The Oahu Budget Guide - With 27 Free Things to Do in Oahu!

For many people, Hawaii is their ultimate idea of a dream vacation- the place they hope they will get to one of these days, but never start planning it because of the expense. We felt the same way for many years, until we went to Oahu. We will certainly never say that Oahu is a cheap destination, but we will say there are tons of free things to do in Oahu. We created this Oahu budget guide to give you some tips for visiting Oahu on budget as well as all of those free things to do in Oahu, and a few cheap things to do in Oahu. And, most of them are right in in Honolulu and Waikiki, with a sprinkle across the rest of the island.

The truth is, you could spend almost all of your time on the Oahu doing free things, for an entire vacation, even right in the heart of the tourist territory, because there are a lot. Obviously, you have to get to the island, have somewhere to sleep, eat, and get around, and those things do cost money. But, we have some Oahu budget tips for all of these necessities. Couple that with all of the free things to do in Oahu, and it really is possible to visit Oahu on a budget!

If you are thinking about Hawaii, and you want to check out the other islands, start with our Big Island Budget Guide, Big Island 5 Day Itinerary, and our Big Island 3 Day Road Trip, our Maui 5 Day Itinerary, or our Scooter Cruising in Kauai. If you are considering Oahu, and budget is not your main concern, you may want to check out our Oahu 7 Day Itinerary, or our Amazing Things to do in Oahu North Shore. But if you are still considering that budget, read on!

Saving on your flight to Oahu

The simple truth is that there are very few cheap flights to Oahu. The islands are one of the most remote destinations on the planet, literally sitting out in the middle of Pacific Ocean by themselves. It is a long way to anywhere. However, when Southwest began flying to Hawaii, it was a game changer for US residents. While you may have never considered flying to Sacramento or San Jose, a stopover in one of these cities can save hundreds, as Southwest offers flights to Hawaii from these 2 cities, as well as Oakland and San Diego, often for less than $100.

After quite a bit of research, it seems that the lowest priced flights into Honolulu on other airlines consistently come from San Diego and San Francisco in the US, Vancouver in Canada, and Sydney in Australia. So, for travelers in those 3 countries it is often cheaper to get a continental flight to those cities through a budget airline, then fly to Oahu. It also appears that booking them separately can account for $50 to $150 in savings on your flight.

We also suggest using a discount flight search engine to find the best deals on both flights, and to easily book them separately. We like Skyscanner, which you can check through the link below.

Lodging on a Budget in Oahu

Sparkling resort lights behind the beach in Waikiki at dusk, hotels which will not fit into Oahu on a budget. — Resorts line the beach in Waikiki. While they are not all luxury hotels, you generally won’t get rooms on a budget either.

As with anywhere else in the western world, the most affordable lodging in Oahu is camping. While that may seem impossible in a location that you are flying 3,000 miles to get to, it is possible. If you check a bag, you may be able to fit your small tent into your regular sized suitcase. And, it would still save tons of money to head to Walmart upon your arrival in Oahu, and purchase an appropriate sized tent for you and your group. Then when you were ready to depart, donate it to Goodwill, or pack it up and mail it home.

If you want to be adventurous, this is an option to consider. There are numerous campgrounds across Oahu, including Sand Island State Park, actually in Oahu. State Parks in Oahu actually do not allow camping on Wednesday nights and Thursday nights, and Sand Island in particular is only open on weekend nights. State run campgrounds run at $18 a night for non-residents, and $3 per night for each additional person, with a maximum cost of $30 per night. City and County run campsites run at flat fees of $32 for 3 nights, and $52 for 5 nights. So, the savings potential is HUGE, if camping is within your travel repertoire.

Hostels

Hostels are available in Oahu, but centered only around the Waikiki area, and the University of Hawaii area. On a plus note, that puts them in the area of most of the free things to do in Oahu.

