Things to Do in Oahu in Winter 2019 - December & January Activities & More

By Casey Makovich

Who doesn’t want to escape to beautiful Oahu in the depths of winter? Avoiding all that shoveling, ice scraping, the bad driving conditions...sign me up for a Hawaiian vacation any day. Winter is actually one of the more popular seasons for Oahu, too, as it attracts a lot of holiday-time vacationers looking to get away for a bit of warmth and sun during a festive time of year. To help you plan that perfect Hawaiian winter getaway, we’ve put together a list of fun things to do in Oahu in Winter 2019-2020, including some of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Oahu passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

13 Days of Christmas at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Where: Polynesian Cultural Center, Hukilau Marketplace When: December 13- 23, 2019 (except Sundays) This year, Christmas at the Hukilau Marketplace event is a super special occasion for all visiting families to Oahu. Enjoy snow days in the Winter Wonderland where you can play and go tubing in real snow December 23 from 3.30pm-8.30pm, a playful display of lights, trees, and other holiday decor, nativity presentations, caroling, a train ride, and plenty of tasty holiday fare for the whole family. It's a wonderful, all-encompassing event that truly brings the spirit of Christmas to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Getting in: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass and holiday events are included with admission unless otherwise noted.

Go Whale Watching

Between the months of November and April, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters for the winter. Peak season for whale watching is in February and March, so this is the perfect time of year to book your whale watching adventure. Whale watching in Oahu is extra special because you’ll get a chance to witness these majestic creatures, which native Hawaiians traditionally consider the guardians of the islands, in their natural habitat. One popular option for those who wish to catch sight of a humpback up close is to hop on board the Makani Catamaran. During this two-hour sail through the sparkling waters of the Pacific, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to whale-watch as you cruise through the water in comfort. Getting in: Makani Catamaran tickets are available on the Go Oahu pass.

Go on a Hike

Image of Hat, Adventure, Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Person, Backpack, Bag, Path, Adult, Male, Man, Shoe, Female, Woman, Credit: Eugene Kim (license)
If you’d prefer to stay on land, consider the Makapuu Lighthouse Hike, a two-mile trek to the beautiful and historic lighthouse on the southernmost part of Hawaii. During the hike, you’ll be lead to the Halona Blow Hole, a spot famous for its spectacular views of humpback whales during the migration. You could also opt to see some other scenic parts of Oahu on fun and only moderately vigorous treks like the hike up to Diamond Head, the historic volcanic crater with gorgeous, glittering, “diamond-like” formations in the inside. Getting in: Makapuu Lighthouse Hike tickets and Diamond Head Hike tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

Try Your Hand at Surfing

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Backpack, Sea Waves, Person, Sky, Horizon, Handbag, Beach, Coast, Shoreline, Walking, Image credit: Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Hawaii is known around the world as the place to catch the biggest waves in the winter. In fact, the sport of big wave surfing was born here! Two of the best places to watch are Waimea Bay, which is where big wave surfing started in the ‘50s, and the Banzai Pipeline, a dangerous spot that’s in an ideal position for spectators. Of course, if you want to surf yourself, you’ll need to find someplace a little less intense. Out on Maunalua Bay, the waters are calm and incredibly crowd-free. If you don’t mind the crowds and would rather find a surf spot closer to your accommodation, check out Waikiki Beach. It’s one of the world’s most famous and historic surfing destinations—it’s where “Big Kahuna” Duke Kahanamoku and his friends grew up and surfed all day back in the early 20th century. If you're a surfing rookie, why not take a lesson while on vacation? It's on many bucket lists and is loads of fun to boot. Getting In: Surf Lesson by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii are available on the 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu pass.

Save a Little Beach Time

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Sunrise, Person, Silhouette, Scenery, Sea, Water, Beach, Coast, Shoreline, Sunset, Bench, Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Chuck Painter
There are hundreds of little beaches to choose from along the coast of Oahu and it can be hard to choose the best one. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor spots on the island: Kualoa Ranch is an enormous recreational complex, in the midst of which lies some of Hawaii’s most beautiful and most-filmed scenery. It’s in this complex that you’ll find Secret Island Beach, a secluded beach with beautiful views of Kaneohe Bay. You’ll also have access to hours of outdoor recreational fun, like kayaking, snorkeling, and volleyball. Home to more than 5,000 tropical plant species, the Lyon Arboretum is a tropical rain forest right outside Honolulu. It’s a great escape from the busy resort area, and the gorgeous setting is ideal for both exploration and relaxation. Getting in: Secret Island Beach Half-Day Experience tickets and Lyon Arboretum tickets are available on the Go Oahu pass.

