Oahu] GW is an opportunity! May on Oahu

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

The third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is home to 80% of Hawaii's population. Although there are other islands that are visited by tourists, such as Hawaii and Maui, Oahu is by far the most popular island.

The reason for its popularity is the tourist town with its well-developed resort hotels and extensive tourist resources.

While there are plenty of tourist attractions, Oahu's greatest attraction is its abundant nature. Not only the beautiful ocean, but also the subtropical vegetation and vast green lands give people power.

 

What is Oahu like?

The island of Oahu is surrounded by nature and flourishes with towns where people live and work. Tourists visit various tourist spots by renting a car or taking a bus.

By establishing nature preserves, we have protected the richness of nature.

At the famous Waikiki Beach, trash is picked up at midnight, and at Hanauma Bay, which is designated as a nature preserve, tourists are instructed to follow the rules.

The efforts of the local people are what keep the island beautiful.

 

How to get to Oahu

Oahu is very popular among Japanese tourists, and access to the island from within Japan is extremely convenient.

Direct flights to Honolulu Airport are available from six major domestic airports, making it easy to get to Honolulu Airport no matter where you live.

Honolulu-Haneda
the time required
Approx. 6 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
Approx. 8 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 55 minutes

Honolulu-Narita
the time required
Approx. 6 hours 35 min. to 7 hours 45 min.
Approx. 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 0 minutes

Honolulu-Chubu
the time required
Approx. 6 hours 45 min. to 7 hours 50 min.
Approx. 8 hours 25 minutes to 9 hours 50 minutes

Honolulu-Kansai
the time required
approx. 7 hours 5 min. to 8 hours 20 min.
Approx. 8 hours 45 minutes to 10 hours 40 minutes

Honolulu-Fukuoka
the time required
approx. 7 hours 25 min. to 8 hours 55 min.
Approx. 9 hours 40 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes

Honolulu-New Chitose
the time required
Approx. 6 hours 55 min. to 7 hours 40 min.
Approx. 8 hours 25 minutes to 9 hours 45 minutes

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu is full of attractions not found in Japan!

Here are the three attractions.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu's subtropical climate differs greatly from that of Japan. It is characterized by summer-like temperatures all year round, with little difference in temperature and little precipitation.

This means that no matter what season you choose, you can enjoy swimming and activities on beautiful beaches and admire the magnificent nature.

The flora and fauna that inhabit Oahu are all quite different from those in Japan, so this is another great attraction.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

While maintaining such abundant nature, Oahu is firmly developed as a resort to attract tourists.

There is a wide range of hotels where you can enjoy your vacation without complaint, and the Waikiki area is a tourist town filled with stores and restaurants.

You want to get away from everyday life and spend an unreal holiday! This is a dream resort that will fulfill your desire to get away from the daily routine and spend an unreal holiday!

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu offers a wealth of activities to experience in its rich natural environment and is rich in tourist attractions, but what attracts tourists just as many times is the variety of stores and restaurants.

In the Waikiki area and Ala Moana Center alone, you can eat all the gourmet food in Hawaii and buy souvenirs and brand-name products not available in Japan.

The fact that these stores and restaurants are located in close proximity to the hotels is one of the major attractions for tourists!

 

What is May on Oahu?

Here is an overview of the weather and clothing on Oahu in May.

 

May Climate and Prices on Oahu

May is said to be the best season for travel, as it is completely in the dry season and the weather is usually fine.

It is characterized by calm weather with few days of strong winds. The average maximum temperature can reach 29.4°C, which is as hot as a summer in Japan.

However, humidity is not so high, so you will experience a pleasant, dry heat. The average water temperature is 25.6°C, so you can play in the ocean without worrying.

Prices tend to be higher during GW, but mid to late May is the off-season! By daring to miss GW, you can visit Oahu at a lower price.

 

What to Wear and Bring to Oahu in May

Here are some recommendations for what to wear and what to bring on your trip to Oahu in May.

