【Oahu】Best Season! September on Oahu

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

If you travel to Hawaii, you will usually be based on the island of Oahu.

It has easy access to the international airport in Honolulu, the state capital, and the resort development in Waikiki and other tourist-friendly areas makes it an attractive place to stay.

The island of Oahu is also one of the most popular resort areas in the Hawaiian Islands, as there are many tourist attractions on the island as a whole, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Hawaii.

 

What is Oahu like?

There are many purposes for a trip, and Oahu is an all-around resort that can satisfy all of these purposes.

While it is natural to enjoy a vacation based in a tourist town, if you venture a little further out into the suburbs, you will find a wealth of activities to enjoy in the midst of lush nature that will refresh your body and soul.

If you want to spend a quiet time, go to the North Shore and enjoy the good old Oahu atmosphere! If so, you can go to the North Shore and enjoy the good old Oahu atmosphere while relaxing.

 

How to get to Oahu

To get to Oahu from Japan, it is convenient to take a direct flight to Honolulu Airport.

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

In this way, the time required for the return trip is longer. The reason is said to be the jet stream.

Depending on the direction the plane is headed, it will slow down when it is going against the airflow and speed up when it is going into the airflow.

When returning to Japan from Hawaii, the time required is longer than on the way to Japan because the flight is against the air currents.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu has many attractions that draw people to the island.

Here are three of its attractions.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

The beautiful and sparkling southern island seas are not easily seen in Japan unless you go as far as Okinawa.

One of Oahu's main attractions is that its scenery remains unchanged throughout the year. The abundance of nature extends not only to the ocean, but also to the land, with its unique tropical flora and fauna, as well as its topography, which was created over a long period of time.

The majestic nature of the mountains and valleys representing Diamond Head will refresh your body and mind.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Waikiki, a very popular tourist attraction on Oahu, was originally developed as a resort for tourism.

The most famous beach, Waikiki Beach, was also artificially developed as part of the project.

It is precisely because these places have been so artificially developed into resorts while retaining their rich natural environment that they have become world-class resorts that people today never get tired of and want to visit again and again.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

There are many ways to enjoy a trip, but one can't miss local dining and shopping.

Many people do their preliminary research in guidebooks and decide which stores they want to go to, but Oahu has so many of them that it is hard to know where to go!

For those who want to enjoy local food and local brands unique to Hawaii, Oahu is the perfect place.

 

What is September on Oahu?

Here we will introduce the weather and rates on Oahu in September, when the water temperature is the warmest of the year, as well as the necessary clothing and personal belongings!

 

September Climate and Prices on Oahu

In Japan, August is often thought of as the hottest month, but on the island of Oahu, September and October are the hottest months. The average maximum temperature reaches 31.2°C, and the hot days continue.

The difference from summer in Japan is that the humidity is not high. This means that the air is not humid and dreary, but rather cool and pleasantly hot.

However, September is in the middle of hurricane season and is particularly prone to large hurricanes. When planning your itinerary, be sure to check the information and weather forecasts for previous years.

The water temperature is 27.2°C, the highest of the year. After the summer vacation, September is a quieter month, so prices are lower than in high season.

Want to enjoy the hot summer on Oahu but want to avoid the crowds? This season is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the hot summer on Oahu, but want to avoid the crowds.

 

What to Wear and Bring to Oahu in September

Here's what to wear and what to bring for your trip to Oahu in September.

 

Appropriate clothing for September

In September, you can dress as you would in summer. You can wear shorts, shorts, and sandals.

Although the temperature drops in the mornings and evenings, the average minimum temperature is 24.4°C, so you do not need to prepare that much.

However, it is quite air-conditioned indoors and on the buses, so it is useful to have something to wear as a cloak.

 

What to bring in September

From June to August, the average UV index was quite high at 12, but in September it drops to 11.

However, even 11 is a strong enough number. UV protection must be adequate. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen cream are essential.

The sale of sunscreen creams containing the ingredients "oxybenzone" and "octinoxate" is now prohibited on Oahu.

This is because of its harmful effects on coral reefs. For this reason, it is more environmentally friendly on Oahu to use sunscreen creams that do not contain the same ingredients.

Rainfall is expected to be as low as 30 mm, so there will be no need to prepare rain gear.

 

Things to do and see on Oahu in September

Here are some travel tips to keep in mind, along with events on Oahu in September.

 

How to enjoy

.

Aloha Festival

The Aloha Festival begins with the Royal Court Inauguration & Opening Ceremony. This ceremony is a traditional ceremony held when the Kingdom of Hawaii was still in existence. To recreate a pseudo-royal family, a member of the royal family, known as the Royal Court, is elected each year. To celebrate the inauguration of the Royal Court, the ceremony is enlivened with hula and chanting, traditional Hawaiian culture.

The Aloha Festival doesn't stop there. After the ceremony, the Waikiki Ho'olaulea begins, a large-scale festival on Kalakaua Avenue.

The stalls will offer a variety of gourmet foods to eat in Hawaii, making this a fun event to just walk around.

The Aloha Festival, which will be centered in Waikiki, will culminate with a floral parade using the main streets of Waikiki.

