Oahu Sunset

Things to do in Oahu for 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things

By Katie Sagal

With lots of festivities, patriotic sights to see, one of the biggest firework displays in the nation, and more, Hawaii is one of the best places to celebrate the 4th of July. You're presented with the unique opportunity to enjoy attractions with regular hours on either weekend, as well as special events mid-week to celebrate the holiday. Looking for Oahu 4th of July ideas? Check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Oahu in July, including...

  • Take a Tour of Pearl Harbor
  • Fireworks at Ala Moana Center
  • Prince Lot Hula Festival at the Iolani Palace
  • Da Hui Independence Day Paddleboard Race
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

The Go Oahu pass provides regular admission to a number of these attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of Oahu attractions and activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Oahu attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

Take a Tour of Pearl Harbor

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Get in the patriotic spirit by exploring the significant role Hawaii played in World War II. Take a tour and discover the history of Pearl Harbor, the site of the attack that sparked the U.S. entry into World War II, and Honolulu. A fully narrated tour covers all the major landmarks and is a great way for first-time visitors to get to know the city of Honolulu. When: Daily at 6:30 am (reservations required: call (808) 971-4323) Getting In: Pearl Harbor Historical City Tour tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Head to Secret Island Beach

secret-beach-on-oahu-island

If you want to get some beach time in on your July vacation to Oahu (and of course you do), then you'll want to head up to Kualoa Ranch to spend some time at one of the island's most delightful places -- Secret Island Beach. Come here to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, canoeing, and so much more. The perfect way to celebrate your 4th of July holiday! Getting In: Secret Island Beach tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

42nd Prince Lot Hula Festival

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Truly immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian culture with a visit to one of the region's most popular summer festivals. The Prince Lot Hula Festival invites hula groups from across the entire state to celebrate the magic and beauty of this traditional dance form. You will also enjoy free concerts, a craft fair, food for sale, and much more. It's a great family-friendly event! The event will take place on the grounds of the gorgeous Iolani Palace; an attraction definitely worth coming back to explore and tour another time -- perhaps the weekend before or after the holiday? Where: Iolani Palace Getting In: The Prince Lot Hula Festival is free to attend. Iolani Palace tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Fireworks and Celebrations at Ala Moana Center

Head to the Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach Park for fireworks, live entertainment, and shopping specials for their annual 4th of July celebration. The Ala Moana Center boasts one of the nation's largest fireworks display and the biggest in the state of Hawaii. From July 4th through the 7th, guests can also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts plus live entertainment at the Ala Moana Center itself. If you're in search of some shopping opportunities, this is a good chance to save big on your purchases and get yourself in a festive holiday mood! Insider tip: Tune in to KSSK, AM590/FM92.3 for a live fireworks soundtrack that accompanies the show. Where: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 (fireworks will be at the Ala Moana Beach Park) Getting In: Ala Moana Independence Day celebrations are free to enjoy.

Da Hui Independence Day Paddleboard Race

canoeist-man-sitting-canoe-holding-paddle

Spend the morning seeing how you stand up to the competition in the Da Hui Annual Paddle Race (or just watch racers paddle to the finish line at Waimea Bay), one of the top paddleboard events around. This event features a 4 mile and a 7 mile race for varying levels of race challenges. When: July 4, 2018 at 10:00 am Where: Turtle Bay Resort. (Race starting point varies by course) For more information and to register, check out the Da Hui Paddle Race website. Getting In: It's free to watch the Da Hui Annual Paddle Race.

Kailua Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, & Airshow

Make a day of the festive Kailua 4th of July fun. Kick off the Independence Day celebrations by watching the parade, pack a cooler and spend the rest of the day right on Kailua Beach to secure the best spot to watch the air show and fireworks display. Please note that the exact information for this year is still TBD; I'm providing the info for previous years as a point of reference. When:

  • Parade: 10:00 am, starts at the intersection of Kainalu Drive and Palapu Street Avenue to Kailua Intermediate School
  • Airshow: 6:00 pm
  • Fireworks: July 4, from 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Kailua Beach, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 (Check the site for parking and shuttle information) Getting In: Kailua Independence Day events are free to attend.

