Explore the best of Oahu with out must-do list!

With endless experiences to discover, Honolulu is our pick for an incredible Hawaiian vaycay!

25+ Things to Do in Honolulu on Your Hawaiian Vacation

As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is always alive with action. There are lots of fun things to do in Honolulu, including soaking up the sun on the amazing beaches of Oahu island, taking a stroll through a scenic park, going on an amazing hike, or learning about Hawaii&#39;s unique history.

As a first-time traveler, your only concern should be experiencing the diversity of Honolulu&#39;s attractions, which include history, entertainment, sightseeing, ethnic cuisine, and unique culture.

If you&rsquo;re looking for things to do in and around Honolulu during your trip to Oahu, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

<ul>
	<li>Makani Catamaran Sail</li>
	<li>Honolulu Museum of Art</li>
	<li>Pearl Harbor Historic Sites</li>
	<li>Diamond Head Hike</li>
	<li>Waikiki Beach</li>
	<li>Hanauma Bay Snorkeling</li>
	<li>And more!</li>
</ul>

Sail out onto the open ocean for a delightful evening experience &ndash; a&nbsp;sunset sail with accompanying island-style dinner&nbsp;and a complimentary drink. It&rsquo;s a relaxing activity that really brings home those vacation vibes. Keep an eye out for sea life while on the sail as well! You can also opt for a daytime sail if you&rsquo;re looking for a bit of a tan. That cruise in particular has some success with dolphin, sea bird, and whale sightings, too.

Makani Catamaran Sails

<h2>All of Oahu in One Day Tour</h2>

Explore this amazing island on a comprehensive, 120-mile tour of the major sites and landmarks. You&rsquo;ll see everything from the stunning cliffs of Makapu&#39;u to the gorgeous Waimea Bay. Keep your phones or cameras charged to fully take advantage of the wonderful photo opportunities you&#39;ll get on this trek. It&rsquo;s great all-day excursion for those looking to really get a feel for the whole Oahu experience. Keep in mind that the entire excursion will take about 8 hours.&nbsp;Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" rel="noopener" target="_blank">All of Oahu in One Day Tours</a>&nbsp;are included with the Go Oahu&reg; Card.

With a wide variety of exhibits and themed areas, the Waikiki Aquarium is a great destination for animal lovers. Some of their featured exhibits include Green Sea Turtles, Ocean Drifters, Hunters on the Reef, and more. This is another attraction with excellent special events, too, especially in the summer.

Waikiki Aquarium

It&rsquo;s officially called Mt. Leahi, but is better known as Diamond Head. This mountain is one of the most famous volcanic crater in the world. At the top of the 760-foot summit, you&rsquo;ll behold breath-taking panoramic views of Waikiki and the rest of the South Shore. You won&rsquo;t want to leave your camera at home for this one!

Diamond Head is only a short drive from Waikiki, but the hike up the mountain is considered moderately difficult for hikers not in tip top shape. Be assured, however, that the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/diamond-head-hike" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Diamond Head Hike</a>&nbsp;is well worth it! Start out as early in the morning as possible, and bring water, sunscreen, and sneakers for this half-hour climb. Truly among the most beautiful and best of Oahu sights.

Nearby Attractions in Waikiki/Diamond Head Diamond Head Hike

<h2>Pacific Aviation Museum</h2>

Learn all about the history of American aviation from World War II to the present day and the fantastic&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/pacific-aviation-museum-pearl-harbor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pacific Aviation Museum</a>. Explore their extensive collection of historic aircraft, featuring everything from bombers and fighter planes to helicopters. Don&rsquo;t miss the short documentary at the entrance, which provides a useful overview of the attraction and its offerings.

<h2>Nearby Attractions in WindwardHanauma Bay Snorkel</h2>

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Snorkeling is a delightful way to explore the beautiful coral reefs in&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/hanauma-bay-snorkel" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hanauma Bay</a>. Within the bay&#39;s pristine and clear waters, visitors can swim through a stunning coral reef that is home to a myriad of marine life from tropical fish and sea turtles to octopuses.

You&#39;ll get a silicone-tempered mask, &quot;J&quot;-type snorkels, and endurance vinyl acetate fins, plus a defogger for your masks.

<h2>Sea Life Park Hawaii</h2>

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The wonderful&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/sea-life-park-hawaii" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sea Life Park Hawaii&nbsp;</a>provides countless opportunities to get up close and personal with a wide variety of creatures. From the dozens of reef species on display in a 300,000-gallon tank to acrobatic shows put on by dolphins and sea lions, there are so many amazing animal encounters to enjoy.

<h2>Makapu&rsquo;u Lighthouse Hike</h2>

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A 2-mile round trip hike, the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/makapuu-lighthouse-hike" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Makapu&rsquo;u Point Trail</a>&nbsp;(and the Makapu&rsquo;u Lighthouse located at its summit) is a must-see natural attraction in Oahu. Marvel at the amazing views of Oahu&rsquo;s southeastern coastline and keep an eye out for seabirds. The historic lighthouse is an impressive sight in itself, with its beautiful red paint and hyper-radiant lens.

<h2>Koko Head District Park</h2>

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This region actually features a variety of things to do, from challenging hikes to picnic spots. Active visitors will especially enjoy the difficult Koko Crater Trail, and nature lovers won&rsquo;t want to skip the stunning Koko Crater Botanical Garden.

<h2>Remember to Save on Attraction Admission</h2>

Oahu is usually the first stop for tourists new to the islands. There&rsquo;s certainly no scarcity of things to do in Honolulu and the rest of the majestic island nicknamed &ldquo;The Gathering Place.&rdquo; These are our top recommendations for things to do in Honolulu and the surrounding areas during your trip to Oahu.

Admission to many of these&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">top Oahu attractions and activities&nbsp;</a>and more are included on the Go Oahu and you will save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Oahu vacation plans.

Planning to spend some time on other parts of the island? Then check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/7-must-do-things-in-oahu" rel="noopener" target="_blank">post on things to do on the North Shore of Oahu</a>&nbsp;for more fun ideas.

So go grab yourself a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu attraction pass</a> and save while you sightsee!

Hawaii&rsquo;s diverse agricultural scene comes to life every Saturday at the KCC Farmer&rsquo;s Market. Shop the endless displays of fruits, vegetables, flowers, seafood, baked goods,&nbsp;Hawaiian shave ice, and more. Located on the slopes of Diamond Head, this outdoor market offers some of Honolulu&rsquo;s greatest local delicacies.

KCC Farmers’ Market

<h2>Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Movie Sites Hike</h2>

Embark on a&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sightseeing adventure through this two-mile self-guided tour.</a>&nbsp;You&rsquo;ll see everything from the stunning 150-foot waterfall to verdant tropical forest. Don&rsquo;t miss out on the ancient Hawaiian dwelling you&rsquo;ll see along the way. Plus, you can see locations that were used in the filming of&nbsp;The Hunger Games&nbsp;franchise.

Stop by&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/bike-rental-waikiki-hawaiian-style-rentals" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hawaiian Style Rentals and pick up a moped or bike</a>. Then, hop on and set off on an adventure of your own. Ride anywhere you please, on your own itinerary. Stop at attractions you&rsquo;re interested in, or cruise by those you aren&rsquo;t. You can choose from a 4-hour moped rental or a 24-hour bike rental.

Moped & Bike Rentals

<h2>Waikiki Beach Gear Rentals</h2>

Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beach on Oahu and is really a fun thing to do for the whole family. The two mile stretch of sand is a popular tourist destination due to its convenient location and beautiful scenery.&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/full-day-snorkel-rental" rel="noopener" target="_blank">It&rsquo;s an ideal place to swim, snorkel</a>, canoe, surf, or just soak up the sun on the sand. If you&#39;re interested in seeing the colorful sea life up close, you may want to snag some snorkeling gear to explore beneath the waves.

<h2>Waikele Outlet Mall Shopping Shuttle</h2>

If you&rsquo;re looking to get your shop on during your Oahu vacation, look no further than the Waikele Outlet Mall. Wander through over 50 top brand name stores at this expansive outlet mall and search for real bargains. It&rsquo;s a great way to take a break from the beach, or to make the most of a rainy day.

<h2>Shangri-La Center For Islamic Arts &amp; Cultures</h2>

Once the home of American heiress Doris Duke, today Shangri-La is a marvelous museum for Islamic arts and cultures. They offer guided tours and cultural programs, as well as residencies for scholars and artists.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tickets can be hard to come by</a>&nbsp;&ndash; so reserve early!

One of the few combat submarines that survives from World War II, the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/attractions/uss-bowfin-submarine-pearl-harbor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USS Bowfin Submarine</a>&nbsp;is a delightful historic attraction that WWII buffs will absolutely love. Also known as the &ldquo;Pearl Harbor Avenger,&rdquo; this ship sank 44 enemy vessels! Take a self-guided audio tour of the ship and museum for the full experience.

