Are you thinking about planning a trip to Oahu in March? Find out some of the best things to do in Oahu in March that are worth adding to your itinerary!
This list of things to do in Oahu in March was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
TL;DR: Why Visit Oahu in March?
March is that weird in-between time most people skip right over. Spring break hasn’t exploded yet (well, not until mid-month anyway). Whale season is still rocking. And you’re not dealing with December’s endless rain.
Weather sits around 79°F. Hotel prices drop after all the Valentine’s couples leave. Waikiki has actual space on the beach.
The Honolulu Festival happens mid-month, which is genuinely cool if you care about experiencing Hawaiian culture beyond hotel luaus.
Book early March if you can. Late March gets crazy when mainland schools let out.
What’s the Weather Actually Like on Oahu in March?
March is technically “wet season” but it rains way less than December, January, or February.
Last March? We packed rain jackets every single day. Used them twice. Both times it rained maybe 20 minutes and stopped.
That’s how March rain works in Hawaii. Quick dump, then sunshine. Not the all-day soaking you’d get in Seattle.
How Hot Does Oahu Get in March 2026?
Days: 79°F (26°C)
Nights: 68°F (20°C)
Ocean: 75°F (24°C)
You’ll be comfortable at the beach all day. No sweatshirts needed for evening walks. Pack shorts and tank tops.
Honolulu gets about 10 rainy days in March, roughly 2 inches total. (Source: National Weather Service)
Will Rain Ruin My Vacation?
No.
Hawaiian rain is different. Clouds roll in. Dumps for 15-30 minutes. Sun comes back.
I wait it out under a tree or duck into an ABC Store. My kids bring a book to the beach now for rain breaks.
North Shore gets more rain than Waikiki. Go there in the morning.
Is March Good for Whale Watching on Oahu?
This is THE reason to visit in March.
When Do Whales Leave Hawaii?
Whale season runs December through April. Peak is January through March.
By late March/early April, they start heading back to Alaska. March is your last good shot.
I’ve done whale tours in January, February, and March. March actually sees just as many whales, sometimes more because the babies are bigger and breaching like crazy.
About 11,000 humpback whales visit Hawaii each winter. That’s two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population. (Source: NOAA)
Where Can I See Whales in March 2026?
Shore or boat. Pick one.
Shore spots:
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (best option, easy paved walk)
- Diamond Head Lookout
- Lanai Lookout (stop here driving the east side)
- Kaena Point (if you’re already out west)
Bring binoculars. Look for water spouts first, then watch that area.
Boat tours: Way better than shore watching, honestly. You get close (legally close, not too close). Guides know where whales are hanging out.
Tours run 2-3 hours, cost $80-120 per person.
Book through Viator or Get Your Guide to compare.
Go at 8 AM. Whale sightings in early morning are 50% higher than noon. (Source: Sanctuary Ocean Count data)
What’s the Sanctuary Ocean Count?
Last Saturday of January, February, and March. Volunteers count whale sightings from shore, 8 AM to 12:15 PM.
March 2026 count is March 29.
Register through the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary website. Free. Educational. Gives you a legit reason to whale watch all morning.
What Events Happen on Oahu in March?
March might be my favorite month for Hawaiian cultural stuff. You get real traditions, not just tourist shows.
What is the Honolulu Festival?
30th Annual Honolulu Festival: March 13-15, 2026
This is Hawaii’s biggest cultural celebration. Performances from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Hawaii. Way more interesting than a hotel luau.
Thousands show up. It’s a big deal locally.
What to see:
- Grand Parade down Kalakaua Avenue (Sunday, around 5 PM)
- Nagaoka Fireworks over Waikiki Beach (Sunday night)
- Craft fair at Hawaii Convention Center (Saturday & Sunday, $10 admission)
- Free performances at Ala Moana and Waikiki Beach Walk
The parade has 800 participants. Marching bands, hula groups, elaborate floats. Takes 90 minutes. Free.
Last time we grabbed spots near Kalakaua and Seaside around 3:30 PM. Parade didn’t start until 5 PM but spots fill up fast.
The fireworks finale is worth staying for. They shoot them from boats. Find a spot on Waikiki Beach or along Kalakaua.
How Should I Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Oahu?
Hawaii celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. Yep. Grass skirts next to green leprechaun hats.
St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Tuesday, March 17
Where’s the Parade?
Annual Waikiki St. Patrick’s Day Parade runs Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park along Kalakaua Avenue. Usually around noon.
About 300 participants. Community groups, marching bands, military, local school kids. Lasts 90 minutes.
