Free Things to Do on Oʻahu
1. Visit the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
The USS Arizona Memorial is Free but you will need to make Reservations. There are 3 additional historic sites located there that require additional fees for entry.
USS Arizona Memorial tickets are available at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233338 and tour times are offered every 15 minutes from 7:30am to 3:00pm. If you have reservations for these tickets, you are required to pick them up at the National Park Service's ticket counter at least 1 hour before ticket time. In addition, there are 1,300 free tickets given out each day on a first-come, first-served basis; gates open at 7:00am
Official Website: http://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/plan-your-visit
2. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Take a stroll/drive through 400 beautiful acres. The botanical garden in Kāneʻohe features an abundance of plants from Hawaiʻi, throughout Polynesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India, Sri Lanka, Melanesia, and Africa. The Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe.
Official Website: https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg.html
3. Friday Night Fireworks in Waikīkī
Since all beaches in Hawaiʻi are free and open to the public, you can bring a towel, sit on the beach, and watch for free.
4. Hula Show at Kūhiō Beach Park in Waikīkī
This free beachside show is filled with traditional Hawaiian music and dancing. The show takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night around sunset — at either 6:00pm or 6:30pm depending on the time of year.
Official Website: https://www.waikikiimprovement.com/events#beach-hula
5. Take a Hike
Diamond Head Trail is a shorter hike, but it will still get your heart rate up since there are lots of stairs. The view of Waikīkī and surrounding areas is well worth the trek.
Mānoa Falls Trail is a great trail for those who want to experience the rainforest. Perfect trail for the nature lover and a rewarding view of the waterfall at the end. Note that the trail can be muddy if there was recent rainfall in the area.
6. Hawaiʻi State Art Museum
View some of Hawaiʻi’s best contemporary art. Museum admission and activities are always free! The mission of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawai‘i.
Official Website: https://hisam.hawaii.gov/
7. U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi
The museum and the museum store are open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM. The Museum is free to all. The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi is under the direction of the U.S. Army Center of Military History and receives well over 100,000 visitors a year. Audio tours are available for rent from the Society for a small fee in both English and Japanese. Parking is available directly across from the museum. Validation for a reduced parking fee is available at the welcome desk.
Official Website: http://hiarmymuseumsoc.org/
To book your trip and enjoy these Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi activities, contact Captain Cook Resorts today. With our help, your Hawaiʻi trip will be an exciting and unforgettable one!
