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®

Hawaii’s October highlights include an international film festival, turtle-spotting at Lanikai Beach and spooky Halloween events galore!

Hawaii really comes out to play in October, when Halloween activities – pumpkin-picking dress-up and Honolulu hauntings – get into full swing and several other festivals, including Honolulu Pride and the Ironman World Championship, also take place. Our guide to the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in October includes all of these, plus hula dancing, turtles, cultural attractions and much more!

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in October

Temperature: 73-88&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 11 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 81&deg;F

October is shoulder season in Hawaii. Not that you&rsquo;d know it, what with the veritable smorgasbord of fun festivals taking place throughout the month, from foodie spectaculars to film fests and, of course, Halloween. Prices are, on the whole, lower than more popular peak summer dates, meaning there are bargains to be had. But do be aware that hotel prices can spike during the most popular events (looking at you, Ironman World Championship).

The weather in October ain&rsquo;t half bad either: we&rsquo;re talking balmy summer days with only the occasional pre-rainy season shower, but rarely anything prolonged enough to dampen your spirits. Our advice? Pack a pocket poncho with the shades and sunscreen just in case you&rsquo;re caught out on a hike.

Tourist numbers are also down in October, so it&rsquo;s a fine time to enjoy all those fine <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> &ndash;&nbsp;Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and traditional Polynesian luaus &ndash;&nbsp;with relatively few fellow sightseers. You can also save on admission to dozens of Hawaii bucket-listers with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City&reg;, which can reduce regular admission prices by up to half. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click to find out more and choose your pass.</a>

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in October

Hawaii hosts more festivals and events in October than you can shake your hula at. Here is just a small selection of our faves&hellip;

October Festivals in Oahu and Hawaii

<h3>Honolulu Pride Parade</h3>

October is Hawaii&rsquo;s LGBTQ+ History Month, when the already colorful streets of Honolulu get the full rainbow treatment, with flags flying from Magic Island all the way down Kalakaua Avenue through Waikiki and into Kapiolani Park. Pick a spot along the route to catch the eye-popping Pride Parade, featuring flamboyant floats, loud loud music and plenty of balloons and streamers, and nab tickets for the festival that follows, with drag acts, musicians, dancers and more taking to the stage at Waikiki Shell. <a href="https://www.honolulupride.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">More here.</a>

<h3>Hawaii Island Festival of Birds</h3>

The Big Island&rsquo;s annual festival of all things avian is a must for full-feathered birdwatchers and fledgling twitchers alike. Expect tours, talks, games and bird-themed crafts, meaning that, if you fail to spot that elusive Hawaiian honeycreeper, you can probably still buy a picture of one. <a href="https://birdfesthawaii.org/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Stick your beak in for further details here.</a>

<h3>Hawaii Food and Wine Festival</h3>

This epicurean extravaganza takes place over three weekends in October (and sometimes into early November), taking in a trio of islands &ndash; Oahu, Maui and the Big Island &ndash; and serving up countless culinary delights from the Pacific Islands and beyond. Take an empty stomach and an open mind for maximum enjoyment. <a href="https://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Details of this year&rsquo;s festival can be found here.</a>

You&rsquo;ll feel like you&rsquo;re working off some of that fine Hawaiian cuisine just by *spectating* this annual triathlon on the Big Island, in which hardcore athletes from around the world compete for the title of Ironman (and Ironwoman). The course includes an open-water sea swim in Kailua-Kona Bay, a bike race across 122 miles of lava-scarred desert, and a windswept coastal marathon, all in frequently sweltering conditions. Not, in other words, a contest for the faint-hearted.

Ironman World Championship

<h3>Hawaii International Film Festival</h3>

Popcorn at the ready: held across the four main Hawaiian Islands, this annual cinema showcase highlights movies from Asia, the Pacific region and North America. Here&rsquo;s your chance to catch exclusive screenings, plus workshops, director Q&amp;As, star-studded awards ceremonies and &ndash;&nbsp;who knows &ndash;&nbsp;perhaps even the odd celebrity selfie opportunity. <a href="https://hiff.org/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Check the HIFF website for event details.</a>

<h3>Emalani Festival</h3>

Featuring traditional food, music and crafts, this one honors Queen Emma&rsquo;s valuable contribution to Hawaii&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage. A celebration of her legendary horsemanship forms the centerpiece of the event. And if that&rsquo;s whet your appetite for all things Queen Emma, your <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> also covers entry to her summer palace: a 19th-century New England-style house just outside Honolulu in the lush Nuuanu Valley.

