Hawaii spring break

Hawaii Spring Break

Things to do in February & March during your vacation
By Katie Sagal

Spring break is a wonderful time to visit Hawaii, especially Oahu and Maui. You'll see fewer crowds and enjoy stunning springtime weather. There's more to Hawaii than just spectacular beaches - here's our lowdown on the best museums, historical tours, and cultural experiences.

What better place to spend a Hawaiian spring break than the lush tropical paradise of Oahu? It’s got everything you could ask for – sunny beaches, impressive waves, luxurious plant life, fascinating cultural events, great museums, and unbeatable cuisine.

If you’re planning on heading to Hawaii this year on your spring break vacation, you’re probably looking for ways to keep the group occupied. For ideas, check out our top selected Oahu attractions and activities:

  • Authentic Luaus
  • Snorkeling in Waikiki
  • The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
  • Wet n’ Wild Hawaii
  • Makani Catamaran Sail
  • And more!

Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go City® Oahu pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top Oahu attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. 

Experience an authentic luau

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If you really want to experience authentic Hawaiian culture with the whole family, then a visit to a real live luau is a must. Many options are geared toward visitors of all ages, and many of the dances and other cultural performances are enchanting for all.

Choose an option that combines the best of Oahu cuisine and dancing while truly reflecting Hawaiian culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a famous luau and dinner show nightly, and it's a favorite among visitors.

Getting In: Ka Moana Luau tickets are included as a Premium option on the Go City® Oahu All-Inclusive Pass only.

Swim & snorkel with the turtles

Snorkeling with sea turtles

Another one of the must-dos in Oahu is a snorkeling adventure in Waikiki. Enjoy this fun activity with a twist worthy of your bucket list: the chance to snorkel alongside giant Hawaiian green sea turtles and learn all about them.

You'll stop at Waikiki Turtle Canyon, a well-known 'turtle cleaning station', where you're guaranteed to spot a Green Sea Turtle or two as they congregate above the reef to have the algae on their shells eaten by Hawaiian reef fish. It's an amazing experience that everyone loves. How could you possibly pass it up? 

Getting In: Waikiki Cruise Snorkeling with Turtles is included on the Go City® Oahu Explorer Pass only.

Relax in Waikiki

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Of course, regardless of what else you want to do on your perfect Hawaiian vacation, you have to go to the beach. Whether you want to do nothing but sunbathe and swim, or are looking for something more active like snorkeling (a bit more low-key this time) or surfing, there’s something to suit every taste in Waikiki. Just remember to put on sunscreen!

There are also some convenient public transportation options to get you around town if you decide you’ve seen enough sand for one day and want to explore other parts of the neighborhood. 

Getting In: Waikiki snorkel gear rentals are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Hop Aboard a Cruise

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You simply can't leave Oahu without taking advantage of being out on the water as much as possible. Adults and kids alike will relish the opportunity to embark on an exciting cruise; an excursion aboard a luxurious catamaran vessel.

This two-hour tour escorts you along miles of the Oahu coastline, where you can see the city skyline and the sandy beaches from afar. You'll also be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around you, from seabirds to dolphins to even whales (in season)! 

Getting In: Makani Catamaran tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Explore Honolulu

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There’s more to Oahu than just beaches and trees – so head into downtown Honolulu to prove to your parents and friends that you did something more than sunbathe. To see the full breadth of the city's offerings, both cultural and architectural, then why not take a bus tour of the city? As a bonus, it also includes a little bit of Pearl Harbor.

This tour can take up the entire day, so plan for around 5 hours if you’re interested in this comprehensive and popular tour. It sounds long, but everyone who takes the tour finds it worthwhile.

Getting In: Honolulu City tour tickets are included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Visit Oahu Museums

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Do you love arts and culture? Then spend some time at the fascinating and serene Honolulu Museum of Art. They’ve got an amazing collection of Asian and American art, especially featuring art inspired by Hawaii. History lovers won’t want to miss the Queen Emma Summer Palace, a lovely historical abode that served as a summer home for Hawaiian royalty in the mid-nineteenth century. You’re also right nearby the Iolani Palace, another majestic royal residence with a ton of history. 

Getting In: Admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art is separately ticketed, the Queen Emma Summer Palace and Iolani Palace are both included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Hit the North Shore

You can’t leave Oahu without having explored the area beyond Honolulu and Waikiki, and a trip to the North Shore is the perfect way to do that. It’s a more isolated part of the island and is less popular with tourists, but it’s breathtakingly beautiful and is well worth the drive up there. For example, spend an hour or two roaming the natural wonderland that is Waimea Valley and you’ll never want to leave.

