10 Things to Do in Oahu in June
Welcome summer on one of Hawaii's most splendid islands, the third largest, with an extraordinary fusion of foreign cultures based on Hawaiian traditions and values.
Oahu | ©minka6S
June is a great month to visit Oahu. With the low season, prices are cheaper and temperatures are ideal for the adventures this island has to offer. Some of its most popular tourist spots are the Pearl Harbor naval base, Waikiki, a world-famous beach with a long list of luxury hotels and international shops, and North Shore, the most notable spot for recreational and competitive surfing.
On this island you'll find tropical and exotic landscapes, the contrast between the traditional and the modern. All in all, you'll have multiple attractions to see and do on Oahu, from surfing the waves at North Shore to simply lounging on another of its countless beaches, watching the ocean and feeling the cool breeze.
1. Join in the celebration of King Kamehameha Day
King Kamehameha I has a history that is highly valued among Hawaiians. For starters, he was the one who brought peace between the islands in 1810 and became their sole king, so on his day an official ceremony is held to celebrate his dedication to protecting and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
This celebration brings with it a host of activities that you can join in from the week leading up to 11 June and throughout the month.
First and foremost, and one of the main attractions for visitors to Oahu in June, is the flower parade. Lei flowers, the island's most popular flowers, are placed on her statue.
The bronze statue is a symbol for Hawaiians, so there is one on every island, and on every island, strips of flowers are placed on the statue. Honolulu is the site of the biggest ceremony of all, the flower parade and the Lei Draping ceremony, with decorated floats and pau riders representing the Hawaiian royal court.
On this day there is also a festival where you can enjoy Hawaiian traditions, music, folk singing, "ono" a delicious native dish, arts and crafts and concerts.
2 Have fun with the Hula competition
On one of the Sundays in June, not always the same one, the Hula competition is held. For this event visitors come from all over the islands and even from outside of Hawaii to watch and participate, regardless of their age.
There are different categories in which participants are entered depending on their age. Everyone participates to the beat of traditional Hawaiian music. The day may vary, but will always be in June along with the rest of the activities to commemorate Kamehameha.
3. Ali'i Sundays, because it's not all about the beach and surfing
Whether you like religious manifestations or want to learn more about the island's traditions, this visit is quite interesting.
It is a tradition at Kawaiaha'o Church to celebrate Ali'i Sundays in June. Don't miss a visit to this church in historic downtown Honolulu, and if you enjoy participating in a service, they hold them in Hawaiian and English.
This is a long-standing tradition to celebrate the unity of the islands and to recognise the leadership of Ali'i nui, which is how Hawaii's ruling chiefs are designated. These services are held around Kamehameha' s birthday and are dedicated to a different leader each Sunday.
Even if you don't attend the service, it's a place worth visiting - both the church and the surrounding gardens were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962. In fact, you can book an audio-guided tour to see the whole complex.
Practical information
- Where: 957 Punchbowl
- Price: free
- When: Sundays in June
4. June is ideal for getting to know the island's nature
If you're on nature tours on Oahu, there are few better times than June. These dates, characterised by warm weather and longer daylight hours, are perfect for climbing mountains and volcanoes, and for reaching the fabulous waterfalls scattered around the island.
It is best to leave early in the morning to take advantage of the cool breeze. Also, during the low season there aren't as many tourists and you'll be able to enjoy more of the spaces and get better prices.
Among the best hikes you can do on Oahu, the one that leads to the Waimea Waterfall might stand out. You'll also have the option of hiring a guided tour, so you won't have to worry about transport.
5. Honolulu's Mango Jam, for those who love this fruit
The Mango Jam is an annual festival that usually lasts two days and the main guest is, obviously, the mango.
In addition to a variety of mango products, there are outdoor festival activities such as barbecue, beer, live music and children's activities.
Honolulu residents look forward every year to the traditional mango recipe contest, one of Hawaii's most prized fruits, in which selected candidates compete for a cash prize.