Nearby Attractions in Leeward/Pearl HarborUSS Bowfin Submarine

The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/battleship-missouri-memorial-pearl-harbor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Battleship Missouri</a>, or&nbsp;Mighty Mo, is a ship with an impressive history. Spanning three wars, her tour of duty encompassed the surrender of the Japanese Empire in 1944 and the Gulf War before being decommissioned in 1992. Today, it operates as a floating museum right outside Honolulu. Choose from three different self-guided tour routes.

Battleship Missouri

A top landmark in the U.S. according to a recent TripAdvisor poll, the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/uss-arizona-memorial-narrated-tour-pearl-harbor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USS Arizona Memorial</a>&nbsp;is a must-visit attraction in Oahu. Take the award-winning audio tour that tells the story of the lives lost in Pearl Harbor and across the world on December 7, 1941. A must for fans of military history.

USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour

Did you know Hawaii is the only U.S. state to have had its own monarchy? Learn all about Hawaii&rsquo;s history and the history of its royal families at&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/iolani-palace" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Iolani Palace</a>, home to its last two Hawaiian monarchs. Known for its ornate d&eacute;cor and classic home furnishings, a visit to Iolani Palace is a trip to another time.

This carefully restored building serves as a museum that focuses on the life and times of these last Hawaiian Kingdom rulers, with a particular emphasis on nineteenth-century art &amp; architecture. You can visit indoor and outdoor spaces, so be sure to explore the entire Palace and grounds before you leave. Iolani Palace also often hosts free events, so be sure to consult local event calendars before your visit.

Fun fact:&nbsp;Iolani Palace had electricity years before the White House did.

Iolani Palace

<h2>Honolulu Museum of Art</h2>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/honolulu-museum-art" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Honolulu Museum of Art</a>&nbsp;is a modestly sized fine art museum is a great destination for culture lovers in Hawaii. Thirty galleries contain extensive collections, including their famed body of Asian art, one of the top 10 in the US. These works of art will immerse visitors in global cultures from all across history. Be sure to spend some time browsing their fine collection of Hawaiian painting and decorative arts, too --- a must for visitors to the islands.

This lush tropical rainforest is home to a wide variety of plant life native to the Hawaiian Islands. Opened as a botanical garden in the 1970s, the&nbsp;Lyon Arboretum&nbsp;has become a go-to destination for scientists as a leader in conservation biology, Hawaiian ethnobotony, and horticulture. Pay a visit and take some time to explore the Arboretum&#39;s various themed gardens and its 7+ miles of hiking trails that take you around the property. A visit here is a peaceful respite from bustling Honolulu and a great site for nature photography.

Lyon Arboretum

One of the best natural history museums in the region, the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/bishop-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bishop Museum</a>&nbsp;is a great family destination in Oahu. The Bishop Museum provides a more scientific survey of Hawaii&#39;s history, from its Polynesian culture to native plant and animal life to an &quot;active&quot; volcano exhibit and more. This fascinating museum features collections across five major buildings, with everything from seashells and fish specimens to an &ldquo;active&rdquo; volcano in the Science Adventure Center. Be sure to check out their planetarium programs, too.

Bishop Museum

<h2>Queen Emma Summer Palace</h2>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/queen-emma-summer-palace" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Queen Emma Summer Palace</a>&nbsp;is a nineteenth-century dwelling was the summer home of Queen Emma and her husband King Kamehameha IV. A getaway from the noise and heat of Honolulu, this peaceful home was also a destination for famed royal visitors like the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh. A visit here will truly bring you back in time.

Located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located on the coast of the island. It boasts a beautiful jogging trail, beach, and nearby shopping center. Before the opening of the Mall of America, the Ala Moana Shopping Center was the largest mall in the States. Today, it is still the largest open-air shopping center in the world.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Those unafraid to do a little walking should do the hour-long hike up to Manoa Falls. Put on your hiking shoes and journey through the peaceful rainforest, which was one of the filming locations for the television series LOST. Don&rsquo;t forget your camera- there are get stunning photograph opportunities at the end of this hike. Keep in mind that this is a very popular hike during tourist season, so you may encounter crowds on the trail.

Tip: Manoa Falls Trail is free to hike, but you will need to pay for parking at the mouth of the trail.

Manoa Falls

This charming zoo, located in Kapiolani Park, is popular among locals and visitors alike. Featuring a wide variety of animals as well as extensive zoo gardens, there&rsquo;s flora and fauna for all at this top regional zoo. Be sure to check out their special events calendar before visiting, too!

Honolulu Zoo

Check out these great things to do in Honolulu. Save up to 55% on combined admission to many of these top attractions & activities. Enjoy!

25+ Things to Do in Honolulu - Must Do Honolulu Attractions

With cascading falls this beautiful, we wouldn't blame anyone for chasing waterfalls in Oahu

Powerful and dramatic, or gentle and relaxing: Oahu's waterfalls will leave you wonderstruck. Here are five of the island's best.

The Best Waterfalls in Oahu

Oahu is known for many things&mdash;great food, history and culture, and of course, the lush natural world. If you&rsquo;re hoping to explore the outdoors in Oahu, we&rsquo;ve got this handy guide to help you experience the best waterfalls in Oahu.

Here&rsquo;s our list of the top waterfalls in Oahu, in no particular order, plus things to do at that waterfall. Whether you&rsquo;re interested in swimming, cliff diving, or just snapping photos, you&rsquo;ll find the perfect waterfall for your Oahu vacation. Here is a list of the top waterfalls in Oahu, including...

<ul>
	<li>Manoa Falls</li>
	<li>Waimea Falls</li>
	<li>Maunawili Falls</li>
	<li>Waikahalulu Falls</li>
	<li>Waimano Falls</li>
</ul>

One of the most popular hikes for visitors looking to enjoy the local waterfalls without too much time or effort, Manoa Falls is a quick trip from Waikiki. There&#39;s a clearly defined trail the whole way, with small streams and beautiful flora surrounding you en route. The waterfall itself is more intense during the winter months but is just as beautiful in the summer. Keep an eye out for terrain that may seem familiar - franchises like&nbsp;Lost&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Hunger Games&nbsp;filmed scenes in this area.

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Falls is found in the valley of the same name.&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/waimea-valley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Waimea Valley</a>&nbsp;has botanical gardens, multiple archaeological sites, an abundance of flowers and plants, and its signature waterfall.

Waimea Falls is high enough for visitors to jump into the water, and the bottom is a great place to swim as well. Spend a few hours in Waimea Valley to make the most of all it has to offer.

One of the most popular waterfalls in Oahu, Muanawili Falls can be quite crowded during the busy season but is worth the trek. It&rsquo;s reached via a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike through dense forest, just off the Pali Highway. Cliff jumping is possible here as well, although, as always, be careful and check the conditions before you do so. The nature photography opportunities here are unreal, with lush flora and fauna surrounding the falls,

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Found in the lovely Lili&rsquo;uokalani Gardens (in Honolulu), this small but beautiful waterfall is easy to get to from any hotel in Waikiki. There&rsquo;s a serene pool at the end of the falls, making this quite a picturesque spot. This is a great place for a picnic or snapping photos of the rushing waters and lush surrounding greenery. According to local history, it was a favorite swimming spot of Queen Lili&rsquo;uokalan, the gardens&rsquo; namesake.

<h2>Waimano Falls</h2>

A visit to Waimano Falls will likely be a whole-day event. The route to reach the falls is approximately 3 miles round trip, and the journey will take about an hour each way due to the terrain. It&rsquo;s less popular among tourists, so it&rsquo;s a nice opportunity to see the wilds of Oahu with fewer crowds.

Upon arrival at the terminus of the trial, you&rsquo;ll enjoy the stunning falls (which are high enough for cliff jumping) and the two pools below, which are ideal for swimming and lounging. Budget in enough time to relax and enjoy the falls as the journey back will be pretty intense.

<h2>Save on waterfall tours with&nbsp;Go City&reg;&nbsp;</h2>

If you want to explore some of these inspiring waterfalls in Oahu, consider taking a tour. Our favorite is the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/rainforest-waterfalls-and-movie-sites-hike" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Movie Sites Hike</a>, which specifically focuses on Manoa Falls. You&#39;ll see where scenes from The Hunger Games and Hawaii Five-O were filmed and soak&nbsp;up the sights and sounds of Oahu waterfalls without the fuss of planning transport and trail routes. Whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Hawaii pass</a> you pick, you&#39;ll more than get your fill!

