Are you thinking about planning a trip to Oahu in November? Find out some of the best things to do in Oahu in November that are worth adding to your itinerary!
This list of things to do in Oahu in November 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
A few Novembers ago, I spent a week on Oahu with my oldest son. One of my favorite parts of that trip wasn’t a tour at all. It was my early morning walks through Waikiki, checking out all the cute Christmas decorations going up at the hotels and along the street.
November on Oahu has that fun mix of holiday season and summer weather, and it’s one of my favorite months to send families. The ocean is still warm, the crowds are lighter than spring or summer (until Thanksgiving week), and there’s a lot going on, from pro surf contests on the North Shore to Makahiki games at Waimea Valley.
I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert with 40+ trips to Hawaii, and I call myself a professional tourist because I’ve done most of the touristy stuff more than once, usually with my two boys. A few things on older November lists don’t exist anymore, so everything below is checked against what’s actually happening in 2026.
TL;DR: Oahu in November 2026
- Weather: Average highs around 84°F, lows around 71°F, ocean around 79°F. Expect a few quick showers, mostly on the windward side and North Shore.
- Crowds: Lighter than spring and summer until Thanksgiving week, which books up fast.
- Big events: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 5-8), Haleʻiwa Pro surf contest (Nov. 5-14), Makahiki Festival at Waimea Valley (Nov. 11), Turkey Trot (Nov. 26), Waikiki Holiday Parade (Nov. 27).
- My top picks with kids: Toa Luau and Waimea Valley, Hanauma Bay, a Kaneohe sandbar tour, Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch, and watching big winter waves from the sand.
- Heads up: Kaneohe Bay tours don’t run on Sundays or federal holidays (that includes Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving), and Bishop Museum and Waimea Valley are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Oahu?
Yes, especially before Thanksgiving week.
Oahu had 425,967 visitors in November 2025, about 4% fewer than the November before, according to Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Compare that to 526,026 visitors in March 2025. That’s roughly 100,000 fewer people sharing the island with you.
Thanksgiving week is the exception. Mainland families fly in for the long weekend, and luaus, holiday dinners, and Hanauma Bay slots go fast. If you’re traveling that week, book the big stuff as soon as your flights are set.
What’s the Weather Like on Oahu in November?
Warm, a little breezier than summer, and occasionally rainy.
NOAA’s long-term averages for Honolulu put the November average high at about 84°F and the low at about 71°F. The same data shows about 2.4 inches of rain for the month, spread over roughly 9 days with at least a little rain.
Most of those showers come and go quickly. The windward side (Kailua, Kaneohe, Kualoa) and the North Shore get wetter than Waikiki or Ko Olina, so I plan beach days on the south and west sides and keep windward activities flexible.
The ocean is still great for swimming, with water off Waikiki averaging around 79°F in November.
Pack a light rain jacket for everyone and a layer for evenings. When I took my son to Mauka Warriors Luau on the west side, it got chilly and windy once the sun went down.
The bigger November shift is in the ocean, not the air. Winter swells start hitting the North Shore, while the south shore usually stays mellow.
| Area | Ocean in November | Best for families |
|---|---|---|
| Waikiki and the South Shore | Usually the calmest | Swimming, beginner surf lessons, glass bottom boats, Hanauma Bay |
| North Shore | Big winter surf starts; can be dangerous | Watching surf contests from the sand, Waimea Valley, Haleʻiwa town |
| Windward (Kailua, Kaneohe, Kualoa) | Often calm, but rainier | Kaneohe sandbar, Secret Island, Kualoa Ranch |
| West Side (Ko Olina, Kapolei) | Protected lagoons | Little kids, Aulani, west side luaus |
If you’re heading to the North Shore: The March 2026 Kona storms caused serious flooding there. Haleʻiwa’s shops and restaurants have reopened and visitors are welcome, but residential areas of Waialua and Mokulēʻia are still recovering. Drive slowly, respect posted signs, and spend your money at resident-owned businesses in town.
