Oahu

Oahu Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

By Katie Sagal

Early summer is a delightful time of year to spend in Oahu. This Memorial Day Weekend, pack up the whole family and head to the luxurious paradise of Hawaii to make the most of the sun, sand and surf. Of course, there’s more to do than just lounge on the beach. You can enjoy guided tours, kayak the clear waters, go on a snorkeling adventure and much more. If you’re looking for Oahu Memorial Day Weekend ideas and events, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Oahu in May, including...

  • Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
  • Polynesian Cultural Center & Alii Luau
  • Makani Catamaran Sail
  • Snorkeling Hanauma Bay
  • Hiking Excursions
  • Oahu Bike Rentals
  • And more!

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Oahu attractions & 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 May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

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What better way to honor our fallen heroes than with a visit to some of the more important memorial sites in the entire country? The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are iconic for their poignant commemoration of the events of December 7, and many other battles from WWII. A few of your options include the USS Bowfin Submarine (which sank an amazing 44 enemy ships in her time), the Battleship Missouri or 'Mighty Mo' (the last battleship ever built), the USS Arizona Memorial (which commemorates the lives lost in the initial attack on Pearl Harbor), and the Pacific Aviation Museum (an educational collection of exhibits and artifacts). Please note that admission to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is free - the Go Oahu pass covers the cost of any tours. Getting In: The below are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Oahu Hidden Gems + Snorkeling with Turtles

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If you’d really like to explore the secret heart of Oahu this Memorial Day Weekend, join up with this amazing excursion. Enjoy a morning tour featuring many of Oahu’s hot spots, from Pipeline Surf Beach (where all the pros hang out) to the sumptuous North Shore Shrimp Trucks. You’ll also get a glimpse at many hidden gems that most tourists never see. Post lunch, you’ll get a chance to snorkel with giant Hawaiian green sea turtles – truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Getting In: Oahu Hidden Gems + Snorkeling with Turtles tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

Polynesian Cultural Center + Ali'i Lū'au

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One of the best ways to explore authentic Hawaiian culture is with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This amazing cultural attraction combines the best in entertainment with top-notch educational opportunities. Learn how to husk a coconut, hop aboard a leisurely canoe ride, and enjoy many other cultural activities and demonstrations. If you’d like to stick around in the evening, the PCC puts on a stellar luau that’s an absolutely must-see event in Oahu. Combine that with a dinner show, and you’re set! Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card, with Ali'i Lū'au tickets available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

Makani Catamaran Sail

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By Memorial Day Weekend in Oahu, the weather can reach scorching temperatures, so take every opportunity to cool off that you can. Hop aboard a Makani Catamaran Sail for a unique opportunity to sail the lovely clear waters of the Pacific on a luxe 2-hour cruise. It’s the perfect way to see the stunning coastal waters of Oahu, where you should keep one eye out for a bevvy of wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and even whales (in season). Getting In: Makani Catamaran Sail tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Hanauma Bay Snorkel

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If you love watersports, then you can’t leave Oahu without trying your hand at snorkeling. It’s an easy activity that takes no experience and offers immense awards. Plus, the snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t even need to pay for your own gear. Hanauma Bay is the perfect place to go on your snorkeling adventure because of its gorgeous coral reefs and luxuriant population of tropical fish and other critters. Swim alongside rays, octopi, and even more turtles. Getting In: Hanauma Bay snorkel gear rental is included with the Go Oahu pass.

Hiking Excursions

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Get out and enjoy the early summer weather in Oahu with an exciting hiking excursion of your choice. A couple of the most popular options are the Diamond Head Hike and the Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike. Opt to ascend to the crater of an extinct volcano whose calcite crystals fooled early explorers into thinking that they had found a treasure trove of diamonds. Or, choose to hike out to a historic lighthouse on Makapu’u Point and check out their historic hyper-radiant lens. Getting In: Diamond Head hike transportation service and Makapu’u Lighthouse hike transportation is included with the Go Oahu pass.