 

Appropriate clothing for May

Oahu in May is characterized by just the right temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. It is very easy to spend the daytime in a half-sleeve, shorts, and sandals!

However, mornings and evenings can be cold, and it is often chilly indoors and on buses due to the air conditioning, so it is a good idea to have a light jacket ready.

If you are concerned, be sure to have a few long-sleeved shirts and pants on hand.

 

What to bring in May

Even in May, UV rays on Oahu are intense. Although not as intense as in mid-summer, the average UV index is as high as 11.

For this reason, do not neglect UV protection such as sunscreen cream, hats, and sunglasses. Also, be sure to use sunscreen cream that complies with Hawaii's rules.

Rain gear is not necessary in May, as there is little danger of rain.

 

Things to do and see on Oahu in May

Let's check out some of the unique ways to enjoy Oahu in May and what to look out for!

 

How to enjoy

.
●Lay Day Celebration
Lantern Festival
Lahaina Noon

These are the main events that take place in May.

Lahaina Noon is not an event, but an astronomical phenomenon that occurs only in the tropics, when the sun rises directly overhead and the shadows of those directly below disappear.

This phenomenon has been confirmed to occur in Hawaii, and on the island of Oahu, it can be seen in May and July. However, it does not happen often, so those who are lucky enough to witness this phenomenon in Hawaii will be very lucky! It's exciting to know this when you walk outside!

A festival is usually held on the last Monday in May. Lanterns are floated on the beach in memory of the war dead, and this is known to be a very beautiful sight.

Tourists are also welcome to participate in this event, and are encouraged to float lanterns while mourning the war dead.

 

important point

One thing to keep in mind in May is that the weather will be better, which means more UV rays.

Be sure to take precautions against ultraviolet rays and hydrate frequently to prevent heat stroke.

There are also various laws and rules on Oahu that tourists must also follow closely. Be sure to gather information well in advance so that you can have a good time.

 

Recommended Activities in May

Here are five recommended activities for May!

 

diving

Diving allows you to see the deep ocean world that cannot be seen by bare diving.

While some spots require a license, there are also a variety of instructor-led diving excursions that can be experienced by first-timers.

 

Fun & Attraction

Oahu has a great appeal in that its topography varies greatly from east to west, north to south.

The recommended spots vary depending on what you want to enjoy in diving, but there are some diving spots that are unique to Oahu.

It is a spot where you can see the sunken fighter Corsair at a depth of about 30 meters.

The island of Oahu may look like paradise, but it was also the site of the attack on Pearl Harbor that triggered the outbreak of the Pacific War.

Diving is also a great way to see the historical heritage that lies under the sea.

This is a spot for advanced divers, but if you dive on Oahu, you should definitely see it at least once.

 

skydiving

Skydiving is a rare experience in our daily lives!

Oahu is also a diving destination for skydivers from around the world.

The view from far above is beautiful beyond words, and once you have experienced this activity, you will want to do it again.

 

Fun & Attraction

Skydiving is possible in Japan, but the pattern is usually up to a maximum height of 3,700 meters.

On Oahu, on the other hand, the maximum altitude is over 4200 meters, making skydiving a more thrilling and exciting experience than skydiving in Japan.

The view of Oahu's ocean from the sky is brilliant, and the scenery created by the majestic nature and bustling cityscape of Oahu is indescribably beautiful and magnificent.

You can choose your altitude, so if 4200m is too high for you, we recommend descending from a lower altitude! I recommend descending from a lower altitude for those who can't go 4200m!

 

riding horse

Of course, there are activities to enjoy the beautiful ocean of Oahu, but there are also activities to heal the body and mind surrounded by the abundant nature on land.

That is horseback riding. Horseback riding is one of the most popular major activities on Oahu.

 

Fun & Attraction

Away from the bustling tourist areas such as Waikiki, there are parks and ranches where you can experience horseback riding in the suburbs.