For more on the season, here’s what it’s like to visit Hawaii in the fall.
What’s Happening on Oahu in November 2026?
This is the calendar I’d use to pick your dates. Surf contests and a few event times can shift, so check the official sites the week before you go.
| Date (2026) | Event | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Nov. 5 | Hawaii International Film Festival | Honolulu and Kapolei theaters | Oahu screenings wrap in early November |
| Oct. 26 – Nov. 2 | HTA Sunset Pro | Sunset Beach | Pro surf contest; runs on the best wave days |
| Nov. 5 – 8 | Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (Oahu) | Waikiki and Honolulu venues | Each event ticketed separately |
| Nov. 5 – 14 | HTA Haleʻiwa Pro and Longboard Pro | Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park | Free to watch from the beach |
| Nov. 11 | Makahiki Festival and Veterans Day | Waimea Valley | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; active and retired military get free admission |
| Nov. 26 | Turkey Trot | Kapiʻolani Park | Includes a 1.8-mile family run/walk |
| Nov. 27 | Waikiki Holiday Parade | Kalākaua Avenue | 2026 start time not posted yet (2025’s started at 7 p.m.) |
| Nov. 28 | Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiian Independence Day) | Waimea Valley | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Nov. 28 | Kapolei City Lights opening night | Kapolei Hale | Free block party 5 to 9 p.m., plus a holiday parade |
| Dec. 5 | Honolulu City Lights opening night | Honolulu Hale | Not a November event this year |
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 5-8)
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is in its 16th year. Oahu gets the final weekend, after the Big Island and Maui events in October.
A lot of the Oahu lineup is evening tastings and chef dinners, so I think of it as a date night more than a family outing. If grandparents are on your trip, this is a good night to hand off the kids. Check the official schedule before you buy.
Can You Still Watch Pro Surfing on the North Shore in November?
Yes, just not the Triple Crown.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing used to be the big November draw. It hasn’t been held in person since 2019, so any 2026 itinerary that lists it is working off old info.
Here’s what’s on the World Surf League schedule instead:
- HTA Sunset Pro: Oct. 26 to Nov. 2 at Sunset Beach
- HTA Haleʻiwa Pro and Longboard Pro: Nov. 5 to 14 at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park
- Lexus Pipe Masters: Dec. 8 to 20 at Pipeline, the finale of the 2026 Championship Tour
Those are waiting periods, and the contests only run on days with good surf. Check the WSL site the morning you plan to go.
Watching from the sand is free. Bring snacks and shade, give yourself extra time to find parking, and leave nothing in the car. I explain why in Episode 141 of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast.
To make a full day of it, use my North Shore surfing guide and my list of the best things to do on the North Shore.
What Is the Makahiki Festival at Waimea Valley?
Makahiki is the traditional Hawaiian season honoring Lono, tied to the harvest, rest, and peace. Historically it lasted months, and games and athletic competitions took the place of warfare.
Waimea Valley’s Makahiki Festival is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll see the Te Moana Nui Games (a traditional Polynesian sports competition), hula, live music, and resident vendors, and kids can try the games themselves.
After dancing hula for more than 20 years, I personally love smaller, more intimate shows like this over the big productions with hundreds of guests.
Nov. 11 is also Veterans Day, so active and retired military get free admission. One planning note: the valley is closed on Mondays in October and November, so don’t plan a North Shore Monday around it.
What Is Lā Kūʻokoʻa?
Lā Kūʻokoʻa is Hawaiian Independence Day. On Nov. 28, 1843, Britain and France formally recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent nation.
Most visitors have never heard of it. I always encourage families to learn some Hawaiian history before their trip, and Waimea Valley is hosting a Lā Kūʻokoʻa event on Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re on Oahu over Thanksgiving weekend, it’s a meaningful way to spend that Saturday.
What Is There to Do on Oahu Over Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026.