☀️ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Compare Oahu passes</a> ☀️&ndash; 🌏 <a href="https://gocity.com/en" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Explore other destinations </a>🌏 &ndash;&nbsp; ✈️ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/passes?duration=3" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Buy a pass ✈</a>&nbsp;

Whether you’re interested in swimming, cliff diving, or just snapping photos, you’ll find the perfect waterfalls for your Oahu vacation.

The Best Waterfalls in Oahu, Hawaii - Go City

Where better to celebrate another year around the sun?

All the best ways to get the party started for your birthday in Honolulu and Oahu, including mai tais, mountain stargazing, catamarans, cake and more!

Things to do in Oahu and Honolulu for a Birthday

What&rsquo;s your idea of a memorable birthday? If it involves explosive volcano hikes, technicolor sunsets, multiple mai tais, and moonlit stargazing experiences &ndash; not to mention eating your own bodyweight in coconut cake &ndash; you&rsquo;ve come to the right place. There are stacks of great things to do in Oahu and Honolulu for your birthday and we&rsquo;ve rounded up some of the very best to help you get the party started, including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Traditional luau shows</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Haupia cake</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Honolulu Zoo</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Cocktails at sunset</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Oahu stargazing</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Diamond Head hikes</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Waimea Valley botanical gardens</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Catamaran sailing tours</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Honolulu nightlife</li>
</ul>

<h2>Cake, Glorious Cake</h2>

A birthday without a cake is no birthday at all, so start your special day the right way with Oahu&rsquo;s finest: the delectable treat that is haupia. Admittedly more pudding than cake in its traditional form, it&rsquo;s kind of like a coconut jelly. Combined with the sweet flavors of Oahu&rsquo;s North Shore pineapples, however, it&rsquo;s like pure sunshine in your mouth, the closest it&rsquo;s possible to get to a genuine pina colada in cake form. But hey, it&rsquo;s your birthday, so why stop there? Follow up with great slabs of guava chiffon cake and chocolate chantilly cake as the day progresses. Yum.

<h2>Set Sail Aboard a Catamaran</h2>

Oahu sunsets are among the best in the world, a surefire way to fill your birthday Insta feed with #humblebrag shots of burnished-copper and rust-red skies. Complete the effect with a colorful cocktail &ndash; blue Hawaiian or mai tai, with its citrusy blend of lime, sweet orgeat syrup, orange cura&ccedil;ao and mule&rsquo;s kick of rum for the win. The legendary Duke&rsquo;s on Waikiki Beach is the connoisseur&#39;s choice for the best views of Diamond Head and the bay, but there are countless fun tiki bars down here for birthday boys and girls to choose from.

<h2>Take in a Traditional Luau</h2>

Another popular birthday activity in Oahu is the classic Polynesian luau. Some of the best and most authentic of these are small, family-run affairs, where the aloha spirit is abundant and you&rsquo;re invited to take an active role in the colorful traditions: dancing, dining and dressing up. The Hawaii mega resorts offer slicker, bigger-budget takes on the luau, promising lavish banquets, fireworks, bombastic music and more, and you&rsquo;ll find some of these included with <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the Go City Oahu attractions pass.</a>

<h2>Hit the Honolulu Pubs and Clubs</h2>

Honolulu positively heaves with great places to party, from rocking rooftop joints like Mai Tai&rsquo;s atop the Ala Moana Mall to classy cocktails at Lewers Lounge in the upscale Halekulani Hotel. Get your boogie on at some of the city&rsquo;s hottest nightclubs, even if you should be old enough to know better! Follow the hip crowd to Chinatown&#39;s lively Manifest, get down to superstar DJ-spun tunes on Nextdoor&rsquo;s massive dance floors, or dance yourself dizzy at Sky Waikiki, atop the towering Waikiki Business Plaza.

<h2>Birthday Stargazing</h2>

For something a little more&hellip; sedate, spend your birthday evening on Oahu contemplating life, the universe and everything as you stare up at the tapestry of stars that hangs high above the islands. Some of the best spots for this particular birthday treat include the iconic Halona Blowhole, Ka&rsquo;ena Point, and the North Shore&rsquo;s stunning surf beaches. Anywhere, in other words, where you&rsquo;re some way from the city lights. Go it alone or join one of the island&rsquo;s regular guided stargazing sessions. Or, if you want to go really stratospheric for your Hawaiian birthday experience, hop over to Big Island where the Mauna Kea mountain has a dedicated astronomy center with stargazing telescopes about halfway up, and tours all the way to the top, for unparalleled Milky Way views, can be arranged.

<h2>Save on birthday activities, tours and attractions in Oahu</h2>

Save on admission to Oahu attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab your <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Hawaii pass</a> and prepare for maximum fun - no sugar necessary.

For many, the whole point of a birthday is putting your feet up and behaving like some sort of A-list celeb while everyone else does the heavy lifting. If that sounds appealing, a catamaran tour of Oahu&rsquo;s Insta-perfect coastline is likely to be just the birthday treat for you. Cruising past soaring, jungle-clad mountains and over submerged volcanic craters, you&rsquo;ll be well positioned to spot some of the local wildlife: playful dolphins, flying fish, maybe even the occasional migrating whale! Pull out all the stops on your special day with a decadent bells-and-whistles experience that includes lunch on deck, snorkeling stops, and chilled glasses of bubbly.

<h2>Say it with Flowers</h2>

There are a whopping 52 themed zones in the 1,875-acre oasis that is the Waimea Valley botanical gardens. Here&rsquo;s where you can ogle, snap and sniff some 5,000 tropical and subtropical plants, including endangered species and native Hawaiian beauties like loulou palms and the delicate white Koki&#39;o ke&#39;oke&#39;o flower &ndash; the world&rsquo;s only scented hibiscus. Follow paved trails through the themed gardens, breathing in the fresh scents of flora from Fiji, Guam, the Americas and beyond. The shady groves and cooler climate in this lush botanical paradise make it a great place to wander while the tropical sun is at its most punishing. But if the heat does get too much, you can always cool off with a dip in the pools beneath the mighty Waimea Falls, the focal point of this huge natural park.

<h2>Hawaii&rsquo;s Hottest Hike</h2>

Hawaii ain&rsquo;t short of a fine hiking opportunity or two. But if you only do one, make it Diamond Head, the iconic volcanic crater at the eastern end of Waikiki Beach. It&rsquo;s a relatively unchallenging walk that takes you 760 feet up to the crater&rsquo;s forested rim, affording splendid views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond. You need to book a slot to be permitted entry, and early risers are likely to enjoy the best of the climb, thanks to cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and those glorious Hawaiian sunrise skies &ndash; gates open at 6AM. Shuttle trips to/from the trail from any Waikiki hotel are included with a Go City Oahu attraction pass, which can save you money when taking in several tours, attractions and activities on the island. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Find out more about the Oahu pass here.</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Honolulu Zoo</h2>

First opened way back in 1877 to house King David Kalakaua&rsquo;s burgeoning bird collection, Honolulu Zoo is now home to some 1,000+ cute critters. Pop by on your birthday to say &lsquo;aloha&rsquo; to some of the residents. We&rsquo;re talking vibrant Fiji banded iguanas, ferociously cute fennec foxes, and chatty golden lion tamarins, as well as indigenous species including Hawaiian hawks, colorful Kamehameha butterflies and the nene (or Hawaiian goose), official state bird of Hawaii. It&rsquo;s a great Oahu birthday day out for kids and adults alike. You can even host a kids&rsquo; party at the zoo; <a href="https://www.honoluluzoo.org/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">find out more here.</a>

<h2>Birthday Sundowners!</h2>

Things to do in Oahu and Honolulu for a Birthday | Go City®

For romantic sunset spots, you're spoiled for choice in Oahu!

Oahu is one of the best places to watch the sunset. We asked a 5th generation local what her top 5 favorite places to watch the sunset are. Enjoy.

5 of the Best Places to Watch the Sunset on Oahu

Oahu is one of the best places to watch the sunset at the end of the day. We asked Kathy, a 5th generation local expert, about her top 5 favorite places to watch the sunset. Here are her picks!

For a view of the sunset, certain spots on Tantalus Mountain offer a unique elevated inland view. Head to one of the pull-offs along this narrow mountain road for a rare view of the sun dipping into the ocean.&nbsp;

Visitors can see the &quot;green flash&quot; from Waikiki as the sun hits the horizon which makes it one of the best places to go to watch the sunset. Make it a special event with a Mai Tai or a glass of wine at The House without a Key, Halekulani Hotel, or Dukes at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel. Or, check out one of Waikiki&#39;s many other resorts with a beachside bar or caf&eacute;.