Guest Houses, Condos and AirBNB

I have not used this option in Oahu, but honestly, it appears to be the best lodging choice for the budget. When I return to the island, it is the option I will most likely choose, as we paid quite a hefty price for a mediocre hotel room. Typically this will not put you right on the beach, but almost anywhere in Waikiki or Ala Moana you are within walking distance of beautiful white sand.

Rooms start as low as $30 and range to $200, but a significant portion of them appear to be in the $50 to $90 range. Although on the surface this does not appear to be cheaper than the hostels, this is a per room price, not a per person price, and most rooms allow 2 or 4 guests. The majority of properties are apartments or condominiums, although there are a few of the in home options that are expected with AirBNB.

You can start looking, and even reserve a private guest house in Honolulu now. Private vacation apartments are much more plentiful, and come at a better price. You can find a Honolulu apartment you like, and even reserve, right now.

Hotels

Almost all hotels on the island come at an island price, so even names that are typically associated with economy really don’t. If a hotel is your preference, the only budget tips we can suggest is to go with an option for which you have accumulated points that will account for a reduced price or a fourth night free type of deal, or cash in your travel service points for a free night. If you are not aware, points that you accumulate in services such as Expedia do eventually add up and can be used for hotel stays. We did not do this in Oahu, but we used the points we built in our Hawaii stay, for a luxury hotel in Belfast, Ireland.

Getting Around in Oahu on a Budget

The most economical way is the use of the City and County of Honolulu public transit, referred to as TheBus. A 1 day pass for 24 hours of unlimited use is $5.50, so you can get around for a full week for less than $40 per person. If you are staying two weeks or more, you may want to purchase the monthly pass for $70.

Full maps, routes and schedules are available on the website. TheBus goes as far west as Pearl Harbor and as far north as Kailua, covering the windward coast. The downside is that it does not go into the central mountains or to the north shore.

Another option is the Waikiki Trolley, which essentially can be used as a hop on hop off service. There are 6 different lines, each with a different focus. All stop at certain Waikiki hotels for pickups. A 7 day pass is $75.

By far, the easiest and fastest way to get around the island is to rent a car, but obviously this is also the priciest option.

Eating on a Budget in Oahu

% people of various ages at a pre-set table, with multiple lined tables down the path, and bright windows behind. — I am not a food picture taker, or at least I did not used to be. I am trying, but I did not take food pictures in Oahu. This pre-meal shot or the rest of the group on our sunset cruise was all that I got, and this definitely was not a budget meal.

Like everything else, eating can be quite expensive in Hawaii. Certainly you want to eat out a few times, because experiencing that delicious island cuisine is an important part of the experience. Eating out on Oahu for 3 meals a day will probably run at least $60 a person, on the very low end of the spectrum, without alcohol. That makes for a pricey trip, even if you do nothing other than the free things to do in Oahu.

You can cut that back by finding lodging that provides breakfast, or happy hour snacks, although that is less common in the high traffic areas. Many people opt to skip a meal every day, having only breakfast and dinner, for example. But there are other ways to save.

Buy Groceries

I am sure none of us really want to spend our time in a tropical paradise grocery shopping, but the simple fact is, if you want to visit Oahu on a budget, it can add up to HUGE savings. I can pick up groceries for two people for $100-125 for a week. That would save $700 compared to eating in restaurants.

The downside of that obviously is having to cook for almost every meal. However, if saving the dollars is the biggest goal, you can make it happen. There are 2 Sam’s Clubs, 3 Costcos and 7 Walmarts on Oahu, so there is most likely one near your lodging. Four of these are in the downtown Honolulu or Waikiki area. There are also a number of Safeways and Foodland Farm options across the island.

Farmers Markets

For those who love farmers markets, Oahu may be the mother lode. There are farmers markets across the island, literally every morning, and every weekday evening. The only time of day when there might not be one in full swing somewhere on the island, is early to mid-afternoon.

Visiting a Farmers Market is one of the best free things to do in Oahu, and can give you a true Hawaiian experience, as you mingle with local shoppers and local farmers. And, you will probably get a meal at a bargain price.

