The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu in May 2021
Food, mimosas and plants: This Mother’s Day (May 9), thank yo mama for taking your daily pandemic calls (even if you can’t see her). Plus celebrate May Day, Memorial Day and juicy hamburgers.
Photo: Courtesy of the Veranda at Moana Surfrider
DRINK
DINE OUT with Mimosas
Mother’s Day, yet another month of social distancing, Sunday: Whatever your reason for ordering too many mimosas is fine with us. Book yourself and your wonderful mama a brunch to remember (or forget!) at a spot serving delicious food like 53 by the Sea, the Veranda at Moana Surfrider (pictured), Plumeria Beach House at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, and any of the spots on our Mother’s Day list on Frolic Hawai‘i. Missed the chance to reserve a table on Mother’s Day? Try National Mimosa Day on May 16 instead.
SEE ALSO: 46 Dine-in and Takeout Menus for Mother’s Day on O‘ahu 2021
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
EAT
SEND Breakfast in Bed
If you can’t physically take her out (or cook for her at home) like the good ol’ days, why not order her a breakfast-in-bed spread? Plan ahead and have French toast from Over Easy, pork adobo loco moco from Scratch Kitchen, kālua pig eggs Benedict from Café Kaila (pictured), ube pancakes from Shay’s, waffles from Guieb Café, breakfast bibimbap from Koko Head Café—or whatever else her heart desires—delivered directly to mama’s front door. (Note: You might need to be the delivery person if the eatery only offers takeout.) This is also a great idea if you just want to lounge all day together, watching movies, eating and not spoiling everything with your terrible cooking.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Hawai‘i
Photo: Katie Kenny
SHOP
GIFT a Plant Instead of Flowers
Flowers are so pre-pandemic. Don’t just give your lovely mommy a bouquet that will wilt in a few days—give her a plant that you and she can love and nurture together. Mari’s Gardens in Mililani and Kaka‘ako has gorgeous large plants and little baby ones, too, that are sure to please mama bear, as well as plenty of pretty pots. We suggest a desert rose, ti leaf, mini monstera or a sweet succulent arrangement for the occasion.
marisgardens.com, @maris_urbangarden
SEE ALSO: Local Lei Shops Are Blooming All Over Town and We Found 3 That Are Flourishing Right Now
HOLIDAY
Lei Day
May 1
There may not be as many May Day events this year, but you can still spend the day making lei with your close ones. Learn how to create your own lei po‘o with the help of Paiko and Cindy’s Lei and Flower Shoppe. Need some tunes to jam out to while making your lei? Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner Kalani Pe‘a will perform at Hawai‘i Theatre’s annual May Day is Lei Day concert on May 2. Find details at hawaiitheatre.com
SEE ALSO: Jana Lam Releases New Plates to Dress Up Your Meals
EAT
National Hamburger Day
May 28
Do we need a reason to eat a burger? If you do, the last Friday in May provides a really good one: It’s National Hamburger Day, so treat yourself to an all-American burger. And then repeat on Memorial Day (May 31) because surely you’ll be barbecuing and throwing patties on the grill. Need more inspo? Check out our staff’s 12 favorite burgers.
This story originally appeared as “May Picks” in the May 2021 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.
Looking to get the word out about your upcoming event or activity? Email me at katiek@honolulumagazine.com.
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