Afternoon at McGarret – Hawaii 5-0 TV Tour

The best part of this four-hour Honolulu tour is not simply spotting a filming location. It is sitting at the real McGarrett House, looking out toward the water, and meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, the actor who played Cousin Flippa. For a fan of the 2010 to 2020 series, that personal connection gives the show a real-world setting.

I like the small maximum of 10 people, which gives you room to ask questions, and I like the relaxed mix of television trivia, Oahu scenery, and local stories. Guides such as Sean, Matt, and Eric have been singled out for lively commentary, humor, and useful information about Honolulu and filming in Hawai‘i.

The main caution is focus. This tour is built almost entirely around the newer Hawaii Five-0 series, not the original Jack Lord show. At $229 per person, it is also a serious purchase, especially if you are not already a fan.

Key points to know before booking

• McGarrett’s House is the centerpiece: Visit the private home used as Steve McGarrett’s house and spend time near the famous waterfront chairs when conditions allow.
• Cousin Flippa may be the highlight: Shawn Mokuahi Garnett meets the group, chats about the show, and poses for photographs.
• The tour covers more than one house: You will ride through Honolulu and see additional Hawaii Five-0 filming areas, along with places linked to other island productions.
• Lunch costs extra: Add a $13.50 sandwich meal, or bring your own food.
• The group is kept small: No more than 10 people are scheduled, with hotel pickup and drop-off offered.
• Weather and access can change the visit: Outdoor scenes and the McGarrett House experience may be affected by private events or poor weather.

Why McGarrett’s House matters so much

Many television tours are a quick photo stop outside a building. This one has a stronger central attraction: you enter the home used for McGarrett’s house and spend time around the property. The setting is familiar from the show, especially the backyard area by the water.

That makes the visit feel personal. You are not only looking at a sign or taking a picture from the road. You are seeing the place where important scenes were filmed, then hearing stories from someone connected to the series.

The famous chairs by the water are a major draw. When the backyard is available, this is the spot for the classic photograph. But do not treat that picture as guaranteed. One visit was shortened because a wedding was planned at the house, and the chairs could not be used. The homeowner was still welcoming, and the group met Cousin Flippa, but the property was not fully open for the usual photo session.

That is a useful reminder: this is a working private home, not a permanent museum. Access may depend on weather, private events, and the day’s schedule.

Meeting Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, Cousin Flippa

For many people, the meeting with Shawn Mokuahi Garnett is worth more than another drive-by filming location. Known on the show as Cousin Flippa, he has been described as friendly, funny, and willing to answer questions at length.

The tone is informal. You can take photographs and talk with him about his time on Hawaii Five-0. Some tours also mention meeting other cast members, including Dennis Chun, who played Sergeant Duke Lukela, but Shawn is the cast connection specifically built into the experience.

This personal time is especially valuable because it gives the tour something you cannot get from watching episodes or finding locations online. You hear about the show from someone who was part of it, rather than only hearing a guide recite dates and addresses.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a meet-and-greet, not a full cast visit or a studio production tour. You should not book it expecting to meet the main stars or see an active filming set.

The drive through Honolulu and Oahu filming sites

The tour uses an air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup and drop-off offered. That matters in Honolulu, where a driving tour saves you from piecing together distant locations by bus, taxi, or rental car.

The exact route can vary. The experience has included additional Hawaii Five-0 locations, the Five-0 headquarters setting, the former studio area, and places associated with Magnum P.I. and other productions filmed on Oahu. Some sites are viewed from the van, while others provide a chance to stop for photos.

Your guide is a big part of how well this section works. Sean has been praised for combining show facts with information about Honolulu, Hawaiian history, local customs, and language tips. Matt has been described as funny and energetic, while Eric has shared personal stories about the series and the island film business.

That variety is good, but the guide’s style can shape the whole day. Some visitors found the commentary entertaining and full of detail. One less favorable account described repeated references to filming locations without enough explanation. If you want a carefully scripted television-history tour, this may feel loose. If you prefer a local guide who can adjust to questions and add personal stories, that flexibility may suit you.

Diamond Head and the short outdoor stop

Diamond Head State Monument is included in the route, with admission covered. The listed stop is about 15 minutes, so this is not a hike or a full visit to the crater.

Think of it as a brief scenic pause. You get a chance to stretch, take photographs, and connect the television tour with the island itself. The stop adds value for anyone who wants more than a string of buildings and addresses.

