WHAT’S NEW ON O‘AHU AND WITHIN THE INDUSTRY 

Quick Glance: Updates on Reservations, Closures, County requests, and so much more! 

 

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Commercial Reservations

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is launching a new concession aimed at increasing accessibility, with bookings beginning November 1 for visits starting in December. The concession will provide a streamlined way for guests to visit the preserve through a new partnership with Roberts Hawaii. Key features include a package with round-trip electric bus transportation from Waikīkī and guaranteed entry to the preserve, with the preserve’s required-viewing educational video conveniently shown during the ride. Select ticket packages will also include tickets to the Honolulu Zoo.

 

Honolulu & Kapolei City Lights:

Now celebrating its 41st year, Honolulu City Lights continues to shine bright as one of Oʻahu’s most treasured holiday traditions. This year, the city welcomes a new partnership with Show Aloha Land, extending the ever-so-loved holiday celebration to include Thomas Square — creating two magical locations for families to enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season together.  Opening Night is on 11/29.  Honolulu City Lights

Kapolei City Lights Returns: Join the Department of Parks and Recreation for the free, family-friendly "Season of Stars" celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. at Kapolei Hale. Opening night festivities include a Block Party, Holiday Parade, and the Mayor's Tree Lighting ceremony. The Kapolei Hale decorations will be on display through January 4, 2026. Kapolei City Lights

 

‘Iolani Palace:

‘Iolani Palace has placed several specialty tours on hold through the end of 2026 due to an ongoing renovation. The palace’s ongoing tours, including the "Hawai‘i’s Royal Connection To Japan Tour," remain available for guests, however the Kalākaua Legacy Tour, Fashion Fit for Royalty, and Chamberlain’s Tour are not currently offered.

 

Parking Management System introduced at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside

Effective November 19, 2025, DLNR State Parks will implement parking management and fee systems for nonresidents and commercial vehicles, a move designed to enhance visitor experiences, improve traffic flow and ensure that park resources are cared for sustainably. The fee structure will follow the same format as the current system in place for the 10 parks that already charge parking fees for nonresidents, with Hawaiʻi residents continuing to receive free parking.

 

Kualoa Ranch

This month, Kualoa Ranch celebrates 175 years of ownership, management, and stewardship by the ‘ohana and descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd.  The mission at Kualoa is to continue to enrich visitors and kama‘āina by preserving Kualoa’s sacred lands, celebrating its history and supporting the community around this wahi pana.  As part of the visitor industry, Kualoa is committed to being a role model of sustainable tourism while stewarding the 4,000 acres of land that includes Kualoa, Hakipu‘u, and Ka’a’awa in the moku of Ko‘olauloa.  

 

TRAVEL TRADE & SALES

O‘ahu Destination Travel Trade Training

The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) continues to deliver O‘ahu destination training and one-on-one travel trade appointments at key international and domestic events. Recent and upcoming activities include:

  • 4-6 November (Korea): Participated in Hawai‘i Tourism Korea’s Hawai‘i Travel Mission and the Meet Hawai‘i Travel Mart in Seoul, engaging with 129 travel trade clients, 17 media, and 27 MICE meeting planners.
  • 10-13 November (USA): Attended the Signature Travel Network Conference with HVCB and the other HVCB Island Visitors Bureaus.
  • 18 November (USA): Hosted the OVB O‘ahu Co-op Partner Webinar.
  • 1-5 December (Canada): Joining Hawai‘i Tourism Canada’s Aloha Canada Sales Mission presenting and engaging with travel trade and media in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

 

MARKETING, MESSAGING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Hosting Media to Elevate O‘ahu’s Visibility

OVB continues to work with U.S. and global media partners to generate strong visibility for O‘ahu through earned media, strategic pitching, and on-island support. Upcoming hosted media include:

  • 7-9 December (O‘ahu): HTK Influencer FAM (Kaua‘i + O‘ahu) featuring Eunkyong Choi of The Self-Care Studio.

 

Recent O‘ahu Public Relations Highlights & Coverage

  • 6-10 November (USA): Hosted Amber Turpin on assignment for 7x7 magazine.
  • Community Engagement – Taste the Town Wahiawā (Image 1): OVB participated with tabling and provided volunteer docent tour guides on the trolley, in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization.
  • VICE/Munchies Agritourism Feature (Image 2): Supported on-site filming at Kahuku Farms in collaboration with HVCB to promote agritourism on O‘ahu. The segment is scheduled to air in Q1 2026.

 

Generated coverage in November 2025:

A collage of two people AI-generated content may be incorrect.