In many ways, Hawaii&rsquo;s no different to the other 49 US states. That&rsquo;s especially true at Halloween, when the trick or treaters are out in force and carved pumpkins wearing all manner of hideous expressions line the streets. You can even pick and carve your own at one of the pumpkin farms on Oahu and the Big Island.

Join a Honolulu ghost tour to discover Polynesian connections to the spiritual world, complete with spooky myths and legends and even ceremonies for communing with long-dead relatives. Or take a walk through the Haunted Plantation&hellip; if you dare. This super-scary immersive sugar-plantation nightmare unfolds in what is considered to be one of the world&rsquo;s most haunted villages. Gulp.

Bit too creepy for comfort? Opt for marginally more cuddly Halloween experiences at themed pop-up bars, local cinemas and the Waikiki Aquarium instead.

Spooktacular Halloween Fun!

There&rsquo;s plenty more you can do in Oahu and Hawaii in October (when not birdwatching, taking part in a triathlon or running away screaming from disembodied heads, that is). The reduced shoulder-season crowds makes October prime time, for example, to tick off some of those essential cultural&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a>. We&rsquo;re talking the moving memorials and monuments of Pearl Harbor, the ostentatious confection that is regal Iolani Palace, and that most essential of Hawaii experiences: the traditional luau, a sensory extravaganza of Polynesian food, traditional music, hula, fire-dancing and more. You can check out our pick of <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/oahu-most-popular-tourist-attractions-top-10" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu&#39;s top 10 attractions here</a>, and read our comparison of two of <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/ka-moana-luau-vs-polynesian-cultural-center-comparison" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu&rsquo;s top luau shows here</a>.

October in Oahu and Hawaii: Best of the Rest

Pimp up your skill set with something a little out of your comfort zone. Hawaiians pride themselves on their colorful traditions and want to share them with you. And, after all, it&rsquo;s not every day you get the chance to craft a delicate floral garland or learn hula and fire-dancing from the experts.

That&rsquo;s not all either. You can still spot nesting sea turtles by the dozen in October on beaches like Lanikai on Oahu (there&rsquo;s a reason they call it Turtle Beach, doncha know), as well as at Kahaluʻu Beach Park on the Big Island.

Looking for more October activities in Oahu and Hawaii? Hit the buttons below to find out how you could save with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> and to choose yours&hellip;

Spooky Halloween celebrations, Honolulu Pride and the Hawaii Island Festival of Birds all feature in our guide to the best of Oahu and Hawaii in October. 

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

Our September guide includes some of Hawaii’s top hikes, plus Pearl Harbor attractions, the state’s biggest annual festival and more.

Warm weather minus peak summer crowds makes September a fine time to visit Hawaii, giving sunseekers the chance to top up their tans without having to arm-wrestle for the best spots on the beach. Our guide to things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in September includes the awesome Aloha Festivals, plus Pearl Harbor museums, the Polynesian Cultural Center and a hike in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in September

Temperature: 75-90&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 11 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 81&deg;F

September is kinda the best of all worlds in Hawaii. Temperatures are much the same as the peak vacation months of July and August, which means mercury that rides the high 80s on the regular and rarely drops to anywhere near the level where you might start considering a cardigan (unless you happen to find yourself at high altitude, that is &ndash; of which more later).

Plus, with the kids back in school the summer crowds have substantially thinned, meaning no more soul-sucking lines for that life-saving shave ice or mai tai cocktail, nor fights over who had their towel on the sunlounger first.

Lower tourist numbers are also great news for your wallet. Let&rsquo;s face it, Hawaii can be expensive at the best of times, so September&rsquo;s slightly more affordable room rates are likely to be manna for more price-conscious vacationers. It also means less time spent queuing up for Oahu&rsquo;s biggest cultural attractions, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor monuments and museums.