Turkey Trot (Nov. 26): The Honolulu Marathon Clinic’s Turkey Trot starts around 7:30 a.m. at Kapiʻolani Park. Families can do the 1.8-mile fun run/walk once around the park, and there are 3.6-mile and 5-mile options too. It’s capped at 2,000 people. Regular registration closes Oct. 30, and late registration runs through Nov. 25. Details are on the Honolulu Marathon Clinic site.
Waikiki Holiday Parade (Nov. 27): This torch-lit parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving has honored Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans since 1998, with marching bands from all over the country. It runs about 1.5 miles down Kalākaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Park. The 2026 start time isn’t posted yet, so check the official parade site that week, and don’t plan on driving through Waikiki that night.
Kapolei City Lights (Nov. 28): If you’re staying at Ko Olina or Aulani, this one’s close by. Opening night has a free block party around Kapolei Hale from 5 to 9 p.m. and a holiday parade.
Honolulu City Lights: Last year it opened the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2026, opening night is Dec. 5, so a trip that ends in November will miss it.
What’s closed on Thanksgiving Day: Bishop Museum (it also closes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) and Waimea Valley, which also closes early, at 3 p.m., the day before. Kaneohe sandbar tours don’t run either (more on that below).
Beaches stay open, and plenty of hotels and restaurants serve Thanksgiving meals. Book yours the minute your plans are set. My post on spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii has more ideas.
Juggling all of this around a holiday week is the kind of thing I help families sort out in my Hawaii travel consultations.
What Are the Best Things to Do on Oahu in November With Kids?
Here’s what I’d put on a November list, starting with my favorites.
Toa Luau at Waimea Valley (and Other Luaus Worth Booking)
Toa Luau is my favorite luau in Hawaii.
It’s small, it’s produced by a Samoan family, and the first hour is full of hands-on activities. When my youngest was 5, he loved cracking open a coconut there. There’s also a big lawn where kids can run around and still see the show. My full Toa Luau review has all the details.
Your ticket includes Waimea Valley admission, good for seven days before or after your luau. Toa also runs a midday show along with the evening one, which is a lifesaver if your kids fall apart after dark.
Paradise Cove at Ko Olina held its final show on Dec. 31, 2025 after 47 years. If you’re staying on the west side, you still have good options:
- Mauka Warriors Luau in Kapolei is my #2 on Oahu. I went with my son when he was 12, and the show was worth every penny, even though the food was just okay. It took us about 90 minutes to get there from Waikiki in afternoon traffic, so leave by 3:15 p.m. Here’s my Mauka Warriors review.
- Kaula Lūʻau opened at Ocean’s Edge in Ko Olina in February 2026. It’s produced by the nonprofit Hawaiian Council. I haven’t been yet, so I can’t tell you how it compares.
- Ka Waʻa at Aulani is the easy choice if you’re staying there.
My roundup of the best Oahu luaus for kids covers the rest.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is on the south shore, which usually stays calmer than the North Shore this time of year, and the water is still warm.
The logistics trip people up every single time. Hanauma Bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and non-resident reservations open exactly two days ahead at 7 a.m. Hawaii time. Entry is currently $25 for anyone 13 and older, and younger kids are free.
My Hanauma Bay reservations guide walks through the whole process, including what the standby line looked like when I went. I also cover it in Episode 144 of the podcast, along with Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.
Kaneohe Sandbar
The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar (Ahu o Laka) is a shallow sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, with the Koʻolau mountains behind it. Standing in knee-deep water in the middle of a bay is a novelty for kids.
Check your dates before you book. Under state rules for Kaneohe Bay, commercial ocean tours can’t operate on Sundays or federal holidays. That means no tours on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) or Thanksgiving (Nov. 26).
It’s also on the rainier side of the island, so keep that day flexible if you can. The sandbar is best at low tide, so ask your operator which departure lines up with the tides.
Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch
Secret Island Beach is Kualoa Ranch’s private beach, and it’s an easy half day for families.