Get there early for a decent viewing spot. The route fills up.
Which Restaurants Have Events?
Murphy’s Bar and Grill hosts their annual block party downtown. Streets close to traffic. Live music, Irish food and drinks. Family-friendly.
They’ve done this 25+ years.
Kelley O’Neil’s in Waikiki also throws a post-parade party. Irish music, themed menu. Make reservations. It gets packed.
What is Prince Kuhio Day?
Prince Kuhio Day: March 26, 2026 (Wednesday)
This honors Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, the “People’s Prince.” He fought for Native Hawaiian rights and introduced the bill that led to Hawaii statehood.
What’s closed:
- State offices
- Banks
- Public schools
- Public transit runs on holiday schedule
Most businesses stay open.
How is Prince Kuhio Day Celebrated?
Parade: Typically in Kapolei or other Oahu communities. Hula dancers, Hawaiian music, cultural demonstrations.
Royal Mausoleum Service: Special ceremonies at Oahu’s Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu where Prince Kuhio is buried.
Canoe Regattas: Outrigger paddling and surf competitions at Kuhio Beach.
Beach Cleanups: Community service projects through the Malama Hawaii program.
Good day to experience real Hawaiian culture beyond tourist stuff. Just plan around closures.
What Are the Best Things to Do on Oahu in March 2026?
March gives you perfect beach weather without summer’s brutal heat.
Can You Snorkel in March?
Yes. March is great for snorkeling.
Ocean temp is 75°F. Comfortable without a wetsuit (though some people wear one anyway). Visibility is excellent since winter storms mostly passed.
Best snorkeling spots in March:
- Hanauma Bay (get there before 7 AM)
- Sharks Cove on North Shore (calmer than winter)
- Electric Beach near Ko Olina
- Lanikai Beach
Book a snorkeling tour through Viator if you want guided instruction and gear included.
My boys learned to snorkel at Hanauma Bay at ages 6 and 8. The protected bay makes it perfect for beginners.
Is March Good for Surf Lessons?
March sits between big winter swells and flat summer conditions.
For beginners? Perfect. Waikiki waves stay mellow. North Shore calms down from massive winter surf.
Surf schools in Waikiki start around $75 per person for 90 minutes.
Should I Go to a Luau in March?
Yes. March weather is perfect for outdoor evening events.
My honest take on Oahu luaus: Toa Luau at Waimea Valley is still my top pick for families. Smaller, more intimate. Performers actually interact with kids during the show.
Mauka Warriors is newer and getting amazing reviews. It’s at Coral Crater (beautiful remote location). The show focuses more on traditional Hawaiian storytelling, less pan-Polynesian stuff. Fire knife dancing finale. Here’s my review.
Experience Nutridge is another solid choice. Smaller venue, more authentic feel. You’re not crammed in with 400 other tourists.
Skip the Polynesian Cultural Center luau unless you’re already spending the full day there. The show is fine but you’re exhausted after walking around all day. It’s just too much.
Expect $100-180 per adult, $75-120 per child.
Book through Viator or Get Your Guide for reviews and prices.
What Should I Do at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
The Polynesian Cultural Center experience can be overwhelming if you have kids.
Just do the village tour.
The full-day packages with luau sound good in theory. But by 7 PM your kids are melting down, you’re exhausted from walking in the sun, and honestly you’re not paying attention to the show anymore.
The village experiences are the best part. Six different Polynesian countries with hands-on stuff. My boys still talk about throwing spears in the Tongan village and making coconut headbands in Samoa.
Plan 4-5 hours for villages. Get there when it opens. Do villages in the morning. Grab lunch. Leave before the evening crowd shows up.
Staying on North Shore? Come back for the Ha: Breath of Life show on a separate evening. It’s actually impressive and you won’t drive an hour to Waikiki afterward when you’re exhausted.
Admission: $75-100 for villages only. Check their website for March 2026 pricing.
Is Dole Plantation Worth It?
Let me be real: Dole Plantation is basically a giant gift shop with a train ride.
Mainland tourists LOVE it. Locals avoid it. It’s one of those places that’s popular because it’s popular.
If your kids are under 10 and obsessed with trains, fine, stop for an hour. The train ride takes 20 minutes. Gardens are nice.
But reality check: the train line can be 45 minutes long. In the sun. With cranky kids. For a 20-minute ride around fields.
The Dole Whip is good. But you can get it at Disney Aulani or make it at home for way less.
The maze? Skip it unless your kids navigate independently. Otherwise you’re tracking them down the entire visit.
