Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Tori Pines
A trip to Hawaii can be impossible when you hear how expensive it is. These islands are known for being a luxurious and costly place to travel. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way! Not only are there ways to earn free flights (using these amazing travel credit cards!!) and find super inexpensive hotels or vacation rentals, but it’s also possible to spend next to nothing on your activities while you’re there. And honestly, these free and cheap things to do on Oahu are some of the best and most authentic ways to experience Hawaiian culture!
There are definitely some super expensive things to do on Oahu, but you don’t need them to make the most of your vacation. These free and cheap things to do on Oahu will have you heading home with the best and happiest memories possible. No matter what your interest, who you’re coming here with, or what your budget, there’s something for everyone!
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
Looking into a travel credit card? I swear by the Southwest Credit Card for earning free flights around the US and the chance to earn the companion pass where you can take anyone on a flight with you for FREE!
Map of the Best Free and Cheap Things to do on Oahu, Hawaii
The Best Free and Cheap Things to do on Oahu, Hawaii
1. Hit the Beach
This might be obvious, but the most popular thing to do on Oahu is to go to the beach. And guess what? It’s completely free to do! There’s endless amounts of beaches covering the perimeter of the island, and I highly recommend you visit as many as possible. If you have a rental car, get out and explore the island, checking out all the best beaches.
Some of my favorite beaches include Lanikai Beach (known for its famous islands off the coast), Makapu’u Beach Park (with views of the lighthouse), Kualoa Regional Park (with views of China Man’s Hat), Sunset Beach Park (on the North Shore near the famous Sunrise Shack), Ko Olina (Perfect for families with young kids since there are man-made lagoons to swim in) and of course, the famous Waikiki Beach.
Parking at most of these places is completely free, and some even have public restrooms to use. Wondering about beach gear? My favorite tip for saving money on a trip to Hawaii is joining the Pass It On Facebook group where people pass along beach gear to be used by the next vacationer on the island who needs them. Jump on the page right before or as you’re getting to the island and find someone who’s posted that they have beach chairs to pass along. Many people give them away for free, but sometimes people ask for a small amount of money for what they’re passing along. Either way it’s a great way to save money on beach chairs, and a way to be better for the environment by reusing!
P.S. Rent a Car!
Considering a rental car while on Oahu? I believe having a car when on Oahu is an absolute non-negotiable, for at least part of your stay if not all! Save some money by renting from Discount Hawaii Car Rental, where they are almost guaranteed to have the lowest price out there. Plus the company is so wonderful and offers incredible customer service. I know first hand! I will always rent from them when I’m on the islands!
2. Go on a Hike
There is no better way to see the island than by going on a hike! Almost every hike on Oahu is completely free, and the others are inexpensive. Diamond head and Manoa Falls Trail will cost a small fee to enter, for example, but are definitely considered two of the best cheap things to do on Oahu!
Whether you’re wanting a strenuous challenge (like Koko Head Crater), a relaxing walk (like the Waimea Valley Trail), or something in between (like the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail), there’s really something for every skill level!
I personally recommend picking a trail that has sweeping ocean views, or takes you to a waterfall. Those have the best payoff for your hard work.
We love hiking at sunrise on the very first day of our trip since our body clocks have not adjusted to Hawaii time yet, and we wake up super early naturally! Check out the best sunrise hikes on Oahu for ideas!
3. Visit Pearl Harbor
One of the most famous places on the list of free and cheap things to do on Oahu would have to be Pearl Harbour. And can you believe this famous site is completely free to visit?! It’s true! Spend the day here learning all the sad and interesting history of Pearl Harbor without spending a penny. It’s great for all ages, and even has some great interactive spots for kids. Plus there’s lots of open space for them to get some energy out if need be.
Getting here will be the only thing to cost you any money. If you have a rental car, then great! Otherwise you can take the city bus for $2.50 per person each way from anywhere on the island. But be prepared for the journey to take much longer! An Uber will take less than half the time if you’re coming from Waikiki and the cost will be about $40 each way. At that rate you might as well get a rental car!
