things to do in oahu for free
Oahu, one of the Hawaiian Islands, offers a wide range of free activities that allow you to experience the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture without breaking the bank. Here are some things to do in Oahu for free:
Visit Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial: While there’s a fee for the Pacific Aviation Museum and USS Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial is free, but you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance.
Hike to the top of Diamond Head: Enjoy breathtaking views of Honolulu and the ocean while hiking up this iconic volcanic crater. However, be aware that parking costs $5 per vehicle.
Relax on Waikiki Beach: One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach offers white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets.
Explore the Honolulu Museum of Art: The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Attend a traditional Hawaiian hula performance: Many shopping centers, including the Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Center, offer free hula shows.
Walk through the State Capitol building: Take a self-guided tour of the Capitol building and learn about Hawaii’s history and government.
Visit the Byodo-In Temple: Located in the Valley of the Temples, this Buddhist temple offers stunning architecture and peaceful gardens. However, there’s a small fee for parking.
Watch the sunset at Ala Moana Beach Park: This beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Waikiki and is perfect for watching the sunset.
Drive the Nuuanu Pali Coast: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the coastline, but be aware that the lookout point has a small fee for parking.
Learn about Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum’s planetarium: The museum offers free stargazing and planetarium shows on certain days of the week.
Explore the Manoa Falls hike: This 1.6-mile hike takes you through a lush, tropical forest and ends at a stunning 150-foot waterfall.
Visit the Iolani Palace: While guided tours of the palace have a fee, you can explore the grounds and take photos of the exterior for free.
Attend a free outdoor movie: Many parks in Oahu offer free outdoor movie screenings, usually on weekends.
Walk through the Honolulu Botanical Gardens: These gardens offer a serene escape from the city and feature a wide range of plant species.
- Learn about surf culture at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center: This small museum showcases the history and significance of surfing in Hawaiian culture.
Remember to respect Hawaii’s natural environment and culture, and to follow any rules or regulations when participating in these free activities. Enjoy your time in Oahu!