Soak up Some Culture

While you may be tempted to spend most of your time outdoors enjoying the sun and warmth, there is plenty to be enjoyed indoors as well. Oahu has a vibrant arts scene and a lot of historical architecture the whole family can enjoy.

Image of Art, Painting, Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Dog, Newfoundland, Promontory, Shoreline, Scenery, Georgia O'Keeffe "Black Lava Bridge, Hana Coast No. 2," 1939
If you’re an arty sort of person, visit the Honolulu Museum of Art - they have beautiful and compelling special exhibits year-round, in addition to a number of fun seasonal events that locals enjoy. If what you’re really looking for is the perfect exploration of Hawaiian heritage, then look no further than the Polynesian Cultural Center, an impressive and comprehensive interactive museum of the cultures of Hawaii and all of Polynesia. With seven distinct cultures represented in different areas, tons of authentic activities to try out, and a mountain of delicious local food to try, it’s a must-see attraction. Getting in: Honolulu Museum of Art tickets and Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Sony Open in Hawaii® Golf Tournament

Image of Field, Nature, Outdoors, Person, Shoe, Image credit: Hawaii.com
In addition to the great Hawaiian sport that is surfing, Oahu also attracts another classic sport this time of year with the Sony Open golf tournament. This year’s tournament runs from January 6-12 2020 with a large portion of the proceeds going to charity. It’s held at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu and tickets are available to the public. Prefer to swing a few clubs yourself? If you visit after the tournament the course is open to all. Getting in: Information about participating and spectating can be found on the Sony Open website.

Mingle at Local Festivals

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Festival, Toy, Image credit: Hawaii.com
There are so many wonderful, small cultural events going on all the time throughout Hawaii that it’s hard to choose just one to attend. Here are a few of our favorites. January 24-26, 2020 - the 17th annual ‘Iolani Luahine Hula Festival features a plethora of excellent hula dancing and other dance performances. It’s a great way to help preserve a valuable part of Hawaiian culture and enjoy some authentic performances as well. Fun fact: the festival is named after Iolani Luahine, an admired and famed hula dancer.

Honolulu City Lights

Throughout the month of December, Honolulu City Lights is hosting a handful of fun, festive, and free family-friendly events, including free "photos with Santa" nights, a free family movie night, milk & cookies night, fun festival rides, and more. Getting in: for more information, check the Honolulu City Lights website.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in Oahu in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go Oahu pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Oahu pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.

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Waikiki skyline at night
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Oahu Most Popular Tourist Attractions - Top 10