The Epilepsy Foundation Freedom Run (EFFR)

Lace up your sneakers and head over to Kailua High School for some patriotic competition. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii and USA Track & Field, the EFFR features timed 5K and 10K races and a one mile walk that welcomes wheelchairs, strollers, and pets on leashes. All proceeds benefit programs and services that are linked to the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii. Where: Kailua High School, 451 Ulumanu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734 For more information and to register, visit the EFFR site. Getting In: It's free to watch the EFFR races; registration fees apply if you'd like to race.

First Friday Honolulu Art Walk in Chinatown

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Browse through hip art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that feature art exhibits and free entertainment in Chinatown. Spend the evening exploring the trendy bars and nightlife that Chinatown is known for. Where: Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 Getting In: First Friday Art Walks are free to attend.

Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest

 

This delightful summer festival is a local celebration of Japanese and Hawaiian culture. Held each year in one of Honolulu's most historic neighborhoods, this fun, family-friendly festival features dancing, crafts, food, and more. Insider Tip: Park at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Lower Campus lot and take the free shuttle to the event. Where: 1110 University Ave Getting In: Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest is free to attend.

Save on Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in July to help you plan your 4th of July itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Oahu pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

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Halloween in Oahu
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Things to Do for Halloween in Oahu Hawaii

Just like the rest of the US (and beyond), of course! With plenty of spooky, pumpkin-filled activities. Here is our guide to the island's best Halloween hijinks.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Things to do in Oahu When It's Hot Outside