Savvy travelers can save even more with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> from Go City&reg;, which slices up to 50% off the regular admission prices of top Hawaii attractions. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click to find out more and choose your pass.</a>

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in September

The spirit of aloha is alive and well in the Hawaiian Islands. Much more than just a friendly greeting, aloha is a genuine way of life for islanders, encapsulating philanthropic behaviours like love, kindness, humility and patience. It&rsquo;s a philosophy, quite frankly, that we could all do well to get behind.

Let a little aloha spirit into your life at the trio of cultural celebrations that comprise the Aloha Festivals. Established way back in 1946 to honor the state&#39;s music and dance traditions and storied past, the month-long party is celebrated across the islands, with the main events taking place across consecutive September weekends on Oahu, as follows&hellip;

The Aloha Festivals

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony. Don&rsquo;t be fooled by the rather formal name. The opening weekend of the festival is a vibrant display of Hawaiian heritage and pageantry, usually held in Helumoa Gardens at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Expect traditional music, hula dancing and colorful costumes galore.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Waikiki Ho&#39;olaule&#39;a. Only Hawaii&rsquo;s biggest annual block party, the Waikiki Ho&#39;olaule&#39;a is a beachfront street festival par excellence featuring Hawaiian street food, artisan crafts and multiple stages showcasing the best local bands and &ndash;&nbsp;yes &ndash;&nbsp;hula dancers.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Floral Parade. Got a passion for plumeria? Adore anthuriums? Hibiscus make you happy? Then take yourself along to the festival&rsquo;s fabulous floral fiesta, an absolute riot of color and scent that features floats brimming with cascades of rainbow blooms, plus marching bands, traditional pāʻū horseback riders and more dancers than you can shake your hula at.</li>
</ul>

Take advantage of September&rsquo;s reduced tourist numbers to enjoy major <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> without those pesky long lines. Here are some of our faves, several of which are included with the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a>&hellip;

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Pearl Harbor. The best way to experience Hawaii&rsquo;s most historically significant sites is with an immersive guided tour. There are several variations available, but the best will always include the memorial to the sunken USS Arizona battleship and the deeply moving National Cemetery of the Pacific, nestled in an extinct volcano cone.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Iolani Palace. See how the other half live inside this opulent American-Florentine confection which was built for Kamehameha III in the mid-19th century and remains the only official royal state residence in the United States to this day.</li>
</ul>

Oahu’s Top Cultural Attractions

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Polynesian Cultural Center. Six distinct villages represent six different Polynesian island nations at this perennially popular Oahu attraction, which promises a sensory saturnalia of sights, sounds and smells from across the South Pacific. Try your hand at lei-making and fire-dancing, get a temporary tattoo, sample freshly made Tahitian coconut bread and much more.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Bishop Museum. Delve deeper still into Hawaii&rsquo;s heritage at this fine natural history museum, where highlights include 19th-century Hawaiian art, personal effects from the Hawaiian monarchy, and a planetarium.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Sea Life Park Hawaii. This fine family day out on Oahu stars Humboldt penguins, Hawaiian reef sharks, rare wholphins and a veritable kaleidoscope of vibrant tropical fish. You can even hand-feed sea turtles, should you so desire.</li>
</ul>

Balmy weather and sunny skies mean prime conditions for outdoor pursuits. Our pick for September runs the gamut from scaling magnificent volcanic peaks to snoozing in a hammock&hellip;

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Snorkel the Molokini Crater. Hawaii is a marine biologist&rsquo;s shangri-la, but we mere mortals can get in on the act too at any one of dozens of fine snorkeling spots. The Molokini Crater off Maui island is one of the finest, thanks to protected coral reefs that fairly teem with tropical critters, including vibrant yellow tangs and triggerfish, green sea turtles, and maybe even the occasional reef shark lurking in the depths below.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Take the Road to Hana. One of Hawaii&#39;s most scenic road trips, this epic drive down Maui&rsquo;s east coast, from Kahului to Hana, takes in rainforests, waterfalls, charming villages and widescreen ocean views. Pause for a cooling dip at the Pua&#39;a Ka&#39;a Falls or secluded Honomanu Bay along the way.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Waimea Valley. At a whopping 1,875 acres, this huge tract of Oahu parkland is a boon for botany-loving explorers. Roam walking trails flanked by archaeological treasures, seek out the flamboyant bird of paradise flower in the vast botanical garden and, when the mercury starts to soar, make for the refreshingly cool waters of&nbsp;Waimea Falls.</li>
</ul>

