Hawaii has become one of my favorite getaways! From the warm water to the fresh coconuts, it does have a leg up on my California beaches. After finding an amazing round-trip deal from Los Angeles to Honolulu, I seized the opportunity and bought the plane ticket. Upon realizing I did not have enough money for a luxurious Hawaiian getaway, I sought to find the best free things to do on the island. Whether you are budget-traveling or looking to save some money, here are my top recommendations for free things to do on Oahu.

BEACH

This is a given, but the best parts about the island are absolutely free. The beaches of Oahu are some of the most beautiful in the world from the crowded beaches of Honolulu to the hidden beaches of the North Shore. What beach is right for you? Here are some of my favorites:

Lanikai beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches I have been to in all of Hawaii. We drove up really early one morning to catch the sunrise here—worth it! There are two islands that jet off of the coastline bestowing their name: Nā Mokulua (“the two islands”). You can kayak out to the islands or admire them from the shoreline.  You can see the two islands off of Lanikai above in the sunrise photo!

Chinaman’s Hat

This beach is perfect if you can access kayaks and paddle boards, or if you are looking for a relaxing day in the water. The sand area here is not large, making this more of a water activities beach. The island of Mokoliʻi sits less than ½ a mile from the beach. This makes the kayak or paddle board ride over pretty easy for beginners. Once on the island, you can hike to the top for amazing panoramic views. The photos from Mokoliʻi are absolutely breathtaking.

This photo was taken from Chinaman’s Hat Island

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Looking for the best surf on Oahu? Then you cannot miss out on this beach. This stands as one of Hawaii’s most iconic surf locations. This beach is pretty big, so whether you are hitting the waves or relaxing on the shore, there is room for everyone. The swell gets pretty big in the winter so make sure to check up on the waves before heading out.

Waikiki 

While this would not be my recommendation, a list of Oahu beaches is not complete without mentioning Waikiki. I do want to warn you that it can become overcrowded and it is not the most beautiful on the island, yet, there is still lots of fun to experience here. This beach is aligned with restaurants and hotels. Odds are if you stay in Honolulu, you will spend plenty of time on the shores of Waikiki beach. This beach is iconic for producing the world-renowned surfer Duke Kahanamoku (be sure to stop by Duke’s restaurant while you’re here). And not to mention the picturesque Diamond Head stands as a beautiful backdrop to this white sand beach.

Waikiki pictured above

ENJOY NATURE

This island is host to some of the most scenic views in the world. Whether you are spending the day hiking or driving, you are automatically immersed in the beauty of Hawaii. Here I have listed some top free ways to get in touch with Hawaiian nature. Oahu is host to some of the most beautiful hiking trails. Unfortunately on my last trip to Oahu, I was right out of surgery and could not hike. Nevertheless, after talking to people on the island, I was able to compile a list of the best hikes in Oahu. I was also able to explore the free gardens and watch out the window through scenic drives.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

After watching the most beautiful sunrise on the island, take a hike above the beach for an even more spectacular view of the coastline. This trail is relatively short as it is about 1.7 miles out and back. Although not long, parts can become very steep so be prepared for an incline trek to the top. This Hike is also referred to as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail and provides one of the best panoramic views on the island.

Diamond Head

To be transparent, this activity is not completely free, but I had to add it to the best hikes. It is $5 for non-Hawaii residents, along with a $10 parking fee, but it is still relatively cheap, therefore, landing a spot on this list. Diamond Head is probably one of Oahu’s most famous hikes. The trail is approximately 1.6 miles (round trip) making it not too challenging or long of a hike. You will be able to explore the ins and out of this miraculous crater. 

Ho’omaluhis Botanical Garden

These picturesque gardens are home to some of the most pulchritudinous plants on the island. The entrance to this park is one of the most iconic photo spots in Oahu (as pictured above). Although no longer allowed to take pictures here, we slipped the guard some money and he looked the other way. The rest of the gardens are free to roam around and take pictures. If you are just driving, it will take less than half an hour, but I strongly suggest getting out and exploring. There are some great paths that meander through the plants. There are also several designated picnic spots so I recommend packing a lunch and bringing it here to feast beneath the palm trees.  