Another option that might make more sense monetarily is this Pearl Harbor tour which includes round trip transportation to and from Waikiki. It’s definitely not cheap, but it is an option if you don’t have transportation to get yourself there.
This is an absolute must-do when on the island, so go ahead and add it to the itinerary without having to add it to the budget!
4. Spend time Whale Watching
Another completely free thing to do on Oahu is whale watching! Now this activity is only for the winter season. Mid-December through mid-May is when you can spot them swimming off the coast, but the best time is late-February through early-March.
Sure, there are some amazing whale watching boat tours to take. We went on this whale watching tour and had an incredible time!! We saw a mama whale with her baby, plus lots of other wildlife, and beautiful views of Oahu. But it’s not necessary to get on a boat to spot them, especially if you’re here in peak season. Find a good spot along the coast and be patient! Bring binoculars for the best viewing experience!
One of the best places to watch for whales is along the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail. This 2.5 mile trail has 475 ft of elevation gain in just the 1.25 miles out to the lighthouse. So it’s no joke. But, the trail is paved which makes it a lot easier for many, and great if you have a stroller for young kids. But it’s important to note that there’s an awesome whale watching spot just a few minutes into the hike and is totally doable for almost anyone.
Wondering what else to do on Oahu in February? Check out my article with all the best activities that month!
5. Watch the Sunrise
If you’re visiting Oahu from the mainland US, then your body clock will likely wake you up very early during your trip, so being up for sunrise is a very easy thing to do. And sunrises here are magical as the sun pops up over the horizon of the Pacific Ocean and turns the sky all sorts of colors.
You can watch the sunrise from anywhere, your hotel, the beach, or better yet, go on one of the best sunrise hikes on Oahu to see the sunrise from high up. It’s my favorite thing to do the first morning of our trip to Oahu. It’s a tradition, we do it every trip to Hawaii! Most recently we watched the sunrise from Diamond Head and it was perfect!
6. Watch the Sunset
Equally as beautiful are the sunsets, which is why watching them is also one of the best free and cheap things to do on Oahu. You can definitely enjoy the sunset from the peak of one of the great hikes on Oahu, but we personally love watching the sunset from our dinner table. We pick a restaurant right on the beach and get wonderful views of the glowing sky as we eat and relax from a busy day exploring the things to do on Oahu.
Some of our favorite restaurants with views of the sunset are Hula Grill, Dukes Waikiki, Barefoot Beach Cafe and Lulu’s Waikiki.
Another amazing place to watch the sunset is from the rooftop bar called Sky Waikiki! Since it’s on the rooftop, you can imagine the sweeping views you get from here of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean and the sunset! It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset in Waikiki!
And of course, you can and should watch the sunset from the beach! You’ll notice the beach flooding with people shortly before sunset time each evening as everyone pauses and takes a breath from the busy day exploring the island. It’s super serene and peaceful.
If you’re staying in Ko Olina, you’ll have direct views of the sunset, even better than from Waikiki!
7. Eat the Local Food
Hawaii is known for being expensive, and when you see the price comparisons per state, they’ll usually compare the price of a gallon of milk, or a dozen eggs. Sure, the price is always higher in Hawaii, but eating there doesn’t always have to break the bank.
There are plenty of restaurants that are incredibly expensive, but usually they’re the tourist spots. And while you’re traveling you should always seek out the authentic local food anyways, and in this case you’ll save a lot of money doing so! Eating yummy food can definitely be considered one of the best cheap things to do on Oahu if you ask me!
There are tons of great authentic restaurants on Oahu that you can try. Here’s a list of some of my favorites.
Foodland Poke
Foodland is a grocery store chain and they are known for having the absolute best and most authentic poke on the island. We heard the rumors and had to fact check. And it’s true. It really does have the most fresh, authentic, and delicious poke, sushi, seaweed salad and more! We picked up our lunch and took it to eat on the beach during our last trip to Oahu and could not get enough of it. Head to one of the Foodland locations as soon as you get to Oahu!
Koko Head Cafe
Located outside of the tourist areas, Koko Head Cafe is the absolute best spot for breakfast. Owned by Chef Lee Anne Wong from Top Chef, this spot is a true testament to how incredible of a chef she is. The menu is unique and fun while including loads of authentic Hawaiian dishes to try.
