Free things to do in O'ahu, Hawaii
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Whether you enjoy the fresh and humid air of the sea, dense forest or simply the comfort of the city, Oahu is a destination with a little bit for everyone. So if you are planning a trip to Hawaii, you made a great choice! But perhaps you are wondering; Can you visit O’ahu on a budget? The answer is definitely “yes”. The following article will go over several free activities to do in O’ahu, Hawaii.
Updated: 5/18/2026
1. Pu'uloa (Pearl Harbor)
Even though you might not be a history fan, there is a great chance you have heard of Pearl Harbor before. Pearl Harbor or Pu’uloa in Hawaiian is the location of the 1941 surprise attack that led (in part) to the entrance of the United States into WW2. Still an active military installation, the harbor is also a major attraction. The site features the USS Arizona memorial and a couple of museums. These museums include the “Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum”, the “Battleship Missouri Memorial” and the “Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum”. The access to the site is free, but the different museums (except the USS Arizona Memorial) require a charged ticket. If you would like to know more about that, we encourage you to check our article on O’ahu which goes more in detail.
Photo by Northern Latitudes
Where the eat in Honolulu? How to get around Honolulu? Click here to read the article focusing on these questions.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
2. Manoa Falls
As mentioned earlier, Hawaii is a beautiful or even gorgeous island. From beaches to mountains passing by rivers and falls, the island has a wide variety of landscapes that make the joy of many hikers. There are several falls across the island, but one of the most popular is likely Manoa Falls. These falls are located only 20min away from the city and can be accessed via a trail that takes between 1H and 3H depending on people. The trail to the falls is not too difficult but includes several stairways within a humid environment. However, if you are willing to endure these conditions, you will be rewarded by a beautiful view of the falls. The access to the hiking trail is free, but the parking is not unless you park in the nearby streets.
Photo by Alan Rodriguez| Unsplash
Address: Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
3. Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Wayside
The complicated name aside, Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Wayside is a little park at the top of a mountain. The park is a great place to picnic, but mostly for the sweeping views it offers of Honolulu and Diamond Head. The access to the park is free. Parking is free for residents and costs about $7 for non-residents.
Address: 3198 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822
Photo by Northern Latitudes
4. Visit Waikiki
Waikiki is the touristy but vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu. As a visitor, it is very likely that this will be your staying place. As the touristic center of Honolulu, Waikiki features a bunch of attractions and nice (though crowded) beaches. Some hotels offer some free shows for visitors. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village displays on one of its walls what was the world’s tallest mosaic when opened. It is also there that fireworks are held every Friday year round.
Photo by AussieActive | Unsplash
5. Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
If you want to enjoy stunning ocean views of the pacific ocean, Kaiwi can offer you the opportunity to do that. The state park is well known for its Makapu’u point and associated lighthouse accessible via a trail taking around 2H to complete. We encourage you to take a look at this website (button below) for more information on the trail.
Address: 8751-9057 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
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6. Dole Plantation
You may know the agricultural company “Dole”, but did you know that the following was founded in Hawaii in 1851? The company first known as the Hawaiian Pineapple Company has since grown a lot becoming a giant of commercial agriculture. Dole has had an important impact on Hawaii (not necessarily positive) as a whole, turning it into a major producer of pineapple at the time. In 1989, the company opened the Dole Plantation as the "Pineapple Experience”. The site features attractions like a train, a maze, and several tours. Although the access to the ground is free, the activities require paying for tickets.
Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786
7. Visit Hale’iwa
Once a sugar plantation, Hale’iwa is today a colorful town with plenty of activities for outdoor lovers. You may simply decide to walk around the different local shops and try the local food. Or you could get involved in activities that include hiking, surfing, or observing the green sea turtles. The town is located on the North Shore of O’ahu and can also be a great gateway to the area.
Address: 66-165 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
8. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
Another hiking trail. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a 2 miles long round trip that will take you next to the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse which was built in 1909. The trail is popular for the view of the lighthouse overlooking the sea, but also because on a clear day, you may be able to see the island of Moloka’i at a distance. During a period of the year (between December and May), hikers might also be able to see whales.
Address: 8751-9057 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
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Photo by Phil Whitehouse | Creative Commons 2.0
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