Secret beach

Another great outdoorsy option is Secret Island Beach, one of the most enchanting beaches on the North Shore. As a bonus, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy like beach volleyball, paddle-boarding, ping pong, and more.

Getting In: Admission to Waimea Valley and Secret Island Beach are both included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Go on a fishing excursion

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If you're the type that loves nothing more than relaxing with a fishing pole in your hands, then this guided tour sounds perfect for you. You'll head to the North Shore, where your expert guide will point out the most fruitful places to fish. If you're a pro, then you can just sit back and relax. New to fishing? Your guide is there to help you do everything, from how to line up your pole to how to properly execute the catch-and-release technique. 

Getting In: North Shore Fishing Tour tickets are included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Embark on a movie sites tour

Another excellent North Shore option is a movie sites tour. As America's tropical paradise, Oahu often plays host to several different filming crews and sets. This tour not only covers major sites and backdrops from popular shows and film franchises but also significant historical landmarks, such as the oldest sugar mill on Oahu and a WWII bunker. One for film buffs and TV lovers, this tour is a great way to experience the natural world of Oahu, too. 

Getting In: Oahu Movie Sites Tour tickets are included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Visit Pearl Harbor

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One of the must-see sites in all of Oahu is fun and informative for the whole family. Explore the fascinating heritage and history of Pearl Harbor with visits to the different museums and memorials that make up the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

From the Battleship Missouri Memorial to the Pacific Aviation Museum, you can spend a few hours at each attraction and make a day of learning all about the history of the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, and the events of 1941 and beyond. Don’t forget a narrated tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, which has been consistently voted a top Landmark in the U.S. in TripAdvisor polls. 

Getting In: Admission to the Pacific Aviation Museum and Battleship Missouri Memorial are both included with all Go City® Oahu passes. Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free; the Go City® Oahu pass covers the cost of the audio tour.

Get wild at theme parks

Now that you’ve had your fill of history, culture, and perhaps even relaxation, it’s time to breathe some more excitement into your vacation. Amp up your energy levels with a trip to some of the state’s most thrilling attractions like Wet n’ Wild Hawaii. Why visit a water park when you’re already surrounded by water?

That’s easy – there are no thrilling rides, slides, tunnels, rafts, or fountains found in nature. Wet n’ Wild is the perfect option for the adrenaline junkie, and their amazing rides will make the whole family wish they could come back time and again. Of course, there are plenty of options appropriate for your smaller children as well, like gentle wave pools and supervised swimming areas. 

Getting In: Admission to Wet n' Wild Hawaii is included with all Go City® Oahu passes.

Save on admission to top Oahu attractions

While you can’t cover everything with a discounted attraction pass, products like the Go Oahu® Card can save you some serious cash when it comes to attraction visits. It includes admission to the best local attractions, from luaus and museums to snorkeling and hiking, plus extra discounts on select dining and shopping options.

Like these ideas? Snag a Go City Oahu® pass and get ready to have the best family-friendly spring break ever!

☀️See all Oahu attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a Oahu pass ✈️ 

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Getting Around Oahu - Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond - How To Guide for Tourists