Each event is usually held on a Saturday in early September, a Saturday in mid-September, and a Saturday in late September, so it is impossible to try to attend all of them in one trip, but it is recommended to include one event you are interested in in your itinerary.

 

important point

September is the off-season and the number of tourists is much calmer than in the on-season. Nevertheless, Oahu is a year-round southern paradise that welcomes many people, so pickpocketing and other crimes targeting tourists are possible.

Be sure to keep more than one person in your party, especially if you are going to visit places away from the tourist areas.

In addition, there are many laws in Hawaii that even tourists must comply with. Please be aware that you will be subject to penalties if you violate these laws.

 

Recommended Activities in September

Here are five recommended activities for September.

 

snorkeling

This activity allows visitors to enjoy the colorful small tropical fish and abundant native coral growth that cannot be seen in Japan.

 

Fun & Attraction

The best part of snorkeling is admiring the underwater scenery created by the colorful small fish and coral, but the must-do experience on Oahu is snorkeling with dolphins!

On Oahu, there are many tours where you can swim with the adorable wild dolphins.

You cannot touch sea turtles, but you can touch dolphins, so if you want to experience snorkeling on Oahu, I highly recommend joining a tour where you can swim with dolphins.

 

diving

Diving, which allows you to enjoy the ocean world deeper than snorkeling, is an activity that not only allows you to enjoy the undersea world, but also soothes your soul in a mysterious blue world.

Fun & Attraction

This is the best season to enjoy diving to the fullest when the water temperature is high.

There are various diving spots on Oahu, but I would like to recommend a spot called "Canyons" where you can take pictures with sea turtles.

Since the point is located off the coast of Waikiki, it is easily accessible by boat from Waikiki Beach, which is another major attraction. The depth is shallow at 8 meters, making it a good dive spot for beginners.

Diving in the clear water, you can swim with sea turtles and take commemorative photos!

 

parasailing

This activity involves floating into the sky on a parasail with a seat attached to a large balloon.

Parasailing has a low age limit, so children can enjoy it together!

 

Fun & Attraction

In most cases, however, you can choose the height, so even those who don't need to go very high can enjoy it.

The biggest attraction is the moment when they fly up from the beautiful sea to the sky!

The gradual rise in altitude and the distant views make the extraordinary nature of the area stand out dramatically.

 

cruising

In addition to activities that involve full physical exertion to refresh the body and mind, there are also elegant activities such as cruising to enjoy the scenery and food.

 

Fun & Attraction

Even if you're not much of an outdoorsy type of person, a delicious dinner with a view of Oahu is an attractive activity for you! Even if you're not much of an outdoorsy type of person, isn't the idea of having a delicious dinner with a view of Oahu appealing to you?

The sunset cruise is a particularly popular activity for adults.

Watching the beautiful orange sunset on the horizon while cruising the waters around Oahu is one of the most memorable parts of the trip! It is also a great way to enjoy a different dining experience than at a hotel or restaurant.

 

riding horse

Horseback riding has become very popular among tourists as an activity that allows them to enjoy the rich natural environment of Oahu!

 

Fun & Attraction

Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the scenic views of Oahu! There are many different horseback riding spots, but one of the best is the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.

This location has also been used as a filming location for famous movies and TV dramas such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," making it a very popular location tour.

The experience of walking with a horse through the lush forests and North Shore waters is a memorable part of the trip.

 

5 recommended attractions on Oahu in September

Here are five of the best places to visit on Oahu in September!

 

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, which begins at Kapiolani Park in the east and stretches for a portentous 3 km to Hawaiian Village in the west, is the most visited beach on Oahu.

At the beach, you can enjoy swimming and other ocean activities, as well as strolling along the beach and watching the sunset.

 

Recommendations

After enjoying the ocean to the fullest, we recommend taking a walk while watching the bright red sunset on the horizon.

Sunsets can be enjoyed at various locations on Oahu, but Waikiki Beach is one of the most spectacular. In particular, the pier at Gray's Beach, often known as a power spot, is a popular spot for spectacular sunsets.

The beach is located in front of the Sheraton Waikiki, so why not visit at sunset?

Incidentally, the sunset time in September is around 6:30 p.m., so it is best to visit about 15 minutes before.

 

Access

It is accessible on foot from anywhere in the Waikiki area. Buses are recommended for access from outside Waikiki.

<How to get there by bus

Access from Hilton Hawaiian Village Ala Moana・・・・No. 8, 19, 20

<Others

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Honolulu Airport

 

diamond head

Diamond Head, designated a National Natural Monument in 1968, is one of Oahu's most iconic mountains.

It has a long history and was used as a military facility during the war. Today, it is a famous tourist spot that brings beautiful views of Oahu to many visitors.

Early morning hiking is a particularly popular activity!

 

Recommendations

Unfortunately, due to the time of year, even if you aim for the summit early in the morning, you will not be able to see the sunrise, as the sun will rise before you reach the top of the mountain. However, the view from the top is as spectacular as ever in all seasons, so please try to climb in the light of day.