The Great Outdoors

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A guided hike through this geological wonderland is practically a rite of passage when visiting Hawaii&rsquo;s Big Island. Pro-climbers will relish the opportunity to ascend majestic Mauna Kea, a lava-scarred volcano that rises a quad-bothering 14,000 feet above sea level. Layer up though: the high altitude means the peak is frequently shrouded in snow and, since there hasn&rsquo;t been an eruption here in nearly 5,000 years, you can&rsquo;t rely on the lava to keep you warm.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Kualoa Ranch. And, if all of that sounds a little too&hellip; energetic, make for one of Hawaii&rsquo;s Insta-perfect beaches instead. Secret Island Beach &ndash; part of the Kualoa Ranch on Oahu&rsquo;s Windward Coast &ndash; is arguably one of the most relaxing;&nbsp;a tropical paradise of white sands, gin-clear waters and palm-slung hammocks with views of the so-called &lsquo;Chinaman&rsquo;s Hat&rsquo; island (pictured).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Looking for more things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in September? <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out how you could save with the Oahu pass.</a>

Epic volcano hikes, Hawaii’s best beaches and a trio of Aloha Festivals all feature in our guide to the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in September. 

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

Honor history and pay tribute at one of the most significant sites in US military history.

The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most visited destinations in Hawaii and is a must-see during your vacation to Oahu and Pearl Harbor. Make the most of your visit with our top tips!

Tips for Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a powerful and moving experience, offering a chance to reflect on one of the most significant moments in U.S. history. Whether you&#39;re a history buff or simply want to pay your respects, planning ahead can help you make the most of your visit.In this guide, we&rsquo;ll cover everything you need to know&mdash;including the best times to go, what&rsquo;s included in the experience, and tips for securing tickets. Plus, we&rsquo;ll highlight other nearby attractions worth exploring while you&rsquo;re at Pearl Harbor to round out your visit.

<ul>
	<li>Parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free. Lots are located in front of the main entrance. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>1,300 free walk-in tickets are issued each day to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 7AM. You can reserve your free tickets online up to two months in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/showPage.do?name=landing&amp;landing=/htm/pearlharbor/memorial.jsp&amp;contractCode=NRSO&amp;parkId=72369&amp;page=memorial" rel="noopener" target="_blank">recreation.gov</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>With a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions/uss-arizona-memorial-narrated-tour-pearl-harbor" target="_blank">Go City Oahu pass</a> you can get a headset for the audio tour at no charge. Present your pass at the audio kiosk near the ticket counter after you pick up your tickets, but before entering the theater. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>We recommend you give&nbsp;yourself at least 2&nbsp;hours to complete the full narrated tour.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>For security reasons, no bags of any kind are allowed on any of the memorials, including purses, backpacks, camera bags, etc. Lockers are available for a small fee to store bags and other items. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Strollers are not allowed in the theater, on the shuttle boat, or on the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The theater, Navy shuttle boat, and memorial are all wheelchair accessible. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Only clear bottled water is allowed in the theater, on the shuttle boat, and at the memorial. No other food or drinks are allowed. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Military members in uniform are required to dress at Class B or above, and battle attire is not permitted at the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial, though it is allowed at the Visitor Center and other sites around Ford Island. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The audio tour is available in nine languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, Russian, Italian, German or Spanish.</li>
</ul>

Tips for visiting

Back on land, the audio tour takes you past the waterfront memorials along the Walk of Remembrance, and two small museums, &quot;The Road to War&quot; and &quot;Attack,&quot;. The exhibitions feature pieces that tell the story of what led up to the fateful event, stories, and testimonies.This second half of the narrated tour takes a little over an hour. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, daughter of Pacific War veteran actor Tony Curtis, guides you through the exhibit galleries and memorial plaques. The audio tour also includes touching guest narration by Pearl Harbor survivors and historian Daniel Martinez. Despite the horrific events, the memorial stands as an emblem of peace and remembrance, rather than a tribute to hatred or violence.

