2025 Hawaii Five-0 Tour Review: Lunch with Cousin Flippa

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of Hawaii Five-0, right? I mean, for real this time. We’ve all seen the show, with its really spectacular helicopter shots and those very, very intense chase scenes through Waikiki. Well, getting on the official 2025 TV tour that actually features lunch with Cousin Flippa is a bit of a different ballgame. To be honest, I went in with some high hopes, because this tour promises a lot more than just a drive-by of a few locations. The main attraction is that you supposedly get to hang out at McGarrett’s house—yes, that house—and have a meal with Shawn Garnett, who played the absolutely loveable Cousin Flippa. It’s the kind of thing that, as a fan, you almost can’t believe is a real option. So, anyway, I had to see for myself what it was all about.

Kickstarting the Day: The Tour Van and First Impressions

Okay, so the day started out pretty early with a pickup right from the hotel in Waikiki, which was very convenient. The vehicle was, like, a super comfortable and air-conditioned sprinter van, which is a really big deal in the Hawaiian humidity, you know? The group was small, sort of intimate, which made it feel a little more personal right from the get-go. As we were settling in, our guide, a local guy named Keanu who was honestly just bubbling with energy, greeted everyone with a huge “Aloha.” He had this way of making you feel like you were just a bunch of friends heading out for a drive. Honestly, his positive attitude was pretty infectious and set a really great tone for the entire day. For those planning a similar adventure, you can find more about these personalized Oahu experiences and see why a smaller group often makes a huge difference.

As a matter of fact, the first thing our guide did was crank up the iconic Hawaii Five-0 theme song on the van’s speakers. You can’t help but get pumped up, right? Everyone in the van sort of lit up, and we were all smiling. Keanu then gave us a rundown of the day’s plan, but he did it in a storytelling way, not just listing off places. He talked about how we were going to be “joining the task force” for the day, which was a kind of a fun way to frame it. He apparently knew so much about the show, pointing out little things as we drove, like a corner where a famous car stunt happened, or a hotel that was featured in a particular episode. This continuous stream of inside info made the drive itself part of the attraction, you know?

So, as we pulled away from the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue, the tour was already kind of in full swing. We were heading east, past Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head, and the views were just stunning. Keanu was a pro, mixing show trivia with genuine Hawaiian history and culture. He would point out a filming location, and then, in the same breath, tell us an ancient legend about that very spot. It was a really smart way to make the tour interesting for everyone, even for someone who might just be along for the ride. I mean, at the end of the day, you’re getting a sightseeing tour and a fan tour all rolled into one. It felt like a very authentic way to see the island beyond the usual tourist spots, which you can explore further for your own trip planning.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Five-0 Task Force

Our first major stop was, quite frankly, a place that gives you chills. We rolled up to the Hawaii Film Studio, a place that you’ve seen a thousand times on screen without even knowing it. This spot was actually the stand-in for the Five-0 task force’s high-tech headquarters in a lot of the interior scenes. While we couldn’t go inside the sound stages, just being there, outside the gates, was honestly surreal. Keanu held up screenshots from the show, and we could line them up perfectly with what we were seeing. It’s that moment where the fiction you love suddenly becomes very, very real. You almost expect to see Danny’s Camaro peel out of the parking lot. It’s just one of those fan moments you really have to be there for.

The Ali’iolani Hale Moment

Of course, no Five-0 tour would be complete without paying respects to the building that is basically the face of the show’s headquarters. I’m talking about Aliʻiolani Hale, you know, the building with those grand arches and the famous statue out front. Standing in front of it is a pretty big deal. This is where they filmed all those iconic exterior shots of the team walking in and out, looking determined. You have definitely seen the majestic gold-leaf statue of King Kamehameha I a million times in the show’s opening credits. Getting to see it up close and take your own “hero shot” in front of it is pretty much a required activity. The whole area just has this very dignified and important feeling to it.