Oahu may not be the biggest of the Hawaiian islands (that’d be the aptly nicknamed Big Island), but it sure packs a heck of a punch for its relatively diminutive size. We’re talking world-class snorkeling, awesome mountain hikes, historic monuments and over 200 miles of beautiful coastline to explore. And that’s just for starters. No wonder then, that the Gathering Place (as it’s known) pulls in as many annual visitors as the other big three islands (Kauai, Maui and Hawaii) combined. You could spend a lifetime here and still not have time to experience all of the pleasures this Pacific gem has to offer. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Oahu attractions that should be top of your vacation hit list, including: Pearl Harbor Waikiki Beach The Polynesian Cultural Center Waimea Falls Hanauma Bay State Park Shave ice …and more! Waikiki Beach Golden sands, rolling surf, high-end tiki bars, and some of the best shopping on the island: Waikiki pretty much has it all. But it’s the two-mile stretch of beach that pops up most frequently on Honolulu bucket lists. Sink your toes into the warm sand, sip a rum-laced Mai Tai, and take endless #humblebrag selfies against the gorgeous backdrop of the Diamond Head volcano. Waikiki Beach is also a fine spot for surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving – join a boat trip out Waikiki Turtle Canyon for close encounters with the region’s native green sea turtles, plus all manner of other tropical marine life. Pearl Harbor The best way to get a comprehensive overview of this collection of moving historic sites is on a guided tour. You’ll learn how the Japanese air attack here in 1941 catapulted the US into World War Two and take a boat trip out to the memorial marking the sunken USS Arizona battleship. You can access many of Pearl Harbor’s attractions and museums, including Battleship Missouri and the Aviation Museum, with an Oahu attraction pass from Go City. The pass also includes the option of a full Pearl Harbor and Honolulu tour, plus entry to many more top Oahu attractions, tours and activities. Find out more and get yours here. Polynesian Cultural Center No top 10 of Oahu’s most popular attractions would be complete without a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Sure, its six themed ‘villages’ are touristy, but as a one-stop-shop for experiencing the cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands, it’s second-to-none. Sample aromatic Tahitian coconut bread or try Hawaiian staple poi, made from taro. Take a hula class or learn how to make lei, the traditional Hawaiian flower garland. You can also learn the Samoan art of fire-knife-twirling, watch powerful New Zealand Haka performances, and learn to dance sitting down, Tonga style. Top tip: entry to the Polynesian Cultural Center is also included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass. Honolulu Zoo Honolulu Zoo is home to some 1,200+ critters, running the gamut from ferociously cute fennec foxes to crocodile monitor lizards (the longest lizards in the world, no less), indigenous Hawaiian hawks and pompous, preening golden lion tamarins. It’s all a far cry from the zoo’s 19th-century origins as – effectively – an aviary for King David Kalakaua’s increasingly unmanageable bird collection. Pop by with the fam to say aloha to the park’s many residents and picnic in the lush tropical gardens. Diamond Head It’s practically illegal not to hike Hawaii’s iconic Diamond Head when in Oahu. Good news: it’s a relatively unchallenging walk and the rewards of reaching the summit – epic, sweeping views across the crater’s 3,500-foot diameter to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond – more than justify the effort required to get there! Overtourism in recent years means you now need to book a slot to guarantee entry – we recommend a sunrise hike for minimal crowds and more comfortable temperatures. Shuttle trips to/from the trail from any Waikiki hotel are included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass. Makapuu Lighthouse Another standout trail in this hikers’ paradise is the paved path that winds up to Makapuu Lighthouse, a gleaming white icon of Oahu’s windward coast, topped with an eye-catching red cap. Spot native tropical plants along the way and keep your peepers peeled for migrating humpback whales between December and April. En route to the lighthouse you’ll pass the natural wonder that is Hālona Blowhole, capable of blasting plumes of seawater up to 20 feet in the air under the right conditions. Cap your climb by ascending the century-old lighthouse for extraordinary views of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and Oahu’s stunning southern coastline. Hanauma Bay State Park As with Diamond Head, daily visitors to Hanauma Bay are limited. This gorgeous wineglass-shaped cove, tucked into Koko Head’s sheltered side, is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to book your slot well in advance if you want to experience its soft golden sands, lush green hills, and gin-clear waters. Don’t forget your snorkel – the bay is home to over 400 different species of fish, including ornately patterned butterflyfish, colorful tangs and the tinselly Christmas wrasse. Waimea Valley Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu with a day trip to Waimea Valley. This vast expanse of North Shore parkland (all 1,875 acres of it) encompasses verdant grassy meadows, archaeological sites, and a botanical garden that’s home to more than 5,000 plant species and offers many peaceful shaded groves for lunching on the lawn. Suitably fortified by your picnic of poke and poi, hike the trail to the mighty Waimea Falls, a 45-foot wonder that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Mokoli'i Island Centuries of erosion have separated this cone-shaped lava formation from Oahu proper, but you can still reach Mokoli’i Island’s secluded coves either by walking from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide, or by kayak at all other times. Once there, dip your toes in the clear, balmy waters and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colorful marine life (including green sea turtles, natch) just beneath the surface. Shave Ice! Shave ice is as essential a part of the Oahu experience as hula skirts, tiki bars and Mai Tais. No wonder then that North Shore icon Matsumoto’s is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions. Brave the queues for your refreshing fix of ice topped with tastebud-tingling fruit syrup. Choose from lychee, passion fruit, peach, guava and more. Heck, why not just try them all?  Save on Oahu's Top 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
waikiki-skyline-sunset-on-oahu
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Go Oahu pass Review - My Wonderful 5 Days in Hawaii