Pali Lookout

This sacred spot overlooks the majority of the island, providing a breathtaking view. It was once the spot of the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history, as Kamemehameha’s warriors forced Maui chief Kalanikupule’s men to their deaths off the cliff. This spot now sits as a historical site where you can learn more about the island’s history. Unfortunately, this overlook used to be free, but now there is a $7 car fee for non-Hawaiian residents. Although it is not completely free, it deserves a spot on this list as it is a spot of cultural and historical significance that you can’t miss!

HONOLULU

If you are traveling to Oahu, chances are you will be stopping by the capital, Honolulu. This central hub of the island provides so many fun things to see and do. While you are here, take some time to enjoy the free things the city has to offer.

Royal Hawaiian Cultural Center

In the heart of Honolulu lies a great place to spend the day learning about Hawaiian culture for free! Not only do they have shops and restaurants here, but they have many cultural activities for people to participate in. When I was last there I was able to watch a Hula show and see a Hawaiian concert. They host free ukulele lessons, lai-making, and basket-weaving classes. There are even days when you can come and learn to hula. You can click the link here to discover all the upcoming events at the Royal Hawaiian Cultural Center. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village Firework Show

Who doesn’t love a good fireworks show? Every Friday night in Honolulu the Hilton Hawaiian Village sets them off into the sky. Depending on when you visit, the start of the show varies. From September to May, it starts at 7:45 p.m. and from June to August, it starts at 8:00 p.m. The firework show is not super long, but a great way to end the night in Honolulu. 

Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM)

This museum is a perfect way to escape the heat and spend time admiring art. It is open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm, and admission is always free. This museum will introduce you to the art and culture native to Hawaii. The building itself is a beautiful old hotel and it is surrounded by a sculpture garden—a perfect place to snap some photos. If you are seeking to learn more about the Hawaiian culture or enjoying a day away from the beach, this is a must-see stop!

SNORKELING

Electric Beach

On Oʻahu’s southwest coast, lies a great beach for spotting wildlife. This snorkel spot’s unique location, adjacent to a power plant, allows for the perfect conditions for snorkeling. This power plant sends a pipe along the sea floor with warm water into the ocean, making this warmer water than the surrounding areas. This pipe goes out for about 200 yards, meaning you will need to swim out about 200 yards to witness the pipe’s effects. This warm water is great for attracting dolphins, sea turtles, and other animals. At certain times of the year, dolphin pods will regularly swim through this area. Along the southern portion of this beach at Kahe Point lie caves perfect for snorkeling, free diving, and snorkeling. The last time I snorkeled here, I was ecstatic to realize there were two turtles swimming alongside me.

Aweoweo Beach Park

If you are wanting to see turtles during your visit, this is a great underrated spot, filled with large turtles. It is a quiet beach on the north shore and usually does not suffer the crowds of the other beaches. This is a great spot for a beach day as it is completed with bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. There is a turtle cleaning station located here, attracting plenty of turtles. A turtle cleaning station is a place for them to rest while fish pick out pests on the turtles. It is marked by a large underwater rock. 

Shark’s Cove

This spot is one of the most famous snorkel spots in the world. Its water is filled with an abundant amount of coral and sea life. This spot is perfect if you are visiting during the summer months! Be aware the swell gets pretty large from October to April, making it hard to swim or see. Despite its name, there are no sharks here, but there are lots of fish. Because this is one of the few Marine Life Conservation Districts on the island, there are plenty of plants and animals to see under this water. Keep your eye out for the famous Humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish that inhabits these waters. I would suggest going in the morning before the crowd gets large.

Honorable Mention

The Byodo-In Temple

Although there is a small fee of $5 a person, I had to highlight this very affordable activity. This Buddhist temple was established in 1968 as a replica of Japan’s 900-year-old temple. I recommend going early to have this tranquil oasis to yourself. Although not much to do, it is a beautiful place to roam around and explore. I spent about an hour here and that was enough time to see everything.