Hawaii is hot in every sense of the word: its warm climate makes it pleasant to visit year-round, which in turn makes it one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations, pulling in around eight million visitors every year. The majority of Hawaii sunseekers (around five million, give or take) wind up on the island of Oahu, home to some of the state’s biggest attractions – Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and the Diamond Head volcano, to name just a few. It goes without saying then that there’s plenty of fun to be had in the sun here. After all, no-one goes to Hawaii for its skiing opportunities, right? But with summer temperatures that average way up in the high 80s, you’ll likely want to pencil in a few slightly cooler activities (as well as covering yourself top to toe in factor 50, natch). Here, then, are a few ideas for things to do in Oahu and Honolulu when it’s hot outside, including: Beaches! Snorkeling! Catamarans! Pineapples! Shave ice! And more! Keep Your Cool on the Beach You’ll want to pack plenty of beach bag essentials for your day at Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, the North Shore and, well, whichever of Oahu’s stunning tropical beaches tickle your fancy. We’re talking UV sunglasses, great big floppy sun hats and gallons of bottled water as a bare minimum. You may want to add a parasol or tent for use in some of the more exposed bays, though you’ll also find plenty available to rent in the main tourist areas. Beaches like Lanikai and and Kailua on Oahu’s windward side (the east coast) tend to offer more natural shade, in the form of palm trees. Top-tip: before slinging your towel down underneath, check carefully for the very real and present danger of ripe coconuts up above. You’ll be cooling off in A&E if one of those beauties drops on your nut! Waikiki Beach is of course the most popular of Oahu’s beaches, and opportunities to cool off on snorkeling trips here abound. Cruise out onto the beautiful clear blue waters and come face to face with all manner of tropical marine life. You’re all but guaranteed to meet green sea turtles at the aptly named Waikiki Turtle Canyon. Hanauma Bay is where it’s at for some of Oahu's most spectacular sealife selfie opportunities. Vibrant yellow tangs and flamboyant spinner dolphins are just two of the cute critters you might spot on snorkeling excursions to the thriving coral reef that lies in the cone of this long-extinct volcano. Hit up the pristine sands of Lanikai Beach for more of the same (but with added palm cover), and crescent-shaped Kailua Beach (pictured above), where balmy trade winds encourage other watery pursuits including kitesurfing and kayaking. Oahu’s Hottest Tours If you simply can’t bear to spend all day lounging in the shade of a coconut palm, moving only to top up your rum-laced Mai Tai cocktail, there are plenty of island tours you can take around Oahu and Honolulu on hot days instead. Here, after all, is an opportunity to see this beautiful volcanic paradise from the lush cool confines of an air-conditioned coach. Try a trip to the Dole plantation on the North Shore. Sampling the sweet flesh of their world-famous pineapples under the hot Hawaiian sun is one that’s worth disembarking the refrigerated coach for, and no mistake! You could also take a tour of Oahu’s hidden gems, including tranquil temples, shaded Japanese gardens, and the cooling spray of epic blowholes like Halona. Or immerse yourself in rainforests and visit the 150-foot Manoa waterfalls, passing through jungle scenery used in The Hunger Games movie series. You can book tours including all of the above (and more) with an Oahu pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on top attractions, tours and activities on Oahu. Find out more and bag your Oahu pass here. Ice Cold in Oahu Hawaii is arguably as famous for its shave ice as its beaches, volcanoes and hula skirts. Find out what all the fuss is about at any one of dozens of purveyors of this frozen treat across the island. Shave ice is exactly what it sounds like: tiny shavings of ice liberally doused in lashings of fruit syrup, and boy is it refreshing on a hot day. Get yours from North Shore shave ice stalwart Matsumoto’s. A fixture on Oahu since the early 1950s, its natural lychee, passion fruit and yuzu flavorings are some of the best in Hawaii. Other local favorites include Ululani’s and Shimazu – for all the ice-cold refreshment but without the half-hour lines. Top tip: it’s ‘shave ice’ not ‘shaved ice’, so be sure to sidestep any vendor that didn’t get the name right on their signage. Life on the Ocean Wave Feel the sea breeze on your skin aboard a catamaran or luxury yacht as you tour the Oahu coastline in style. This is a fine (and crucially effortless) way of seeing a bit more of the island and perhaps even ogling the odd humpback whale, flying fish or green sea turtle on your travels. Don your floppiest sun hat, slather on the sunscreen and sip a glass of prosecco on deck-o as you cruise past jungle-clad mountains and over the coral-rich depths of Oahu’s submerged volcanic cones. Take your pick from straightforward catamaran excursions to decadent day trips that include lunch, snorkeling, and bottomless bubbly. You can access a variety of superb sea-faring options with the Go Oahu pass. Oahu’s Coolest Hikes Ok ok, so hiking may not be the first activity that springs to mind when it’s hot out in Oahu, but bear with us. The botanical gardens at Waimea Valley are a 1,875-acre oasis of lush plantlife and great fronds of greenery. Shady groves and a cooler climate make the gardens ideal for strolling, even when the tropical sun is at its most punishing. Meander gently through some of the park’s 52 themed zones, where towering cacti and fresh-scented hibiscus flourish, and where the picture-perfect Waimea Falls provide ample opportunity for cooling off should the heat get too much. Alternatively, hop across to Big Island, home of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii. Hikes to the summit commence from the visitor center, 9,200 feet up, where you’re all but guaranteed freezing temperatures and possibly even snow. But be warned that this 12-mile round-hike is not for the faint of heart, with challenging terrain and the threat of altitude sickness the price of evading the Hawaii heat way up here. Save on Oahu and Honolulu Activities, Tours and Attractions Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Honolulu skyline including the city, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
Blog