Exhibits, Galleries, and Monuments

<h3>What attractions are near the USS Arizona?</h3>

The World War II Valor in the Pacific Park houses several other memorials.&nbsp;Here are a few nearby we suggest you add to your itinerary. 
&nbsp;
USS&nbsp;Bowfin&nbsp;Submarine
The USS&nbsp;Bowfin&nbsp;Submarine is another important memorial from World War II located right next to the USS&nbsp;Arizona.&nbsp;This submarine is one of only 15 surviving U.S. Combat vessels. With a guided audio tour, you can learn the history of the ship and its attacks on enemy warships.&nbsp;

<h4><a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions/battleship-missouri-memorial-pearl-harbor" target="_blank">USS&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;Battleship</a></h4>

Ride a shuttle bus to the Ford Island and the USS&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;battleship, or &ldquo;Mighty Mo,&rdquo; looming near the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial. This battleship is a sister to the USS&nbsp;Arizona, and the site of Japan&rsquo;s official surrender to the United States in 1945, marking the end of World War II. The USS&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;Memorial is open to the public for self-guided and audio tours.&nbsp;

<h4><a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions/pacific-aviation-museum-pearl-harbor">Pacific Aviation Museum</a></h4>

The shuttle also stops at the&nbsp;Pacific Aviation Museum, which includes the Ford Island Control Tower and two military hangars housing aircraft and other memorabilia, mostly related to the attack on Pearl Harbor.&nbsp;

Now you&#39;ve got all the information you need to make the most of your trip to the USS Arizona.&nbsp;Whether you&rsquo;re here to honor the past, learn more about this pivotal moment in history, or simply take in the significance of the site, it&rsquo;s a place that leaves a lasting impression. Take your time, reflect, and appreciate the stories that continue to be told here. 
Enjoyed reading this guide? Check out our guide to the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/7-must-do-things-in-oahu" target="_blank">25+ Things to Do in Honolulu on Your Hawaiian Vacation&nbsp;</a>or our recommendations for<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/places-to-watch-sunset-on-oahu" target="_blank"> 5 of the Best Places to Watch the Sunset on Oahu.</a>

<h3>When is the best time to visit the USS Arizona?</h3>

The Visitor Center opens at 7AM daily, and programs for the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial run every 15 minutes, beginning at 7:30AM. If you haven&rsquo;t reserved your tickets in advance, you should get to the Visitor Center as close to 7AM as possible, or you risk not being able to get a ticket for that day.
If you&#39;d like, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16">you can reserve your tickets online,</a> up to two months in advance. This will ensure you get to visit the Memorial on your trip to Hawaii. Reserve your tickets for late morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. The last program begins at 3PM.
June through August and the winter holidays are the busiest time of year in Honolulu. Go off-season if you want to avoid the crowds.

The escorted portion of the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. It begins with a brief introduction outside Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, followed by a film presentation. The award-winning documentary provides an in-depth history of the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, WWII, and the history of the USS&nbsp;Arizona.You then exit the theater through a back door that leads directly to a Navy shuttle boat. You will immediately board for the short excursion to the memorial itself. After docking at the memorial, you&rsquo;ll have some time to explore before heading back to the Visitor Center. There, you can follow a guided audio tour that includes information about exhibit galleries and waterfront interpretive displays.The theater experienceThe 23-minute historical film features actual footage from the attacks on Pearl Harbor backed by a dramatic, emotional, and informational narration. You&#39;ll hear testimonies and statements from survivors; it&#39;s an extremely touching story. Even the most stoic audience members will find themselves moved by this well-made remembrance of the tragic events of December 7, 1941 - the day the United States officially entered World War II.

What's included in the USS Arizona Experience?

Navy Shuttle BoatAfter the film, you&#39;ll board a Navy Shuttle boat to take you to the memorial site, crewed by Navy servicemen and women. Make sure to remain seated when on board and don your headphones so you can continue to listen to the informative tour guide. The narrator will point out landmarks, and provide a backstory as you take the quick ride over.USS Arizona&nbsp;MemorialThe memorial building does not actually rest on top of the ship itself. Instead, it hovers just above the broken remains of the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;so as not to do any more damage to the massive ship below. Surrounding the memorial, parts of the broken vessel protrude from the water or lurk below the surface. In stark contrast to the dark ribs of the ship, colorful reef fish dart around parts of the massive skeleton.Its fractured form creates an artificial reef for the native ocean wildlife. The perpetually leaking oil on the water&rsquo;s surface doesn&#39;t seem to bother the fish, and environmental groups monitor the continual spillage for negative impact. However, its presence is a reminder of the vast damage that was done and the chaos that followed.The memorial&rsquo;s main area serves as an open Assembly Room, where visitors can reflect and ponder the USS&nbsp;Arizona&rsquo;s remains below. The Shrine Room at the rear features a wall listing the names of each of the 1,177 Navy sailors and Marines who went down with the ship. The wall also honors survivors of the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;who elected to be interred below with their former shipmates after their deaths.