There are plenty of great contenders to watch the best sunset in Oahu but we hope these suggestions help you choose your spot.&nbsp;

<h2>See it all with Go City&reg;</h2>

Discover our full line-up of Oahu attractions including a Makani Catamaran sail, the Polynesian Culture Center, Hawaiian Lei making, and more.

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/passes?duration=3." target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a>&nbsp;is for you.

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/passes?duration=3" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a>&nbsp;is the perfect option.

Whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> you pick, you&#39;re in for a treat!

For a picturesque sunset experience, head over to Ala Moana Beach Park. Walk out to the end of the dreamy island, take a seat on any one of the many benches and watch the sun slip below the horizon.&nbsp;

Down the street from Ala Moana is a great waterfront park with a perfect view of the sunset. With endless rolling hills and a long walkway to the water, you&#39;d never guess that this park was once a dump site! It&#39;s now the perfect spot to sit and reflect while watching a beautiful pink and purple sunset.&nbsp;

<h2>Sunset Beach or Shark&rsquo;s Cove&nbsp;</h2>

The sunsets from the north shore are spectacular year-round. Depending on when you visit the island, you&#39;ll see one of two different types of sunsets: the winter season will give you a powerful wave display while the sun sets, and the summer season makes for a more serene and calm day&#39;s end. Neither will disappoint you, as this spot offers one of the best sunset views in Oahu.

Love is always in the air on Oahu...

Our pick of the Hawaii resorts, tours and activities for all the hopeless romantics out there, including stargazing, volcano sunsets and canyon hikes.

Romantic Destinations in Hawaii

With those sun-kissed beaches, seductive sunsets and alluring volcanic landscapes, it&rsquo;s no surprise that Hawaii is one of the planet&rsquo;s hottest honeymoon destinations. Here&rsquo;s where romance, relaxation and adventure come together in perfect Hawaiian harmony that&rsquo;s sure to set even the hardest of hearts aflutter. So grab your partner&rsquo;s hand and take a dive into our guide to the most romantic destinations in Hawaii.

<h2>Hawaii&rsquo;s Most Romantic Resorts</h2>

You want romance? You won&rsquo;t get it from just any old run-of-the-mill four-star hotel. But fear not: if there&rsquo;s one thing the Hawaiian islands ain&rsquo;t short of it&rsquo;s bells-and-whistles luxury accommodation. Take Turtle Bay Resort, for example. Perched on Oahu&rsquo;s beloved north shore, it&rsquo;s in pole position for taking advantage of those swoonsome tropical sunrises and sunsets. Couples are in clover here, where ocean club bungalows have private balconies and access to an adults only infinity pool, and the next mai tai or coconut pohaku warm stone massage is only a footstep away.

There are several spectacular blowholes across Hawaii&rsquo;s islands, each with a powerful geyser, and there&rsquo;s a good chance you&rsquo;ll want to see at least one of them on your vacation. Oahu&rsquo;s Hālona Blowhole is the most popular. But does it come with a perfect heart-shaped hole in the rock formations next to it? No, dear reader, it does not. For that particular treat you&rsquo;ll have to head for one of the most romantic destinations in Hawaii: Maui&rsquo;s Nakalele Point. However, please be warned that this intoxicating beauty spot may result in you dropping to one knee and spontaneously proposing to your partner before you can stop yourself&hellip;

<h3>Waimea Canyon</h3>

Hiking hand-in-hand through Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park on the island of Kauaʻi is just about as romantic as going for a walk can get. Think great rugged crags, deep gorges and more Insta-perfect red rock vistas than you can shake a very large stick at. There are plenty of trails to suit everyone from the casual rambler to the lycra-clad climber, or you can opt to take the scenic route by car if aching calves and glutes ain&rsquo;t your idea of romance. Don&rsquo;t miss the expansive views from the Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10) and follow the Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe trail if you&rsquo;re in the market for a cooling couples&rsquo; dip in the pool at Waip&rsquo;o Falls.

<h3>Romantic Activities in Hawaii</h3>

An attractions pass from Go City can save you money on romantic activities on Oahu and beyond. Think Hawaiian lei-making on Sunset Beach, traditional fire-dancing workshops, catamaran sailing and turtle-spotting excursions, guided hikes of the spectacular North Shore, entry to the epic Waimea Valley botanical gardens and waterfall, and much more. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more about the types of pass available.</a>

Then there&rsquo;s the Four Seasons Resort Maui at the southern end of Wailea Beach. If you can prise yourself away from the widescreen ocean views here, a whole world of romance awaits you. We&rsquo;re talking private poolside cabanas, romantic sunset dining on the sand, and couples&rsquo; snorkeling experiences.

Over on Kauai, the opulent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort &amp; Spa promises golden sands, azure waters and mountain views that are guaranteed to melt your heart. Having the biggest spa on the island (45,000 square feet, no less) doesn&rsquo;t hurt either. Book yourself in for uber-indulgent treatments for two in the private garden bungalows.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, you could do worse than the Sheraton Waikiki, where views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach from the Edge infinity pool and lively RumFire bar-restaurant are easily among the most romantic in town.

<h2>Romantic Things to do in Hawaii</h2>

There are oodles of romantic things you can do with your other half on Hawaii&rsquo;s enchanting islands: strolling hand-in-hand across sunkissed sands, gazing into each other&rsquo;s eyes over starlit lobster dinners, declaring your undying love after that third rum-laced Blue Hawaiian.

But if you really want to set your heart racing (both literally and figuratively), Hawaii&rsquo;s epic natural wonders are where its at. Turn up the heat with hikes to stunning volcanic peaks, come over all existential on night-time stargazing excursions, or grab that essential souvenir selfie (ussie?) at Nakalele Blowhole. Read on for our pick of Hawaii&rsquo;s most heart-meltingly romantic destinations&hellip;

<h3>Volcanic Views</h3>

Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up to your loved one on a mountaintop? Hawaii&rsquo;s many volcanic peaks provide ample opportunity for enjoying those swoonworthy Pacific sunrises and sunsets together, blanket wrapped around your shoulders as the sky rolls through its technicolor display of flamingo pinks, bruised purples and fiery reds. Hit up the Jaggar Museum Overlook on the Big Island for some of the very best. You&rsquo;ll also enjoy the unique experience of observing one of the world&rsquo;s most active volcanoes up close. Snuggle up close as the sun goes down and Kīlauea&rsquo;s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater glows red and orange in the twilight. Want more? Hop over to Maui for sensational sunrises up top of Haleakalā Crater, from where the whole of the Big Island comes slowly into view in the gathering morning light. Magical.

<h3>Starry Starry Nights</h3>

Gazing into volcanoes and pondering the meaning of life only just scratches the surface of Hawaii&rsquo;s mountaintop activities. You can also take guided hikes of most crater rims, or spend an evening staring at the sky&#39;s rich tapestry of stars with local experts as they wax lyrical about our spectacular solar system. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, located about halfway up Mauna Kea on the Big Island, is excellent, and offers free nightly stargazing programs, though this is as far up the mountain as you&rsquo;ll get in a normal car. Want to continue all the way to its 14,000-foot peak? Take a 4x4 and an expert guide, and be sure to spend a few hours at the center first, to acclimatize to the high elevation. Those who make the pilgrimage (and don&rsquo;t succumb to altitude sickness) are rewarded with unparalleled views of galaxies, constellations, nebulae and more.&nbsp;

<h3>Nakalele Blowhole</h3>

Romantic Destinations in Hawaii | Go City®

King Kamehameha Day, the Biggest Little Airshow, Hawaii’s botanical gardens and more.

Balmy beach weather, calm turquoise waters and a glut of summer festivities make June a fine time to visit the Hawaiian islands. Add some deliciously summery snacks, choice birdwatching opportunities and perfect sunsets and you have all the ingredients for a memorable summer vacation. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in June.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in June

Temperature: 73-88&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 8 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 11 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 79&deg;F

June in Hawaii hits more or less the same sweet spot as <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/oahu-hawaii-in-may" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">May</a>: temperatures are in the balmy 70s and 80s, sea conditions are comfortable, and your chances of encountering a cloudburst are vanishingly slim. Better yet, we ain&rsquo;t yet into the school holidays, meaning you get all the perks of a tropical Hawaiian summer without the crowds. Sure, the rising temperatures are met with rising hotel prices. But as it&rsquo;s not high season quite yet, savvy travelers may still be able to bag the kind of bargain that will seem unthinkable come July and August.

Longer sunshine hours mean more time to enjoy Hawaii&rsquo;s many attractions, from pristine sandy beaches and lush botanical gardens to hiking hotspots, snorkeling sites and sightseeing must-dos including the Pearl Harbor museums, Iolani Palace, Polynesian Culture Center and other essential <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a>.