Traveling to Hawaii for the vacation of a lifetime? We’ve put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around Oahu and beyond, including getting to and from the airport. There are plenty of great public transportation options that make it easy to travel around the main areas of Oahu, like the bustling downtown area and popular tourist attractions. But like all of the Hawaiian islands, there's more to Oahu than meets the eye. Those looking to travel further distances - meaning outside the town and into the country or surround islands - may prefer to rent a car. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a frequent visitor of the tropical paradise, this guide will provide you with great tips and tricks for navigating. Planning to see lots of Oahu attractions? Check out the Go Oahu Card—the more you do, the more you save. Driving Rental Cars Renting a car is the most popular option for travelers in Oahu. The island is rather spread out, and there's ton to do in the surrounding Honolulu towns. If you're an adventure-seeker who loves to explore and get outdoors, having your own car to get you to and from lesser-known locations is a must. Driving in Oahu is relatively easy, although traffic can sometimes be an issue during the busy months of the tourist season. Be aware that speed limits in Oahu are generally lower than those in the continental United States and are strictly enforced. You can rent cars directly at the airport or look into Jeep or 4x4 rentals that will allow to you to explore all terrain. Please note, some rental services require drivers to be 25 years of age or older. Private Shuttle If you're planning to visit Oahu with a large group, it may be more cost efficient to hire a personal driver for the duration of your trip. Chartering a private shuttle is a great way to make sure you're able to get around to all of your must-see spots. While it tends to be a pricier option, it does make getting around with a group very convenient and easy. Insider tip: if you're traveling to Oahu with a large group, you may qualify for a Group Discount on Go Oahu Card. Parking As you would expect of any city, parking in Honolulu and Waikiki can be tricky. There’s a lot of traffic and public parking garages can be crowded and occasionally expensive. Inquire at your hotel concierge for the best place to park while exploring, or if your hotel does not offer parking services in house. Be advised than many of the state parks charge small fees for parking if you’re heading out to hike or swim in places like Hanauma Bay or Diamond Head. Public Transportation The Bus There’s an excellent local bus system called The Bus, that mostly services Honolulu and Waikiki, but has lines extending out to just about every major town on the island (Kapolei, Kailua, etc.). Catching a ride on The Bus is as easy as finding the nearest bus stop sign, standing in front of it, and waiting to be picked up. Once on board, make sure to pay attention to each stop, as you'll have to pull the cord to request yours. All buses require exact fare per rider. Fares are reasonable, transfers are allowed, and seniors, children, and disabled individuals are offered half price rates. Consult TheBus website for info on departure times, system maps, ticket prices, and more. Taxis Taxis are abundant in Waikiki and Honolulu but can be a bit more difficult to find in outlying areas. The fares can be costly once you start traveling outside of the city, so you’re much better off renting a car if you want to explore outside of the major metropolitan area. Be aware, waving a taxi’s down is frowned upon in Hawaii. The easiest way to get a taxi is to do it from any hotel. An easy number to remember for a taxi is 322-2222. You can coordinate your ride in advance. Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are now available in Hawaii as well. These may be cheaper than hailing a taxi, so make sure to download your preferred service to your phone and compare prices. Walking & Biking Walking is mostly an option in the major urban centers like Honolulu and Waikiki. These are very pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, attractions, tours, and other exciting sights just by exploring on foot. Of course, you’ll want to do some walking on Oahu’s beautiful beaches, too! But don’t expect to be able to walk between towns –that’s definitely a car-worthy activity. Biking is an excellent way to explore Honolulu and Waikiki as well. You’ll get great exercise and you’ll have the freedom to stop and go whenever and wherever you please. Bike rentals are readily available, as are the sportier moped rentals. If you’re heading further afield, you’ll want to be sure that everyone in your party is committed to some serious bike riding, as some destinations are miles and miles away. Getting in: Hawaiian Style Moped and Bike Rentals are included on Go Oahu Card. Flying To and From Oahu The largest airport in all of Hawaii is located right in downtown Honolulu – Honolulu International Airport. There are plenty of ways to get to and from the airport upon arrival or departure. You can get between terminals on the Wiki Wiki Shuttle, or to downtown Waikiki via The Bus route #20. If you’re staying in Waikiki, you could also take a taxi to your hotel for a relatively low fare. If you've rented a car, it'll be easy to pick it up right from the airport.
Katie Sagal
Oahu
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Oahu Itinerary – 3 Days in Oahu for First Timers