The beautiful gradation created by the beautifully clean blue ocean and white sandy beaches, and the cityscape of Waikiki that seems to float amidst the lush greenery.

The beauty of Oahu, where nature and man-made structures coexist, creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be seen in Japan.

Please be sure to take many pictures at the most spectacular viewpoints to preserve your memories!

 

Access

Take a trolleybus or bus!

<Trolleybus

Recommended for Diamond Head sightseeing is the "Green Line," a bus ride to the crater inside Diamond Head.

<The Bus

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

 

Manoa Valley

Manoa Valley is located in the suburbs about 20 minutes by car from Waikiki.

Oahu's unique rainforest, located in a residential neighborhood, has become a tourist attraction that attracts visitors.

It is not a bustling tourist town like Waikiki, but you can see the true face of Oahu, where time passes in a relaxed manner.

 

Recommendations

The main event at Manoa Valley is a trek through the rainforest to a 60-meter-high waterfall. The course takes about 2 hours round trip, so you can enjoy it as if you were taking a walk.

However, it rains a lot in Manoa and the ground is muddy, so it is best to have proper shoes and rain gear such as a kappa.

The negative ions brought by the large amount of rain and the rainbows that are often seen are sure to soothe the soul.

After enjoying the main event, visitors are encouraged to spend some time relaxing in Manoa Town.

Rest your weary body in a cafe in Manoa Town. It will be a rich memory, a little different color in your trip!

 

Access

<The Bus

No. 5" from Ala Moana Center to the last stop, Manoa Valley, takes about 30 minutes. Please note that trolley buses cannot go there!

<Rental Car
15-20 minutes

Use the Manoa Falls Trail Parking, the exclusive parking lot for Manoa Falls. Parking fee is $5.00.

 

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is known as the most beautiful ocean on Oahu.

This is because the site is designated as a nature reserve and the ecosystem and environment are strictly protected.

There is an admission fee, and there are a few rules that must be observed, but even with these rules firmly in place, there is more than enough excitement awaiting you.

 

Recommendations

Perhaps beauty beyond the imagination of many awaits you there.

The waters of Hanauma Bay are so clear that you can see fish swimming in the water with the naked eye. We encourage you to first take a look at the ocean from the water.

If you want to see more of the ocean, snorkeling is for you! Snorkeling is recommended for those who want to see even more of the ocean.

There is a rental store near the beach where you can also rent equipment.

Hanauma Bay has a safe and enjoyable point called Key Hole, which is recommended for snorkeling beginners and those with children.

 

Access

<The Bus

From Waikiki, "No. 22" takes about 20 to 50 minutes.

You can also go by *"No. 55", but it takes 2 hours.

<Trolleybus

blue line

*Trolley buses go to Hanauma Bay, but you are not allowed to get off the bus, just to take pictures! If you want to play at Hanauma Bay, do not take the trolley bus.

 

Moanalua Garden

Moanalua Gardens is home to a large tree known from the "What kind of tree is this?" Hitachi commercial. Many Japanese tourists visit Moanalua Garden to see this tree.

In addition to the monkey pod tree familiar from commercials, the garden has tropical plants unique to Oahu, making it a place where visitors can relax in the greenery.

 

Recommendations

Moanalua is a place steeped in Hawaiian history and is said to be the beloved home of King Kamehameha V. King Kamehameha V was the fifth king of the Hawaiian Kingdom, reigning from 1863 to 1872.

The villa of King Kamehameha V still remains in Moanalua Gardens, and the exterior of the villa can still be viewed.

It is recommended that you do a little research on the history of Hawaii before visiting, so that you can enjoy another way to enjoy not only the Hitachi Trees.

 

Access

Trolley buses cannot go to Moanalua Gardens.

<The Bus

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

<Rental Car

Time required: approx. 20 min.

 

Recommended tours to enjoy in September

Here are three tours we recommend for September.

 

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

This tour takes you to Hanauma Bay, a must-visit destination if you visit Oahu.

Snorkeling experiences are also available, allowing visitors to dive into the beautiful waters of Hanauma Bay and enjoy the colorful world of Hanauma Bay.

This plan is very convenient if you are staying at a hotel in Waikiki, as you can also receive transportation!

 

Hawaii Parasailing

This tour allows you to experience parasailing, an activity that allows you to enjoy the skies of Oahu to the fullest.

The highest altitude is 150 meters, which is not so high that children can enjoy it.

The 10-minute aerial walk is one of the most memorable experiences on Oahu!

 

Sunset Dinner Cruise Live Show
Includes buffet/course dinner of choice

This tour is designed for adults who want to spend a relaxing evening on Oahu.

You can enjoy cruising while watching the sunset over the beautiful ocean, and at night enjoy a delicious meal and a unique Hawaiian show on board.

This is the best plan to enjoy the ocean views of Oahu without going into the ocean!

 

summary

Although the number of tourists is decreasing after the summer vacation, it is still on-season on Oahu in September!

There are also events such as the Aloha Festival, which can only be enjoyed on Oahu in September, allowing visitors to enjoy a different look at Oahu.

If you can take a vacation in September, you should definitely visit Oahu, as the tourists will be calmer and the prices will be relatively lower.