Your food budgeting options are many at the various farmers markets. Almost all have fresh baked goods and local produce, so you may opt to pick these up for your breakfast the next day. Some also have fish and locally produced meats. Others have a variety of food stalls, with an emphasis on Asian food, as a percentage of the Hawaiian population is Asian, and Japanese tourists are as frequent as American tourists; poke, a raw tuna Hawaiian specialty; and plate lunches, a traditional Hawaiian meal that stems from the plantation days. You can enjoy a meal onsite, while mingling, and often listening to traditional live Hawaiian music.

Restaurants

Believe it or not, there are a handful of restaurants in Oahu where you can get a meal at a good price, although they are not advertised as budget restaurants. So you are aware, our experience is that general fast food restaurants run at a higher price than mainland Americans are accustomed to. So, if you are going to spend $10 or $15 on a meal, which is what the fast food will cost you, you are better off getting something tasty and Hawaiian.

We have put together a list of restaurants where you can get a meal for under $10, and added a few additional that are a bit more, running about $15. Obviously we have not tried all of these restaurants. However, they generally all come very well recommended. In some cases, we have seen the lines day after day, which tells the story itself! .

As a side note, some of these restaurants do not have websites, although we have linked to those that do. Others have only a Facebook page, which we have also linked to. More importantly, some of them take cash only.

Restaurants where you can get a meal for under $10

Restaurants where you can get a meal for under $15

Free Things to Do in Oahu

Now that we have all of the logistics covered for saving on your Oahu trip, what are you going to do that won’t break the bank? It turns out, there are lots of things! In fact, we have 27 free things to do in Oahu, and they are not lame things to do, they are things you and whoever you are traveling with will love!

Soak up the sun on the world class beaches!

A strip of golden beach with skyscrapers beyond, among the best free things to do in Oahu. — A quieter stretch of Waikiki Beach, further to the east, and beyond the wall.

Most likely one of the main reasons you are visiting Hawaii is for the beaches. All beaches in Hawaii are public, meaning they are freely accessible to the public no matter where they are located, or what businesses, homes or resorts appear to be on them. Wherever you find the sand along the water, you can enjoy it! That makes the many beaches the most iconic and plentiful of the free things to do in Oahu.

Let yourself be enveloped in fragrance in a botanical garden.

Bright green mountains with a blue sky and puffy clouds, a reflecting lake in the foreground. — Ho’omaluia. Botanical Garden has been rightly described as paradise. It’s a bit of a drive from Honolulu, but it is well worth it.

Many visitors have an expectation of seeing lots of tropical flowers, and breathing in their scents. Unfortunately in most of the developed areas you will not find this. But there are at least 8 individual botanical gardens on Oahu, and at least half of them are free, including Ho’omaluia. The remaining gardens are very cheap. Each of them features different types of flowers, trees, and other plants, so you may want to visit them all! The are among the most beautiful of the free things to do in Oahu, and you’ll take home some excellent photos.

Chase down the stunning waterfalls.

A tall but thin waterfall against a rocky wall with lush greenery surrounding it. Waterfalls are one of the free things to do in Oahu. — The Manoa Falls hike is one of the more popular short hikes, with a trailhead that is located in the suburbs of Honolulu. You can get to the trail on public transportation.

There are at least a dozen waterfalls on Oahu, located on almost every part of the island, excluding the leeward coast. Some of them are even within the city limits of Honolulu, such as Manoa Falls, seen above. Hikes to get to each range from 20 minutes to a couple hours, so do your research before setting out. Any hike in Oahu requires sunscreen, bug spray, good-traction shoes, and plenty of water.

Be awed by some of the stunning look-outs on the island.

Looking down on a green, forested lowland, with some hills on each side, and the ocean in the distance. — The drive to Tantalus Lookout is a bit of a challenge, and one that you want to take slowly. There are twists and turns in the hills, but it is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.