Planning your upcoming trip to Oahu but unsure what to do with your time? To give you some ideas of how to spend some of your Hawaiian vacation, we’ve put together an itinerary for 3 Days in Oahu that combines a wide variety of attractions and activities. This Oahu itinerary is designed to appeal to both families and couples, and should be tons of fun for any Hawaii-bound traveler. This 3 day itinerary includes: Sea Life Park Hawaiian Style Rentals USS Missouri Memorial USS Arizona Memorial Audio Tour Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Hanauma Bay Snorkel Makani Catamaran Sail Waikiki Beach Polynesian Cultural Center DAY 1 Stop #1: Sea Life Park This charming marine park is a great first attraction for your Oahu vacation. It’s part education and conservation facility, and part entertainment complex. Explore the animal exhibits, enjoy engaging performances, and help feed the sea turtles! Some of the creatures you’ll meet at Sea Life Park include the endangered Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and more. And although they offer certain play areas and interactive exhibits, this place is really all about showcasing Hawaiian marine life in an authentic context. We recommend reserving at least 3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Hawaiian Style Rentals: Moped, Bike or E-Bike Rental There’s no better way to explore the island than on two wheels. Traffic on Oahu is notoriously bad, so why not bypass it all with a bike? It’s great exercise, it’s eco-friendly, and it gets you outdoors! Hawaii bike rentals are also a good opportunity to carve your own path and see what you want to see, and not just what a tour guide shows you. You can rent either a moped, bike or e-bike and of course, your rental does come with a map with suggested landmarks and destinations, allowing you the flexibility to really design your own day. We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. DAY 2 Stop #1: Battleship Missouri Memorial The Battleship Missouri Memorial is the ideal attraction for history buffs – especially those of you with a special fascination for military history. The Missouri was the last battleship ever built and has been recently refurbished for visitors. This ship has actually seen service in three different conflicts, making it one of the most storied ships in U.S. Naval history. Some of the highlights you’ll see on your tour include the Surrender Deck, the spot where a kamikaze pilot flew into the ship, and more. A visit here is an excellent opportunity to reflect on American military history (and history more broadly) and is a good educational experience for people of all ages. The tour takes approximately 1 hour. Stop #2: USS Arizona Memorial Next, you’ll want to embark on the USS Arizona Memorial Tour, an audio tour narrated by dozens of Pearl Harbor survivors, historians, and celebrity Jamie Lee Curtis. The USS Arizona is actually the most visited attraction in all of Oahu, so it should definitely be on your must-do list. It's also part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Park, so a visit here will be enticing to those looking to cross off more National Parks from your list. This memorial was built specifically to honor the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The audio tour is a moving and poignant opportunity to honor their sacrifice and learn about an important time in U.S. history. The audio tour takes approximately 1 hour. Stop #3: Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum One of the only surviving combat submarines from WWII, the USS Bowfin has since been made into a museum that features the history of submarines and the crucial role they played in sinking enemy ships in WWII. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is a central hub of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, it’s a convenient stop for you while you explore each of the different venues. Don’t forget to bring your camera to each of these attractions! The self-guided audio tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, but we recommend leaving about 1 hour to explore the Museum and grounds. Stop #4: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling After a relaxing lunch, head East with Kaimana Tours for some excellent Hanauma Bay snorkeling opportunities. These beautiful, pristine waters are the perfect place to see a great variety of marine life and plants. Some of the creatures you’re likely to see on your snorkeling adventure include rays, turtles, octopi, tropical fish, and more! The vibrant coral reef is a beautiful sight all on its own, too, and makes the whole experience worth it. And don't worry if you've never been snorkeling before -- Kaimana Tours will give you an easy introduction to how the equipment works, and some tips for the best sightseeing tactics. This excursion takes approximately 3 hours. DAY 3 Stop #1: Makani Catamaran Sail If you haven't been aboard a boat in Oahu, you're missing out. That's why we're convinced that this luxurious two-hour cruise is a relaxing and delightful way to start off your third day in Oahu. It’s a sailing adventure that takes you through beautiful coastal waters at impressive speeds while still retaining that smooth ride feel. During the Makani Catamaran Sail, be on the look out for dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles, and, in certain seasons, humpback whales! Don’t forget the sunscreen and a camera! This cruise lasts about 2 hours. Stop #2: Waikiki Beach Now’s your chance to sit and lounge around on the beach. Waikiki Beach is the ideal place for visitors to enjoy Oahu’s beach culture. Soak up the sun on the sandy beaches and watch the waves go by. For those that prefer a more active beach experience, why not catch a wave? Head to Queen's Surf Beach, the perfect place for begginers to learn, and rent a surfboard. Grab a long board, rash guard and reef shoes and you're good to go! Stop #3: Polynesian Cultural Center Looking for something a little bit different to end your perfect Hawaiian vacation? Finish on a high with a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Stroll through recreated villages from the six different cultures that make up Polynesia, and witness fascinating traditions like lei-making and "fire knife" dancing. There's even the chance to get invovled with a number of activities, so be prepared to take a hula lesson and practice your spear throwing. If you want to spend more time exploring the PCC, then stop by earlier in the day for an extended period of time. Save on Attraction Admission So if you’re trying to figure out what to do during 3 days in Oahu on your 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. Remember, many of the attractions included in this itinerary are available with Go City, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. This is just one of many ways to experience Oahu. An All-Inclusive Pass 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. Looking for other suggested itineraries? Then take a peak at our 2 day/weekend in Oahu, or one week in Hawaii itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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