Our Favorite Things to Do During Spring on O‘ahu
Experience cultural festivals, check out parades and celebrate hula throughout Hawai‘i’s blooming spring season.
We feel spring is often overlooked in O‘ahu, and here are our reasons why. From local traditions to festivals, there’s so much to do before the temperatures rise and the beaches get packed for the summer.
SEE ALSO: 40 Amazing Things to Do
Celebrate Girls’ Day
Sunday, March 3
In Hawai‘i, many local Japanese families celebrate Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri. Families will often display ornamental dolls that represent the Emperor and Empress in beautiful traditional court dress. They’ll often eat hina arare, which are pretty multi-colored rice crackers, or make chirashizushi comprised of raw fish, egg and vegetables on a bowl or bento box. Mochi, especially pink mochi or strawberry-filled daifuku, make for perfect gifts too.
SEE ALSO: Where to Find Mochi and Other Sweet Treats for Girls’ Day in Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Festival Foundation
Experience Culture at the Honolulu Festival
Friday, March 8, through Sunday, March 10
Dubbed Hawai‘i’s premier cultural event, this annual free festival showcases a variety of Asian, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures through food, games, performances and an epic fireworks show.
Free, various locations, including Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., honolulufestival.com, @honfestival
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in March 2024
Check Out the Prince Kūhiō Day Parade
Saturday, March 16, 5 p.m.
Prince Kūhiō Day takes place on Tuesday, March 26, this year. For this state holiday, there will be celebrations around the island in honor of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole’s birthday. The most prominent event is the parade held by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs at Kapolei Hale.
SEE ALSO: 7 Things to Do During Spring Break on O‘ahu
Photo: Credit Zarli Win, Courtesy of Kawaii Kon
Geek Out at Kawaii Kon
Friday, March 29, to Sunday, March 31
Check out the state’s biggest anime convention that celebrates anime and pop culture. Come in cosplay to meet voice actors and J-pop stars, attend panels dedicated to various fandoms and shop the artist alley.
$83 online pre-sale for a three-day pass; $100 for a three-day pass at the door, $60–$75 for a one-day pass, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., kawaiikon.com, @kawaiikonofficial
See the Merrie Monarch Festival
Sunday, March 31, to Saturday, April 6
The week-long celebration of hula and Hawaiian culture takes place on Hawai‘i Island. Watch a hula competition, check out a Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows and a grand parade through Hilo town. You can cheer on your favorite halau from O‘ahu via livestream or television.
merriemonarch.com, @merriemonarchfestival
Fly Koinobori for Children’s Day
Sunday, May 5
If you see homes with koinobori, or Japanese flying carp decorations, they’re celebrating Children’s Day. Get the kids involved by making your own. Cut semi-circle “scales” from colorful tissue paper, then glue or tape them onto an empty toilet paper roll. Attach googly eyes, then cut strips of tissue paper and attach them to one end of the roll to create a “tail.” Secure a piece of twine to the fish, attach it to a stick or dowel and let your fish flag fly!
Photo: Credit Greg Yamamoto
Honor King Kamehameha
Tuesday, June 11
A series of fun events take place in early June for Kamehameha Day. These typically include a lei draping ceremony, a floral parade and a ho‘olaule‘a at various locations throughout the island. Visit sfca.hawaii.gov for updates and details.
