Oahu Labor Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

By Katie Sagal

If you’re lucky enough to spend Labor Day and the last days of summer in the tropical paradise of Oahu (where, trust us, summer will continue for a while after you’ve left), then its a good idea to have a list of potential activities to enjoy. You won't be short of things to do this Labor Day in Oahu. There are lots of activities and local attractions that the whole family will enjoy. If you’re looking for Oahu Labor Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Oahu in September, including...

Hanauma Bay Snorkel
Makani Catamaran Sail
Hawaiian Style Rentals: Moped and Bike Rental
Diamond Head Hike
And more!

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these Oahu attractions are 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 passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass.

Relax Aboard a Dinner Cruise

Image of Boat, Sailboat, Vehicle, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Yacht, Watercraft, Sun, Sunset, Sea, Water, Though Hawaii is known for its water sports, like surfing, if they're not for you, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water. You can definitely enjoy the ocean even if you don’t want to swim or snorkel in it – just hop aboard a Makani Catamaran for the best of the tropical ocean without the hassle of equipment. Experience one of the most quintessential Hawaiian vacation activities and set sail on the Pacific Ocean for an island-style dinner with a complimentary drink and an unforgettable view of the Hawaiian sunset. Getting In: Makani Dinner Cruise tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu pass.

Explore Hawaiian Culture

Image of Stage, Dancing, Person, What better way to have an authentic Hawaiian experience than with a visit to one the most genuine places on the entire island? Pay a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can lose yourself in the world of old Oahu with visits to seven distinct ethnic areas, multiple demonstrations, and beautiful dance performances. It's a celebration of the Polynesian culture and a great way to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii. Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Go Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

Image of Person, Swimming, Water, Water Sports, Nature, Outdoors, Underwater, Adult, Female, Woman, Accessories, Glasses, You’re traveling to Oahu to make the best of those last summer days, so why not immerse yourself (literally) in the tropical waters of Hawaii? Enjoy a snorkeling expedition and see some of the most marvelous undersea creatures in the world. It's the quintessential summer activity to see you through the cooler autumn months. Getting In: Hanauma Bay Snorkel rentals are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Ride a Bike or Moped

Image of Shoe, Boy, Male, Person, Teen, Handbag, Bicycle, Vehicle, Female, Girl, Cycling, Shorts, Get out and be active with a nice vigorous bike ride. (Or, be as leisurely as you want!) Explore scenic Waikiki, or head out to destinations beyond with your 24-hour rental. Another option includes a fun moped rental, for some more exciting explorations. You’ll get a map with your rental, too, so it couldn’t be easier to plan out a trail. It's a fun and easy way to see as much of the island as possible. Getting In: Hawaiian Style rentals are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Embark on a Scenic Hike

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Shoreline, Coast, Land,

Image credit: Dakuna.com

Oahu is at its most beautiful in the wild parts outside of Honolulu and Waikiki, so be sure to spend some time out exploring nature. Take a hike up the historic Makapuu Lighthouse, or out to the impressive Diamond Head volcano. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera! Getting In: Makapuu Lighthouse Hike tickets and Diamond Head Hike tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

First Friday Art Walk

If you're in search of that perfect unique souvenir, then a visit to the monthly First Friday Art Walk in Honolulu's Chinatown is a great destination. This month, they're boasting a special Labor Day theme. This event is filled with art and craftwork from dozens of local vendors looking to share their love of art with the world. You'll also find that local businesses get in on the fun, too, offering free food and drink samples to passersby. It's an incredibly festive atmosphere overall, and is fun for the whole family. Getting In: Admission to the First Friday Art Walk is free.

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

It's hard to find a tradition more authentically Hawaiian than this one, or one that is more beloved by locals. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be officially introduced, and past monarchs honored through song and dance. This event actually kicks off the larger Aloha Festival event series, taking place throughout the month. For more information about Aloha Week, check out our full write-up of this unique Hawaiian tradition. Getting In: Admission to the Royal Court Investiture is free.

