By Shiromi Nassreen
Things to Do in Hawaii in May
Peak tourist season in Hawaii runs from December to the end of March. Even so, it is not unusual for it to rain several days in a row, which can leave tourists with nothing to do but huddle in their hotels. And while there are lots of boating activities offered year round, the water is calmer in May, making water activities more fun and easier to plan.
Go Whale Watching
Whale season runs from December to May, and while you won't see the large groups of whales in May that you would see in January (by then, many of the whales will have already begun their journey back to Alaska), there are still plenty of whales around, particularly if you are on Maui. One of the most popular whale watching companies on Maui is the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Maalaea Road #100, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793 Telephone: (808-244-8392)
Visit the Na Pali Coastline in Kauai.
The Na Pali coastline is a breathtaking piece of coastline on Kauai that can't be reached by road and can only be reached by boat, helicopter or by hiking the 18 mile long trail. Weather in the wintertime can mean the water is rough, making boat journeys uncomfortable for some visitors, while the rainfall makes camping difficult. May is the beginning of summer in the islands when the water at the Na Pali coast has calmed down and there's less wind, making for a more enjoyable visit.
Spend Lei Day in Kapiolani Park
May first on the Hawaiian Islands is celebrated as Lei Day. Go to Kapiolani Park in Waikiki and see the lei making demonstrations, the music, and hula dancing, watch the crowning of the Lei Queen and see the various other exhibits that you can see at this annual festival.
Kapiolani Park, 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815; Telephone: (808-971-2504)
Celebrate the Ka Hula Piko Festival on Molokai
If you happen to be on the island of Molokai in the middle of May, consider seeing the Ka Hula Piko Hula festival at Papohaku beach Park. The festival is essentially a celebration of Hula. At the festival you will find Hawaiian food and entertainment as well as handmade crafts.
Papohaku Beach Park, Lauhue St, Maunaloa, Hawaii 96770
See the World Fire Knife Dance Competition
The Polynesian Cultural Center located on the windward side of Oahu is a popular tourist attraction year round. However, it gets particularly busy during the World Fire Knife Dance competition, which occurs annually, around mid May. Contestants are not only Hawaiians but those living in Samoa and the Cook Islands. The competition is just as it sounds, a knife dance used by Polynesian warriors before going into battle, combined with fire eating.
Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kam Hwy, Laie, Hawaii 96762; Telephone: (808-293-3333)
See an Active Volcano
To watch the Earth literally being formed in front of you, consider a visit to Kilauea, on the Big Island. Whether you get to see the orange glow of lava flow or see the plumes of steam rising from the ocean, the experience of seeing a live volcano erupting in front of you is truly unforgettable. One of the best times to visit Kilauea is in the evening when you can see the lava glow; just make sure you bring a flashlight and good shoes!
Kilauea, Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii (808-985-6000).
About the Author:
Shiromi Nassreen is a British writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama and has been writing professionally for three years. She writes primarily travel and outdoor articles on Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in Dysfunkshion Magazine as well as Illusion Television and Matador Travel.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Julius Silver
