Planning a trip to Oahu in Summer 2026? You’re in for something special. From exciting new tours and updated reservation rules to the return of beloved island events, this Summer is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-overdue return, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to make the most of your time here. Plus a few timeless traditions that still make Oahu unforgettable.
6 questions for adventures in Oahu during Summer 2026
These are some of the most common questions we get, especially from families planning summer travel to the islands. Even if you’re visiting later this year, or just dreaming about it, you’ll find helpful tips and updates here.
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Is this your family’s first trip to Hawaii?
There are questions you might not know to ask. We go beyond Oahu tours and share local events, protocols, and insights.
Are you curious about free events and parades on Oahu?
Waikiki offers a variety of activities for everyone. Weʻll share a couple of our favorite events scheduled in 2026.
Have you or your family been to this island before?
Return visitors may notice the most changes in the islands. Weʻve gathered a few of those in the article.
Whatʻs new for the Summer of 2026?
There are new procedures for many of the most popular adventures on Oahu. Weʻll share the biggest ones with you.
What else has changed in the last couple years?
Wow! So much has changed. It is impossible to put them all in one post. But besides everything out of our control, weʻve made quite a few upgrades to your experience recently.
Curious whether anything is still the same?
Donʻt worry. Not everything is different. There is plenty you can rely on during your trip this Summer.
We’ve kept travelers updated since early 2020, and now we’re excited to share everything you need to know about exploring Oahu in 2026.
Is this your first time visiting Oahu?
Welcome! Summer is a great time to visit, and many beloved events are back in full swing. Most people in the hospitality industry are hoping to be busy. As usual, Waikiki should be filled with surf, sun, and fun. One of our favorite things about living in Waikiki, and most who visit, is the constant entertainment. Not to mention the endless food options.
- The Kamehameha Day Floral Parade is bigger than ever and a must-see for visitors.
- Live concerts at the Waikiki Shell have returned.
- The new Auana Show is a beautifully curated Cirque Du Soleil-inspired live performance celebrating the evolution of Hawaiian music and hula.
- Friday Night Fireworks are back, lighting up Waikiki skies at 8 p.m. every Friday near the Hilton Hawaiian Village. (They’ve been going strong again since mid-2022.)
- There are so many great free activities in Waikiki to get immersed in the local culture.
They started in 1988 and, apart from a pause due to COVID-19 and another pause in honor of Lahaina, have been a free weekly treat for residents and visitors alike. If you’re hoping to attend parades, concerts, or fireworks shows, take a look at the City & Countyʻs official site of parades and street closures to help you plan.
Are there any COVID restrictions left?
That said, some attractions have changed permanently, such as capacity caps and advance reservations. Check out our updated health and safety page for details. But the gist of it is:
- No masks required (optional in some indoor settings)
- No testing or vaccination requirements
- No gathering limits
Returning for more adventures in Oahu during Summer ʻ26?
Don’t worry, you can still count on plenty of your favorite places, but some of them might be a little different and maybe even better. But if you’ve visited Oahu in the past, a few things may surprise you in 2026:
- Diamond Head Crater now requires reservations.
- Waimanalo and parts of the North Shore have restricted commercial access.
- Hanauma Bay is open to tour buses again, but with smaller groups and more peaceful visits.
- The Arizona Memorial uses mobile check-in instead of long standby lines.
- The USS Utah bus tour is back for the first time in 10 years.
- A new National Park exhibit focused on Native Hawaiian history is in development.
In short, you’ll still want to prepare, but the experience is more organized and relaxed once you’re here.
Weʻve brought back some classics.
When COVID hit Hawaii in early 2020, we paused our airport and cruise ship pickups. For a while, we only offered drop-offs at Honolulu International. But we’re happy to share that as of July 2022, our Private First/Last Day Transfer Tours have returned, complete with luggage service, so you can maximize your final vacation hours without hauling bags around town.
We’ve also welcomed back more repeat guests this year than ever before. And those of you who donated to causes like the Australian bushfires or Lahaina wildfire relief, we owe you a massive thank you. We’ve honored our promise of complimentary tours, and we’ll continue finding ways to give back.
Weʻve updated Your Private Tours of Hawaii for Summer ʻ26
It’s been an exciting couple of years, and 2026 brings even more improvements. But hereʻs a quick recap of whatʻs new, apart from the logo, of course.
- Our new tour vehicle is here. Itʻs modern, comfy, and still with free Wi-Fi (especially for our Aussie and Kiwi guests).
- Our brand new website features easy searching, faster booking, and zero “convenience” fees. Saving you almost 2% on your total.
- We’ve launched a fun personality quiz to help you choose your ideal tour.
- Honored to finally deliver free tours to those who donated to the Australian and Lahaina wildfire relief efforts.
- Proud to support Ike Shaub, the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, in attending last year’s Remembrance Ceremonies, and hopefully this year’s as well.
Heads up: a slight seasonal rate increase is scheduled when the heat of Summer 2026 actually hits. Book now to lock in current prices.
Over 400 five-star tours and adventures in Oahu!
You can use that new free wi-fi to check out the updates to our website. We reached 400+ five-star online reviews and made it easier for you to leave one. We have kept the Things To Do on Oahu Blog updated every couple of months.
Introducing Halia Private Tours
You may have noticed a new name: Halia Private Tours.
Why the change? Because it reflects what we do best, our real-world identity and what weʻre actually known for. 100% custom, private excursions and tour services across Oahu.
Whether it’s audio-guided trips, community shuttle support, or personalized family outings, everything is private, flexible, and built just for you.
Plus, with a new transparent pricing structure, some of our most popular options are now more affordable than ever.
What hasnʻt changed?
Wow! Thatʻs a lot of new. you may be asking yourself at this point, “did anything stay the same?” Yes, plenty:
- Us. We still take having fun just as seriously as before.
- Our famous restaurants and food trucks are still thriving (and tastier than ever).
- Waimea Valley remains a peaceful retreat.
- Shopping, beach time, and laid-back island life haven’t gone anywhere.
And neither has our passion for sharing Oahu with awesome visitors like you. Just keep in mind that some Summer 2026 dates are already booked, so don’t wait too long.