We go here the first morning of our trip after our sunrise hike, every single time we are on Oahu! It’s a tradition. A delicious tradition.
Marugame Udon
This next spot, Marugame Udon, is still authentic, but has really caught on to tourists, and you can see the popularity first hand just by walking past the long line of people waiting to enter the building. The line usually wraps around the building. Yes, even if you get there at 4:30pm like we did!!
But the line really does move fast and it’s worth the wait to try the delicious, hot bowls of Udon they serve! Walk down the counter and select exactly how you want your Udon served, from the broth to the noodles to the toppings, all customized to your liking.
Ono Seafood
Another great, local option for poke is Ono Seafood. Located close enough to Waikiki for a super quick drive, but far enough to not be a tourist trap, this authentic spot serves fresh and traditional style poke. It’s worth it to drive over here to pick up lunch and bring it back to the beach, I promise!
The Pig & The Lady
Located in downtown Honolulu, this Vietnamese fusion restaurant is unlike anything I’ve ever had! The menu at The Pig & The Lady is filled with items and ingredients that I’ve never heard of before and that always entices me. Plus, it’s known by everyone as one of the highest rated restaurants on the entire island. But what’s the food really like? Bright, bold, flavorful and absolutely divine. If you want something a little outside of your comfort zone and a lot delicious, make the trek out to The Pig & The Lady while you’re on Oahu!
Sunrise Shack
Another absolute staple in Hawaii are acai bowls! I’m assuming by now you’ve had acai (and love it, duh) because they’re super popular on the mainland by now. But Hawaii did it first, and they are so good at making the best and yummiest bowls.
One of the best places on the island to have them is the Sunrise Shack on the North Shore (there’s also a location in Wiakiki now). The bowls are super fresh, large and mouth watering. Plus the bight yellow little shack on the side of the road is the CUTEST!!! Grab one to go, sit on the beach and devour it!
Rainbow Drive-in
If you’re looking to try all of the oldest, most traditional Hawaiian dishes, then look no further than the Rainbow Drive-in, it’s a Hawaiian institution! And it you want to try something incredibly authentic, be sure to order the Loco Moco!
8. Explore Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
For travelers looking for the ultimate photography location, or a super relaxing beautiful spot to spend a few hours, head immediately to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. This garden is home to one of the most famous photo locations on the island of Oahu. And for good reason, it’s beautiful!!
But it is important to note that ever since the spot became “Insta-famous” they have since added signs saying you are not allowed to get out of our car and pose for photos here. I guess it got too popular and started backing up traffic. So just stick your camera out the window and snap a few photos as you drive instead!
Just a drive along this road is worth the visit, but then there’s the whole rest of the garden to explore! There are so many gorgeous spots around the garden, tons of local foliage to appreciate, and lush greenery surrounding you the entire time.
And of course I’m including it on this list of free and cheap things to do on Oahu for a reason…it’s completely free to visit! They’re open daily from 9am to 4pm, so I recommend getting here when they open for the least amount of people sharing the garden with you, and for the best morning lighting for your photos!
9. Go to the Dole Plantation
Visiting the Dole Plantation was one of the highest things to do on my list when we visited Oahu for the first time. And it’s definitely thanks to my love of Dole Whip that my mother instilled in me all those years ago in Magic Kingdom. It is easily one of my favorite parts of going to Disney to this day and has been since I was a kid.
So when I heard Dole had a plantation on the island with pineapples growing, and Dole Whip flowing, I KNEW I had to see it for myself.
Now if you know anything about the Dole Plantation already, you’re probably thinking, Tori, why on earth would you include this as a cheap thing to do on Oahu?? Tickets to all of the activities aren’t exactly cheap, and not much here is actually free. But hear me out. You come for the Dole Whip!!!
To me, seeing the Dole Plantation was special enough. I didn’t need to ride the train, or wander the maze, I just wanted to eat lots and lots of Dole Whip straight from the source.
So I recommend you come here (on your way to the North Shore!), spend an hour walking around the (free) garden areas, take a look in the massive gift shop, and eat all the pineapple foods that they serve, including plenty of Dole Whip, obviously!