Honolulu Airport to City Travel Options

Visiting Honolulu feels a little like stepping into a fictionalized version of a tropical island. You know it’s real… and yet, you can’t quite believe it. We’re talking pristine white shores lapped by gin-clear turquoise waters, rainforest-carpeted volcanic peaks, traditional local markets that brim with local handicrafts and Polynesian art, and a warm and welcoming ‘aloha’ culture that invites you to join in with hula performances, lei garland ceremonies and lively luau feasts. Sounds idyllic, right?  And there’s stacks more to do here in Oahu, from the vibrant nightlife of the Waikiki neighborhood to historical hotspots such as Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Hike the Diamond Head Crater or opt for the somewhat less strenuous experience of the lush Lyon Arboretum, where the eye-popping diversity of Hawaiian flora is writ large. Culture vulture, history maven, nature enthusiast or beach bum, you’re certain to find something that tickles your pickle while you’re in town. But before all that, let’s take a look at the rather more prosaic matter of getting from Honolulu Airport to downtown… Honolulu International Airport in Brief Located around five miles from downtown, Honolulu International Airport – or Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, to give it its Sunday name – is the main transport hub in Hawaii, with some 20 million passengers passing through its three terminals annually. After several airborne hours of, well, not much to look at, the vision of Hawaii’s volcanic islands rising leviathan-like out of the shimmering Pacific is like a mirage. Depending which side of the plane you’re sat on, you can look forward to a final descent that showcases delicious panoramas of Diamond Head and the gleaming Honolulu skyscrapers. You might also catch a glimpse of the West End of Oahu and Pearl Harbor.  So, without further ado, here’s a quick run-through of the options for traveling from Honolulu Airport into the city. Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Public Transport On-Airport Shuttle System It’s likely you’ll make use of Honolulu Airport’s free shuttle system, which serves all three terminals, ferrying eager new arrivals between gates as well as to the rental car center. It’s called the Wiki Wiki Bus (literally ‘quick quick bus’) and (brace yourselves, trivia fans) was the inspiration for the first ever user-editable ‘wiki’ website, the WikiWikiWeb. The Wiki Wiki Bus operates between 6AM and 10PM daily. Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Bus Traveling light? The bus is your friend. It’s a bit like taking cabin baggage on a flight though, i.e. if your luggage doesn’t fit on your lap or under the seat in front of you, it ain’t coming on board. In which case, other transport options to downtown Honolulu are available (see below). Packed your bag Marie Kondo style? Welcome aboard! Bus number 20 connects the airport to the heart of the capital in 30 minutes. Be sure to board the Eastbound Route bus for downtown, and for Waikiki Beach, around 50 minutes away. Alternatively, the Westbound service will take you in the direction of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Stops are located in front of the airport on the second floor of terminals 1 and 2, with services departing in both directions every 30 minutes or so. Buy your tickets direct from the driver. It’s $2.75 one-way for adults and $1.25 for kids aged 6-17 years old. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult. Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Rail If you’re reading this in 2031 (or later), you can probably also opt to take the Skyline light railway to downtown. The first section of this epic mass transit system opened in 2023, linking West Oahu to the Aloha Stadium, with airport links both east and west to follow. Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Private Transfer Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Cab Cabs are readily available outside arrivals at all terminals. It’s only around five miles from the airport to Honolulu city, with prices ranging from $35 to downtown to $45 for Waikiki, excluding tips. Travel time is 20-30 minutes. Look out for the bright yellow shirts of the Taxi Dispatcher team who are there to assist and get you and your luggage safely loaded for the journey into town. Getting from Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Shuttle Private shuttles operated by Roberts Hawaii run out of Honolulu Airport and serve Oahu island resorts. Transfers run the gamut start from shared bus services right up to private town cars. Prices start from $26 one way to Waikiki. Honolulu Airport to Downtown by Rental Vehicle Oahu’s excellent public transport system means a rental car isn’t absolutely necessary. And hey, ride share services like Uber, Holoholo and Lyft provide a cheap and convenient way to get from A to B quickly whenever you need to anyway. But sure, your own wheels can come in handy if you’re looking to strike out and explore the volcanic landscapes and lush beaches of this tropical paradise independently. You’ll find all the usual suspects – Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt and more – at Honolulu Airport’s dedicated rental center, with shuttles to take you there available outside all terminals. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Oahu Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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