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in June

There is a staggering variety of activities in which to indulge on Hawaii&rsquo;s many beaches. And no better time to do so than in June when the weather is fine and technicolor sunrises and sunsets are pretty much tailor-made for beach yoga and filter-free Insta-perfect photography.

Play ping-pong at Secret Island Beach on Oahu&rsquo;s windward coast, where you can also kayak out to Mokoliʻi island, also known as the Chinaman&rsquo;s Hat for its distinctive conical shape. Sip mai tais and people-watch at popular Waikiki. Say hey to the colony of native green sea turtles basking on the sands of Laniakea Beach on Oahu&rsquo;s North Shore. Go wild for the emerald-green mountain backdrop at Kauai&rsquo;s Hanalei Bay. Or snorkel the alien underwater world of lava tubes and weird coral formations at Tunnels Beach on Kauai. We could go on, but you probably get the general idea by now: June! Hawaii! BEACHES!

Best of the Beaches

Hawaii&rsquo;s summer festival season is in full swing by June, with several events worthy of your attention. King Kamehameha Day is an annual celebration of the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Statewide events like hula shows and lei-making workshops take place across the islands either side of the big day, but it&rsquo;s the June 11 floral parade from Iolani Palace to Kapiolani Park in Honolulu &ndash; complete with colorful floats and lei-clad revelers &ndash; that draws the biggest crowds.

Hot on its heels, the Pan Pacific Festival is a three-day event that takes place mid-June in Waikiki, bringing Japanese food, music and cultural traditions to the people of Oahu.

Held at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Honolulu&rsquo;s historic Ford Island, the Biggest Little Airshow is a family-friendly fun-fest that features spectacular flying displays, plus remote-controlled mini jets, candy airdrops over the runway, and plenty more funfair rides, food stalls and live music to keep the punters entertained all day long.

June Festivals in Hawaii

Hawaii&rsquo;s lush landscapes are jaw-dropping at the best of times, but perhaps never more so than in early summer when the colors are at their most vibrant, and so many tropical and subtropical plant species are in bloom. Hit up Oahu&rsquo;s Waimea Valley and you&rsquo;ll soon see what we mean. The valley&rsquo;s 1,875 verdant acres comprises a sprawling botanical garden with 50+ themed zones and flora than runs the gamut from prickly cacti to sweetly-scented hibiscus, as well as some picture-perfect waterfalls in which to cool off in the midday heat.

Pro-tip: admission to the Waimea Valley is included with an <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City, which could save you up to 50% on your Oahu and Hawaii sightseeing, and features top attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Ka Moana Luau and access to the Secret Island Beach.

Other popular botanical gardens include Oahu&rsquo;s serene and oh-so-green Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, set against the backdrop of the Koolau mountain range, and the network of National Tropical Botanical Gardens over on neighboring Kauai.

Botanical Beauties

Al fresco dining is de rigueur year-round in the Hawaiian islands, but there&rsquo;s no more satisfying time to enjoy your park poke picnic than in the sultry June sunshine. Indeed, such is poke&rsquo;s popularity here that it could lay legitimate claim to being Hawaii&rsquo;s &lsquo;national&rsquo; dish, its fresh raw fish, crunchy greens and umami soy flavors making it ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch. Try the popular plate lunch for something a little more hearty: a bit like a bento box, it includes traditional Hawaiian kalua pork and creamy macaroni salad with a portion of steamed rice.

Be sure to plunder the farmers&rsquo; markets &ndash; including Hilo Market on Big Island and the KCC Market in Honolulu &ndash; for summer-sweet tropical fruits: Hawaii&rsquo;s pineapples, melons and mangoes are at their ripest, juiciest best at this time of year. And don&rsquo;t miss an opportunity (or six) to cool off with a classic Hawaiian shave ice, liberally doused with your syrup flavor of choice. Try stalwart North Shore shave ice purveyor Matsumoto&rsquo;s for the win.

Sample a Summer Lunch Favorite

The lush natural landscapes of the Hawaiian islands are alive to the sound of birdsong year-round, but nesting season (generally in and around June) is one of the best times to spot Hawaii&rsquo;s feathered friends in their natural habitats.

The climate is also still cool enough in June to pack a field guide and eyeglasses and set out to discover the state&rsquo;s birdwatching hotspots. The Kauai wetlands are one of the best places to eyeball the endemic nene &ndash;&nbsp;aka the Hawaiian goose &ndash; as well as other wading birds including herons, plovers and Hawaiian ducks. Spot swallows and shearwaters on the beaches and hit up densely forested areas like Honolulu&rsquo;s Round Top Reserve for Hawaiian hawks, short-eared owls and colorful honeycreepers. There are marked trails and bird hides in most reserves.&nbsp;

Looking for more things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in June? The Oahu pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on entry to around 40 attractions, including Iolani Palace, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Pearl Harbor museums. Hit the buttons below to bag yours!

Bird is the Word

The annual King Kamehameha Day, Biggest Little Airshow and Pan Pacific festivals are among our June picks for things to do in Oahu and Hawaii. 

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in June | Go City®

Warm weather and calm clear seas make Hawaii a fine sunshine destination for your May vacation.

Hawaii’s pleasantly warm (and dry!) May climate promises excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and more. Catch the annual Lei Day festivities and sample fresh Hawaii mangoes and melons when they’re at their sweetest. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in May.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in May

Temperature: 72-84&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 10 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 11 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 77&deg;F

May nestles right between Hawaii&rsquo;s busy peak winter and summer seasons, with attractive hotel rates and relatively sparse crowds that make it a great time for in-the-know vacationers to visit. The weather at this time of year is typically warm and sunny, and the winter rains are already beginning to feel like a dim and distant memory.

Such improved weather also makes for superior ocean conditions, with calmer, clearer waters that hit the sweet spot for swimming and snorkeling, and softer swells that are much better-suited to novice surfers than those awesome winter waves.

Evenings are warmer too, so you can probably get away with leaving the layers at home, though a cardigan or light sweater is always handy for al fresco dining and late nights at Honolulu&rsquo;s rooftop cocktail bars.

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in May

May&rsquo;s a great time to tick off big-ticket <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> including Pearl Harbor memorials, the Bishop Museum and the opulent Iolani Palace. Why? Well, fewer crowds means less time standing in lines and more time ogling museum art and artifacts. You&rsquo;ll also find it much easier to secure the dates you want for those hot-ticket luau performances, island tours and sought-after restaurants when there are fewer folks around to fill seats.

The <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> makes it even easier (and cheaper) to book the attractions, tours and activities you want, and could save you up to 50% on regular admission prices at top Hawaii sightseeing hotspots. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more and to buy your pass</a>, or read on for more fun things to do in Hawaii and Oahu in May&hellip;

Set at the eastern end of Waikiki Beach and overlooked by the mighty Diamond Head crater, Kapiolani Park is 300 acres of swaying palms, lush greenery and swoonsome sea and mountain views. Visit in May for lazy picnics on the lawn, free shows at the bandstand, and evening concerts at the Waikiki Shell amphitheater. You can also say hey to the residents of Honolulu Zoo. Started as an aviary to house King David Kalakaua&rsquo;s bird collection back in 1877, it&rsquo;s now home to some 1,200 critters, including indigenous Hawaiian hawks, ferociously cute fennec foxes and inscrutable crocodile monitor lizards.

Kapiolani Park is also the epicenter of Oahu&rsquo;s Lei Day celebrations on May 1. This statewide celebration of the iconic floral garland sees the park festooned with thousands of buttery yellow ilima flowers and promises live music, hula dancing, lei-making contests and more.

Visit Kapiolani Park

Oahu&rsquo;s North Shore is wildly popular for pro surfers during winter. But come May, the surf has calmed down somewhat, paving the way for swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders to take to the water.&nbsp;

Pretty Laniakea Beach (not to be confused with Lanikai Beach on the windward coast) is a prime people-watching spot. It&rsquo;s also the best place on the island to eyeball native green sea turtles. Indeed, so many of the majestic seafaring reptiles call this bay home that it&rsquo;s more commonly known as Turtle Beach.

Dive into the North Shore Beach Scene

There&rsquo;s also an abundance of sealife to spot on snorkeling excursions at Shark Cove, including our aforementioned turtle pals, plus tropical fish, eels, octopuses and more. But, strangely enough, no sharks.

Cool off after all that strenuous beach bumming with a traditional Hawaiian shave ice from North Shore stalwart Matsumoto&rsquo;s &ndash; its natural yuzu, lychee and passion fruit flavors are among the best on the island.