10. See Turtles
I don’t know why, but there is just something SO special about sea turtles, especially when in Hawaii. When you go snorkeling, you’re dying to spot a turtle. When you’re gazing out into the ocean, you keep an eye out for the little turtle heads popping out on the surface. And did you know you can even see them sunbathing on the beaches?! It’s one of the most exciting free things to do on Oahu to me!
They’re some of the most beautiful animals, and they are cherished by Hawaiians, as they should be! If you’re wanting to see them relaxing on the beach, your best bet is to head to Laniakea Beach (also called Turtle Beach) at sunset. They’re often seen here chilling on the beach, and swimming in the shallow waters.
Alternatively, spot them while snorkeling on Oahu. Some of the best spots are Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Electric Beach. (Note, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is NOT a free or cheap thing to do on Oahu, since it will cost $25 per person to enter, but it is still a great and super fun activity you might want to consider!)
But no matter how you see them, it is EXTREMELY important to respect these precious animals. You must stay at least 10 feet away from them. And touching or feeding sea turtles is illegal in Hawaii. So enjoy them from a distance please.
11. Lay by the Pool
A super obvious free and cheap thing to do on Oahu would be lounging by the pool and relaxing! It’s Hawaii after all, enjoy the gorgeous weather and relaxing environment. Let out some stresses from life at home and work on your tan. (But don’t forget sunscreen of course, that Hawaiian sun is STRONG!)
But if you’re traveling on a budget, you might be staying somewhere that doesn’t have a pool, or just might not have a very nice one. And that’s okay, there’s nothing wrong with saving money where you can, those fancy hotels are EXPENSIVE!!!
So for those of you in that situation, there is another option to consider if you really wish you could have the ultimate pool day experience. Enter, Resort Pass. Resort Pass is a site where you can purchase a day pass to a resort pool on Oahu, or anywhere else around the world for that matter!
The passes Range from $20 per person, per day, to about $50 per person, per day. Now, I know that’s not a “cheap activity” per say, but when comparing that to the cost of staying in the fancy hotels, it’s wayyyyy less money! The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a great Day Pass option, especially if you have kids!
12. Ride the Waikiki Trolley
If you’re looking for a way to see more of the island than just the tourist hub of Waikiki, consider getting tickets for the Waikiki Trolley. This trolley takes you to different spots along the southern part of the island, depending on the route you choose.
It’s a cheaper option than renting a car for the week, or paying for gas or parking throughout your stay. Single-day tickets range from $5.50 for the shortest route to $57.75 for access to all routes. But the best value is the week-long pass for $78.75 per person.
You can head to downtown Honolulu, or to the southeastern side of the island, to the Halona BlowHole and Sea Life Park. Other routes include Diamond Head, local farmers markets, restaurants and more! The trolleys run constantly throughout the day and are super reliable. Plus it’s a fun and relaxing way to see Oahu!
13. Go on a Free Walking Tour of Honolulu
Why spend all that time and money to get to Oahu to just sit on the beach and hang by the pool? Those are great cheap things to do on Oahu, don’t get me wrong, but there’s so much more to Oahu!! Spend some time learning more about the island by taking a free walking tour of Honolulu.
These tours are offered by locals and are completely free! Tips are, of course, expected and appreciated to compensate for their time, but that is still one of the very cheap things to do on Oahu, and a great way to spend your morning learning the history of this special place. You’ll appreciate the island and its people so much more after learning so much about Oahu.
14. Take advantage of Happy Hours
You’ll have to spend a good amount of money on food during your trip on Oahu, so I recommend trying to find ways to save, like eating dinner during happy hour! There are several places in Oahu that offer awesome, and super filling happy hours with a delicious variety of food at discounted prices. Here’s a few of my favorite happy hours with discounted food.
- Sansei Waikiki: Sundays & Mondays from 4:45-5:30, 50% off select food and sushi (However, they only seat one round of guests and it fills up QUICK! We tried to go once and only showed up a few minutes early and were turned away. I recommend getting in line by 4 or 4:15pm to have a chance of getting a table.)