My take: Driving to North Shore anyway? Sure, stop 30 minutes for Dole Whip and photos. Don’t make this a destination. Way better things to do on Oahu.
Cost: Garden $10-15, train $12, Dole Whip $7
Can Kids Enjoy Honolulu Museum of Art?
I was skeptical but the Honolulu Museum of Art has solid family programming.
The Asian courtyard gardens are gorgeous. Kids can run around without disturbing everyone. Collection includes ancient Hawaiian artifacts and modern works.
Family workshops on weekends where kids create art inspired by the collection. Check their website for March 2026 schedule.
Admission: $20 adults, $10 students, under 17 free
Should I Ride the Atlantis Submarine?
Atlantis Submarine tour is perfect for kids wanting underwater life without getting wet.
You descend 100 feet and cruise past shipwrecks, artificial reefs, native fish. Takes 2 hours including boat transportation to the sub.
Cost: $125-150 adult, $60-75 child
Book through Hawaii Activities or Get Your Guide for best rates.
My younger son gets seasick so I gave him Dramamine before. Worked perfectly.
What About Glass Bottom Boat Tours?
Glass bottom boats give another way to see marine life without snorkeling.
Catamarans cruise over reefs while you look through viewing windows in the floor. Spot turtles, tropical fish, sometimes dolphins.
Tours last 90 minutes to 2 hours, cost $40-70 per person. Some include buffet lunch.
Book on a calm ocean day. Choppy water makes it harder to see through the glass.
Is Honolulu Zoo Good for Kids?
Honolulu Zoo is small compared to mainland zoos but convenient from Waikiki.
You can walk from most Waikiki hotels. Plan 2-3 hours. African Savanna section is the highlight. Zebras, giraffes, hippos.
Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM daily (last entry)
Cost: $21 adults, $13 kids 3-12, under 3 free
The playground near the entrance is actually really good. My kids always spend half our zoo time there instead of looking at animals.
What’s the Best Hike in March?
Beginners: Diamond Head Summit Trail. 60-90 minutes roundtrip. 360-degree views at top.
Experienced hikers: Koko Head Stairs. 1,048 steps straight up. Railway track going up the mountain. NOT for young kids or bad knees.
Families: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Paved path, stroller-friendly, whale watching opportunities.
March weather makes hiking way more comfortable than summer heat. Start early before sun gets strong.
Should I Rent a Car?
Yes if you want to leave Waikiki.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental compares rates across companies. Book early for best prices.
Expect $60-120 per day depending on vehicle and when you book.
You need a car for North Shore beaches, Dole Plantation, west side spots like Ko Olina.
How Much Does an Oahu Vacation Cost in March?
Budget breakdown for 2026 pricing.
Hotel Costs March 2026
| Category | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Budget (Hostel/Budget Hotel) | $100-150 |
| Mid-Range (3-Star Waikiki) | $200-350 |
| Upscale (4-Star Resort) | $350-600 |
| Luxury (5-Star Beachfront) | $600-1,200+ |
March prices drop after February’s Valentine’s rush. Better deals than December/January but slightly more than April/May.
Book through Expedia to compare and earn rewards.
For families: Consider vacation rentals with kitchenettes. Saves money on breakfast and snacks.
Flight Costs to Hawaii March 2026
Roundtrip mainland flights: $400-800 per person depending on departure city and booking timing.
Average prices from major cities:
- LA/San Francisco: $400-550
- Seattle/Portland: $500-650
- Phoenix/Vegas: $450-600
- Chicago/Dallas: $600-750
- New York/Boston: $700-900
Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates. Tuesdays/Wednesdays cheaper than weekends.
Activity Costs
| Activity | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling Tour | $80-120 |
| Surf Lesson | $75-100 |
| Luau | $100-180 adult / $75-120 child |
| Whale Watch | $80-120 |
| Submarine Tour | $125-150 adult / $60-75 child |
| Polynesian Cultural Center | $75-180 |
| Pearl Harbor | Free (Arizona) / $7.50-25 (other sites) |
| Dole Plantation | $10-30 |
Budget $100-200 per person per day for activities. Or spend less with free beaches, hiking, shore-based whale watching.
Food Budget
Daily per person:
- Budget: $40-60 (grocery stores, food trucks, plate lunch)
- Mid-range: $75-100 (casual restaurants, mix of meals out and groceries)
- Upscale: $150-250 (resort dining, nice restaurants)
Money saver: Stock breakfast items and snacks at Foodland or Safeway. Eating breakfast in your room saves $15-25 per person daily.
Free 5-day email course on saving money in Hawaii
Is Oahu Crowded in March?
