Honoring Heroes at Pearl Harbor

Memorial Day Weekend in Kaneohe is the perfect time to honor the heroes of the past while enjoying the scenic beauty of Hawaii. Start your weekend with a visit to the iconic Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor Tour is available on May 25th from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering a full day of exploration and reflection. This tour is a must-do for families looking to combine education with adventure. You’ll begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where exhibits and a documentary film provide historical context about the events of December 7, 1941. The highlight is the USS Arizona Memorial, a solemn place where you can reflect on the sacrifices made by the sailors and Marines.

The tour also takes you along Oahu’s Windward Coast, where you’ll experience Hawaii’s natural beauty with majestic mountains and lush vegetation. Don’t miss the stop at Tropical Farms, where you can sample local macadamia nuts and enjoy the serene surroundings. A review from March 2025 captures the essence of this tour:

Action packed, fun, safe and friendly tour with Johnny Aloho - Johnny Aloha, our tour guide with the vibe of a hip, cool uncle (or “cousin” as they say in Hawaii), one who knows how to show the kids a good time, and can be trusted to drive safe, keep everyone on schedule, keep the language PG-13 or better, and find music that suits everyone on the road trip. (Reviewed at: 2025-03-02)

Exploring Oahu’s Scenic Beauty

After a day of honoring heroes, it’s time to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Oahu. The Circle Island Tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover Oahu’s hidden gems through the eyes of a local guide. Although this tour is not available on the specified dates, it’s worth mentioning for future visits. Shane, the guide, takes you on a 10-hour adventure filled with surfing, trekking, and snorkeling. You’ll visit waterfalls, turtle habitats, and world-renowned beaches, all while enjoying the authentic aloha hospitality.

The tour includes a stop at the Statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary local surfer, where you can take a picture and share the moment with friends and family back home. A review from March 2025 highlights the family-friendly nature of this tour:

Fun & turtles for all ages and abilities! - Had a great time on this trip with my family! They were so accommodating with my families variety of needs and comfort! We saw so many turtles and couldn’t believe how close we were! It was the trip of a lifetime which I won’t forget! (Reviewed at: 2025-03-23)

Family Fun and Local Flavors

No trip to Kaneohe is complete without indulging in the local flavors and enjoying some family fun. During the Pearl Harbor Tour, you’ll have the chance to stop at Kahuku for lunch. Fumi’s Garlic Shrimp Truck is a popular destination, offering a variety of shrimp dishes that are sure to please the whole family. Don’t forget to try the spicy garlic shrimp with the spicy garlic sauce on white sticky rice – it’s a local favorite!

For dessert, head to the Dole Plantation, where you can enjoy a Dole Whip, the famous pineapple-flavored soft-serve treat. The plantation also offers a short walk to see the beautiful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, known for their colorful, multi-hued bark. A review from February 2025 sums up the experience:

Very good+! I would recommend this trip to others. - A good selection of sights to see -Pearl Harbor, Dole pineapple plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center and a public park visit towards days end. Sampled the local doughnuts. Tour guide (Liana?) was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Well worth the price (especially in “ Hawaiian” dollars). (Reviewed at: 2025-02-26)

With so much to see and do, Memorial Day Weekend in Kaneohe promises to be a memorable experience for the whole family. Whether you’re honoring heroes, exploring scenic beauty, or indulging in local flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.