Hawaii Spring Break

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.

Published: July 18, 2024
Hawaii spring break

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 ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Sporting Activities in Oahu

Oahu is an ideal destination for getting in some athletic activity on your vacation. Whether you love running on the beach or dream of surfing the Banzai Pipeline, you can enjoy all the sporting activities you can conceive of on this amazing Hawaiian island. For sporting enthusiasts looking to snorkel, surf, or swim their way through a tropical vacation, check out this summary of the top sporty things to do in Oahu. Then, scroll down for how to save on admission tickets to these and other popular Oahu attractions. Surfing The first thing many people think of when considering athletic expression in Hawaii is surfing. After all, Oahu is known for several preeminent surfing competitions and the one-and-only Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore. Of course, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy surfing in Oahu. For those looking to try their hand at surfing for the first time, or even folks with a bit of experience but who are still looking to learn more, Oahu surf lessons are a smart bet. You’ll get personalized instruction and hands-on help as you learn the ins and outs of the board, balancing your body, and navigating the waves. It’s a bucket list item for many, so be sure to try it out on your next Hawaiian vacation! Snorkeling Another perennially popular activities in Oahu is snorkeling. Their brilliant blue waters and vast populations of tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs make for perfect snorkeling conditions, so it’s no surprise that people flock to Hawaii to enjoy the sport. There are loads of different options for snorkeling in Oahu, but we’ve outlined a few of our favorites below. First, an exciting immersive snorkeling experience that combines an extensive North Shore tour with an opportunity to snorkel with the sea turtles. Then, check out the protected marine conservation area Hanauma Bay, a gentle place for beginners that still offers loads of beautiful tropical creatures with many indigenous species. Or, rent your snorkel gear and snorkel Waikiki. Paddle-boarding For those looking to truly get in a good workout during their vacation, stand-up paddle-boarding is a must-try. If you’ve never experimented with the sport before, it makes for an excellent core workout. It's also a delightful way to explore the beautiful Hawaiian waters! Fortunately, this fun sporting activity is suitable for beginners, too. Try this three-hour paddle-board rental on the North Shore of Oahu, where all the necessary equipment is included. Discover the sea, teeming with life from vibrant tropical fish to playful dolphins to majestic whales. You have the potential to see all of these and more on your sightseeing paddle-board excursion! Kayaking A more classic water sports activity in Oahu is kayaking. This two-person activity is an excellent way to roam the waters. If you’ve never enjoyed a good kayaking excursion before, now’s your chance. Make the most of the opportunity on your next Hawaiian vacation. We like the waters of the North Shore of Oahu for the best kayaking opportunities. Rent a kayak for three hours with a partner and paddle to your heart’s content. Get the chance to see all the most exotic and exciting wildlife in Hawaii, from sea turtles to dolphins and even tiny little tropical fish. Yoga View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yoga Floats (@yogafloats) on Jul 31, 2019 at 10:38am PDT Finally, practice your breathing and engage your core with a good active yoga practice during your next Hawaiian vacation. There are plenty of options for enjoying this invigorating and meditative activity, all of which provide the chance for you to connect with yourself and with the beautiful natural world around you. Try a morning vinyasa flow in a park in Waikiki for a truly unforgettable experience—after all, how often do you get to see the ocean while in downward dog? Or, if you’re looking for a more invigorating practice, try yoga aboard a Stand-Up Paddleboard. SUP Yoga is a hot new thing and is a great introduction to both sports. Save on Sporting Activities in Oahu Hoping to get in some surfing, paddle-boarding, or snorkeling on your next tropical vacation? Get a Go Oahu pass to save up to 55% on these and other top things to do in Oahu. You can also save on museums, tours, cruises, and more—everything you need for a perfect Hawaiian vacation. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Blog

Oahu Itinerary

Did you know you can save up to 59% with an All-Inclusive Pass?  If you visited the below attractions without our pass, you'd spend $582.56. With our pass, it's only $234.  That's a total saving of $348.55. Read on for some Oahu inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing. Day 1 Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor As the location of one of the most infamous moments in modern history, Pearl Harbor is must-see - so give yourself the morning to explore one of its museums. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is a good choice. Its three galleries document the US Navy’s Submarine Force during World War II, the Cold War and beyond. Price without a pass: $21.99 Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii including Da Flowrider After a morning of history buffing, you’ll probably be ready for something a little bit lighter. Where could be better to finish up the day than Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii? Whether you’re planning to hurtle down several-story-high slides, or just want to drift along a lazy river, you’re bound to have a good time here.  Price without a pass: $79.99 Day 2 Malama Experience at Kualoa Ranch Make your way to Kualoa Ranch for a morning trolley tour of this scenic farm. You’ll learn all about the history of Oahu’s most well-preserved ancient fishponds (Moli’i) that are said to be over 800 years old, giving you an appreciation of early Hawaiian culture as you also take in the glorious tropical surrounds which boast a variety of fruits and flowers. Add to the bargain that you’ll get to sample some native treats, and you’re bound to fall for this place. Price without a pass: $54.40 Polynesian Cultural Center Next up is this immersive cultural center, where you’ll travel (metaphorically speaking) beyond Hawaii's shores and plunge yourself into the different cultures of the Pacific Islands. From Fiji to Tonga, journey through the complex of six recreated villages and experience hands-on activities and demonstrations that’ll give you a deeper understanding of Polynesia's traditions. Price without a pass: $87.15 Day 3 Diamond Head: Shuttle & Self-Guided Hike  Trust us, the early start is worth it to hike this incredible natural wonder. With your pass, you’ll get picked up bright and early and shuttled to the base of Diamond Head. From there, you’ll take a self-guided tour up to the crater, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the island. Price without a pass: $44.27 Makani Catamaran Sail After taking in those ocean views from above, where better to head to next than a luxury catamaran? Enjoy that sea breeze as you spend a couple of hours enjoying the open waters. Dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and even humpback whales are among the wildlife that you can spot as you sail, or you can just lie back and catch some rays on the net area. Price without a pass: $129.80 Moana Splash Luau This coastal setting makes is the perfect spot to take in the views and immerse yourself in an award-winning show celebrating Polynesian culture. You'll get to participate in cultural activities such as lei-making, hula lessons and headband weaving. Plus, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal with the showstopper being a traditional Kalua Pig and the accompanying ‘umu uncovering ceremony.  Price without a pass: $164.96   By visiting these attractions with an All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have saved 59% on your sightseeing. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get planning that Oahu adventure now! We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on April 1, 2023.
Katie Waller

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