Practical info
- Where: 550 South King Street, Honolulu
- Price: free
- When: usually the last weekend of the month
6. Get to know Japanese traditions at the Pan Pacific Festival
This annual festival, organised by the Pan-Pacific Foundation, is a three-day event that has been held since 1980 to expose residents and tourists to Japanese culture and traditions.
It's held in Waikiki, whose beach you may already know from surfing lessons on Oahu, and features traditional Japanese music, Japanese food, crafts and entertainment.
All festival activities are free, but there is a parking fee. There are several fixed-rate parking spaces available on weekends and evenings.
On the event's website you can see the schedules and locations of each of the activities so you can plan according to your tastes.
Practical information
- Where: various locations around the city
- Price: free
- When: usually mid-June
7. O-bon: Another festival to get a taste of local culture
The O-bon tradition is another great opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of the people of Hawaii. Festivals, the o-bon season, of Japanese culture begin in June and are celebrated all over the islands, but mainly on Oahu.
At this festival people give each other yukatas (the traditional Japanese cotton kimono), there is dancing to the beat of taiko drums, and celebrations at temples. To attend the festival, head to Waipahu in Honolulu.
O-bon is a mixture of religious beliefs, during which the spirits of the deceased are believed to come to earth and offertory ceremonies are held and lanterns are lit to guide them, all to the rhythm of dancing under a full moon.
8. Check out the Biggest Little Airshow
If you've decided to travel to Oahu, you probably already know that you'll be able to take a tour of Pearl Harbor, undoubtedly one of the places that marked the recent history of the planet. The Japanese attack on the naval base located there brought the United States into the Second World War.
If you go to the island in June, in addition to visiting Pearl Harbor, you will be able to attend a peculiar festival: the Biggest Little Airshow. Curiously, this event is not held to commemorate the attack on the base, but rather another battle of the same war, Midway.
On the day of the event, thousands of people gather at Pearl Habor to watch a remote-controlled flying display of miniature fighter planes. The result is truly spectacular.
Other activities during the event include a special children's area, guided tours of the hangars, food and drink stalls and other entertainment.
Practical info
- Where: Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. There is a free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
- Price: about $5 per person
- When: early June
9. Honolulu Night Market Tour
Although this market is held on other weekends throughout the year, the best time to visit is in June, when night-time temperatures are excellent and there are not too many tourists.
At the end of June, there is usually a special edition dedicated to the summer solstice. If you're up for it, you'll find plenty of food trucks where you can sample the best Hawaiian food almost as if you were on a food tour of Oahu.
There are also stalls selling clothing, handicrafts and other items. All accompanied by musical performances that liven up the Hawaiian night.
Practical Info
- Where: On the ski slope between Auahi and Keawe Streets, in Our Kakaʻako.
- Price: admission is free
- When: Saturdays in June, starting at 6pm
10. Go bird watching and nesting
Oahu, and all the islands of Hawaii, are a bird lover's paradise, the abundant flora is home to colourful and fabulous species.
Between June and August the birds nest, but I recommend the former as the best month before it gets too hot. Woodpeckers, flycatchers and songbirds can be found nesting in the dense forests.
You can also spot marsh and wading birds in the wetlands, swallows on the beach and many other birds in the grassy grounds. Don't forget to bring your camera and your primas as it will be a spectacle like no other.
There are marked trails for bird watching. Some recommended by other visitors are: Moanalua Valley/Kamananui in the Honolulu Watersher Forest Reserve; Likeke Waterfall in Nu'uanu Pali; and Moleka and Ualakaa in the Round Top Forest Reserve.
What's the weather like on Oahu in June
The weather on Oahu is pleasant all year round. In general it is a tropical savannah climate which is like a dry summer, but in June, the weather is phenomenal.
At sunset the average temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius and there is only a 5 percent chance of rainfall. There are about 13.2 hours of sunshine a day so you can enjoy more of nature.
Must-visit recommendations for June
You'll be in a tropical climate with high temperatures, so it's vital to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Also, take precautions such as not staying out in the sun for too long and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Luckily, most of the time a light breeze prevails.
June is one of the most affordable months, although if you go towards the end of the month it can get quite busy with tourists who aren't particularly into surfing, as summer is very attractive to visitors.