Make the most of your visit to Oahu and be sure to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Save on top attractions with a Go Oahu Card.

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor - Tips for Visiting

Cultural festivals, catamaran cruises, snorkeling tours, jungle hikes and more!

August’s fine summer weather is like catnip for those in search of a Hawaii suntan, making it one of the hottest – and most popular – times of year to visit the islands. Our guide to the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in August includes top snorkeling sites, watersports festivals, jungle exploration and several other ways to keep your cool as the mercury soars.

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in August

Temperature: 75-90&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 8 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 81&deg;F

With average temperatures that tickle the high 80s during the day (and don&rsquo;t get a whole lot cooler at night), it&rsquo;s easy to see why August is a popular time for Hawaii vacations. That&rsquo;s especially true of the first two weeks of the month, when school holidays haven&rsquo;t yet come to an end and sun-seeking families are still out in full effect.

Now for the good news: the second half of the month sees a significant drop-off in the number of tourists on the islands as lobster-hued kids return to the classroom. That means lower hotel rates, less crowded beaches, fewer lines at the bigger attractions and a better chance of snagging ringside seats at the big-ticket luau shows. Plus the weather&rsquo;s still at its sunny annual peak. What&rsquo;s not to like?

An attractions pass from Go City can help you save even more on your Hawaii vacation, knocking up to 50% off the regular price of top <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor and the Bishop Museum, plus boat tours, snorkeling trips and more. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more and get your Oahu pass.</a>

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in August

It&rsquo;s the height of August, beaches are so busy you can smell your neighbor&rsquo;s tanning lotion and that tiki bar queue just doesn&rsquo;t bear thinking about. What better antidote than a gentle cruise around the topaz waters that surround these majestic volcanic islands?

Go big or go home: the luxury yacht or catamaran is the connoisseur&rsquo;s Hawaii cruise of choice. Let the sea breeze ruffle your hair and cool your fevered brow as you step aboard and accept your complimentary glass of bubbly, looking for all the world like some 1950s Hollywood starlet in your oversized hat and giant sunglasses.

As sightseeing tours go, these cruises are among the most effortless. All you need to do is look glamorous as you gaze back at the emerald-green islands and keep eyes peeled for the occasional flying fish or native green sea turtle in the clear waters below.

Take your pick from basic excursions to decadent day-trip adventures that include lunch, snorkeling and bottomless bubbly. Or complement traditional Hawaiian dishes with fruity tropical cocktails on a sunset cruise beneath flamingo-pink and bruised-purple skies.

Pro-tip: there are several cruise options available with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a>.

Life on the Ocean Wave

Boat tours can also be a great way to reach otherwise inaccessible snorkeling hotspots including Waikiki Turtle Canyon, the Molokini Crater and the Lanai reef. But there are also plenty of ways to ogle the native marine life straight from the beach.

Located on Oahu&rsquo;s windward coast, Hanauma Bay is one of the most famous snorkeling sites in the Hawaiian islands. This sheltered cove is home to some 400 species of marine creature, meaning you might spot flamboyant butterflyfish, green sea turtles, triggerfish and even dolphins in its gin-clear waters. However, <a href="https://pros8.hnl.info/hanauma-bay" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">advance booking is essential,</a> especially during peak season.

No need to panic if you can&rsquo;t get into Hanauma though; these islands positively fizz with fine snorkeling sites. Hit up Oahu&rsquo;s North Shore or make for Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island and Honolua Bay on Maui for the win.