Okinawan Festival

Image of People, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Boy, Child, Male, Baby, Hat, Man, Shoe,

Image credit: Okinawan Festival.

Now in its 37th year, the Okinawan Festival is the largest cultural festival in all of Hawaii. Enjoy tons of great ethnic food, live entertainment including taiko drums and hula dancers, artist and artisan displays, and great educational activities for the kids. It’s an ideal family event for those looking for a little bit of authentic Oahu. Getting In: Admission to the Okinawan Festival is free.

Waikiki Roughwater Swim

Image of Water, Person, Swimming, Water Sports, Handbag, People,

Image credit: Waikiki Roughwater Swim Facebook page.

Not for the faint of heart, this event brings swimmers from all over the world to challenge the rough waters of Waikiki on a 2. 4 mile course. Watch swimmers traverse the seas from the Waikiki Aquarium to Hilton Hawaiian Village and marvel at their bravery. Getting In: Admission to the Waikiki Roughwater Swim is free for spectators.

10th Annual Hawaii Rice Festival

Image of Citrus Fruit, Food, Fruit, Grapefruit, Produce, Meal, Food Presentation, Dish,

Image credit: Paina Cafe.

Celebrate one of Hawaii’s most famous grains this Labor Day weekend with a one-of-a-kind festival. Enjoy cooking and eating competitions, musical performances and other live entertainment, and great kids activities. Taste rice from around the world and learn all about the history of this famous plant. Getting In: Admission to the Hawaii Rice Festival is free.

67th Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea

This massive block party is the place to be this September for a full taste of Hawaiian food, drink, and culture. Crowds will come from all across the islands to Kalakaua Avenue to enjoy lei-making classes, hula performances, Hawaiian music, and plenty of food and drink. It's a great family attraction, too! Getting In: Admission to the 67th Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea is free.

Kūhiō Beach Hula Show

This authentic hula show is a great way to get a true taste of Hawaiian culture for free. Come to Kūhiō Beach to see the full show, including an opening torch-lighting ceremony and the blowing of a conch shell, plus plenty of expect indigenous dances. This show takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in season. Getting In: Admission to the Kūhiō Beach Hula Show is free.

Enjoy an Informative Tour

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, If you’ve never been to Oahu before, or if your interests lie on the cultural side, why not take a comprehensive tour of Honolulu to learn more about the city and its people? You’ll also cover major historical sites like Pearl Harbor, so it’s well worth your time. Getting In: Pearl Harbor Historical-City Tour tickets are included on the Go Oahu pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction 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 Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Oahu pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.