What was really cool, though, is that Keanu didn’t just stop at the TV trivia. He spent a good amount of time telling us about the actual significance of the building. It’s actually the home of the Hawaii State Supreme Court and a very important historical landmark. Learning about King Kamehameha V, who commissioned the building, added this whole other layer to the experience. It wasn’t just a film set anymore; it was a piece of Hawaiian history that the show just happened to borrow. It makes you appreciate the location on a totally different level, which is a feature you can look for in many different kinds of island tours.

Chasing Ghosts at Iconic Filming Locations

After the headquarters, the tour basically became a scavenger hunt for some of the most memorable locations from the show’s ten-year run. It’s almost like the entire island of Oahu was their playground, and we were just following their trail. We drove up to the Tantalus Lookout, a spot that was used countless times for those sweeping panoramic shots of Honolulu and Diamond Head. The view from up there is honestly breathtaking; the photos you see just don’t do it justice. Keanu pointed out the exact spot where Steve and Danno often had their “carguments” while overlooking the city. It’s kind of funny to imagine them bickering with that incredibly serene backdrop. It was moments like this that made the show feel so grounded in a real place.

Remembering Kono’s Surf Spots

For fans of Kono Kalakaua, the trip to the North Shore was a real highlight. The vibe there is just so different from the city—it’s more laid back, a bit wilder. We didn’t just drive by; we actually stopped at a well-known beach that was frequently used for Kono’s surfing scenes. Seeing the legendary North Shore waves in person is just something else. Depending on the time of year, they can be these huge, powerful forces of nature. Keanu explained how challenging it was for the film crew to capture those scenes, working around the powerful surf and unpredictable conditions. It gave us a whole new respect for both the surfers and the filmmakers.

Standing there on the sand, with the salty spray in the air, you could really understand why Kono’s character was so connected to the ocean. It’s such a fundamental part of life in Hawaii. Our guide shared a story about how the actress, Grace Park, had to go through some pretty intense training to look convincing on the board. These little behind-the-scenes tidbits are the kind of thing you just can’t get from watching a DVD extra. It’s all about the stories, which is something the best local guides always understand.

That Famous Shrimp Shack Scene

You can’t really talk about Hawaii Five-0 without mentioning Kamekona and his shrimp truck, right? Well, the tour definitely honors that piece of the show’s culture. We made a stop at a legendary North Shore shrimp shack—not the fictional one, obviously, but one that absolutely captured its spirit. The air was just thick with the smell of garlic and butter, and it was so, so good. We all got to sample some of their famous garlic shrimp, served straight up with rice and pineapple coleslaw. It was a perfectly timed snack, and honestly, it tasted exactly like you’d hope.

This stop was less about a specific scene and more about soaking in the atmosphere that the show portrayed so well. Eating at a rustic picnic table, with chickens sort of wandering around your feet, feels like a quintessential Hawaiian experience. Keanu pointed out that scenes like the ones with Kamekona weren’t just for fun; they were a way for the show to weave in genuine local businesses and the island’s unique food culture. At the end of the day, it was these details that made Five-0 feel so authentic. You really get a taste of the local life, not just the TV version of it.

The Main Event: Lunch at McGarrett’s with Cousin Flippa

So after a morning of chasing locations, the anticipation in the van was, like, at an all-time high. We were finally on our way to the one place everyone was most excited about: McGarrett’s house. As we drove through a quiet, beautiful residential neighborhood, Keanu told us we were approaching the Bayer Estate, which is the actual, real-life property used as Steve McGarrett’s beachfront home. Honestly, pulling up to it felt like entering a sacred site for a Five-0 fan. It is just as stunning in person as it is on TV. The sprawling lawn, the classic architecture, and that million-dollar view of the turquoise ocean… it’s all real, and it’s pretty overwhelming.

The Atmosphere of the Bayer Estate

Getting to walk around the property was just incredible. The owners of the estate work with the tour, so you get this really exclusive access that most people never experience. We walked across the lawn where Steve and his dad used to play catch in the flashbacks. We stood on the very lanai where the team would gather for beers after a tough case. It was honestly a surreal feeling. Keanu was great here, too, because he had stills from the show that he used to point out exactly where key scenes took place. “Right here,” he’d say, “is where Catherine said goodbye to Steve.” It was a bit like walking through a living scrapbook of the series.