You ride a catamaran across an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond, then spend the afternoon (or morning) with kayaks, paddleboards, beach games, and hammocks. There are showers and changing rooms on site.
It’s on the windward side too, so a passing shower is possible. Pack a towel and water shoes.
Where Can You See Sea Turtles on Oahu in November?
Laniakea Beach on the North Shore is still the famous turtle beach, but go in with realistic expectations. Parking is limited, people dart across the highway, and North Shore lawmaker Sean Quinlan has said he wants to end non-resident parking there and move visitors to a shuttle. Nothing has changed yet, but it could.
Give the turtles lots of space and never touch them. Volunteers from Malama na Honu are often on the beach and will show you where to stand. My Turtle Beach guide has more.
Kuilima Cove is at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay, which was Turtle Bay Resort until 2024. It’s a protected cove with an easy sandy entry, but during high winter surf there can be a strong rip current running out of the cove, and there’s no lifeguard. Only swim there on calm days.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For a non-swimmer or a kid who won’t put their face in the water, a glass bottom boat tour is the easy answer.
Tours on the Honolulu side usually last about an hour, and you look down at reefs, fish, and often turtles. November is the start of humpback whale season, so you might spot one. It’s early, though, so I wouldn’t promise anyone a whale.
Surf Lessons in Waikiki
November is a great month to learn to surf, as long as it’s on the South Shore. The North Shore’s winter waves are for experts, while Waikiki’s are usually gentle this time of year.
Here’s my list of kid-friendly Oahu surf lessons. Put on reef-safe sunscreen before you paddle out, because the November sun is still strong.
Pearl Harbor
My first visit to Pearl Harbor with my boys was overwhelming. It was hot and the kids were cranky. Our second visit was much more memorable, and a lot of that was thanks to a docent at the Pacific Aviation Museum. If your kids are old enough, I’d plan your visit around a guide.
November is a smart time to go. Dec. 7, 2026, is the 85th anniversary of the attack, so I’d expect early December to be busier than usual. USS Arizona Memorial reservations go through Recreation.gov, and I explain how they work in Episode 144.
Koko Crater Stairs (for Teens and Fit Adults)
The Koko Crater Tramway climbs more than 1,000 old railroad ties to the top of Koko Crater, with views over Hanauma Bay and the coastline.
It’s steep with no shade, so I’d save it for teens and fit adults and go at sunrise. After a child fell into an old military bunker shaft at the summit in July 2025, the city taped off the bunker openings and added warning signs. Stay on the tramway and keep everyone off the bunkers.
Bishop Museum and Waikiki Aquarium for Rainy Days
Keep one indoor backup in your pocket in November.
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 and is the best place on Oahu to learn Hawaiian history and culture. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside of holiday closures.
The Waikiki Aquarium opened in 1904 and is the second-oldest public aquarium still operating in the U.S. It’s small enough to see in about an hour and walkable from Waikiki. They’re adding new exhibits in 2026, so you may see some construction.
Holiday Card Photos With Flytographer
Those Christmas decorations I mentioned make November a fun time to get your holiday card photos done in Hawaii.
We almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer when we travel to Hawaii. It’s easy, and it’s the only way I’m guaranteed to actually be in the pictures. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Where Should Families Stay on Oahu in November?
The first thing I ask consultation clients is what kind of trip they’re picturing.
- Waikiki if you want to skip the car most days and have restaurants, shops, and those early morning holiday decoration walks right outside your door. We’ve stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (my boys loved the water trikes on the lagoon) and the Hyatt Place Waikiki.
- Ko Olina or The Kahala if your kids get overstimulated or you want things quieter.
- Aulani for Disney fans or families who want lots of kid activities without leaving the resort. Here are Oahu tours with transportation from Aulani.
In Waikiki, you don’t need a car every day. I tell families to group their off-site activities together and rent a car for just a couple of days. I use Discount Hawaii Car Rental because you can book without prepaying and rebook if prices drop. I cover what’s changed with rental cars in Episode 142, and here’s how to get around Oahu without a car on the other days.