Underwater Adventures

Hawaii&rsquo;s festival season is still in full swing in August, and Duke&rsquo;s OceanFest at Waikiki Beach is one of the best and most accessible. A celebration of the legacy of Hawaiian surfer (and Olympic swimmer) Duke Kahanamoku, it includes activities like paddleboarding, swimming, beach volleyball and, of course, surfing. There will be hula shows and live music and it would be remiss if you didn&rsquo;t also toast the legend with a sundowner at the famous Waikiki beach bar named in his honor.

Also in August, Honolulu&rsquo;s Made in Hawaii Festival is your opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs from hundreds of vendors, including locally made artisan jewelry, art, food, textiles and more. Meanwhile over on Kauai, the International Tahitian Dance Competition is precisely what it sounds like: a thrilling celebration of Tahitian culture with a strong focus on lively dancing and drumming.

August Festivals in Oahu and Hawaii

It&rsquo;s August so you&rsquo;re going to want to spend some time on the beach. You might also want to seek shade in the heat of the midday sun. The Kualoa Ranch on Oahu&rsquo;s windward coast offers the best of both worlds. First up, its not-so-secret Secret Island Beach is an exclusive tropical paradise of powder-white sands, clear waters that teem with colorful marine life, and lazy palm-slung hammocks with views of the iconic Mokoli&rsquo;i Island (aka the Chinaman&rsquo;s Hat, pictured). There are oodles of fun activities here, too. Heck, even Duke Kahanamoku might balk at the long list of water sports available. And you can even join a friendly ping-pong tournament should the mood take you.

Kualoa Ranch

Suitably relaxed/exhausted, mosey on up to the ranch&rsquo;s rustic Hawaiian-style restaurant for lunch, then take to the hills on an epic horseback adventure. The sweeping valleys and lush jungle-clad slopes &ndash; so authentically prehistoric-looking that they&rsquo;ve featured in Jurassic Park and Godzilla movies &ndash; may have you nervously looking over your shoulder for hungry velociraptors.&nbsp;

Kualoa Ranch is just one of dozens of attractions included with the Oahu pass, which could save you up to 50% on Oahu and Hawaii sightseeing. Find out more and choose your pass by hitting the buttons down below&hellip;

Waikiki’s annual Duke's OceanFest, a Tahitian dance contest and a trip to Kualoa Ranch feature among our picks of the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in August. 

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

Independence Day celebrations, a hula competition, cultural festivals and more!

July is peak season in Hawaii, with hot weather drawing in the summer crowds for some of the year’s best snorkeling and beach-bumming opportunities, plus major festivals, cultural events and more. Dive in for our guide to all the best things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in July…

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in July

Temperature: 75-88&deg;F &bull; Average Rainfall: 9 days/month &bull; Average Sunshine: 11 hours/day &bull; Sea Temperature: 79&deg;F

July sees the start of Hawaii&rsquo;s peak summer season, with more or less wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures that soar into the 80s and largely stay there. Suffice it to say you can probably leave the thermals at home. Instead, pack your smartest Waikiki Beach swimwear, plus loose linens, floaty cottons and several gallons of sunscreen. A hat the size of Saturn&rsquo;s rings and sunglasses that would leave Jackie O in the shade also won&rsquo;t go amiss &ndash;&nbsp;the glare from those powdery sands can be quite full-on in the midday sun!

The cost of hotel rooms in July &ndash;&nbsp;around a third higher than during the shoulder seasons &ndash; stings every bit as much as your second-degree sunburn, so try to book well ahead to bag the best possible bargains. An attractions pass from Go City can also take the edge off, saving you up to 50% on top <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> including the Pearl Harbor museums, Polynesian Cultural Center and several island tours. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more and get your Oahu pass.</a>

Visiting Oahu and Hawaii in July

Just in case you hadn&rsquo;t heard: Hawaii ain&rsquo;t short of a beach or two. And they&rsquo;re arguably at their sun-drenched best in July. Think warm golden sands, azure seas that seem to sparkle like a thousand jewels, and of course, the refreshing midday hit of a tiki-bar mai tai or blue Hawaii cocktail.

Oahu&rsquo;s Waikiki Beach is perhaps the most famous. Set on the shores of Honolulu, it&rsquo;s a mecca for people watchers, bar flies and novice surfers. Head up to the North Shore beaches for superior surfing conditions, a more laid-back vibe and&hellip; turtles, so many turtles.