And then there’s the beach. You know the one. McGarrett’s private little stretch of sand where he would go for a swim to clear his head. Well, you can actually walk right onto it. The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, and it feels just as peaceful as it looked on the show. You are actually encouraged to take your shoes off and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean right there. It’s one of those moments that really sticks with you. To get that kind of access to a famous TV home is pretty rare, and it’s something that makes this tour a standout among the many specialty experiences available on Oahu.

Meeting the Man, the Legend: Cousin Flippa

Just as we were all getting settled on the lanai, taking in the view, he appeared. Shawn “Flippa” Garnett walked out with a huge smile and a ukulele in his hand, and he was just as warm and friendly as you would imagine. There was no big ego or celebrity attitude; he was just genuinely happy to see everyone. He went around and introduced himself to each person, shaking hands and asking where they were from. The vibe immediately became super relaxed, like a family barbecue, which is so fitting for his character.

The best part was listening to his stories. He was an open book, you know? He shared some really funny and heartfelt anecdotes about his time on the set. He told one story about how he and Taylor Wily (who played Kamekona) would always try to make each other laugh during a take, much to the director’s frustration. He also talked about his friendship with Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, painting a picture of a cast that was more or less like a real family. He answered every question from the group with honesty and humor, from “What was your favorite episode?” to “Was the beer they drank real?”.

“These guys, they weren’t just my co-workers, you know? They became my brothers. That aloha spirit you saw on screen, that was real. We were family, for sure.” – Shawn Garnett (paraphrased)

After the Q&A, Shawn took out his ukulele and started to play. As a talented musician in his own right, hearing him sing some beautiful Hawaiian songs right there on McGarrett’s lanai was a magical experience. His voice, mixed with the sound of the gentle waves, created a moment that was honestly unforgettable. And of course, everyone got plenty of time for photos and autographs. He was so patient and generous with his time, making sure every single person left with a great picture and a happy memory.

The Lunch Itself

While all of this was happening, a fantastic lunch was being set up. It wasn’t just some boring sandwich box; it was a full-on, delicious catered meal. The spread was packed with local favorites: tender kalua pig that was smoky and savory, lomi-lomi salmon, creamy mac salad, and, of course, plenty of rice. There were also fresh salads and tropical fruits, so there was definitely something for everyone. It was just a really high-quality, authentic Hawaiian lunch, which was a very nice touch.

The best part was that it wasn’t a formal, sit-down affair. We all filled our plates and just found a comfortable spot on the lanai or at a table on the lawn, and we ate with Flippa. He just mingled with the group, sitting down at different tables, continuing to chat and share stories. Eating a meal in such an iconic location while talking to one of the actors from the show… I mean, that’s what makes this tour truly unique. It transforms the day from a simple sightseeing trip into a really personal and interactive experience that’s pretty hard to beat. You can look at many combination food and location tours, but this one felt exceptionally special.

What to Know Before You ‘Book ’em, Danno!’

Alright, so if you’re thinking about signing up for this tour, there are a few practical things you should probably know. First off, dress for comfort, not for style. You’ll want to wear really light clothing, as it gets pretty warm and humid. Also, comfortable walking shoes are a must. While a lot of the tour is in the van, you will be doing a fair bit of walking at the various stops, sometimes on uneven ground or sand. And obviously, this is Hawaii, so sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable. A hat and sunglasses are a really good idea, too. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure the battery is fully charged because you will be taking a ton of pictures.

It’s also good to manage your expectations a little bit. This tour is amazing, but it’s important to remember that TV magic is a real thing. Some locations might seem a little smaller or different in person than they appeared on your screen with a wide-angle lens. Also, due to filming schedules or local regulations, some spots might just be quick photo ops from the van rather than a full stop where you get out and walk around. The guide does a really good job of explaining everything, so you always know what’s happening. Just go with the flow and enjoy the ride, you know?

As for when to go, Oahu’s weather is pretty fantastic all year round. The summer months are obviously very