I love a good lookout point! Wherever I travel, I have to find that vantage and take in that amazing view! Oahu is filled with some of the most stunning viewpoints I have seen, and these viewpoints are all among the free things to do in Oahu. The combination of coastal flats and central mountains results in a dramatic vertical rise on the island. This means there are a lot of high places with overlooks onto the valleys. Some of the tourist favorites are the Diamondhead Lookout, the Makapuu Lookout, and Nu’uanu Pali Lookout.

Sadly, we got pelted with rain and whipping winds on our way to Nu’uanu Pali and missed the view. I loved the Hanauma Bay Lookout though. A local favorite with less tourists is Tantalus Lookout, seen above, which is especially amazing at sunset.

Explore the melancholy magic lighthouses of Oahu.

Shadows descend on a lighthouse, with its beacon ion, and palm trees alongside. — Diamondhead Lighthouse is not open for tours, but a short walk from the beach or the roadway leads to some striking views.

There are 6 lighthouses on the island, each with a distinctive style, but all with the sense of solitude the seems to epitomize lighthouses. Diamond Head Lighthouse, seen above, has the nostalgic look most of us expect, while Barber’s Point exudes the loneliest feeling. Pyramid Rock, Makapu’u and Kaena Point have the more unusual modern designs. Some are only a short walk, while others require quite a hike.

Visit the most iconic building on the island, Aloha Tower.

The clocktower with the word Aloha written across the observation deck, and a weather vane on top, sits at the end of a palm lined street. — Aloha Tower is one of the most recognized buildings on the island of Oahu, and many people have no idea that it once served as a lighthouse. Visiting also gives a front seat view to the departing tourist boats along the pier.

You may have noted that I said there were 6 lighthouses in Oahu, but only named 5. That’s because Aloha Tower once served as the lighthouse for Honolulu Harbor. Today the still welcomes those who come by ship to the island, but also serves as student housing and an event venue. You can still visit the observation deck for the cities best view over the harbor to the south, and the cityscape to the north. (Nashville Waikiki is located in the Tower Marketplace below, and has good happy hour specials, as well as nightly pool and darts tournaments for gift certificate prizes, and free line dancing lessons.)

Be wowed by traditional hula dancing.

The back of a Hawaiian dancer, with a grass skirt, and flower poms in her hands. — Any visit to Hawaii must include experiencing hula dancing. Each island has its own variation of the dance, and the style of dress. In Oahu, he traditional clothing worn by dancers is often a bit more conservative than visitors expect.

Our absolute favorite free things to do in Oahu, right in Waikiki, is to watch the traditional torch lighting ceremony and dance performance on Kuhio Beach. At 6:00 in the winter months (Nov-Jan) and 6:30 the rest of the year, the performances take place on Thursdays and Saturdays. They have become pretty popular, so head to the beach early with your towels so you can get a good seat. To find it from the main section of Waikiki Beach, walk towards Diamond Head until you see the grassy mound with a large banyan trees and a statue of Duke Kahanamoku.

A luau is the ultimate splurge in Hawaii, and one of the few that we think are definitely worth the money. It brings together so many elements of Hawaiian culture into an entire night of entertainment, and delicious food. However, if you cannot justify spending that amount of money, bring a traditional plate lunch to the torch lighting ceremony, and it is almost the next best thing!

Learn to hula dance, or make a lei.

Sometimes the tourist saturation pays off, and this is one of those times. The west side of Waikiki is saturated with shopping venues, to the degree that each of them goes to great lengths to attract potential buyers, including offering a variety of free classes in Hawaiian arts. You can learn to hula, make a lei, play the ukulele, and even start a Hawaiian quilt, for free (you must purchase a supply kit for the quilt making classes,) at the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikiki Beach Walk, or the International Marketplace. Be sure to check their schedules or classes available during your visit! Of all the free things to do in Oahu, this one is so cool because you can take a new skill home to show your family.

Feel the spirit, and the spirit of Aloha – Kawaiaha’o Church

A formal church with a square tower, and a large clock face on it, with white columns lining wooden doors at the entrance. — The 175 year old Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu still holds regular services each week.