If you are so inclined, why not travel to the North Shore to experience horseback riding?

The North Shore has Sunset Beach, a spot where the sunset can be seen very beautifully. If you join a horseback riding experience at dusk, you can watch the sun set as you leisurely ride along the beach.

The orange hues of Oahu's ocean will impress you with a different atmosphere than in the daytime.

 

zipline

Zip-lining is one of the attraction-like activities in which visitors glide through zips that stretch across nature!

The body is fitted with a harness, helmet, and other protective gear, and the rest of the time the skier is on his own.

The high altitude course is as high as 805 meters, giving visitors the feeling of flying!

 

Fun & Attraction

Oahu is dotted with parks and ranches rich in nature, and zipline courses have been set up among them.

A recommended spot is ClimbWorks Keana Farm! Here you will find the longest zip line on Oahu.

The course also features a variety of athletic activities as well as zip lines, so you can feel like an adventurer and explore Oahu's natural surroundings.

 

SUP

SUP is stand-up paddleboarding, an activity in which you ride on a larger boat and use a paddle to move through the water.

This activity originated in Hawaii and has become very popular recently!

 

Fun & Attraction

The appeal of SUP lies in its ease of use!

When it comes to surfing, it takes time to learn how to ride a wave. With SUP, however, once you learn a few tricks, you can be sitting or standing on the board in no time.

You will feel like you can go as far as you want when you try SUP on a beach with calm waves!

 

5 recommended places to visit on Oahu in May

May on Oahu is the month of the dry season, when the weather is almost completely free of fluctuations!

Temperatures will be high, but you will still feel a slight chill after sunset, so even though daytime temperatures are high, they are not as high as in mid-summer, so this is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities.

 

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach on the island of Oahu, consisting of 8 areas. 3 km of beach, each area has different characteristics and recommendations.

Waikiki Beach, crowded with tourists all year round, is filled with colorful parasols and many people.

The dry season brings more people to the area to enjoy the beach activities, and from May onward, the number of people increases.

 

Recommendations

The weather in Waikiki Beach in May will be unquestionably perfect for swimming and beach activities. You will have a great time in all areas.

We dare to recommend the sunset at Waikiki Beach! There are several spots on Waikiki Beach where you can watch a beautiful sunset.

Particularly recommended is Kaimana Beach, a 20-minute walk from the center of Waikiki.

After a certain amount of fun, the best way to spend the day is to go for a leisurely stroll toward dusk to watch the beautiful sunset!

 

Access

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Honolulu Airport. Walking distance from anywhere in the Waikiki area.

Buses are recommended for access from outside Waikiki.

<The Bus
From Hilton Hawaiian Village Ala Moana direction "8, 19, 20

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is the symbol of Oahu and can be seen from Waikiki.

At 232 meters above sea level, it is not that high, but it stands out from the rest of Oahu.

From the top, you can see the city of Waikiki and the beautiful beaches, and the view is very popular.

 

Recommendations

Diamond Head is popular for its easy hiking, thanks to its low elevation and well-maintained mountain trails.

It is about 1.3 km one way to the summit, so you can be there and back in 1.5 hours.

In summer, the sun rises earlier, so it is not possible to see the sunrise when the park opens, but it is a popular tourist spot regardless of the season because of the short time it takes to enjoy the hike.

 

Access

Take a trolleybus or bus!

<Trolleybus
The "Green Line" is recommended for sightseeing in Diamond Head.
You can take a bus to the crater inside Diamond Head.

<The Bus
Board the "No. 23" train bound for Kuhio Avenue and Diamond Head.

 

Kualoa Ranch

The vast Kualoa Ranch is located on the east coast of Oahu.

It is said to cover an area of about 5 million tsubo, which is equivalent to about 450 Tokyo Domes.

It is a place with a history so old that legends have been woven by the gods, and it has carved the lives of many people over a long period of time that continues to this day.
It is now used as a vast visitor center.