IG addicts make a beeline for the emerald mountain backdrop of Hanalei Bay over on Kauai, while the Big Island&rsquo;s Punaluʻu Beach (pictured) is where it&rsquo;s at for otherworldly volcanic black sands fringed by vivid tropical jungle.&nbsp;

Hit the Beach

There are many ways you can cool off beneath the hot Hawaiian sun: a dip in the ocean or in invigorating waterfall pools high in the hills; a pina colada sipped in the shade of a swaying coconut palm. But when it comes to beating the heat, there&rsquo;s nothing quite like the classic Hawaiian shave ice. These life-giving cups of fruit-flavored ice shavings are ubiquitous year-round, but really come into their own in high summer, when the lines outside beloved North Shore stalwart Matsumoto&rsquo;s (here since 1951) speak for themselves. Can&rsquo;t face the wait? Up-and-comers including Ululani&rsquo;s, Waiola or Shimazu are (whisper it) every bit as good, and roadside vendors will also suffice in a pinch.

<a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-oahu-when-its-hot-outside" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Read our guide to staying cool in the Hawaiian heat.</a>

Cool off with Shave Ice

Like fireworks? You&rsquo;re in for a treat if you&rsquo;re spending Independence Day in Hawaii, when the skies come alive with colorful displays across all the main islands. Some of the best include the annual show at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu and the Kailua-Kona extravaganza on Big Island, which includes a parade along Ali&rsquo;i Drive and an explosive display over Kailua Bay.

The biggest and most popular event takes place at Magic Island in Oahu&rsquo;s Ala Moana Beach Park, a family-friendly spectacular that attracts some 30,000+ revelers.

But for sheer cuteness factor, you can&rsquo;t top the annual Turtle Independence Day celebrations at the Mauna Lani resort on Big Island, when young turtles nurtured in the resort&rsquo;s saltwater ponds are released back into the ocean. Adorable.

The 4th of July

You don&rsquo;t really need an excuse to hula in Hawaii, but here&rsquo;s one for you anyway. The annual Prince Lot Hula Festival honors Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who reigned as Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872, and was instrumental in the dance form&rsquo;s revival. The festival includes non-competitive hula showcases galore, with ample opportunity for even the clumsiest two-left-feeter to join in, plus crafting, Polynesian foods and live music.

Over at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island, the Hawaiian Cultural Festival offers more of the same but with (marginally) less focus on the rump-shaking national dance. Expect live arts and crafts demonstrations, traditional Polynesian music and more, all set against the distinctive lava-molded landscapes of this extraordinary island.

More July Festivals in Oahu and Hawaii

There&rsquo;s no hiding the fact that costs on a July vacation to Oahu and Hawaii can soon mount up. Hotel prices are at their highest during peak season, and those mai tais and poke bowls ain&rsquo;t gonna buy themselves.

But it&rsquo;s not all bad news for your wallet. The <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> is a great way to tick off some big Hawaii bucket-listers and can save you up to 50% on the regular cost of entry to major museums, galleries, tours and activities. You could, for example, take an epic guided tour of Honolulu and key Pearl Harbor sites. Or go it alone, choosing individual Pearl harbor monuments, memorials and museums and adding the likes of the opulent Iolani Palace and fascinating Bishop Museum to your sightseeing itinerary.

Beat the Summer Price Hikes

And the list of must-see <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu attractions</a> doesn&rsquo;t end there. Immerse yourself in island tradition at he Polynesian Cultural Center, where a near-infinite roster of activities includes Hawaiian hula lessons, Tongan spear-throwing and the chance to sample moreish Tahitian coconut bread. Take a day tour around Oahu that includes turtle-spotting on the North Shore, Japanese gardens, a trip to the Halona Blowhole (pictured) and lunch at a traditional Hawaiian restaurant. You can even take surfing lessons, go whale-watching (in season) and try your hand at making the iconic Hawaiian lei garland.&nbsp;

To find out more about the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/oahu/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Oahu pass</a> and choose the one that&rsquo;s right for you, just hit the buttons down below&hellip;

The annual 4th of July celebrations, Prince Lot Hula Festival and refreshing Hawaiian shave ice all feature among our picks for things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in July. 

Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in July | 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

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.

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