20+ Awesome Free Things To Do in Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii is one of four Hawaiian Islands that people flock to each year. Visiting Hawaii can be an expensive trip just with flight and hotel alone, which doesn’t leave a lot of money for activities! Don’t fret though – there are plenty of free things to do in Oahu that will keep you busy!
PS: If you’re visiting the Big Island as well, check out my guide for the Best Free Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii as well!
First, a little about Oahu….
Oahu is the most well-known Hawaiian Island because of the many iconic landmarks: state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the world-famous Waikiki Beach, and the North Shore. These areas host thousands of tourists daily.
Because of this, Oahu can be crowded with tourists looking to explore the must see sites in Oahu. That said, it shouldn’t deter you from visiting because there are SO many amazing things to do in Oahu, even for free!
Now you’re probably wondering “Are you gonna tell us what can you do in Oahu for free?” Yes! Keep reading!
Free Things To Do In Honolulu, Oahu
Pearl Harbor
Hours: 7AM to 5PM, daily
Website: Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a National Memorial that provides information on the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent World World II aftermath.
The visitors center, 2 museums, and the USS Arizona Memorial program are all free for visitors to explore. You will need a reservation for the 45-minute USS Arizona Memorial Program, which can be made up to 8 weeks in advance.
Waikiki Beach
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is located in southern Honolulu and one of the most iconic destinations in Hawaii. Spend time walking along the beach, watching skilled surfers, and exploring the many hotels in this region. You can even check out the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Waikiki Beach, as he has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki and the surf culture of Oahu.
Personally, it’s not my favorite beach to layout on as it gets very crowded with tourists. This is just a quick stop for me to spend time walking around and taking in the sites around Waikiki before I move onto the next destination. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Oahu for free – simply because of how iconic it is!
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Hours: 8AM to 6PM, daily
Website: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a breathtaking memorial site that is open to visitors. Here you can see information from World War II and the attacks surrounding Hawaii. It’s one of the most somber free things to do on Oahu – and one that I highly recommend!
Manoa Chocolate Tasting
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm
Website: Manoa Chocolates
Cocoa beans have great success growing on Oahu. There are a few chocolate farms on the island. One of my favorites is Manoa Chocolate because their slogan is “bean to bar” which really enunciates how local and sustainable they are. They’ll let you sample ~5 different chocolates that are all made on the islands.
The tasting is free, but fair warning, there’s a good chance you’ll end up loving it and wanting to buy a few bars. Each chocolate bar is $10+ so plan ahead. They also have a $15 tour to learn more about the chocolates and the farming process.
Hawaii State Art Museum
Hours: 10AM to 4PM, Monday – Saturday (closed on Sundays)
Website: HiSAM
The Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) is one of the few state sponsored art museums in the country – and includes works of art from Hawaii’s best artists! It located in downtown Honolulu on the 2nd floor of the No. 1 Capital District Building.
Aloha Tower’s observation deck
*CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID*
Hours: 9AM – 5PM, daily (weather permitting)
Website: Aloha Tower
Aloha Tower is an 18-story building with stunning views of the Honolulu Harbor with Ko’olau Mountain range in the backdrop.
Aloha Tower is a former lighthouse AND formerly known as the largest tower clock in the United States! Now its open to the public to explore the 10th-floor observation deck for free!
Hula Show
Hours: See below.
Website: See below.
Luau’s are one of the most expensive tourist attractions in Hawaii (so you’re probably wondering how this ended up on a list of FREE items) … if you can’t afford a luau but still want to experience a hula show, fret not!
Oahu has numerous free Hula Shows around the island for you to enjoy:
- Ala Moana Center (daily at 1PM; indoors)
- Royal Hawaiian Center (Saturdays at 5:30PM)
- Kuhio Beach Hula Mount (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm (6:00pm to 7:00pm Nov-Dec-Jan))
Enjoying authentic Hawaiian culture is one of my top free things to do in Oahu!
Movie on the Beach
Hours: 4:30PM – 9:30PM, specific days only
Website: Movies on Waikiki
Enjoy a free movie on Waikiki Beach hosted by Waikiki Improvement. They have a 30ft screen, DJs, food trucks, and more! It’s located on Queen’s Surf Beach (across from the Honolulu Zoo).
The event starts around 4:30PM, but the movie starts just after sunset. To keep up with movie events, check out the Waikiki Improvement Association facebook page.
Walk through Chinatown
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Honolulu Chinatown
Explore one of the oldest Chinatowns in the USA here in Honolulu.
Royal Hawaiian Center
Hours: Open 24/7, see below for times of lessons & events
Website: Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Hawaiian Center is located in the heart of Honolulu near Waikiki Beach. This is a great place to walk around, shop, dine, and learn about Hawaiian culture.
They offer free events weekly that include ukulele lessons, hula dancing, lei making, and weaving!
- Ukulele Lesson: Monday at 11AM
- Hula Lesson: Tuesday at 11AM
- Lauhala Weaving Lesson: Wednesday at 11AM
- Keiki Hula Lesson (kids only): Thursday at 12PM
- Kui Lei (Lei Making) Lesson: Friday at 12PM
- Hula Kahiko At Helumoa: Saturday at 5:30PM
Art at the Zoo Fence
Hours: 9AM – 3PM, Saturday & Sunday only
Website: Art at the Zoo Fence
Art on the Zoo Fence is a weekly pop up art gallery that is literally hung off of the fences outside the zoo. This art is crafted by some of Hawaii’s most talented artists. On display is original art, prints, and photography.