 

Recommendations

The most important point is that you can enjoy a variety of activities that allow you to fully appreciate the magnificent nature of Oahu.

Horseback riding, which is synonymous with Kualoa Ranch, is available in both one-hour and two-hour courses, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the majestic mountains.

Although the 2-hour course increases the distance, this activity is recommended for movie fans because it allows them to visit locations used in the filming of movies.

 

Access

<The Bus
From Ala Moana Center [No. 55] about 1 hr. 30 min.

<Rental Car
Time required: 30-35 minutes

 

Moanalua Garden

Moanalua Gardens is a large park located about a 20-minute drive from Waikiki.

This place has become a famous tourist spot, especially among the Japanese. The reason is that it is home to the "Kono Ki Nani no Ki" (What is this tree?) familiar from Hitachi's commercials!

This tree, called a monkey pod, is still standing strong today and is already over 100 years old.

 

Recommendations

The park is lush and green and dotted with monkey pods.

Plants unique to the subtropical zone are alive and thriving, making it the perfect place to bring a packed lunch and have a picnic on a sunny day.

Parking is free, and access by rental car is recommended. If you have come all the way to Oahu, you will want to see and photograph the example tree in person!

 

Access

<The Bus
From Ala Moana Center: "No. 3" Travel time: 20-30 minutes

<Rental Car
Time required: approx. 20 min.

 

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is one of the oceanfront beaches on the North Shore.

There are no toilets or showers, so you will have to rent facilities on the beach next door.

Also known as Turtle Beach, it is known for attracting sea turtles and is a popular spot for tourists who want to catch a glimpse of them.

 

Recommendations

The beach itself is designed for swimming and snorkeling, but the best part is the sea turtles!

Laniakea Beach is also a rocky beach, making it ideal for snorkeling, but there is also a high probability of seeing sea turtles.

In particular, May is the time of year when sea turtles lay their eggs, so you may be able to see them laying their eggs on land.

 

Access

<The Bus
Ala Moana Center to Haleiwa Town "No. 52" Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Haleiwa Town to Lakenia Beach "No. 60" Approx. 10 minutes travel time (20-30 minutes depending on time of day)

<Rental Car
About 1.5 hours

 

Recommended tours to enjoy in May

Here are three recommendations for enjoying Oahu to the fullest in May!

 

Alloa Ranch

Five different tours to enjoy at Kualoa Ranch!

Horseback Riding + Film Location Tour
Zipline + 1 activity of your choice
ATV (5-seater)
Zipline + Horseback Riding
Zipline + ATV (5-seater)

This is an intense tour that allows you to enjoy the magnificent nature of Kualoa Ranch to the fullest. Pick-up service is available from hotels in the Waikiki area, and is recommended for those who want to visit Kualoa Ranch.

Please note that all types of tours are currently (June 29, 2021) suspended due to the new Corona.

 

skydiving

The Pacific Skydiving Center, located near the town of Mokuleia, southwest of Haleiwa Town, offers skydiving experiences at heights ranging from 2438 to 4267 meters.

The one-minute free fall is thrilling and the air resistance makes it hard to breathe, but the view of Oahu after the parachute opens is spectacular!

 

Zip line, giant swing and mini bungee! Let's have fun in an athletic park in the great outdoors!

The company offers tours that allow visitors to enjoy various activities that tickle their adventurous spirit, centering on a zip line ride through the wilderness.

This is the only full-service outdoor recreation facility in all of Hawaii!

 

summary

May is an easier month to travel for GW, but be aware that it is a busy season during the holidays and prices are higher.

If you can take a vacation after GW, you can visit Oahu in the off-season at a lower cost. May is an attractive month with temperatures that are not too hot and weather that makes it the perfect location to enjoy outside activities.

By combining it with the Lantern Festival, you will have a more colorful and memorable experience of the extraordinary!