On the second and fourth Sundays of the month you can attend a worship service in the Hawaiian language at the historic Kawaiaha‘o Church. The church, which has been referred to as the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii will celebrate 200 years of a church standing on this site, although the current structure was built in 1842. The church was the spiritual home of the Hawaiian royal family, who worshiped there, sometimes married there, and in some cases were interred.

Watch free fireworks from the beach.

Every Friday evening at 7:45 the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a fireworks display. Even though you might get a glimpse from elsewhere in the city, the perfect viewing location is right on Waikiki Beach. Bring a snack and a drink, and enjoy the show!

Come face to face with the Hawaiian Royalty.

The Hawaiian Islands were once a proud and noble kingdom, with a unique and happy culture. Beloved members of the royal family are immortalized throughout Honolulu and Waikiki. Before my visit, I never realized that coming face to face with royalty would be among the free things to do in Oahu.

You can find King Kamehameha the Great at 447 S. King St.,, King Kamehameha III at Thomas Square 925 S. Beretania St., Queen Liliuokalani between Iolani Palace and the Capitol Building, Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert at the Royal Marketplace 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Queen Kapiolani at Kapiolani Park. 2686 Kalakaua Ave, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole at 2537 Kalakaua Ave., King david Kalakaua statue, at the intersection of Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues, and Princess Ka’iulani at 150 Kaʻiulani Ave.

You can also find statues of other Hawaiian national heroes, including Duke Kahanamoku mentioned above, Saint Damien at the Capitol Building, Blessed Saint Mariane Cope at the Kewalo Basin Park, and Don Ho under the banyan tree in International Marketplace. You can also find statues of Gandhi, Elvis, and no less than 6 replicas of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, founder of the People’s Republic of China.

Pay your respects to the royal family.

Royal Mausoleum (Honolulu, Hawaii) PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

After you become familiar with the Royal Family through the statues, and other non-free locations such as Bishop Museum or Iolani Palace, you may feel moved by their beautiful but tragic history. If you feel compelled you can visit the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala (the Fragrant Hills) where the spirits of 8 of the monarchs live on, according to Hawaiian tradition. If you visit, you may note that the Kingdom of Hawaii flag flies alone here, without an American flag beside it, as this land still legally remains the territory of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Discover the ancient history.

Travis.Thurston [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Before the islands were the Kingdom of Hawai’i, they were inhabited by a number of indigenous tribes that each had its own form of rule, religion and tradition. The remains of these tribes are found across the Hawaiian Islands, and archaeologists continue to make discoveries in remote locations.

On the island of Oahu, you can only see these remains in a handful of locations. Some are not free, but you can see Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, which contains is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on Oʻahu, The name means “hill of escape,” and, this heiau played an important role in the social, political, and religious system along the North Shore.

You can also visit Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, a living park which contains a heiau (religious temple), koʻa (fishing shrines), fishponds, house sites, stone-walled enclosures, ʻauwai (irrigation channels), agricultural terraces, walls and planting areas. We recommend seeing the Huilua Fishpond! Learning about the culture wherever I go is very important to me, so I think this is one of the most significant free things to do in Oahu.

Take a walking tour of historic downtown Honolulu.

Downtown Honolulu includes former royal structures, state government buildings, and a number of other important historic sites. You can take a self-guided outdoor tour, or you can also step inside and explore the Hawaii State Capitol Building, as well as Aliiolani Hale, what is now referred to as the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, and houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court.

Tour the Royal and Gubernatorial residence.

White colonial style home with columns, and full length patios on both the ground and second floor, Washington Place was once the royal residence of Hawaii, and now used as the Gubernatorial Mansion. — The exterior of Washington Place in Honolulu appears misleadingly small, but it stretches out with wings on both sides.

Washington Place was the Royal Residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last leader, Queen Liliuokalani, who lived there for 55 years. In 1922, it was decided to use the regal residence as the Governor’s Mansion, so the house has been at the center of Honolulu politics for nearly 150 years. Free docent led tours are conducted on Thursdays at 10:00. Check in shortly before that at the front security gate on Beretania Street. The tour lasts about an hour.

