Things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in March

Temperature: 66-81°F • Average Rainfall: 16 days/month • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day • Sea Temperature: 75°F

March is a month of two rather distinct halves in Hawaii, thanks to spring breakers who flock to the islands like so many seabirds in the final two weeks. The effect is that prices (especially for hotel rooms) are significantly higher for the second half of the month, and you may also find it a little more challenging to book the hottest restaurants and most sought-after Oahu attractions. 

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

Beat rising costs with a handy Oahu pass from Go City. The pass gives you discounted entry to a number of Oahu and Hawaii attractions, activities and tours, including Pearl Harbor museums, the Polynesian Cultural Center and full-day snorkeling adventures, and could save you up to 50% on regular admission. Hit the buttons below to find out more then read on for our favourite March activities in Oahu and Hawaii.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newbies will want to conquer Diamond Head, the iconic crater at the end of Waikiki Beach. Pro-tip: get there at sunrise to dodge the crowds (and midday heat) and don’t forget your binoculars for those all-important whale-spotting opportunities. Botany buffs will find much to enjoy in Waimea Valley’s 2,000 acres of picture-perfect parkland, while the Lanikai Pillbox Trail on the other side of Oahu offers the additional attraction of a wind-down on lovely Lanikai Beach at journey’s end.

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

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

Looking for more things to do in Oahu and Hawaii in January? The Oahu pass from Go City can save you up to 50% on entry to around 40 Oahu and Hawaii attractions, including Pearl Harbor Museums, the Polynesian Cultural Center and various island tours. Click to find out more and choose your pass!