Stay in the loop — your May 2025 guide to what’s happening in Waikīkī, from local buzz and recent openings to island highlights and upcoming events.
We’re dialed into everything unfolding across Oʻahu this month — from exciting new arrivals to key destination updates and local insider tips worth knowing about.
Whether you’re planning your upcoming trip to Waikīkī or already here, we’ll keep you in the loop and help you make the most of your stay with the latest and greatest from Hawaiʻi.
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Oʻahu Travel News
- Wet’n’Wild Hawaiʻi is about to unveil Hawaiʻi’s tallest, steepest and fastest water slide — the Volcanic Wedgeee! It will be open to the public from 17 May.
Island Hotel Updates
- Effective May 6, Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador will join the Hilton portfolio under a new name The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
- Kaimana Beach Hotel now hosts Pau Hana, a laidback oceanside happy hour every Tue-Thu from 2-5pm at its bar and lounge, featuring menu specials and live music.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village finished phase one of its $83M Rainbow Tower upgrade, renovating nearly half the rooms and adding 12 keys on a $41M budget.
- First Cabin International Hawaiʻi is the Hawaiʻi’s first capsule hotel, offering eco-friendly single-person pods with shared amenities in Waikīkī.
Dining & Drink Scene
- Cajun Crab Waikiki has opened, serving lunch and dinner at Waikiki Beach Walk. It offers a hands-on seafood experience with local catch, bold spices and sauces.
- bb.q Chicken, masters of crispy Korean fried chicken, has just opened a restaurant on the street level inside Waikiki Shopping Plaza, accessible off Royal Hawaiian Avenue.
- The Lei Stand, a bar formerly in Chinatown, re-opened at Romer House (Waikīkī’s only adults-only hotel) on 1 May. Reservations available SevenRooms.
- RM. 38 is a new “secret lounge” serving craft cocktails, whiskey and cigars, located in a Pawn Shop inside the The Imperial Hawaii Resort in Waikīkī.
- Hawaiian Aroma Caffé & Bar, one of the cutest cafés in Waikīkī, has popped up in the old Starbucks location on the corner of Kalākaua and Kapahulu Avenues.
- ZIGU is turning 7! From 18-24 May, this beloved Waikīkī izakaya is celebrating with a week of daily specials, from $5 drinks to 20% off sake bottles.
Things to Do, See & Experience
- Claw Kingdom is Oʻahu’s newest arcade full of claw machine games! It’s located on the 2nd Floor of McCully Shopping Center, a short 8-minute drive from Waikīkī.
- Dave & Buster’s has relocated to Ala Moana Center, now featuring a 49-seat sports bar, a self-serve beer wall, a restaurant and immersive games like the “Human Crane.”
- Waikīkī’s Magical Parlour offers intimate, tiki-style magic shows with world-class magicians Tuesday to Saturday at the International Market Place.
- Island Snow has opened a new location at Royal Hawaiian Center — a clothing brand fusing global influences with the distinct lifestyle of the Hawaiian Islands.
Top 5 May Events To Know
- Lei Day Celebration: Held annually on 1 May at Kapiʻolani Park, this family-friendly event features Hawaiian music, hula, cultural ceremonies, workshops and local vendors.
- House of Sakura Pop-Up Bar: Experience Beam Suntory cocktails, bites and music at this sakura season themed bar at Prince Waikiki, Thu-Sun 5-10pm until 31 May.
- Waikiki Brewer’s Festival: Don’t miss the inaugural parking lot beer fest on 17 May from 2-10pm, support local with craft brews from top breweries, food and live music.
- Shinnyo Lantern Floating: Held at Ala Moana Beach, this candle-lit lantern ceremony on 26 May honors loved ones and expresses gratitude for the lives that have shaped us.
- The Lēʻahi Festival: Set for 31 May in Waikīkī, this massive block party and street festival takes over Kalākaua Avenue with local vendors showcasing their crafts.
- For the complete lineup of May happenings, see our Oʻahu Events in May calendar.
