10 Things To Do In Oahu in May

Admiral’s Warbird Adventure
If you’re planning on visiting Pearl Harbor for Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Warbirds offers the best Hawai‘i flight adventure tours available. Be immersed in the details of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and soar above the important sites that played a part in the “Day of Infamy.” Relive history as you retrace the steps of the Army and Navy airmen in the days following the bombing. Fly on some of the same routes the Japanese attackers used into the airfields at Wheeler, Kāne‘ohe and Bellows. There are many air tours in Hawai‘i, but only one warbird airplane flight. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pearl Harbor Warbirds provides a personal historical experience making it one of the best O‘ahu attractions.

Learn more about the Pearl Harbor Warbirds Admiral’s Warbird Adventure.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
Visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl. This peaceful and somber site is a must visit when in Oahu. On Memorial Day, Boy Scouts place a lei on each grave. If you can time your visit for 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, you can catch the 61st annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony. In addition to the impressive memorial, you’ll also find an tremendous view of Honolulu.

50th State Fair (end of May through mid June weekends) Aloha Stadium
There’s nonstop fun for everyone at this year’s 50th State Fair! Whether it’s riding your favorite rides or the new Ice Jet, showing off your skill at the games, winning prizes, enjoying a plate lunch or funnel cake, or taking in all of the entertainment and special attractions, the 50th State Fair is filled with fun and excitement for young and old alike.

Learn more at http://ekfernandezshows.com/event-details.asp?eventid=206

Lei Day (May 1 Kapiolani Park)
“May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii Nei.” This popular phrase in the islands prevents anyone from forgetting this special day – which is a holiday dedicated to the beautiful Hawaiian tradition of making and wearing lei. Since the first Lei Day on May 1, 1928, Hawaii has continued the annual celebration.

Oahu hosts the state’s largest May Day event. No matter what day of the week May 1 falls on, the Lei Day Celebration takes place at Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. The event features live music, a lei contest exhibit, hula performances, demonstrations, craft and food vendors, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Samoa Festival including World Fire Knife Competition
Competitors from around the world will descend on the North Shore of Oahu. But only one will leave as the World Fireknife Champion.

Here’s the 2015 World Fireknife Schedule:

// May 7th, Hale Aloha @ Polynesian Cultural Center, 7:45pm, World Fire Knife Preliminaries
// May 8th, Hale Aloha @ Polynesian Cultural Center, 7:45pm, Junior Division (6-11 yrs), Intermediate Division (12-17 yrs), Semi Finals – Open Division (Top 6)
// May 9th, Pacific Theater @ Polynesian Cultural Center, 7:30 pm, FINALS-WORLD FIREKNIFE CHAMPIONSHIPS -competition during intermission of “Ha: Breath of Life” evening show. Awards immediately following the show.

Here’s a video from a previous World Fire Knife Competition:

Hawaii Book & Music Festival Honolulu Hale
Date: Early May – MAY 2-3, 2015
HBMF is a unique event in Hawaii. The festival is a celebration that honors books, storytelling and music in way that is fun, accessible, and memorable for people of all ages, backgrounds and tastes. The festival strives to introduce Hawaii books and music to the world and to introduce Hawaii to new worlds of books and music. The festival honors the host culture, explores topics of community interest, and highlights the joy of life-long literacy for all of Hawaii’s people. The end result is an event that creates joy and excitement about Hawaiian culture all year round.

Arizona Memorial
Though there aren’t any specific events, visiting this memorial is certainly a worthy way to honor Memorial Day. Get prepared for your visit by reading Pearl Harbor Sightseeing – 5 Ways To Reach Secret Spots.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
One of Oahu’s most popular snorkeling destinations, visiting Hanauma Bay and snorkeling in the reef you can see turtles and fish in clear, shallow water. Enjoyed a day beach sitting and snorkeling at one of the most beautiful spots on Oahu. The walk to and from the beach showcases the Nature Preserve well. Plan to spend at least a day here soaking up the sun and enjoying nature.

Whale + Dolphin Watching
The warm shallow waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands are a favorite destination for humpback whales. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population returns to Hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young. They race over 3,000 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii in less than two months, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking off our shores and entertaining spectators from December through May.

Diamond Head Hike
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park.

Take a hike on the trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.

For more information, visit http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

Pearl Harbor Warbirds offers the best Hawai‘i flight adventure tours available. Be immersed in the details of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and soar above the important sites that played a part in the “Day of Infamy.” Relive history as you retrace the steps of the Army and Navy airmen in the days following the bombing. Fly on some of the same routes the Japanese attackers used into the airfields at Wheeler, Kāne‘ohe and Bellows. There are many air tours in Hawai‘i, but only one warbird airplane flight. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pearl Harbor Warbirds provides a personal historical experience making it one of the best O‘ahu attractions.

Experience an immersive two hour adventure that allows you to relive history as a Naval Aviator and fly Pearl Harbor like it was on December 10th, 1941. Learn more about the Admiral’s Warbird Adventure.