HONOLULU (KHON2) — Memorial Day in Hawaiʻi is more than just a long weekend. It’s a time of remembrance, reflection and deep connection to ʻāina and community.
With ceremonies, cultural events, art installations and family-friendly traditions taking place across Oʻahu, the weekend offers many ways to honor those who served and sacrificed.
Here are the top 9 nine things to know about what’s happening this Memorial Day weekend and how you can participate.
1. Murphy’s Bar & Grill and Scouts continue the lei tradition at Pūowaina
For more than a decade, Don and Marion Murphy of Murphy’s Bar & Grill have teamed up with Boy Scout Troop 181 to honor veterans at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
This year, they’ll donate 1,000 fresh flower lei to be placed on graves, and the Orchid Lei Company joins them once again to continue this tradition of aloha.
You can help. Donate at Murphy’s iconic brass pig inside their Merchant Street restaurant or mail in a check.
Murphy shared a simple message: “Let’s come together to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Mahalo and God bless America.” Click here for more information.
In addition to the work of Murphey’s, the City is also inviting residents to donate graduation lei made from flowers or ti leaves. Drop-off boxes will be at graduation venues, all Honolulu fire stations on May 23, or Pūowaina on May 24 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Click here for more information.
2. Join the Girl Scouts at Windward Mall to sew a lei of aloha
On Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi will hold their annual Lei of Aloha event at Windward Mall. This lei sewing gathering is open to the public, and donations of flowers or completed lei are welcomed. Plumeria, crown flowers and torch ginger are especially appreciated.
The lei will be placed on the graves of veterans at the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe on Sunday morning, May 25. Veterans are invited to attend in uniform and share their stories.
This event began in 2013 as a Gold Award project by a Girl Scout from Troop 1018. Now in its 12th year, it continues to grow through community participation and shared remembrance.
Click here for more information.
3. Attend the 74th annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Pūowaina
Held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, this is one of the most revered Memorial Day events in Hawaiʻi. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26.
It includes Native Hawaiian oli, a color guard, a 21-gun salute, hula, musical tributes by the Royal Hawaiian Band and a flyover by military aircraft. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will deliver remarks, along with veterans and other dignitaries.
“This is a time for us to remember, to honor and to reflect,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We owe our fallen heroes our deepest gratitude.”
The Mayor’s office indicated that you can watch live coverage through ‘Ōlelo Community Media if you’re unable to attend in person.
Click here and here for more information.
4. Experience Wahi Pana art installations at storied places
Three powerful new art installations will debut this Memorial Day weekend as part of Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a public art initiative that honors Oʻahu’s sacred sites through contemporary storytelling.
- Koko Crater Botanical Garden: A blessing for Ualani Davis’s cyanotype photographic work begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
- Kapiʻolani Park: Koloikeao Anthony unveils graphic art reimagining Papaʻenaʻena Heiau on Sunday, May 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: A rare after-hours gathering on Tuesday, May 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., features artists, storytelling and a new experimental video by kekahi wahi. Click here to RSVP.
“These events help us remember, learn and come together,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “Wahi Pana is about honoring place and story.”
5. Volunteer with the Scouts to place or remove lei at Pūowaina
On Sunday, May 25 at 1 p.m., the Boy Scouts of Hawaiʻi will place lei and American flags on every grave at Pūowaina.
This is part of their Good Turn Event and is open to volunteers who wish to help. They will return on Tuesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. to remove the items respectfully.
This is a chance for keiki, families and community members to reflect and give back. Click here for more information.
6. Observe the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Kāneʻohe
Governor Josh Green, M.D. will host the state’s official ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 1 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery. This solemn tribute honors all who served, especially those who made the final sacrifice.
“Today we remember the fallen heroes who gave everything to protect our communities,” said Governor Green. “Their sacrifice reflects an unmatched dedication to keeping us safe and their bravery will always be honored.”
Click here for more information.
7. Reflect in unity at Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi at Ala Moana Beach Park
On the evening of Monday, May 26, thousands will gather at Ala Moana Beach Park for the Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi Festival. Rooted in Shinnyo-en Buddhist traditions and influenced by both Japanese and Hawaiian culture, the event honors the lives of those lost through a moving, visual ceremony.
As the sun sets, messages of love, peace and remembrance will be released into the ocean on glowing lanterns. It is one of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant moments of Memorial Day in Hawaiʻi.
Click here to learn more about the event.
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8. Celebrate with ʻohana at the 50th State Fair
Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the 50th State Fair opens Friday, May 24 and runs through July 7. Located at Aloha Stadium, the fair features carnival rides, local food, games, circus shows, live music and monster trucks.
It’s a fun, family-friendly way to balance solemn remembrance with joyful celebration. For many local families, it’s part of a weekend tradition that spans generations.
Click here to learn more about the 50th State Fair.
9. Sew a lei for Memorial Day and give your flowers a second life
Graduating students and families are encouraged to donate their fresh flower or ti leaf lei to honor fallen service members. City parks staff and volunteers will be sewing lei throughout the weekend, and drop-off sites are located across Oʻahu.
Lei should be 20 to 22 inches long, preferably made from plumeria or other visible flowers. These lei will adorn graves at Pūowaina and other cemeteries as symbols of aloha and remembrance.
Click here for more information.
Memorial Day in Hawaiʻi is a blend of solemn respect, deep cultural traditions and meaningful community connection. Whether you’re placing a lei at Pūowaina, floating a lantern at Ala Moana or joining an art blessing in Koko Crater, you’re helping to carry forward stories of sacrifice and resilience.
Take the time to show up. Give your flowers. Lend your hands. Listen to the moʻolelo. Reflect. Remember.
Let this weekend be a reminder of how aloha looks when we give it with intention.