Enjoy the sounds of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Men dressed in all white with red sashes and straw hats with a red ribbon, playing instruments. The Royal Hawaiian Band is a tradition, and can be seen free in Oahu on Fridays. — The Royal Hawaiian Band marches in a parade celebrating the King who united the Hawaiian Islands. Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

A long standing tradition from the kingdom of yore, the Royal Hawaiian Band once performed at official ceremonies and events. Now although there is not as much pomp and circumstance, the band still performs for the pleasure of the Hawaiian people. Free performances are given every Friday from noon to 1:00 in the courtyard of Iolani Palace, and occasional performances are also held at the International Marketplace.

Walk the Waikiki Historic Trail.

A marker along the Waikiki Historic Trail., it actually extends much further below the photo, containing several more paragraphs of information, and historic images.

Believe it or not, much of what is now the city of Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach, were once important natural and cultural areas of the Hawaiian people, long before visitors and tourists became a common occurrence. It is hard to imagine among the high rises and resorts of today, but the Waikiki Historic Trail shares pieces of what once was. Points along the trail are marked by bronze surfboards that share some of the details and images of the location, such as this marker near Fort DeRussey Beach, which was once the Kalia Fishponds. The photos can help you envision the past. Guided tours along the trail are also offered in two sections, Monday through Saturday from 9 to 11.

Explore some of the unique Honolulu Museums.

Most museums in Honolulu have a fee, but a few are among the free things to do in Oahu. Be aware that the hours are sometimes limited.

The Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center showcases the award winning fire department and its methods in the 1928 fire station. Admission is free, but it is only open the third Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 2:00.
The Lucoral Museum features rocks and minerals from the sea, and the volcanic island, and has exhibits on endangered plants and animals of the island.

Cheer on the yacht races.

The yacht line piers of the Waikiki Yacht Club, with Ala Moana Park and beach beyond. — The Waikiki Yacht Club lies between Waikiki Beach, and Ala Moana Beach Park, which is seen beyond the harbor. Ala Moana is more of a local attraction, and despite its gorgeous beach it does not draw the huge crowds of tourists that our found below the harbor.

At 4:00 every Friday members of Waikiki Yacht Club gather at their headquarters in Ali Wai Harbor for traditional races. You can get a shoreside view from Ala Moana Park, Fort DeRussy Park, Magic Island, or the west end of Waikiki Beach. The races are offer a lot of fun, and may be one of the most exciting free things to do in Oahu.

Explore the sweet history of pineapple processing.

For many people pineapple automatically comes to mind when they think of Hawaii, and Hawaii automatically comes to mind when they think of pineapple. That is no surprise as it was here on Oahu that John Dole brought his vision of pineapple availability around the world to fruition (lol.) The Dole empire included not only the plantation that everyone knows about, but also a huge cannery facility near downtown Honolulu. Today that cannery facility has taken on new purpose as an office and retail space (which includes Home Depot, Costco and Best Buy,) and the Regal Dole Cannery Theater. Although we aren’t interested in the stores or theaters, we recommend taking a walk through the facility to see the interesting exhibits and memorabilia from the cannery glory days.

Learn the history of Japanese citizens in Hawaii.

Black and white photo of internment tents in a fenced in area at Honouliuli Internment Camp, during WWII. — A historic photo of the living arrangements in the fenced in area of Honouliuli Detention Camp. The Japanese Cultural Center shares the personal stories of those who lived through internment at the camp.

The people of Japan have been part of the Hawaiian culture for as long as westerners have Even today, Japanese visitors to the island are as common as American visitors, and there is a large Japanese population living on the island. The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii shares this long history, and includes a Community and Historical Gallery, Resource Center, Kenshikan martial arts dōjō, Seikōan Japanese teahouse and Gift Shop While not every exhibit at the is free, the exhibits about the Honouliuli Internment Center are. They offer free educational tours in conjunction with the US National Park Service. Honouliuli was the longest running WWII detention camp on the Hawaiian islands, and will open as a a National Historic Site soon.