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar: Daily from 3-5pm, $7 and $8 appetizers including things like Kalua Pork Quesadillas and Coconut Shrimp.
- Tommy Bahama: Daily from 2-5pm, $12 and $14 appetizers including fish tacos, sliders and more.
- Maui Brewing Co: Monday-Friday from 3:30-4:30pm, 50% off select appetizers and $12 pizzas.
- Aloha Table: Daily from 4-6pm, discounted appetizers and entrees starting at $5.
15. Enjoy the Free Events in Waikiki
There’s always something happening along the busy streets of Waikiki, and often free events and shows to enjoy! Walk along the main strip and you’re bound to stumble along a public event. The most popular free thing to do on Oahu in Waikiki would be the hula show at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue each Tuesday and Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30pm.
Other activities include farmers and crafters markets, the free shows at the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the numerous street musicians along Kalākaua Ave.
16. Visit the North Shore
If you have a rental car while on the island (which I cannot encourage enough!!!) then you must spend a day or more on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s a super special, incredibly authentic, and absolutely stunning part of the island that every visitor needs to see. And the best part? It’s super inexpensive to spend the day here. Most of the best things to do include wandering around the small town of Haleiwa, admiring the coastal scenery, relaxing on the beach and driving around the area.
I honestly don’t recommend spending any money on activities here, the area itself is so fun to explore. But I do recommend trying the best food, and it’s all (relatively) super cheap. That’s why the North Shore is one of the best free & cheap things to do on Oahu!
While you’re here, eat at the food trucks. The most famous is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, but I have loved all the ones we’ve tried there. They are set up in little food truck parks so you can walk to each to see what you’re in the mood for. And you MUST make a stop at The Sunrise Shack, the absolute cutest little shack on the side of the road selling the most fresh, bright, and mouth-watering acai bowls. Take it across the street and eat it on the beach for the best experience! And finally, head to Matsumoto for some of the best shaved ice on the island.
All that yummy food paired with relaxing on the beach, spotting turtles, watching surfers and wandering around town makes for a perfect, and super cheap, day on Oahu’s North Shore.
17. Eat at Food Trucks
As I mentioned above, eating at food trucks is a great way to save money in Oahu while enjoying super local and authentic food. It’s an incredibly popular thing to do on Oahu, plus you’ll usually save some money.
There are great food trucks and food truck parks scattered around the island. You can just type “food trucks” into Google to find one near you, or read this article about the best food trucks on Oahu to pick the ones that sound the best.
18. Go Snorkeling
Another completely one of the free things to do on Oahu (if you come prepared) is to go snorkeling! It’s one of the most obvious cheap things to do on Oahu, since there’s so many beautiful things to see under the water’s surface. It can cost a lot to rent gear or access special snorkeling areas, but it can also be totally free if you bring your own snorkel gear with you!
This can mean just a simple pair of goggles, or the entire snorkel set, whatever you prefer. But either way, hop in the water anywhere around the island and start looking for brightly colored fish and beautiful sea turtles!
Some of the best free spots to go snorkeling on Oahu are Electric Beach, Laniakea Beach and Lanikai Beach, but you can certainly snorkel on Waikiki Beach or in the Ko Olina Pools too.
19. Watch the Surfers
There’s nothing more iconic in Hawaii than surfing, so what better free thing to do on Oahu than watch the surfers? You can head to almost any beach around the island to see the locals surfing, but the best places are along the North Shore. For the ultimate experience, go to Banzai Beach to see world-class surfers tearing it up on the waves. It’s an incredible free show that you can’t miss while on Oahu.
And the best time of year to see the largest waves and the ultimate surf show is in the winter. But of course, seeing them surf any time of year is always fun.
20. See a Fireworks Show
Arguably the best, easiest and most popular cheap thing to do on Oahu (well actually free!!) is to watch the weekly fireworks show in Waikiki. They set them off from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, but most places along Waikiki offer a great view of the show. The show starts sometime around 7:45 or 8pm. So find a spot on the beach, or a bench along Kalakaua Avenue, and wait for the (free) show to start!
Leave a Reply