Hawaii&rsquo;s tropical bounty is at its sweetest, juiciest best in May. Now&rsquo;s the time to gorge on ripe papayas and pineapples and to work your way through the region&rsquo;s abundance of refreshing melon varieties, including honeydews, cantaloupes and watermelons. You&rsquo;ll find all these and much more, including lychees, starfruit and tomatoes, at farmers&rsquo; markets across the islands. Try the KCC Market in Honolulu, Hilo Market on Big Island and Hanalei Market on Kauai for some of the freshest tropical fruit you&rsquo;ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. Don&rsquo;t miss your chance to bag souvenir jars of raw Manoa honey, bars of single origin Waialua Estate chocolate and aromatic bags of Kona coffee while you&rsquo;re at it.

Sample Sweet Hawaiian Produce

The pleasant May weather makes for splendid hiking conditions across the Hawaiian islands. And hey, if you&rsquo;re going to go hiking in Hawaii you might as well go big, right? In which case, you&rsquo;ll want the daddy, the top dog, the big kahuna of Hawaii hikes. And you&rsquo;ll find it at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

To stroll these otherworldly hills and valleys on the Big Island is to feel you&rsquo;re exploring the lava-scarred landscapes of some alien planet. The park &ndash;&nbsp;an UNESCO World Heritage Site &ndash; is almost the same size as Oahu and contains one of the world&rsquo;s most active volcanoes and most of Hawaii&rsquo;s highest peaks: a guided hike to the summit of mighty Mauna Kea, nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, is one of the most challenging (and rewarding) island climbs in the world.

Hike the Hawaiian Hills

For easier (but no less scenic) hikes, hit up Oahu, where popular trails include the iconic Diamond Head just behind Waikiki Beach, the trail up to Makapuu Lighthouse on the windward coast, and the breathtaking Kuliouou Ridge Trail, around half an hour inland from Honolulu.

Looking for more fun things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in May? The <a href="http://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City can save you up to 50% on entry to around 40 Oahu and Hawaii attractions, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Queen Emma Summer Palace, and several island tours. Click the buttons below to get yours!

The annual Lei Day festival in Kapiolani Park, the North Shore beach scene and a hike through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park all feature in our guide.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in May | Go City®

Visit Hawaii in April for pleasant beach and hiking weather, and the start of festival season.

April is a fine time to visit Hawaii thanks to warm, dry weather, affordable accommodation and a glut of excellent festivals that includes the Laupāhoehoe Music Festival, the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and more! Check out our guide to the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in April below...

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in April

Temperature: 70-82&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 13 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 77&deg;F

It&rsquo;s April, and temperatures are rising as Hawaii hurtles headlong towards summer and the festival season kicks off in earnest. It&rsquo;s an excellent time to visit Oahu and Hawaii for any number of reasons. Firstly, rainy season is more or less over, and April showers are confined to a few irregular bursts across the month. Secondly, we&rsquo;re between peak seasons so &ndash;&nbsp;especially in the second half of the month &ndash;&nbsp;there are hotel room bargains to be had if you play your cards right. Third: there&rsquo;s a chocolate festival in April, as well as a hula festival in which you can work off the worst of the chocolate festival&#39;s side effects. What&rsquo;s not to like?

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in April

Whatever the month, you can maximize your fun (and congratulate yourself on your thrift) with an <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City. The pass could&nbsp;save you up to 50% on entry to a whole host of top <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a>, tours and activities, including Pearl Harbor museums, awesome luau shows and seasonal whale-watching excursions. Hit the buttons below to explore the various Oahu pass options then read on below for our favourite April activities in Oahu and Hawaii.

Warm weather in Hawaii = an ideal opportunity for a spot of classic beach-bumming. We&rsquo;re talking the &lsquo;Secret Island&rsquo; at Oahu&rsquo;s Kailua Beach, where activities include snorkeling, snoozing in a hammock, beach ping-pong and, well, more snoozing in a hammock. Catch a spectacular April sunrise from the pristine sands of Lanikai Beach, hop over to Kauai&rsquo;s Hanalei Bay for morning yoga with inspiring emerald-green mountain views, and hit up wildly popular Waikiki for tiki-bar mai tais and some of Oahu&rsquo;s best people-watching opportunities.

April&rsquo;s clear, calm waters are manna for snorkelers. Say hey to colorful marine critters including native triggerfish and green sea turtles at biodiversity hotspots like Hanauma Bay on Oahu&rsquo;s southeast coast, the Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui, and the otherworldly lava tubes and coral formations of Kauai&rsquo;s Tunnels Beach. Top tip: there are several snorkeling excursions available with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a>, from brief encounters at Waikiki Turtle Canyon to epic Oahu day tours with North Shore snorkeling included. Whale-watching tours may also still be available in early April, as any remaining humpbacks depart Hawaiian waters for the significantly cooler climes of Alaska.

Oahu and Hawaii in April: the Great Outdoors

Hawaii is tailor-made for hiking, and the Goldilocks April climate means you can manage most routes without breaking too much of a sweat. Oahu&rsquo;s Diamond Head remains a perennial favorite thanks to an unchallenging ascent and superb Waikiki Beach and Honolulu views from the crater rim up top. Views from the Koko Head Stairs in the south of the island are no less impressive (but yeah, ok, you might just break a sweat on the 1,048-step climb). Those who prefer their hikes to leave them nursing strained calves and aching glutes should make for the towering Mauna Kea on Big Island. Hawaii&rsquo;s highest peak takes you to snow-capped outcrops a casual 9,200 feet up, so should be considered one for experienced (and fit) walkers only.

April is the start of Hawaii&#39;s festival season, and Big Island is where it&rsquo;s at for two of the most essential. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival is every bit as flamboyant as the name suggests. Lasting a whole week, the festival celebrates the life and legacy of David Kalākaua, last king of Hawaii. This &lsquo;Merrie Monarch&rsquo; was known for his love of traditional Hawaiian music and dance, and it&#39;s these traditions that form the basis for this vibrant festival, in which you can enjoy parades, balls, arts fairs, a Miss Aloha Hula contest, a David Kalākaua beard-lookalike competition and, of course, more hula than you can shake your tail feathers at. The festival takes place in downtown Hilo and at the Edith Kanaka&rsquo;ole Stadium.

Also on Big Island in April, the Laupāhoehoe Music Festival keeps the party going with local live bands and &ndash;&nbsp;yes &ndash; yet more hula, while the Big Island Chocolate Festival should provide more than enough energy to keep you going through all those dancing days.

Oahu and Hawaii in April: Festivals

Nab yourself a Go City <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> to fill your sightseeing boots on your April vacation in Hawaii. As April sits between peak seasons (with the exception of the busy Easter weekend), it&rsquo;s a good time to tick off must-see Honolulu and <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> without the crowds, including Pearl Harbor museums and memorials, the Bishop Museum&rsquo;s encyclopedic natural history of the Pacific islands and the stunning botanical gardens and falls at Waimea Valley on the North Shore.

Oahu and Hawaii in April: Best of the Rest

Take a deep dive into Pacific culture and tradition at the Polynesian Cultural Center and experience the all-singing, all-dancing (and all-eating) bombast of a classic Hawaii luau. Tick catamaran sailing and shoreline fishing off your bucket list, add lei-making and fire-dancing to your skill set, and be sure to pay a visit to the flamboyant confection that is Honolulu&rsquo;s magnificent Iolani Palace.

Looking for yet more things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in April? The Oahu pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on around 40 experiences, including many mentioned in this guide. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click to find out more and choose your pass!</a>

The annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Diamond Head hikes, Waikiki beach-bumming, and a chocolate festival all star in our guide to visiting Oahu and Hawaii in April.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in April | Go City®

Oahu has all the classic holiday elements covered, just without all the snow and cold weather. 

You can enjoy festive holiday parades, an abundant Christmas marketplace, special musical performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet Santa.

Christmas in Oahu – Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities

If you&rsquo;re fortunate enough to be spending part of the winter holiday season in Oahu, we promise not to be too envious. While many may not expect much holiday cheer from this tropical paradise, Oahu abounds with delightful Christmastime attractions and activities.&nbsp;

Our list of the best holiday things to do in Oahu includes:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Honolulu City Lights&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ballet Hawaii&rsquo;s&nbsp;The Nutcracker&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hawaii Symphony Orchestra&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Chinatown Winter Walk&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Christmas in Polynesia&nbsp;</li>
	<li>And more!&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>Honolulu City Lights</h2>

One of the most festive sights in Oahu is the brilliant display of lights anchored by a large central tree hosted by the Honolulu City Hall. On opening night, the mayor will illuminate the Christmas Tree, kicking off a series of special holiday events that take place for the rest of the evening. Marvel at the cheerful holiday parade, get free photos with Santa, enjoy a delightful holiday concert, and more.

