Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Hawaii has a rich military history, which makes Oahu the perfect place to honor our heroes for Memorial Day. Memorial Day, of course, commemorates the U.S. men and women who gave their lives in military service, but it’s also time to spend with friends and family. Celebrate Memorial Day in Oahu with parades, concerts, and more.
Memorial Day Parade
Each year, the Memorial Day Parade goes through Waikiki and features marching bands, scouts, and military organizations that pay tribute to our veterans, active military and military families. The parade features 40 vehicles, four floats, and five bands with 1,200 marchers expected. The route beings at Ft. DeRussy, follows Kalakaua Avenue and ends at Kapahulu, Kalakaua and Monsarrate Avenues.
Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park
The Lantern Floating Ceremony is hosted by the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order, and gathers us to remember loved ones who have passed away. Over 7,000 paper lanterns float into the bay at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Lanterns are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Memorial Day Weekend Concert Series at Pearl Harbor
The US Pacific Fleet Band will perform a free concert at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Sunday, May 26, between 10am and 11am. Performances will include a woodwind quintet playing patriotic songs and a jazz ensemble playing big band music!
It is not recommend for first time visitors to head to Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day. It’s a much busier experience and crowds may cause delays as you walk through exhibits and sites at Pearl Harbor. However, if you are determined to visit, IMI Tours does have tour options to both the USS Arizona Memorial and Might Mo.