Continue reading

Blog

Things to do in Honolulu Oahu

Nestled right along the southeastern shore of Oahu, Honolulu has long been one of America’s most beloved tourist hotspots. A town of sun-soaked beaches, captivating scenery, and seaside cocktail shacks, the capital of Hawaii draws in millions of visitors each year – and it’s easy to see why. Still, there’s a lot more to love about the city than its laid-back beach vibes. One of the reasons why Honolulu is such a great place to visit is because it offers so much to explore. Whether you’re looking to see Diamond Head, explore ʻIolani Palace, or just simply kick back at Waikiki Beach, you’re sure to find something to suit you. If you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best places to discover in the area. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! Explore the Area With its beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests, Honolulu is the perfect destination for all nature lovers. To soak up the true beauty of the area, we strongly recommend checking out the Manoa Falls Trail. Offering a paradisial retreat in nature, this stop is one of Honolulu’s most popular tourist attractions, period. Along the route, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the beautiful vegetation which flourishes from all angles. This is also generally considered to be one of the city’s easier hiking trails, taking around an hour to complete. However, it can get pretty slippery along the way, so we suggest wearing appropriate footwear for the occasion. The path culminates at Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall, plummeting into a gleaming rock pool. Though it’s off-limits for visitors to swim in the pool, the breathtaking view and refreshing mists make the journey more than worth it. If you’re looking to spend time in the great outdoors, there’s no better place to be than Honolulu. For a fantastic day trip to remember, you couldn’t do much better than the Diamond Head Trail. Originally constructed in 1908, the route was developed as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. Today, this U.S. National Natural Monument welcomes thousands of visitors each day as one of the island’s most iconic tourist attractions. At 560 feet high, this trail might sound pretty daunting to some – but at just 0.8 miles long, it's actually a pretty short climb. Along the route, you’ll catch stunning views of the city from way up high. The crown jewel of the Diamond Head Trail is, of course, its famous volcanic tuff cone after which the hike is named. A defining feature of the city and a total sight to behold, this natural wonder is well worth the journey. Don’t forget to bring a camera – you'll definitely want to get some snaps of this! Get Cultured Though Honolulu is perhaps best known for its golden beaches and cascading waterfalls, there’s so much more to be discovered. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to love about the city. Those looking for history and culture in Hawaii’s capital will be more than happy with what the area has to offer. Located just downtown, ʻIolani Palace makes an ideal tourist attraction both for its unique structure and fascinating background. Exhibiting a distinctive blend of Italian Renaissance and Hawaiin architecture, the palace is known for its design, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors should take time to appreciate its beautiful stonework outside. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy its rich interiors, including a breathtaking koi staircase, preserved furniture, and portraits of Hawaiin royalty. You’ll also be led by a tour guide, so you can learn more about the history of the building and the royal and governmental figures who called the palace home. Utterly magnificent and dreamlike, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. For those interested in learning more about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Originally named for the wealth of pearl oysters found within its protected waters, Pearl Harbor is the state’s largest natural harbor and a popular tourist experience for many. Well-suited to visitors with a thirst for knowledge, this famous lagoon harbor is of course known for its tragic past which changed the course of history. Today, it is one of the top visitor destinations in Oahu, with millions coming from all over the globe to see the site of the surprise attack and its collection of memorials and war museums. Whether you’re a history buff, or just plain curious, you’ll find that there’s plenty to see and do here. Tour the USS Missouri Battleship, which is famous for bringing WWII to its end in 1945. Hear first-hand stories from those who survived the attacks on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar pierced with bullet holes from the battle. As fascinating as it is moving, this stop is a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Relax! Of course, a trip to Honolulu wouldn’t be complete without hitting the beach! Stretching for two full miles along the south Oahu coast, Waikiki Beach has long served as the perfect stop for recreation and relaxation. Going way back to the 1800s, you could even find Hawaiin royalty trying their hand at longboarding here. Today, the beach lives up to its Hawaiin name, meaning ‘’spouting waters’’, with its rolling surf and salt-sprayed shores making it one of the biggest draws of the city. Among the various things to do here, you’ll find that Waikiki beach is a pretty popular destination for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and more. Dotted along the beachfront, there are countless restaurants, stores and bars. Comes nightfall, the fun never stops coming in Waikiki since it's such a big tourist hotspot. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, try your hand at a new water sport, or just simply grab a drink, this place truly does have it all. Vibrant and bursting with culture, Hawaii’s state capital never fails to impress. The best things to do in Honolulu run the gamut – from seriously beautiful to fantastically educational, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. For sunseekers and anybody looking to take a break, the city’s idyllic beaches are where you’ll want to be. Still, anybody with even a cursory interest in history and culture should make time to see the sites. With fantastic attractions like ʻIolani Palace. Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, you’ll be glad you did! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

Blog

Things to Do in Oahu for Couples During Your Vacation (& Ideas for Groups of Friends)

Katie Sagal

Night time skyline at Waikiki Beach on Oahu island, Hawaii

Blog

Things to do in Oahu at Night Time

From traditional Hawaiian luau shows, to twilight zoo tours and the best mai tai cocktails in town, we've found the best things to do in Oahu when the sun goes down!

Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.