The short timing also sets a clear limit. If Diamond Head is high on your Honolulu wish list, you will need to return separately for a longer visit. This tour gives you a taste, not a full exploration.

Lunch at McGarrett’s House

Lunch is optional and costs $13.50 per person. You can also bring your own food. The available sandwiches are:

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

The meal includes a sandwich, chips, and a drink based on the descriptions of the experience. Bottled water, soda, and snacks are included during the tour.

The food is simple, but the location is the point. Eating on the porch or around the house gives you time to enjoy the property instead of rushing through a five-minute photo stop. Several accounts describe the sandwich as fresh and tasty, while one person found the lunch only average. I would treat it as a convenient meal in a memorable setting, not as a food tour.

Adding lunch makes sense if you want the full McGarrett House experience and do not want to carry food. If you are watching your budget, bring your own. The optional setup is helpful because you are not forced to pay for a meal you do not want.

What the $229 price really buys

At $229 per person, this is not a bargain sightseeing loop. The cost covers roughly four hours, transportation, a local guide, drinks, snacks, admission to Diamond Head State Monument, and the special access connected with McGarrett’s House. Lunch is separate.

The value depends on what matters to you. A committed fan of the newer series may find the house visit, cast meeting, and small group worth the price. You are paying for access and context, not simply mileage.

For someone who has never watched Hawaii Five-0, the price is harder to justify. Oahu offers many scenic drives and cultural outings that cost less. Even a casual fan should be comfortable paying for a television-themed experience before booking.

The small group helps. With a limit of 10, you are more likely to hear the guide, ask questions, and have a reasonable chance to speak with Shawn. A large coach would make the house visit and meet-and-greet feel much less personal.

The important difference between the two Hawaii Five-O series

Be careful with the title. This tour centers on the 2010 to 2020 reboot starring Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. It does not primarily recreate the original 1968 to 1980 series with Jack Lord.

That distinction matters most for longtime fans. The original series remains important to Hawaii television history, but many of its locations are no longer accessible, recognizable, or used in the same way. The tour focuses on places connected to the newer production because they can still be visited.

If your memories are mainly of Jack Lord, the tour may leave you wanting more. If you watched the reboot, you will get much more from the references, house setting, cast connection, and location stops.

You do not need to be an expert on the series to enjoy the scenery. The drive includes attractive parts of Oahu and information about local life. A companion who has never watched the show may still enjoy the views and the stories, but the $229 price makes this a better choice for a shared fan interest than for a mixed group with little connection to the program.

Pickup, timing, and practical details

The experience lasts about four hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, which removes one of the day’s biggest hassles. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is offered in English.

The van is air-conditioned, an important comfort in Honolulu. Bottled water, soda, and snacks are included, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though the supplied information does not describe specific accessibility arrangements, so ask the operator if you have mobility concerns.

Weather matters because part of the experience takes place outdoors. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date or a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing the booking inside that window does not qualify for a refund.

Because the tour averages 77 days of advance booking, reserve early if meeting Shawn and visiting the house are central to your plans. That is especially sensible if you have only a few days in Honolulu.

Who should book this Honolulu tour

I would put this near the top of the list for:

• Fans of the 2010 to 2020 Hawaii Five-0 series
• Couples looking for a television-themed day with a personal cast connection
• Families with adult children who share an interest in the show
• Visitors who prefer a small van to a large sightseeing coach
• People who want filming locations mixed with local history and scenery

I would think twice if you mainly want the original Jack Lord series, a full studio tour, a chance to meet several major actors, or a low-cost sightseeing outing. The tour does not promise any of those things.

Should you book Afternoon at McGarret?

Book it if the idea of sitting at the real McGarrett House, meeting Cousin Flippa, and hearing island stories from guides such as Sean, Matt, or Eric sounds worth $229. The cast meeting and private-home setting give this tour more personality than a standard location drive.

Skip it if you are only mildly interested in the show, need a guaranteed backyard photo, or expect a polished production tour with access to the original series locations. For the right fan, this is a memorable half-day. For everyone else, Oahu has better-value ways to spend four hours.

FAQ

How long is the Afternoon at McGarret tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered as part of the experience.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is optional. You can add it for $13.50 per person or bring your own food. Sandwich choices are the Beefy McGarrett, McGarrett Chicken, and Veggie McGarrett.

Who is the cast member guests meet?

The scheduled cast connection is Shawn Mokuahi Garnett, known for playing Cousin Flippa on Hawaii Five-0.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 participants.

What is the cancellation policy?

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