Make history fun at the Brewseum.

The Brewseum is very much a one of a kind place in the world. It started as a small brew house for local beer, Home of the Brave Brewing. The owners had the vision of telling the story of beer in Hawaii, and the history exhibits and experiences grew into the Brewseum. Later they partnered with a variety of military organizations, and also incorporated WWII memorabilia in a hands on, very fun way, adding the Home of the Brave Museum. You can learn all of this history in one of the most enjoyable learning experiences you will ever have, and follow it with a home brewed beer upstairs in the Wiki Waki Speakeasy.

Get your art love on.

The beige 4 story facade of the Hawaii State Art Museum, with an arched arcade on the second floor.

Hawaii is the only state in the US that has a state operated art museum. Although not traditional, we think it is one of the finest free things to do in Oahu. The museum features several exhibit halls with various themed displays from Hawaiian artists, and those around the world inside, and a sculpture garden with a reflecting pool outside. The Hawaii State Art Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00, and entrance is always free.

The Honolulu Museum of Art features a more world-wide and historic collection. It is generally not free, but the third Sunday of the month admission is free from 10:00 to 4:30. The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts also features free exhibits by local artists and students throughout its public buildings. Admission is free Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 04:30.

Get a bit raucous.

Hula dancers with white sirts and pink tops, playing instruments and dancing at King Kamehameha Day in Oahu. — Performers at the 100th King Kamehameha Celebration held in Oahu. Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

The Hawaiian people love a good celebration, and Oahu has a fair share of festivals throughout the year. If you time your visit right, you might get to participate. Often they include parades, hula competitions, ukulele performances, and any number of other festivities. Ones we know about: Honolulu Festival, Prince Kuhio Day, King Kamehameha Celebration, Prince Lot Hula Festival, Aloha Festivals, Waikiki Spam Jam , and the Pan-Pacific Festival.

Learn the secrets of Hawaiian Military History.

American and Hawaiian flags in the center of the room, with walls lined with military photographs. — Although are various types of displays and exhibits at th Hawaii Army Museum, the Awards Room honors heroic Hawaiian Soldiers from several different campaigns.

Perhaps military history is the last thing on your mind when visiting Oahu, however, the Hawaiian islands not only have and intriguing political and battle history as the Kingdom of Hawaii, they have also been a stronghold of the US military because of their strategic location. You can learn about both for free at the Hawaii Army Museum, located in Fort DeRussy Park, at the far western end of Waikiki Beach.

Pay your respects to Hawaiian soldiers.

The Punchbowl may be one of the most beautiful and serene National Cemeteries around the world. VideoFrog [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Often called the Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific lies in a dormant volcano crater overlooking Honolulu. The remains of over 13,000 soldiers lost in the Pacific during WWII are interred, and there are honorary markers for soldiers lost in the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Over 74 memorials donated by various organizations and governments from around the world honor soldiers of 4 wars, WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The Punchbowl surrounded by stunning views, making it a stunning and serene place to honor our soldiers.

Visit Pearl Harbor.

The Arizona Memorial is the most recognized symbol of Pearl Harbor, and perhaps the most recognized symbol of WWII on US territory. Looking down upon the ship below was the most emotional non-personal experience I have ever had.

For us this was the one absolute must do of all the free things to do in Oahu. Obviously as an American, this was an important experience, so it may not be such a priority for those from other countries. I won’t go into a lot of detail here, except to say it is quite sobering to see the USS Arizona beneath the waters.

A Few Cheap Things to do in Oahu

Explore Diamond Head, the iconic landmark of Oahu.

The view over Honolulu from the top of Diamondhead, a stunning addition to a week in Oahu. — The view from the top of Diamondhead is amazing in every direction.

Drive to the interior of the crater, and see the military history sites, or make the strenuous but scenic hike to the top to see this stunning view. Cost is $5.00 per carload, or $1.00 per person.