How Do You Plan an Oahu Trip in November Without Getting Overwhelmed?
If you’d rather skip the research, my Oahu Travel Guide for Families has day-by-day itineraries, my kid-friendly picks, and the tips I give consult clients.
If you’re just getting started, try my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Oahu. November outside Thanksgiving week can be a good time to find deals, so my free 5-day course on saving money in Hawaii is worth grabbing too.
Not sure how long to stay? I talk through it in Episode 126 of Hawaii Travel Made Easy and in my post on how many days you need on Oahu.
And if you want a plan built around your dates and your kids’ ages, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me.
Oahu in November FAQs
Is November a good time to visit Oahu with kids?
Yes. The ocean is still around 79°F, highs average in the low to mid 80s, and Oahu sees noticeably fewer visitors than in spring or summer. The exception is Thanksgiving week, when mainland families pour in and luaus, restaurants, and Hanauma Bay slots book up early.
Does it rain a lot on Oahu in November?
It rains more than in summer, but usually in quick showers. NOAA averages for Honolulu show about 2.4 inches in November, spread over roughly 9 days with at least a little rain. The windward side and North Shore are wetter, so I plan beach days on the south and west sides.
Can you swim on the North Shore of Oahu in November?
Sometimes, but be careful. November is when big winter swells start hitting the North Shore, and conditions can turn dangerous fast. On flat days, protected spots like Kuilima Cove can work for families. When the surf is up, watch from the sand and swim in Waikiki or Ko Olina instead.
Is the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing still happening?
Not as a series. The Triple Crown hasn’t run in person since 2019. In 2026, you can catch the HTA Sunset Pro (Oct. 26 to Nov. 2) and HTA Haleʻiwa Pro (Nov. 5 to 14), and the Lexus Pipe Masters runs Dec. 8 to 20 as the Championship Tour finale.
What’s closed on Oahu on Thanksgiving?
Bishop Museum and Waimea Valley both close on Thanksgiving Day, and commercial boat tours in Kaneohe Bay can’t operate on federal holidays, so there are no sandbar tours. Beaches stay open. Plenty of hotels and restaurants serve Thanksgiving meals, but book early because they fill up.
Is Paradise Cove Luau still open?
No. Paradise Cove held its final show on Dec. 31, 2025, after 47 years at Ko Olina. My favorite luau on Oahu is Toa Luau at Waimea Valley. On the west side, Mauka Warriors in Kapolei is my second pick, and the new Kaula Lūʻau opened at Ko Olina in February 2026.
When does Honolulu City Lights start in 2026?
Opening night is Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at Honolulu Hale, so it isn’t a November event this year. If you’re on Oahu over Thanksgiving weekend, Kapolei City Lights kicks off Saturday, Nov. 28, with a free block party from 5 to 9 p.m. and a holiday parade.
How many days do you need on Oahu in November?
I usually recommend 7 to 10 days if Oahu is your only island, or 5 to 7 if you’re island hopping. In November, the extra time helps, because you can move beach days around rain showers and North Shore surf instead of forcing them.
So, Should You Plan an Oahu Trip in November?
If you can swing the first three weeks of the month, I’d book it. You get warm water, lighter crowds, and cultural events like Makahiki that you won’t find on a July trip.
If Thanksgiving week is your only option, it’s still worth going. Lock in the luau, Hanauma Bay, and your holiday dinner early, and keep one rainy-day plan ready.
And get up early at least once for a walk through Waikiki while the Christmas decorations are going up. It’s still one of my favorite November memories.
Looking for more Oahu ideas? Check out the most beautiful places on Oahu, fun facts about Oahu, the best things to do on Oahu at night, and what to do on Maui in November if you’re island hopping.
 | About the author: Marcie Cheung is a Hawaii travel consultant for families who has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. She is the founder of Hawaii Travel with Kids and host of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. She offers one-on-one Hawaii trip planning consultations and itinerary reviews for families, couples, and honeymooners. |