Things To Do on O‘ahu Before the End of Summer
As Labor Day approaches, here are a few ideas to get—and keep—you in a summer state of mind.
Saying so long to summer doesn’t have to be so hard—especially when we live in Hawai‘i and there’s basically perpetual sunshine year-round (somewhere on the island). But before fall approaches, check out these events and experiences on O‘ahu that can keep you in that summer state of mind.
Photos: Brie Thalmann
Treat Yourself to a Staycation on O‘ahu
If getting on an airplane isn’t in the cards (or at all appealing), we get it. Thankfully, living in Hawai‘i means that world-class beaches and scenic coastlines are always available to us, so why let tourists have all the fun? Sure, we can visit these places whenever the mood strikes, but there’s something about staying in a hotel that makes these everyday experiences even sweeter. The change of scenery and routine—not to mention a pool day—can do great things for everyone. Plus, don’t you deserve housekeeping and room service every now and then? The below posts feature some of our favorite hotels, and many of them are offering deals for kama‘āina for a fun and budget-friendly escape.
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Summer Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu
Photo: Evgeniy Alyoshin
Let the Kids Bowl (For Free!) at ‘Aiea Bowl
Now through August 26, kids ages 5 to 18 years old can bowl at no cost at ‘Aiea Bowl every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. You don’t need to sign up, just show up (don’t forget the socks!). Kids will have the opportunity to learn more about bowling skills, rules and techniques with some of ‘Aiea Bowl’s staff, and the Whiz Kids Jr. Bowling Program coaches. — ‘Aiea Bowl, 99-115 ‘Aiea Heights Dr.
Photo: Courtesy of Assets School
Attend a Free Summer Parent Workshop
Assets School is holding a free workshop series designed to help empower parents as you navigate raising and supporting your children. The two virtual workshops are led by Assets School’s Clinical Director Dr. Elsa Lee, a psychologist who has more than a decade of experience working in community mental health clinics, schools, hospitals and private practices.
- Help Your Children Be Their Best Selves Through Effective Communication: Thursday, July 20, 6 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom
- Understanding and Managing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Thursday, August 10, 6 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to RSVP for one or both of the workshops!
Some summer flavors of Sage Creamery ice cream. Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Rank Your Favorite Local Frozen Treats
From delectable small batch ice cream from Sage Creamery to cake-and-ice cream-pies from Slice by HB Baking, frozen crème brûlée to plant-based soft serve, there’s a laundry list of frozen treats to try around O‘ahu. You’ve officially been challenged to taste a handful—sans guilt—and report back to us here at HONOLULU and Frolic Hawai‘i, and anyone else who will listen. Here are posts of some of our favorite (and your favorite!) ice cream shops and frozen treats on O‘ahu:
- Chill Out with 8 Frozen Treats We Found Around O‘ahu
- Ultimate Guide to 11 Luscious Local Ice Cream Shops
- You Voted: Here’s Your Top 5 Shave Ice on Oʻahu
Photo: Maria Kanai
Make a Summer Recipe Come to Life
Don’t let those summer fruits go to waste—use up the last of the mango from your backyard tree (or whatever you happen to have) to make a sweet or savory dish. While you’re at it, why not try your hand at making s’mores from scratch with some guidance from beloved local pastry chef and restaurateur Michelle Karr-Ueoka? After all, aren’t s’mores the unofficial dessert of the summer?
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Polo Club
Watch a Polo Match Before Closing Day on Sept. 3
Even if you don’t know a thing about polo, Hawai‘i Polo Club in Waialua is a stunning spot to spend the day. Tickets are available online or at the gate (but it’s cash only at the gate, and who wants to wait in line?). Pack a cooler, hit the beach and even reserve beachside parking to tailgate and watch the match. There’s food available for purchase—think Olay’s Thai-Lao Express, Hometown BBQ HI and more—and live music. Get your tickets here. — Hawai‘i Polo Club, 68-411 Farrington Highway
- We Tried It: Hawai‘i Polo Club in Waialua
- The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: Polo in the Islands
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Embrace the Outdoors
Yes, we encourage enjoying Hawai‘i’s natural beauty all year round, but just like a lot of places on the continent and around the world, there’s something extra special about the summertime. If you’re in need of a little more inspiration, check out these guides:
- Guide to Camping on O‘ahu
- 6 Best Spots for a Family Picnic in Honolulu
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking on O‘ahu
Photo: da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Keep Reading!
There’s something about summer that makes us want to pick up a good book. And when the keiki are home from school and constantly telling us “I’m bored!” it’s the perfect time to suggest that they find a book that piques their interest, too. As writers, the HONOLULU and HONOLULU Family teams also tend to be avid readers, so we have a lot of recommendations (and we’ve sought out the help of librarians and book shop curators, too!):