Yes and no.
Early March (before spring break): manageable
Mid-late March: busy as mainland schools start breaks
Crowd levels:
- March 1-10: Moderate
- March 11-20: Moderate to busy
- March 21-31: Busy (spring break)
Busiest spots:
- Waikiki Beach (always busy)
- Hanauma Bay (arrive before 7 AM)
- Pearl Harbor (book USS Arizona 60 days ahead)
- North Shore beaches on weekends
Less crowded:
- Lanikai Beach (residential, limited parking)
- Waimea Bay Beach (off-season for big wave surfing)
- West side beaches (Ko Olina, Makaha)
- Weekday hiking trails
Avoiding Spring Break Crowds
Visit first two weeks of March if possible. Most mainland schools start breaks mid-to-late March.
Book morning tours and activities. Afternoons fill faster and have worse weather.
Choose weekday beach days over weekends when locals hit the shore.
Oahu vs Other Islands in March?
Depends what you want.
Choose Oahu for:
- Most activity options
- Best food scene
- Walkable Waikiki base
- Pearl Harbor history
- Reliable whale watching
- Most tour options
Choose Maui for:
- Laid-back vibe
- Better snorkeling (Molokini)
- Best whale watching in Hawaii
- Road to Hana
- Haleakala sunrise
Choose Kauai for:
- Dramatic scenery
- Best hiking
- Fewer crowds
- Na Pali Coast tours
- Most rain (though March is drier)
Choose Big Island for:
- Active volcano
- Black sand beaches
- Manta ray snorkeling
- Mauna Kea stargazing
- Most diverse landscapes
Hawaii Island Hopping Guide or book a consultation for custom itinerary.
What Should I Pack for March?
Pack for warm, mostly sunny weather with occasional quick showers.
Essential:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (non-reef-safe is illegal in Hawaii)
- Light rain jacket or packable poncho
- Comfortable walking sandals
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snorkel gear if you own it (saves rental fees)
- Light sweater for AC restaurants
- Reusable water bottle
- Day backpack
Don’t pack:
- Beach towels (hotels provide)
- Heavy jackets/sweatshirts
- Formal wear (Hawaii is casual)
- Hair dryer (hotels have them)
Do I Need Water Shoes?
Sometimes. Many Oahu beaches have coral, rocks, or reef. Water shoes make everything more comfortable.
You can buy cheap ones at Walmart or ABC Stores but they’re usually poor quality. Decent water shoes on Amazon are highly rated and packable.
What Camera Gear?
Your smartphone is fine for most vacation photos. Modern phones handle Hawaii’s bright sunlight well.
Want professional family photos? Book Flytographer and save $20 with my link. They scout locations, arrange perfect lighting, deliver edited photos within days.
I book Flytographer every Hawaii trip. Guarantees I’m IN some photos instead of behind the camera the entire time.
How Do I Plan an Oahu Vacation for March 2026?
Step by step.
Step 1: Book Flights Early
Watch flights 3-4 months before March. Use Google Flights for price alerts.
Tuesdays/Wednesdays typically cheaper than weekends. Red-eyes cost less than daytime flights.
Step 2: Choose Accommodations
Waikiki is most convenient. Walkable restaurants, beaches, shopping. Browse hotels on Expedia.
Ko Olina (west side) offers resort-focused experience with calm lagoon beaches for small kids.
North Shore appeals to people wanting quieter, local vibe. Need rental car for everything.
Step 3: Reserve Key Activities
Book 30-60 days ahead:
- Whale watching tours (fill fast in March)
- Popular luaus
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona (60 days ahead)
Browse tours on Viator or Get Your Guide for reviews and prices.
Step 4: Rent Car
Get quotes from Discount Hawaii Car Rental 2-3 weeks before.
Don’t need car every day in Waikiki. Consider renting 2-3 days for North Shore and windward coast.
Step 5: Plan Daily Schedule
Don’t overbook. Hawaii is about slowing down.
Plan one major activity per day. Spend afternoons at beach. Leave room for spontaneous shave ice stops and sunset watching.
My Oahu Travel Guide includes detailed daily schedules for 3, 5, and 7-day trips.
Step 6: Take My Free Email Course
I created a free 7-day email course about planning Oahu trips. Each day covers different planning aspects with actionable tips.
Completely free. Way more detailed than any blog post.
Sample 5-Day Oahu Itinerary for March
How I’d structure a March visit.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle
- Arrive Honolulu Airport
- Pick up rental or shuttle to Waikiki
- Check into hotel
- Walk to Waikiki Beach for sunset
- Dinner at Duke’s Waikiki or Marukame Udon
Don’t overplan day one. You’re tired. Jet lag sucks.
Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Honolulu
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona (pre-booked 8 AM tour)
- USS Missouri or Aviation Museum
- Drive through downtown
- Afternoon at Waikiki Beach
- Evening: Honolulu Festival events (if dates align)
Day 3: North Shore
- Early drive to North Shore
- Stop at Dole Plantation (briefly, for Dole Whip)
- Lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp or Haleiwa town
- Snorkel Sharks Cove (conditions permitting)
- Sunset at Sunset Beach
- Return to Waikiki
Day 4: Whale Watching and East Side
- Morning whale watching tour (pre-booked)
- Afternoon at Lanikai or Kailua Beach
- Stop at Makapuu Lighthouse for shore whale watching
- Dinner at Buzz’s Lanikai or Island Snow
Day 5: Cultural Experiences
- Morning in Waikiki
- Afternoon at Polynesian Cultural Center (villages only, not full day)
- Evening luau (Toa or Mauka Warriors)
- Pack for departure
Adjust based on your dates and which March events you want (Honolulu Festival March 13-15, Prince Kuhio Day March 26).
Want custom itinerary? Book consultation with me. I’ll create personalized day-by-day plan based on your interests, kids’ ages, budget.
FAQs About Visiting Oahu in March
Is March a good month to visit Oahu?
Yes. March gives you great weather (around 79°F), peak whale watching, fewer crowds than summer. Less rain than earlier winter. Plus cool cultural events like Honolulu Festival (March 13-15) and Prince Kuhio Day (March 26). Hotel prices drop after February peak.
Can you see whales in Oahu in March?
Yes. March is one of best months for whale watching. Peak season is January-March when about 11,000 humpback whales visit Hawaii. Book boat tour for best experience or watch from shore at Makapuu Lighthouse or Diamond Head. By late March they start heading back to Alaska.
Does it rain a lot in Oahu in March?
March averages 10 rainy days with about 2 inches total rainfall. That’s LESS than December, January, February. Hawaiian rain is different though. Quick showers 15-30 minutes, then sunshine. Not all-day soaking. Pack light rain jacket but don’t stress.
How much does an Oahu vacation cost in March?
Budget $200-400 per night hotels, $400-800 per person flights from mainland, $100-200 per person daily for activities/food. Week-long Oahu vacation for family of four typically costs $5,000-8,500 total depending on accommodation choice and activity level.
What should I pack for Oahu in March?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, light rain jacket, walking sandals, water shoes, swimsuits, light layers. March temps range 68-79°F so skip heavy coats. Bring snorkel gear if you own it to save rental costs.
Is Oahu crowded in March?
Early March sees moderate crowds. Mid-late March gets busier with spring break. Popular spots like Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor attract crowds. Visit less touristy areas like Lanikai Beach or west side beaches. Schedule activities early morning to avoid peaks.
Can you swim in ocean in March in Oahu?
Yes. Ocean temp averages 75°F in March, comfortable for swimming without wetsuit. March offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, surfing, all water activities. Some North Shore beaches may have larger swells, stick to south shore for calmer swimming.
What Hawaiian island is best to visit in March?
Oahu excels for first-timers wanting diverse activities, reliable whale watching, convenient Waikiki base. Maui offers better whale watching, laid-back vibes. Kauai provides dramatic scenery, fewer crowds. Big Island features active volcanoes, diverse landscapes. Ideal island depends on your priorities.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Oahu in March?
After 40+ visits to Hawaii and countless March trips, I’m going to be straight with you.
March is one of my favorite times to visit Oahu. You get comfortable weather, incredible whale watching, real cultural celebrations, and slightly smaller crowds than summer.
Yes, you might hit a quick rain shower. Pack a light jacket. Move on.
Yes, spring break crowds start mid-month. Book tours early. Visit popular sites at off-peak times.
But the benefits crush any minor inconveniences.
Where else can you watch 40-ton humpback whales breach offshore while celebrating Hawaiian culture at massive parades, all while wearing shorts in 79-degree weather?
That’s March in Oahu.
Ready to plan your March 2026 Oahu trip? Grab my comprehensive Oahu Travel Guide with detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, insider tips. Or book a consultation and I’ll create a custom plan for your family.
Want more help? Listen to Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast where I share weekly tips, answer questions, interview Hawaii experts.
Overwhelmed with planning? Sign up for my free 5-day email course on traveling to Hawaii like a pro. I’ll walk you through everything step by step.