Feel the spirit of peace at the Byodo-In Temple

Red Japanese architecture of Byodo-Ih Temple, on Oahu.

Named by National Geographic as one of the 20 most beautiful Buddhist Temples in the world, Byodo-In is one of the most stunning and peaceful locations on Oahu. It has been featured in episode plots of Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I. and Lost. There are lush surrounding gardens, a reflection pond, and quiet meditation areas. Entrance is $5.00 per adult, and $2.00 for children. Guided tours are also available.

Meander through Lyon Arboretum

A University of Hawaii research unit, Lyon Arboretum is a series of gardens with an emphasis on trees, and native Hawaiian growing, although there is an herb and spice garden, as well as some memorial garden areas. Hiking trails lead through the various tree growing areas, for an all around stunning, and educational experience. Technically, the Arboretum is free, but a $5.00 donation is suggested.

Discover Hanauma Bay

View of Hanauma Bay from the hillside, part of a 7 day Oahu itinerary. — Not only is Hanauma Bay gorgeous, it is also home to an extremely diverse range of marine life. P.S. You can get this view for free at the Hanauma Bay Lookout point!

One of the most beautiful bays on the island, Hanauma Bay has been featured as the setting in several movies over the decades. It offers the perfect beach to swim with quiet water, and an ideal snorkeling environment. As it gains in popularity, prices are increasing, at $7.50 per person now, which is up $2.00 since we visited. This does not include snorkeling gear, if you don’t have your own. Be sure to check before going.

Take a scenic Ride on TheBus.

For a $5.50 day pass you can ride the Windward Coast. Lanai Lookout, the Lava Tube, Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach and Makapu’u Lookout, Lighthouse and Tide Pools.

You Really Can Visit Oahu on a Budget!

We hope our Oahu Budget Guide has you thinking that maybe you can visit Hawaii! You can definitely visit Oahu on a budget, and you can most certainly find enough free things to do in Oahu to fill your entire itinerary. It is time to start planning!

Don’t keep this Oahu Budget Guide to yourself! Your friends want to enjoy the free things to do in Oahu too!

Be Sure to PIN IT!

Our Oahu budget Guide gives you all of the free things to do in Oahu, a few cheap things to do in Oahu, and everything else you need for visiting Oahu on a budget.

You can see hula dancing in Oahu, as it is one of the free things to do in Oahu that we share in our Oahu Budget guide, along with some cheap things to do in Oahu, and a load of other Oahu budget tips.

Want more Hawaii??

If this Oahu Budget Guide and Free Things to do in Oahu has left you wanting more Hawaii, don’t despair. We have a load of other Hawaii stories and information. We truly want your Hawaiian vacation to be the trip you have always dreamed of. Here are some other options:

A Week in Oahu- a 7 Day Oahu Itinerary
Fabulous Things to do in North Shore
How to Visit Pearl Harbor Without a Tour – COMING SOON!
The Big Island Budget Guide
A Big Island 3 Day Road Trip
A Big Island 5 Day Itinerary
A Fabulous 5 Days in Maui – A Maui 5 Day Itinerary
Cruising in Kuaui
The Scenery of Waimea Canyon- Grand Canyon of the Pacific
A NaPali Coast Boat Tour
A Fabulous 5 Days in Kauai – A Kauai 5 Day Itinerary – COMING SOON!
A Lifelong Dream and a Dying Wish (a narrative about getting our friend Sue to Hawaii when she was terminally ill.)

About the Author

Posing with Hawaiian dancers in red dresses, 1 week in Oahu, things to do in Oahu.

You know me, FoxyRoxyK, the founder of Gypsy With a Day Job, with the red hair. I didn’t make it to Hawaii until I was 50 years old, and fear of the budget was one of the big reasons! I don’t want you to wait to make your travel dreams come true, so if you dream of Hawaii, and our stories don’t give you the info that you need, let us know. We will try to get it for you!