This Go Oahu Card review was submitted by Lisabeth F, as part of our Blog Ambassador Program - a fun way to visit top Oahu attractions for free, share your experience, and be featured on our blog. [clear-line] I used the 5-day all-inclusive Go Oahu Card to create a relaxing, stimulating, and exciting vacation itinerary that allowed me to experience some of the best that Oahu has to offer. Some of the activities I enjoyed are exclusive to Hawaii, and the trip was even better than I had imagined! The Go Oahu card made planning and getting passes to the attractions a breeze, and I saved plenty of money if I were to purchase admission to each individually. My 5-Day Go Oahu Vacation and Itinerary I planned my 5-day Oahu vacation and itinerary to make the most out of the many different kinds of attractions and activities that Honolulu and the nearby areas has to offer. By scheduling a mix of relaxation, excitement, and historical tours, I was able to get a true taste of tropical Hawaiian adventure, aloha, and history. Convenient, practical, and budget-saving, the all-inclusive pass made my itinerary super easy to plan and follow. I never had a problem using the pass, and I received wonderful treatment wherever I went. I flew into Honolulu in the afternoon, picked up my rental car, and headed to my hotel in Waikiki. You don’t necessarily need a car to follow my particular itinerary, but traveling to and from the attractions takes about half the time with one. I scheduled my 5-day itinerary to include... a sunny, relaxing Makani Catamaran Sail a fun-filled Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park the informational and leisurely Pearl Harbor Historical City Tour and an emotional and insightful visit to three Pearl Harbor memorials- USS Arizona, USS Bowfin, and USS Missouri Take a virtual mini-tour with me, and I’ll tell you all about it. Pearl Harbor Memorials Day 3 brought an early breakfast and a trip out to Pearl Harbor to relive a day of infamy in Hawaiian and American history. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the USS Missouri. I knew a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial was included with the Pearl Harbor Historical City Tour, so I saved that for the following day, and took self-guided tours of the USS Bowfin and the USS Missouri. I didn’t need to make reservations for either tour, and instead of exploring them on separate days I toured both ships while I was there. Pearl Harbor Historical City Tour The Pearl Harbor Tour was a perfect way to wrap up my planned itinerary. I had to be at my pick-up location at 8:30, so I grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel buffet and was on my way. The driver was knowledgeable, friendly, honest, and forthright. I have to say, this was the real deal, with inside information you wouldn’t normally hear from a corporate tour guide, along with all the standard historical facts. The bus was comfortable, quiet, and smooth. More Stops Around Honolulu Fittingly, the next stop on the tour was Punchbowl Cemetery, where generations of military members rest in peace on the heights above Honolulu. From there, we went past most of the more well-known landmarks of Honolulu, including Hawaiian palaces, government centers, and the Eternal Flame War Memorial before returning to our relative destinations around 3:00 pm. The Flexibility of the Go Oahu Card I chose to leave day 5 wide open for a little flexibility in my itinerary and whatever I felt like doing that day There are many different options to choose from, so it’s all up to you how you spend your time, but no matter what you do the Go Oahu card makes it well worth it. My Tips for Planning Your Itinerary Using a Go Oahu Card Accessing the pass onto your smartphone makes getting into the attractions easy, and will ensure you always have your passes with you. Many of the attractions require reservations, so call ahead of time to book your slot. When making reservations, make sure you are prepared to give the number of persons in your party, mention any children and their ages, and have your Go Oahu pass numbers for all members of your party handy. Browse each attraction’s website beforehand to familiarize yourself with the attraction and any rules and recommendations. Give yourself more time than you think you need to visit each attraction. There are often more activities nearby or within the attraction you’ll want to explore. Plan on getting something to eat or drink nearby before or after each attraction. Activities make you hungry! I hope my Go Oahu Card review helps convince you that the pass is well worth it! The savings alone are reason enough to purchase the pass, but I specifically liked the ease of use from my iPhone. And, since so many attractions are already included on the pass, I really enjoyed the freedom to do, or not do, the attractions that are available to visit.
Lindsay Eagan
Honolulu skyline including the city, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
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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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