Free 14 Things to Do in Oahu

A Hawaiian trip is somewhat off-putting to visitors due to its expensive nature. But what if we tell you the exact opposite? It might come as a surprise, but there are many free things to do in Oahu, one of the eight main islands of Hawaii. These free activities revolve around the island’s must-see attractions and must-do things. They will help you save money and fully enjoy your trip.

Also Read:

• Top 13 Family-Friendly Activities in Oahu
• Best Foods to Eat in Oahu and Where to Find Them
• Best 13 Day Tours from Oahu

Work On Your Tan At Waikiki Beach

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24-hours
• Things To Do: Sunbathing, Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling

Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches; hence, you must include a trip to at least one beach in your itinerary. Thankfully, most beaches on the island, including Waikiki Beach, offer free entry. It is the must-visit place in the Waikiki neighborhood. Waikiki Beach is a group of eight beaches, including Ft. DeRussy Beach, Halekulani Beach, Royal Hawaiian Beach, Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Kūhiō Beach, Queens Beach, Kapiolani Beach, and Kaimana Beach. Considering its sheer size, expect tons of sandy shore for sunbathing and turquoise water for thrilling watersports. It welcomes over four million visitors annually.

Catch Stunning Sunrise From Lanikai Beach

• Address: Kailua, HI 96734, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24-hours
• Things To Do: Sunbathe, Kayaking, Paddleboarding

Many might consider Waikiki Beach overrated, but that’s not the case with Lanikai Beach. It is among the prettiest beaches on Oahu. It is also the only US beach voted one of the best beaches worldwide. This paradisical place features powdery sand and aqua blue sea. It offers stunning sunrises, sunsets, and Mokulua Island views. You can soak up the sun, stroll along the shore, and indulge in watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. You can also hike to Lanikai Pillbox for panoramic views of the beach and Kailua Town.

Climb The Magnificent Diamond Head

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Things To Do: Hiking, camping, scooter tours
• Duration: 2 hours

What could be more budget-friendly than a self-guided hiking trip? The Diamond Head, aka Mount Lēʻahi, is a hiker’s destination, offering breathtaking coastal views and sunsets. The 1.6-mile Diamond Head Summit Trail is moderately challenging and only takes 2 hours to complete. Expect hot and dry slopes thanks to the volcano’s geological features. The walk will be worth it as hikers will be welcomed with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Oahu at the top. During winter, you might even see passing humpback whales.

Follow The Hiking Trail To Manoa Falls

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96822, United States; Google Map
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Hiking Level: Moderate

After climbing the gigantic Diamond Head, plan your next hiking trip to Manoa Falls. It is in the Manoa Valley and has been a shooting site for movies like Jurassic Park and Catching Fire. The trail to the 150-foot waterfall is 1.6 miles long and takes 1 to 2 hours. It is moderately challenging and suits hikers of all levels. Expect an adventurous hike through a tropical rainforest with plenty of sightseeing on the Manoa Falls Trail. After reaching the waterfall, you can relax and take pictures. Avoid swimming in the pool as there is a higher chance of leptospirosis infections.

Visit The Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Keeping aside the fun stuff, we suggest visitors learn Oahu’s history during their expedition. The best place for this is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It commemorates the events of the deadly attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This Japanese attack caused 1,177 crewmen’s deaths and the entry of the US into World War II. This memorial is home to many historical sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial, which is still submerged underwater. If you don’t mind paying a little fee, check out the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Watch Surfers At The North Shore

• Address: Waialua, HI, USA; Google Map
• Top Destinations: Sunset Beach, Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, Waimea Bay
• Things To Do: Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling, Watching sunsets

Oahu’s North Shore is one area you can not miss during your trip. This laid-back region features paradisical beaches like Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach, where you can sunbathe and relax. Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay often host professional surfing contests where experienced surfers from all around the globe participate. If you don’t know how to surf or don’t have money, you can watch surfers competing in these areas. Also, if you don’t mind spending a little, head to Dole Plantation to learn about pineapple’s history in Hawaii.

