What to do in Honolulu/Oahu Memorial Day

For 2015 events, see Honolulu/Oahu 2015 Memorial Day Activities

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The following list is for 2010 for reference purposes only. For 2015 events, go to Honolulu/Oahu Memorial Day Events & Activities 2015. 

Whether you’re a visitor to Oahu or an island resident, you’ll find plenty to do on Memorial day in Honolulu. Here are some suggestions of how to honor the day in meaningful ways:

Visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl. This peaceful and somber site is a must visit in my opinion. On Memorial Day, Boy Scouts place a lei on each grave. If you can time your visit for 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, you can catch the 61st annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony. In addition to the impressive memorial, you’ll also find an tremendous view of Honolulu.Parking will be limited during the ceremony. (See our photo set from various visits to Punchbowl.)

See the Arizona Memorial – Though there aren’t any specific events, visiting this memorial is certainly a worthy way to honor Memorial Day. I highly recommend that you get there early in the morning. Be prepared for your visit by reading Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Tour the USS Missouri– This retired battleship is also known as the Mighty Mo and also makes a great place to visit to honor the day. See my article with advice for touring the Mighty Mo.

See the Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor – This museum showcases aircraft that has been important to the US military history.

See the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Pearl Harbor – The USS Bowfin was an attack vessel in WWII. The Bowfin was dubbed the Pearl Harbor Avenger.

See the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park. “The ceremony remembers those who gave their lives in conflict, allows for reflection on the memories of loved ones and dedicates prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future. Just as the waters of the Pacific merge with each ocean, the wish for peace and happiness extends from Hawaii across the globe.” This event will be held Monday, May 31, 2010 at 6.30 p.m. on Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. For more information see this link. Here’s a short YouTube video describing the significance of lantern floating.

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For 2011 events, see Honolulu/Oahu 2011 Memorial Day Activities