and that can be a big photo moment, but here’s a practical heads-up: sometimes events at the house can affect what’s available. One guest experienced a wedding setup that limited the classic chair photo angle. Translation: bring your enthusiasm, but don’t plan your whole day around one single picture.
When you meet Shawn, keep it casual and interactive. The vibe from multiple visitors is that he’s friendly and happy to chat, so ask questions that are easy to answer: how filming works, what days feel like on set, and what it’s like to be part of this particular corner of Oʻahu.
The filming-locations drive: where the day turns fun

This tour is not only “one stop, one photo.” It’s also a driving portion that helps you see Honolulu as a filming backdrop. Expect a route that points you toward recognizable areas connected to the show, and you’ll have time to stop for photos along the way.
Several guides get mentioned by name, including Sean, Matt, Eric, and Suze, and the common thread is an upbeat approach with show context plus local color. Some guests specifically call out that the guide connected show details with what’s happening in real Honolulu streets and neighborhoods.
What I’d watch for during the ride:
- Pay attention early. The best show-related commentary works when you’re fresh and you’re already looking at landmarks
- Ask questions when you have them. With a small group, your timing matters, and you don’t want to save all your questions for the last stop
- Use your time for photos, but don’t treat every corner like a photoshoot. A good tour balance is seeing the places with your eyes first
Also, because the tour provides snacks, water, and soda, you can focus on the ride and the stops instead of thinking about meals until lunch time.
Cast meet-and-greet reality check: what’s included vs what might happen

The only cast member explicitly tied to the included experience is Shawn Mokuahi Garnett. That’s your sure thing. If you’re coming for the Cousin Flippa connection, you’re in the right place.
Some reviews also mention meeting other people connected to the show, like Dennis (referred to as Duke) or meeting additional cast at some points. But since those names aren’t stated as guaranteed in the core details you’re booking, I’d treat them as potential bonuses rather than a promise.
Your best move is to show up ready to enjoy the main meet. When you’re at the house, be respectful of the property setting. Keep your questions friendly, follow the guide’s cue for photos, and give the moment the time it needs.
Price and value: what $229 buys you in the real world

At $229 per person for about 4 hours, the price will either feel fair or steep depending on what you want from a Hawaii Five-0 day.
Here’s the value breakdown that matters:
- Pickup and drop-off: you’re not navigating parking or juggling rides across Honolulu
- Small group (up to 10): less waiting, more time where it counts
- Admission included for Diamond Head State Monument
- Food support: water, soda/pop, and snacks are included
- A true set-experience: lunch at McGarrett’s House plus a meet with Shawn
The one part that can shift your out-of-pocket is lunch. The sandwich lunch is optional in the provided details, with a $13.50 add-on listed, or you can bring your own. If you’re already hungry and you want the show-world payoff, paying the lunch add-on can feel like part of the ticket experience rather than an extra cost.
Is it worth it for non-fans? It can be, because the scenery and Honolulu driving component add real sightseeing value. But this tour is clearly built for fans who want the set locations and the cast connection more than just a general sightseeing loop.
Who this tour suits best (and who might feel disappointed)

This is best for people who want the reboot-era Five-0 experience and specifically the McGarrett’s House lunch-and-meet concept.
A key consideration: the tour focus is primarily the 2010–2020 series of Hawaii Five-0, not the original Jack Lord run. If you’re mostly into the 1968–1980 show, you may feel like key parts of your favorite era aren’t the centerpiece. Still, you might enjoy it for Honolulu views plus the sheer fun of standing in the house setting.
This also makes sense for:
- Couples looking for a memorable honeymoon-style activity with a strong “bucket list” hook
- Families where the kids might not care as much about the show, but the photos, locations, and local setting keep it from feeling like a lecture
- Birthday trips and group celebrations, since the meet-and-greet and guided pace create an event feel
If you’re the type who wants long stops and lots of wandering time, note that the schedule is tight by design. Short time slots (like Diamond Head’s 15 minutes) are there to keep the overall day working.
Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

A tour like this goes best when you’re ready for heat, photos, and a schedule that’s timed to real-world access.
My quick game plan:
- Book early: the average booking window is about 77 days, which usually signals a popular activity with limited capacity
- Expect a small-group dynamic: plan to listen, then ask questions when you can
- Bring sun protection even if you’re only outside briefly
- Have your camera/phone charged before pickup
- If you’re planning to add lunch, decide ahead of time whether you’ll order one of the sandwiches or bring your own meal
One more realism check: the McGarrett property is a real home with real scheduling. That means timing for photo spots could shift based on events. If that’s a concern for you, keep expectations flexible and focus on the overall experience.
Should you book Afternoon at McGarret?
Book it if:
- You’re a Hawaii Five-0 fan of the 2010–2020 reboot
- You want McGarrett’s House as the centerpiece, not just a quick passing stop
- You’ll enjoy meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa) and hearing show-and-set stories
- You like the idea of hotel pickup, a comfortable van ride, and a tour capped at 10 people
Skip it (or look for another option) if:
- Your main love is the original Jack Lord era and you specifically want that focus
- You need long scenic hikes or a slow, open-ended itinerary
- You’re extremely price-sensitive and expect lunch and every photo angle to be unlimited time
For most Five-0 fans, though, this is the kind of activity that turns a normal Honolulu afternoon into something you’ll remember when the show credits roll.
FAQ
How long is the Afternoon at McGarret Hawaii 5-0 TV tour?
It runs about 4 hours (approx.).
What’s the price per person?
The price is $229.00 per person.
What does the tour include besides the filming locations?
You get a local guide, bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks, plus Diamond Head State Monument admission included. Lunch is available as an optional meal at McGarrett’s House.
Can I add lunch, or do I need to buy it?
Lunch is optional. You can choose a sandwich lunch option at McGarrett’s House (with an optional add-on cost of $13.50 per person) or you can bring your own.
Who do I meet at McGarrett’s House?
The tour includes a meet-and-greet with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett (Cousin Flippa).
Is there hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also depends on good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.