<h2>Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace</h2>

Held at the Blaisdell Expo Center, this annual Christmas marketplace boasts over 100 different vendors offering unique gifts for the whole family and live entertainment. Find special Hawaiian wares ranging from local crafts, works of art, and jewelry to authentic Hawaiian food and drink. While the adults are shopping, the kids can enjoy a gingerbread workshop and the opportunity to greet Santa and his most famous reindeer, Rudolph.

<h2>Christmas in Polynesia</h2>

Each December the island&rsquo;s most popular attraction celebrates Christmas in a big way. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas canoe ride alongside other seasonal local activities, like a scavenger hunt, a holiday train ride, and plenty of Polynesian goodies. Don&rsquo;t forget to hit up the Hukilau Marketplace at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/polynesian-cultural-center" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Polynesian Cultural Center</a>&nbsp;for some authentic Polynesian and Hawaiian gift ideas.

<h2>More Festive Things to Do in Oahu&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	Bring the whole family to run or walk the charitable Jingle Rock Run&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Catch Santa as he comes ashore in a canoe at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Enjoy a festive holiday luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Get your holiday shopping done at the Waikiki Christmas Store&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Marvel at the grand Christmas displays at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Say hi to the Strolling Santa at the International Market Place&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Snap photos of the exquisite Christmas sand sculptures at the Sheraton Waikiki&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Visit the Winter Wishes Holiday Festival at the Waikiki Convention Center&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Save up to 50% on Oahu attractions</h2>

Discover our full line-up of Oahu attractions from the Polynesian Cultural Center to Waikiki Sunset Beach yoga.

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/passes?duration=3" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a> is for you.

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/passes/explorer?duration=3" target="_blank">Explorer Pass </a>is the perfect option.

Whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu attraction pass</a> you pick, you&#39;ll be front-of-line for Hawaii&#39;s best bits!

<h2>Share your adventure with us&nbsp;</h2>

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we may just feature you on our page. Follow the Go City <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!&nbsp;

<h2>Ballet Hawaii&rsquo;s&nbsp;The Nutcracker</h2>

You may think you know&nbsp;The Nutcracker, but we&rsquo;d wager a bet that you&rsquo;ve never seen a performance quite like this. Ballet Hawaii re-imagines this Christmas classic by changing the setting to the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1858 and introducing none other than Queen Lili&rsquo;uokalani in a central role. You can also expect brilliant tropical flowers and Hawaiian fauna to make a special appearance in this twist on everyone&rsquo;s favorite Christmas play.

<h2>Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade</h2>

A beloved annual tradition, the Festival of Lights Boat Parade combines holiday spirit and Oahu&rsquo;s maritime culture. Held at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, this family-friendly event features live entertainment including hula dances and a musical performance by the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific.

<h2>Hawaii Symphony Orchestra</h2>

The annual holiday concert as performed by the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is another delightful tradition on Oahu. Featuring themes such as A Very Merry Holiday Pops, visitors can expect a wide selection of holiday favorites played with gusto and Hawaiian flair. The venue is also a historic one&mdash;the Hawaii Theatre dates back to 1922 and boasts a gorgeous interior.

<h2>Chinatown Winter Walk</h2>

Every year, this cultural district transforms into a Christmas wonderland - it&#39;s a must-see! More than 40 local merchants decorate their shop windows for the holidays, each competing with the others in terms of who can boast the best, brightest, and most festive d&eacute;cor. Take a self-guided walking tour of the area to soak up the holiday spirit and get some Christmas shopping done.

<h2>Christmas at Ala Moana</h2>

The biggest and best shopping center on Oahu, Ala Moana boasts a wonderful selection of Christmastime activities for the whole family. Kids can get their photos taken with Santa and everyone can enjoy the abundance of holiday d&eacute;cor that brings the entire mall into the Christmas spirit. And of course, this is a great opportunity to get plenty of holiday shopping crossed off.

Our list of the best holiday things to do in Oahu includes: Honolulu City Lights; Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker; Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade

Christmas in Oahu - Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities

Our tips for spending New Year’s Eve on Hawaii’s most popular island, including sightseeing, traditional Polynesian celebrations and, of course, fireworks.

The balmy ‘winter’ climate makes for some fine outdoorsy ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Oahu and Honolulu. Diamond Head hike? Check. Swim and a siesta? Also check. Pineapple drop? Sure, why not! And that’s before you even get close to the epic fireworks display that lights up Waikiki Beach at midnight. Read on for our guide to having a ‘hau'oli makahiki hou’ (happy new year) in Oahu and Honolulu…

Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Oahu and Honolulu

Stop #1: Bear in mind that many of Oahu&rsquo;s New Year&rsquo;s Eve celebrations don&rsquo;t kick in until late in the evening so, if you&rsquo;re up with the sunrise, you&rsquo;re going to be in for the long haul. But don&rsquo;t let that put you off giving your legs a good morning stretch. Indeed, a sunrise hike up the iconic Diamond Head crater is just about the best way to start *any* day on Oahu. <a href="https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead/about" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Book an early slot</a> in advance to secure your spot and you&rsquo;ll be rewarded with far-reaching views to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond. Who knows, you might even spot a migrating gray whale cruising the warm waters far below.&nbsp;

Stop #2: Diamond Head is a relatively unchallenging hike, meaning even the most relaxed rambler can be up to the crater and back in a couple of hours. Perfect timing, in other words, for a well-earned Honolulu brunch. Pancakes and bloody marys at Waikiki&rsquo;s sea-view Monkeypod Kitchen or the legendary Duke&rsquo;s for the win.

Stop #3: Hit the road for the inland city of Mililani, where the annual New Year pineapple drop (an aloha-style nod to the Times Square ball drop) takes place in the center between 10AM and 1PM. This is a fun family affair, with celebratory live performances and a whopping 12-foot pineapple which drops at precisely 12 noon.

Morning

Stop #1: It&rsquo;s all about taking it easy and conserving energy for the main event as the long afternoon stretches out ahead of you. Mosey over to the Windward Coast, where the Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch is a picture-perfect paradise of golden sands, jungle-clad mountains and gin-clear waters. Dip your toes, play beach ping-pong or take yourself off for a little nap in one of the hammocks.

Top tip: morning or afternoon entry to the Secret Island beach is included with a Go City Oahu pass, which can save you up to 50% on Oahu&rsquo;s top tours, activities and attractions. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Find out more here.</a>

A little further south, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve presents a lovely alternative option for your afternoon activity. Surrounded by emerald-green hills, this pristine reserve is home to more than 400 species of marine critters. Grab your snorkel and dive in for close encounters with a kaleidoscope of colorful creatures, including sea turtles, tangs, butterflyfish and box jellyfish.

Stop #2: Didn&rsquo;t get a chance to squeeze in some shut-eye on your beachy afternoon? Now&rsquo;s the time to head back to your accommodation for a reviving siesta, the better to prepare you for the fun evening ahead&hellip;

Afternoon

Stop #1: No prizes for guessing that all the best Oahu and Honolulu New Year&rsquo;s Eve action is centered around Waikiki Beach. Your first port of call should be sundowners on the sand, an ideal opportunity to fill your Insta feed with skies the color of rust and technicolor cocktails from one of the many tiki bars. Try a citrusy Mai Tai with its powerful rum kick or enjoy the tropical taste of a classic Blue Hawaiian against that perfect Diamond Head backdrop.

Stop #2: There are stacks of Waikiki and Honolulu dining options for New Year&rsquo;s Eve, from seafront surf and turf to French fine dining and takeout poke bowls. New Year&rsquo;s Eve festivities kick off around 7PM on the Grand Lanai at Waikiki&rsquo;s International Market Place, and include several dining options plus a fashion show, live entertainment, a midnight pineapple drop, and waterfront views of the fireworks. New Year&#39;s Eve on the Grand Lanai is free but you&rsquo;ll need to book well in advance to bag a table at one of the restaurants there.

Evening

Or you could opt instead for a blockbuster Oahu luau with traditional music and dance and lavish Polynesian buffet banquets. Our New Year&rsquo;s Eve favorites include:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Ka Moana Luau at Honolulu&rsquo;s iconic art-deco Aloha Tower, a retired art-deco lighthouse. This sea-faring epic is included with <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions/ka-moana-luau" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the All-Inclusive Oahu pass from Go City.</a></li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The awesome Rock-A-Hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Center is practically a rite of passage for Oahu vacationers; their midnight luau on New Year&rsquo;s Eve includes a spectacular virtual fireworks display.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a fun (if pricey) New Year&rsquo;s Eve party with all the usual trimmings: hula dancers, fire-knife performers and smoky, melt-in-the-mouth kalua pork.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The Royal Hawaiian Hotel hosts a New Year&rsquo;s Eve luau and promises superb oceanfront views of the midnight fireworks.</li>
</ul>

Stop #3: Of course, all of the above entertainments and activities are mere hors d&#39;oeuvres and amuse bouches to Oahu&rsquo;s main New Year&rsquo;s Eve event. That&rsquo;s right: we&rsquo;re talking about the epic technicolor fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Waikiki Beach on the stroke of midnight. The pyrotechnics spectacular actually launches from a barge out on the water, creating stunning reflections in the surf below. The display is visible for miles around, meaning you can enjoy the show from a number of different vantage points. Rooftop Honolulu restaurants and cocktail bars are a popular choice. Likewise the array of party boats that cruise the bay, and include food, drinks, shows and live DJs as part of the package. Try the likes of Atlantis Cruises and the Star of Honolulu if this sounds like your bag. Or, you know, just stick to the beach itself. But, above all, be sure to have a very hau&#39;oli makahiki hou!