Oahu Bike Rentals

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Pedal your way to easy explorations with Oahu bike rentals. This gives you the freedom to ride where you please, stop and explore as long as you’d like, and (perhaps most importantly), avoid the atrocious Waikiki traffic. Moped rentals are also an option, if you’d prefer a little bit more pep in your journey (only available to those 18 and older with a valid driver’s license). Getting In: Oahu Bike rentals are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Secret Island Beach

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If all you really wanted out of a Hawaiian vacation was a chance to relax on the beach, then a trip to the perfect paradise of Secret Island Beach is up next on your list. Enjoy beautiful vistas of Kaneohe Bay as you lounge in the sun. If you tire of tanning, or if the kids are a bit antsy, you’ll have access to three hours of unlimited activities, from badminton to stand-up paddleboarding. You get the best of both worlds - with a chance to relax or be active depending on the mood that you're in. Getting In: Secret Island Beach tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Sea Life Park

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Animal lovers absolutely must make some time to pay a visit to Sea Life Park. While you’ll certain see plenty of critters in their natural environments in Oahu, it’s important to pay a visit to those who have benefited from human rescue and rehabilitation efforts as well. A highlight of this attraction is their 300,000-gallon tank filled with a recreated tropical reef, which is home to a wide variety of species from reef sharks to brightly colored fish. If you’d like to really make a day of it, opt for the Dolphin Encounter package, which gives you the distinctive opportunity to get up close to friendly dolphins who splash, play, and even “dance” as they swim right by you. Getting In: Sea Life Park Hawaii tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Sea Life Park Dolphin Encounter tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony

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One of Oahu’s signature Memorial Day events is their compelling Lantern Floating Ceremony. It’s a tradition each year and is a way that Hawaiian remember their lost loved ones. Over 7,000 paper lanterns will be lit and released into the sea on Ala Moana Beach. This beautiful ceremony is a very emotional experience that brings people together through love and loss. If you’d like you can sign up to float a lantern in remembrance of those you have lost. Getting In: The Lantern Floating Ceremony is free.

Samoa Festival and World FireKnife Championships

The most skilled performers in the world will compete for a chance to win the coveted title of World FireKnife Champion. The heated competition will take place at the Polynesian Cultural Center May 6 - 9. Old Samoan tradition says that warriors would use a lightweight sword for hacking - in modern times this sword is used in a dance to pay homage to ancestors. Getting In: The World FireKnife Championships are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

Hawaii Memorial Day Parade

Honor our fallen heroes at the Hawaii Memorial Day Parade. These festivities begin in Fort DeRussy Park at 5PM, and then head down Kalakaua Avenue towards its conclusion in front of the Kapiolani Park. Marvel at amazingly designed floats, talented marching bands, and other performers, military organizations, and many more. It’s a fun festive atmosphere the kids will love. Be sure to arrive on the parade route early if you’d like a good view – it’s a very popular event with locals. Getting In: The Hawaii Memorial Day Parade is free to watch.

Let's Recap

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend 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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Oahu Attraction Tips

If you live in Oahu, you know and, if you’re planning to visit, you’ll find out. The traffic in Waikiki is a nightmare. In fact, it commonly ranks among the worst in the nation. While we can’t give you a police escort through the city while you’re sightseeing, we can offer advice to help you beat the traffic, or at least avoid it as much as possible. Use these tips to build your very own Oahu Pass that won’t leave you sitting behind the wheel in traffic. One obvious piece of advice would be to avoid rush hour. You can do this by getting to where you need to go between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. Of course, you won’t be guaranteed to avoid traffic, but you’ll increase your chances dramatically. Alternatively, if you want to get around at a time that you know there’ll be traffic, we suggest you rent a bike. It’s a great way to get around and enjoy Hawaii’s terrific weather at the same time. Add a 24-hour Hawaiian bike rental to your Oahu pass, and you’ll be able to get virtually anywhere on the island – without worrying about the headache of traffic. Another way to take traffic out of the equation is to avoid it altogether by walking. Although Waikiki is a real city (that is, it’s big), it is walkable for the most part and, depending on where you’re staying, you can get to many attractions by foot. For instance, you might want to stroll down to Waikiki Ocean Club, which can be bundled into your Go Select pass. With so much to do from sea kayaking and snorkeling to a shooting down a 15-foot slide, there’s no wonder why this is a Smart Destinations favorite. Lastly, it’s always important to remember that you’re on vacation – not to mention Hawaiian time. That means, everything – including drivers – move more slowly contributing to the congestion. So why not relax and accept the traffic conditions? At least you’re not at work or, worse, in traffic trying to get to work. Another thing to remember is that, if you’re not the driver, traffic is certainly less aggravating. That’s why you might consider adding the All of Oahu in One Day Tour to your customized pass. Our customers say that this 120-mile guided bus tour, which visits Pali Lookout, Waimea Bay, and much more, is a great way to get oriented on your first day in Oahu. So, don’t let traffic get in the way of the perfect Hawaii vacation. Customize your Oahu Pass of two or more attractions using these tips, and you’ll spend more time having fun – and save at least 20% off gate prices while you’re at it.
Go City Expert
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Self-Guided Hawaii Volcano Tours