Snorkel At Hanauma Bay

• Address: Hawaii 96825, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Snorkeling, Exploring the bay

Get ready for an out-of-the-world snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay. This bay was formed within a volcanic cone, a short distance from Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Diamond Head State Monument. It is known for its diverse marine ecosystem, making it one of the top snorkeling destinations in Oahu. Over 400 fish species and green sea turtles can be seen in Hanauma Bay‘s shallow water. If this piques your interest, we suggest you visit the area in the morning, which is less crowded. Also, don’t forget to bring the essentials like a life jacket, floaties, coral-safe sunscreen, and beach towels.

Travel To The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse

• Address: Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7:45 PM
• Things To Do: Hiking, Birdwatching
• Duration: 2 hours

We have another hiking expedition on our list of the free things to do in Oahu. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a moderately challenging hike offering 500 ft elevation gain. This 2-mile hike offers stunning views of Koko Head and Koko Crater. It is ideal for birdwatching and offers seasonal glimpses of migrating humpback whales. The final destination is the red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse in a picturesque setting with the blue sea below. It was built in 1909 and has the largest hyperradiant Fresnel lens.

Snap Pictures In Front Of King Kamehameha Statue

• Address: 447 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Things To Do: Learning about the statue, taking photos, historical tours

Don’t be surprised to see the King Kamehameha Statue on our list. This 18-ft bronze statue is Oahu’s national monument and one of the most pictured landmarks. It is dedicated to the great warrior, King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom. Among four Kamehameha statues in Hawaii, the one in Oahu is in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale across from Iolani Palace. American sculptor Thomas Ridgeway Gould sculpted this statue, depicting the King in his glory with a right hand raised in the aloha gesture.

Watch Ocean Water Spurt Out From Halona Blowhole

• Address: 8483 HI-72, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States; Google Map
• Things To Do: Sightseeing, having a picnic at Halona Cave, hiking

Oahu’s natural wonder, Halona Blowhole, is a unique rock formation and a blowhole. It is off of Hanauma Bay and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Visitors come here to watch its spectacular display of seawater shooting 30 feet into the air from a lava tube. The scenery will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. In addition to seeing this display, you can include a trip to the Halona Cove in your itinerary. This sandy beach was the filming site for From Here to Eternity.

Take A Walk Through Ala Moana Beach Park

• Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 4 AM – 10 PM
• Things To Do: Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, jogging

Save money in Oahu with free attractions like Ala Moana Beach Park. This 119-acre city park is between downtown and Waikiki and features many recreational areas. It has a half-mile of golden sandy shore, 40 designated picnic sites, abundant palm and banyan trees, tennis courts, and food stands. This park is among the most famous open ocean swimming sites in Hawaii. It also offers snorkeling, kayaking, and bodyboarding activities. Also, the Magic Island is right next to the site, where you can see cultural events.

Get Panoramic Views From Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

• Address: Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Things To Do: Sightseeing

Oahu has many scenic spots, including the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. It is 1200 feet in the Ko’olau Range and offers stunning views of sheer Ko’olau cliffs and lush Windward Coast. Hikers can follow the Nu’uanu Trail, an out-and-back challenging route. It starts from Judd Trail and takes through Pauoa Ridge before reaching the Pauoa Flats Trail. Since this lookout offers windward region views, expect strong winds that can make you lean against it.

Explore The He’eia State Park

• Address: 46-465 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Social Media: Official Instagram

He’eia State Park is among the top free attractions in Oahu. This coastal site features a picnic pavilion with tables, offering excellent picnicking opportunities. It also provides stunning views of He’eia Fishpond and Kaneohe Bay. The latter is within a mile of the picturesque Kaneohe Sandbar, where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. He’eia State Park features lush landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat from Oahu’s bustling city scene. It also offers kayaking opportunities along its serene waters.

Pray At Kawaiaha’o Church

• Address: 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook

We end our list with the sacred Kawaiaha’o Church. It is in the Hawaii capital, Honolulu, and was established under Kuhina Nui (Queen-Regent) Kaʻahumanu I in 1820. This coral-brick church is a national landmark that is open to all. It was initially the royal family’s chapel and is among the oldest Christian worship places on the island. You can attend Sunday mass or prayer services and tour the area.

There is no end to the free things to do in Oahu. This island offers many free activities, from beach visits to exploring the state and parks. You can also save money by adopting budget-friendly measures like visiting during the off-season, eating in local restaurants, traveling through public transit, and staying at cheap hostels or inns. Avoid tourist traps and follow your budget to the ‘t.’ After all this, there is no way you will ever regard Oahu as an expensive travel destination.