Free Things To Do In Oahu
(Outside of Honolulu)
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Hours: 9AM to 4PM, daily
Website: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
I’m honestly amazed that this Botanical Garden is completely free for locals and tourists alike! Recently, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is Hawaiian for “make a place of peace and tranquility” and has become an iconic photo spot for many travelers and bloggers. The gardens are surrounded by mountains which give it a stunning view!
Within the gardens, you can drive to numerous different trailheads, snap pictures at lookouts, camp overnight, and so much more. Click here to download a map of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens.
Byodo-In Temple
Hours: 8:30AM to 5PM, daily
Website: Byodo-In Temple
This is THE most stunning temple I have ever visited in the USA. It was built to honor the Japanese immigrants and is an exact replica of a larger version in Japan.
I included it on this list because it is breathtaking, but there is a small charge to enter: $4 per person. Technically speaking – its one of the cheap things to in Oahu and it is well worth the price!
Hālona Blowhole
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Hālona Blowhole
Hālona Blowhole is along the eastern shore of Oahu. Here you’ll be able to watch in awe as the waves crash into the rocks and create a blowhole where water is forced to shoot up and out of the rocks, similar to a geyser. It’s one of the most mesmerizing free things to do in Oahu Hawaii.
“Hālona” is Hawaiian for lookout – so this area also provides beautiful views of the coast.
Note: Walking near a blowhole is extremely dangerous as the waves are quite strong (strong enough to create a geyser). Stay a safe distance away
Dole Plantation
Hours: 9:30AM – 4:30PM, daily
Website: Dole Plantation
Visiting the Dole Plantation is truthfully one of my favorite free things to do in Oahu (they welcome over 1 million visitors each year, so clearly I’m not alone)!
This iconic tourist attraction has some paid tours (train ride, mazes, etc), but their store & gift shop are open to all! You can spend at least 30 minutes walking around in the store to see the wide variety of pineapple flavored treats!
You can also walk around the grounds and see a few pineapple plants (without having to pay for a tour).
Kualoa Ranch
Hours: 8AM – 6PM, daily
Website: Kualoa Ranch
Movie fans flock to Kuohola Ranch for tours of this popular filming spot. You may recognize it from Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, or George of the Jungle.
Tours of this ranch do cost money and range in price point, but you can still stop by and enjoy the gift shop, take pictures of the mountain backdrop, and learn a little bit about the history. They also have an onsite cafe if you’re looking to grab a quick and affordable bite to eat.
Macadamia Nut Tasting
Hours: 9AM – 5PM, daily
Website: Tropical Farm Mac Nuts
Macadamia Nuts are a staple here in Hawaii. Sample and taste the varieties of flavors at Tropical Farms. Pro Tip – its very close to Kualoa Ranch, so you can do these things right after each other.
In addition to mac nut samples, they also have coffee and various spices & sauces available! Who knew taste testing would be one of the free things to do in Oahu?! 😉
This is a small – medium size shop, but can easily get VERY crowded when tour buses stop here.
Pu’u O Mahuka heiau
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau
While visiting the North Shore, be sure to check out this ancient Hawaiian cultural site. This is the largest “heiau” (place of worship) in Oahu, spanning over 2 acres! This was a pivotal part of the Waimea Valley culture for religious, social, and political sectors.
You’ll also find stunning views of the Waimea Bay and North Shore!
Meet Disney Characters in Hawaiian Clothing
Hours: Times vary
Website: http://disneyaulani.com
Did you know there is a Disney resort here on Oahu?! Aulani is one of 3 Disney resorts that isn’t associated with any theme park!
Disney has your favorite characters – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto – available for meet & greets in their Hawaiian attire! Check out the times on the Aulani app or website, as they vary throughout the day.
Visiting Aulani is one of the best fun things to do in Oahu for free if you have kiddos or little ones!
Related Post: Disney’s Aulani Resort Review
Beach Day in Oahu
You can’t come to Oahu without visiting some of the iconic beaches here on the island. Having a beach day is an obvious free things to do in Oahu.
Hiking in Oahu
Hiking in Hawaii is breathtaking, unique, and adventurous! I recommend hikes on the island to people who don’t consider themselves “hikers” because it’s truly worth it for the views! Hiking is one of the best things to do in Oahu for free because it lets you explore Hawaii’s natural state.
Some of my favorite Oahu hikes are listed below (with links to their AllTrails):
- Manoa Falls Trail – 1.7 miles
- Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail – 2.5 miles
- Kuliouou Ridge Trail – 4.7 miles
Additional Ways to Save Money in Oahu
Book an Affordable Hotel in Oahu
Don’t let the $600/night hotels scare you away from staying in the best locations. You can still find affordable hotels near Waikiki Beach or around Oahu that include many amazing amenities.
- Queen Kapiolani Hotel ($132+ per night) – walking distance to Waikiki, pool view of Diamond Head
- Hotel Renew ($169+ per night) – no frills hotel in an amazing Honolulu location
- Paradise Bay Resort ($160+ per night) – near Kualoa Ranch, rooms include kitchenettes
Plus, there’s always the option of camping or staying in a hostel!
Costco Membership
If you’re a Costco Member, you’re in luck! Gas prices on the island are incredibly expensive (upward of $5/gallon), so be sure to fill up only at Costco to get the best rates. There are 4 Costco’s on Oahu currently, so you won’t have to go out of your way to find one!
Book Cheap Excursions
If you’re looking for a fun tour in Oahu, check out these cost friendly activities in Oahu:
There you have it – the best Free Things To Do in Oahu! It’s pretty impressive that the free stuff in Oahu ranges from beaches to hikes to cultural events to so much more.
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Looking for more Hawaiian content? Check out the blog posts below:
Best Time to Visit the Hawaiian Islands
20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
Things to Do on Oahu: 8 Must-See Attractions