Transform any vacation to the Hawaiian Islands into an incredible adventure by adding a volcano tour to your itinerary. Head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, to experience the diverse environments created by 70 million years of volcanic activity. The park’s most popular feature is Mt. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Visitors are often able to get close enough to see live lava flows. Even when this isn’t the case, you’ll witness the effects of creation and destruction caused by this extraordinary natural phenomenon. How to Get There If your first stop (or only stop) on the Big Island is going to be at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll want to fly in to Hilo International Airport (ITO) in the eastern part of Hilo. This airport is only 45 minutes north of the Park. To do this, you’ll most likely have to fly to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first and then take another short 30 minute flight to Hawaii’s Big Island. Most visitors to the island arrive in Kona International Airport (KOA) because there are daily direct flights from major international air carriers. The downfall is that Kona is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours from the National Park. However you arrive, you’ll definitely want to book a rental car in advance. On such an expansive island, you’ll want a car to get around with ease. Even the park itself is huge, and Kilauea is sometimes called “the world’s only drive-in volcano.” The Big Island has all the big rental companies located only a short distance from either airport. If a rental car is out of the question, there are also guided tours on busses and shuttles. To travel independently without a car, use the Hawaii County mass transit system, the Hele-On Bus. Just keep in mind that the public transit system does not provide transportation from Kona to Hilo on Sundays. What to Know Before You Go Your first stop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park should be at the Kilauea Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find all the information you need in the way of brochures, maps, and informative park rangers. You can also watch a short film that introduces the park and get updates on volcanic activity. Your Hawaii volcano tour should be a fun, safe adventure, so you’ll want to be prepared for your visit. Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car before you start, and take along food and water. Dress in appropriate hiking clothes—closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a jacket. Stay on marked routes only and pay attention to all signs. You can find out all important safety and volcanic activity information at the Visitor Center. For the best experience possible, bring binoculars, a flashlight, and your camera, of course. If you’re determined to see live lava flows, plan your trip so that you are well into the trail at dawn or dusk when the lava is most visible. Sights and Hikes: Crater Rim Drive This 10.6-mile drive circles Kilauea Caldera, taking you to all of the park’s main points of interest. Thomas A. Jagger Museum Named after the pioneer scientist who studied volcanology at Kilauea, this museum houses fascinating geologic displays, maps, and videos about the study of volcanoes. Halemaumau Crater This location is known by native Hawaiians as the home of Pele, the volcano goddess. Steam vents rise from the massive crater at this sacred site. Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) You can walk through this incredible 400-foot tube that was formed by molten lava about 500 years ago. When you get to the other side, you enter into a tropical rain forest. Chain of Craters Road Turn off of Crater Rim Drive to venture down this 3,700-foot road that ends where an old lava flow has taken over the path. From here, you’ll have to hike over lava fields towards ocean cliffs to see live lava flows. Puu Oo Vent This is the ultimate destination for many. Watch live lava pour dramatically into the sea at the Puu Oo Vent in the East Rift Zone. The Kalapana Viewing Site This viewing area was officially opened in 2009 on the entirely new Kalapana coastline formed by lava from Kilauea in 1990. It provides a safe, more relaxed spot to view the current lava flow.
Andrew Martineau
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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

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