Stay in the loop — your September 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.
Table of Contents
Oʻahu Travel News
- USS Arizona Memorial 56-day advance reservations will pause after 3 Sep 2025, due to preservation work; other Recreation.gov tours remain unaffected.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will close 8-23 Sep 2025, for an $840K project to repave and restripe its two main parking lots (280 stalls), weather permitting.
- Honolulu’s updated Transit App (Apple/Google) features a sleeker interface and improved usability, making Oʻahu public transportation easier and more convenient for commuters.
- The Stan Sheriff Center, formerly SimpliFi Arena, is now Bankoh Arena under a 10-year, $5M University of Hawaiʻii and Bank of Hawaiʻi deal.
Island Hotel Updates
- A new US$250 U.S. Visa Integrity Fee takes effect 1 Oct, applying to travelers from non-Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries; ESTA users from 40+ VWP nations remain exempt.
Dining & Drink Scene
- Kyoto Katsuda just opened in STIX Asia, specializing in gyukatsu (Japanese breaded beef cutlet) with wagyu, tenderloin and shrimp sets plus unlimited rice and cabbage — dinner only.
- Three Peaks Brewing reopens near Waikīkī in the Discovery Bay condominium after 18-month pause, with new owners, fresh beers and a 50-member Mug Club — cheers to the next chapter!
- The Capital Grille debuts 10 Sep at Lilia Waikīkī, bringing fine dining, 225 wines, valet parking and a dress code to Hawaiʻi’s first location.
- Azure Waikīkī at The Royal Hawaiian debuts a five-course tasting menu, offering seafood, beef and dessert creations with optional wine pairing, Wed–Sun for $145.
- Inferno’s Pizza opens at ʻOhana Hale Waikīkī, serving Neapolitan and Detroit-style pies, slices and more — daily 11am-10pm.
- D.K. Steakhouse — one of our all time favorite Waikīkī restaurants — and Sansei Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa abruptly closed permanently over Labor Day weekend.
- Rock Island Café is closing after 26 years in Waikīkī. Hi.Shack will redevelop the space with affordable cuisine including lobster rolls, Filipino dishes and American favorites.
Things to Do, See & Experience
- Mālie opens at International Market Place, featuring luxe island-inspired skincare and home goods — renowned for some of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic, unforgettable aromas.
- Kainani Swimwear, known for sustainable small-batch swim and resort wear, opens new store at Waikīkī’s International Market Place.
- Ua Hawaiʻi opens its first Oʻahu boutique at Ala Moana Center — offering sustainable, botanical lotions, oils and fragrances inspired by Hawaiʻi nature on Level 2.
Top 10 September Events To Know
- Waikīkī Street Jam (6 Sep): Free Kalākaua Avenue street festival with local vendors, crafts, eats and entertainment from 4-10pm — benefiting Make‑A‑Wish Hawaiʻi.
- Megabon 2025 (13 Sep): Oʻahu’s big bon‑dance festival at Leeward Community College with taiko, food, vendors, games and cultural performances.
- The Hawaiʻi Comedy Festival (19 & 20 Sep): Catch original musical, sketch, stand‑up and improv comedy all produced locally — like “Saturday Night Live” Hawaiʻi style.
- Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race (20 Sep): Thousands of rubber duckies race down Ala Wai Canal for prizes — supporting United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaiʻi.
- Sunset on the Beach Free Movie Night: IF (27 Sep): Free family movie night at Queen’s Beach with live music, games and the film IF under the stars.
- For the complete lineup of September happenings, see our Oʻahu Events in September calendar.