Fireworks, pineapple drops and parties: our guide to all the best things to do in Honolulu and Oahu on New Year’s Eve.

Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Oahu & Honolulu | Go City®

Hit up Hawaii in March for the tail-end of whale-watching season, plus beer festivals, world-class hiking, and more.

March sees Hawaii’s rainy season peter out to a thin trickle and marks the beginning of the end of the great winter whale-watching extravaganza. But it's also a time of rebirth, with the first signs of plumeria flowers coming into bloom and several fun festivals that herald the forthcoming summer season. Dive in for our guide to the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in March.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in March

Temperature: 66-81&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 16 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 75&deg;F

March is a month of two rather distinct halves in Hawaii, thanks to spring breakers who flock to the islands like so many seabirds in the final two weeks. The effect is that prices (especially for hotel rooms) are significantly higher for the second half of the month, and you may also find it a little more challenging to book the hottest restaurants and most sought-after <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a>.&nbsp;

On the upside, Hawaii&rsquo;s rainy season is now drawing to a close, skies are clear and the weather is warm. And, if you can take your vacation just ahead of spring break, you&rsquo;ll find there are still plenty of accommodation bargains to be had in the first half of the month, with hefty discounts compared to late March and peak-season pricing.

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in March

Beat rising costs with a handy <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City. The pass gives you discounted entry to a number of Oahu and Hawaii attractions, activities and tours, including Pearl Harbor museums, the Polynesian Cultural Center and full-day snorkeling adventures, and could save you up to 50% on regular admission. Hit the buttons below to find out more then read on for our favourite March activities in Oahu and Hawaii.

<h3>Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in March</h3>

Oahu&rsquo;s spectacular Honolulu Festival &ndash;&nbsp;a celebration of the cultural diversity and ethnic harmony that exists across Hawaii and the Pacific Rim &ndash; is one of the year&rsquo;s most vibrant and colorful public events. Taking place across one long March weekend, it promises music, dance and traditional performances from countries and regions as diverse as Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Tahiti, Taiwan, South Korea and, of course, Hawaii and the mainland United States.

Expect eye-popping cultural showcases on stages at Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk and the Hawaii Convention Center, plus craft fairs, regional street food, a grand parade along Kalakaua Avenue and an explosive closing fireworks display over Waikiki Beach. Magical.

Check out the Honolulu Festival

Perhaps Hawaii&rsquo;s biggest March draw is a final chance to ogle the humpbacks that have wintered in the warm waters around the islands here. In late March and early April, thousands of whales, many with newborn calves, will begin to make the return voyage to Alaska, so it&#39;s a great time to watch these majestic creatures as they breach in the shallow waters of the Auau Channel and cruise the shorelines of islands including Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Big Island.

See them on one of the dozens of whale-watching boat tours that are available between November and April, or grab your binoculars and make for viewpoints including Makapuu Lighthouse on Oahu and Kapa Overlook on Kaui&rsquo;s Coconut Coast.

Get the Hump

Ocean temperatures around Hawaii are on the up in March, nudging a comfortable 75&deg;F. So it&rsquo;s a great time to rent a snorkel on the North Shore or mosey over to the protected waters of Hanauma Bay, where green sea turtles, box jellyfish, triggerfish, wrasses and hundreds more marine species share the reef.

Conditions are also pretty good for surfers, with pros hitting up the North Shore and windward coast, while novices can take lessons on the calmer waters of Waikiki Beach. Or, y&rsquo;know, just grab a mai tai from one of the many tiki bars here, kick back on the golden sands, and gaze smugly on as your friends and family wipe out in the shallows.

Dive in, the Water’s Lovely!

The second Saturday of March sees one of Hawaii&rsquo;s most celebrated beer festivals hit the shores of Big Island. Craft ale aficionados will be in seventh heaven at the annual Kona Brewers Festival, when dozens of Hawaiian and mainland US breweries come together to ply their delectable wares in Kamakahonu Bay, with pleasing views of the blue Pacific and Ahuʻena Heiau temple providing the visual accompaniment to your imbibing.

Fear not: there&rsquo;s food too, with plenty of island cuisine available to help soak up the beery suds, while live music keeps the aloha spirit alive all day long.

You may wish to stick to beverages of the non-alcoholic variety the night before the popular 5-10km Run for Hops, a fun jogging (or walking) event that kicks off the festival in the morning. Be sure to register in advance to secure your place!

Grab a Beer (or Two)

Hawaii&rsquo;s mild March climate and lush green terrain makes for ideal hiking conditions. So lace up your boots, slap on the sunscreen and head for the hills! There are stacks of great walks on the four main islands and beyond, from gentle woodland strolls to glute-crunching volcano ascents, but almost all of them will reward the intrepid wanderer with the kind of scenery that promises Insta bragging rights for months to come.

Take a Hike

Newbies will want to conquer Diamond Head, the iconic crater at the end of Waikiki Beach. Pro-tip: get there at sunrise to dodge the crowds (and midday heat) and don&rsquo;t forget your binoculars for those all-important whale-spotting opportunities. Botany buffs will find much to enjoy in Waimea Valley&rsquo;s 2,000 acres of picture-perfect parkland, while the Lanikai Pillbox Trail on the other side of Oahu offers the additional attraction of a wind-down on lovely Lanikai Beach at journey&rsquo;s end.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail affords outstanding views of Oahu&rsquo;s southeastern coastline, including Koko Crater and Koko Head. Daredevil hikers with nerves (and buns) of steel might even be tempted to tackle the Koko Head Stairs themselves &ndash; this casual near-vertical ascent up some 1,048 steps makes Diamond Head seem like a walk in the park!

But if it&rsquo;s absolute pro-level hiking you seek, hop over to the alien landscapes of Big Island, where Hawaii&rsquo;s highest peak awaits. The 12-mile round-trip from the visitor center to the top of Mauna Kea and back is manna for thrill-seekers: 9,200 feet of rough and often snowy terrain punctuated with steep ascents and the occasional bout of altitude sickness. Going with a guide from the visitor center is recommended!

Looking for more things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in January? The Oahu pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on entry to around 40 Oahu and Hawaii attractions, including Pearl Harbor Museums, the Polynesian Cultural Center and various island tours. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click to find out more and choose your pass!</a>

The annual Honolulu Festival, hikes on the Lanikai Pillbox trail and Koko Head Stairs, and a Big Island beerfest all feature in our guide to Hawaii in March.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in March | Go City®

Visit Hawaii in February for surfing contests and some of the year’s best whale-spotting opportunities.

The Hawaiian islands are at perhaps their least crowded in February, making this a great time to visit. Experience traditional Polynesian luaus, catch a wave at the North Shore and check out some of Hawaii’s most popular attractions, all without having to jockey for position with the swelling summer crowds. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in February.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in February

Temperature: 68-81&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 13 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 75&deg;F

Let&rsquo;s address the elephant in the room first and wrestle that pesky fly out of the ointment. So ok, February is among Hawaii&rsquo;s wettest months, with rainfall on an average of 13 of the 28 days. Sounds high for sure, but often it takes the form of a a rapid cloudburst or short shower, rather than a biblical deluge that lasts all day. Those who make the leap of faith are often rewarded with mostly dry and sunny weather, with pleasantly balmy temperatures and seas still just about warm enough to comfortably swim in.

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in February

Heck, even if you do get unlucky, Hawaii &ndash; and especially the island of Oahu &ndash;&nbsp;has plenty of fantastic indoor attractions to explore, from art museums and aquariums to regal palaces and moving monuments and memorials to the victims of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks. You can save up to 50% on admission to many of these, plus whale-watching excursions, island tours and more with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more and choose your pass</a>, or read on for more info on our favorite February Hawaii activities!

<h3>Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in February</h3>

Visit Oahu and Hawaii in February for lower prices, shorter lines, fewer crowds, and some of the best whale-watching opportunities you’ll get all year.

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