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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

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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!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Tips for Visiting the USS Bowfin Submarine - Discount Tickets & More

Bowfin Park is a Historic National Landmark, that contains the 1942 USS Bowfin submarine, a museum, and a waterfront memorial to the 52 submarines that were lost during World War II. The USS Bowfin is one of only 15 World War II submarines that remain intact, and offers a unique opportunity to board a sub and get a first-hand look at the inner workings of the stealthy vessels that make up the U.S. military’s “Silent Service.” Visitors can take a narrated tour of the ship’s interior, explore one-of-a-kind artifacts and exhibits, and experience what life was like for sailors aboard a World War II-era submarine. December 7, 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attack and is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Visit the official website for a full schedule of events taking place during the month. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the the USS Bowfin Submarine at Pearl Harbor, with tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for USS Bowfin Submarine Discount Tickets? If you are planning on visiting Oahu, especially during December, we highly recommend spending time at each of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. We’ve got you covered for tickets - USS Bowfin Submarine admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass - All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available Oahu passes, attractions & prices. Oh and just so you know, the Go Oahu Card includes admission to each of the below Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, so you can see them all with just one pass... USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour Battleship Missouri USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Pacific Aviation Museum Tips for Visiting the USS Bowfin When to Visit the USS Bowfin Submarine USS Bowfin Highlights Audio Tour Don a headset and learn all about the USS Bowfin and life aboard a submarine with an audio tour that takes you across the 312-foot-long deck, down into the belly of the Bowfin, and out the other side of this sleek “stealth” weapon. Numbered stickers throughout the ship prompt you to play the proper audio file, and an interesting narrative features commentary from Navy service members. There is a separate narrated tour tailored specifically for kids. The numbers that guide the kid’s tour are colored differently than the adult tour, and the content is aimed at making the Bowfin’s tour more interesting and understandable for children. The tours last about 30 minutes, but plan to spend an extra hour exploring the museums and memorials. Indoor Museum Outdoor Missile Museum The exhibits at the outdoor missile museum feature a large number of impressive missiles, torpedoes, and other submarine weaponry. Learn about the history of a modified, 54-foot, 3,000 pound Japanese Kaiten, human-guided torpedo. A U.S. Regulus missile on display represents one of the first U.S. attempts at creating a deterrent missile and is modeled on German World War II V-Bomb technology. Walk through the cramped interior of the USS Parche’s conning tower, where the submarines submerged attacks were conducted from, and look through the periscopes mounted on the tower’s exterior. The McCann rescue chamber was key in the only successful rescue of American men from the sunken submarine, USS Squalus, in 1939. Memorial Nearby Attractions There are plenty of other great things to see located nearby. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... The USS Bowfin is located in Pearl Harbor’s World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, and you can easily spend a full day exploring all of the memorials. The USS Arizona Memorial is the most well-known monument in Pearl Harbor, and it is not to be missed. Visitors watch a moving film featuring actual footage from the Pearl Harbor attack before boarding a Navy shuttle boat to the memorial. It’s a very emotional experience that inspires somber reflection and instills a deeper understanding of the tragedy and complexities of war. Check out these tips for visiting the USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Missouri is docked across the harbor at Ford Island. Tour the towering battleship, a sister to the USS Arizona, to experience the full grandeur of an intact, fully restored, World War II battleship. Visitors can’t help but to be awe-inspired by the sheer size and power of this gigantic vessel. Check out these tips for visiting the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial. The Pacific Aviation Museum is also located near the USS Missouri on Ford Island. Self-guided tours take you through the pock-marked airfield, control tower, and two aircraft hangars that house 70 years of Pacific aviation history including over 50 aircraft, historical videos-including an award-winning documentary, a museum store, and flight simulators. Places to Eat Nearby There is a snack stand next to the USS Bowfin that serves nachos, corn dogs, popcorn, shave ice, and water. There is also a small convenience store near the USS Arizona Memorial Theater stocked with sandwiches, chips, candy, and soft drinks. The Laniākea Café is located at the nearby Pacific Aviation Museum. The World War II-themed restaurant is the best place to eat in Pearl Harbor, featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, sides, and desserts, with a classic kids menu and non-alcoholic beverages. Schooners restaurant is situated at Pearl Harbor’s waterfront across the bridge from Ford Island. Guests get a great view of the harbor and ships from a large outdoor deck or can catch a sports game on a large screen TV at the indoor bar. Schooners has a daily buffet spread as well as a varied lunch and dinner menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steak, and local dishes. Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, open until 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday. Save on Admission with a Go Oahu Card Remember, the Go Oahu Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes USS Bowfin Submarine at Pearl Harbor tickets, plus admission to dozens more top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
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2 Days in Oahu - A Weekend in Oahu Itinerary for a Fun Hawaii Island Hopping Vacation

Planning a trip to Oahu and don't know where to begin? Or, maybe you're visiting a few different islands during your Hawaiian vacation and want some ideas for spending a weekend in Oahu. Whatever the case may be, we put together a fun itinerary for 2 days in Oahu that features a variety of popular attractions and activities. This Oahu itinerary includes things to do that will appeal to families, couples, or any Hawaii-bound traveler. This itinerary includes: Diamond Head Hike Waikiki Beach Activities Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour at Pearl Harbor USS Bowfin Submarine at Pearl Harbor We’ve also put together a 1 day in Oahu itinerary, a 3 day itinerary, and one week in Oahu Hawaii itinerary - for a fun-filled activity packed vacation. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 2-Day Go Oahu® Card and save off combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in Oahu itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the island. The Go Oahu® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Let’s Recap So if you’re trying to figure out what to do during 2 days in Oahu during your Hawaiian island hopping vacation, try out this popular itinerary. It’s filled with great things to do and places to see that encompass cultural, educational, and just plain enjoyable elements. If you visit all of these attractions on the Oahu itinerary with the 2-Day Go Oahu® Card, you’ll save on combined admission prices! Go Card holders can save even more with the included extra Go Oahu Card discounts on dining, shopping, and additional attractions.
Casey Makovich
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