While
it’s island paradise location in the middle of the Pacific means getting to
Hawaii isn’t always cheap, a surprising amount of free activities are on offer
which may balance the thrifty traveller’s budget! From hanging out on the beach
with turtles, exploring local arts, and hula shows to firework displays and
festivals, there really is something for everyone, and I’m just talking about
the free things to do in Honolulu.
Don’t
let the fact that Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city put you off visiting. While
there are all the usual attractions of a city, there is also so much to do that
doesn’t cost a thing. Here are some of the best free things to do in Honolulu.
Duke
Kahanamoku statue, Waikiki
What
do you think of when you imagine Hawaii? Surfing, right? Well, apparently, it was
a Waikiki local named Duke Kahanamoku that introduced the world to the glory of
wave riding, Dude. A statue of him stands at Waikiki Beach, and is often
decorated with colourful leis.
Torch
lighting ceremony and free hula show
Keen
to master your hula moves? For a flavour of Hawaii’s Polynesian culture, make
sure you catch one of the regular free shows that take place by the Duke
Kahanamoku statue at Prince Kuhio Beach. Actors and dancers wearing traditional
costumes entertain the crowd. The show starts with the blowing of a
trumpet-like fanfare on a conch shell, nearby torches are lit and then songs
are sung and anecdotes shared, making it a fun way to learn a bit about
Hawaii’s history. And don’t forget the hula! Shows start at 18:30 on Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Hang
out with turtles
Large
turtles come ashore on beaches on the north shore of Oahu to rest, and they are
often chilling on the sand at the end of the day, making sunset a great time to
see if they’re there. Laniakea Beach is one of their favourites but they could
pop up anywhere. Local wildlife volunteers mark out an area around the turtles
so nobody approaches too closely, and display signs identifying the turtles
present. The volunteers are also on hand to answer any questions visitors might
have.
 |
| Green Turtles snooze on the beach, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Hit
the beach
Turtles
aside, Oahu boasts magnificent beaches to suit every beach-goer. Waimea Beach
in the north shelves fairly steeply, so is great for swimming and snorkelling. Waikiki
Beach is a busy place offering great people watching. There is also some nice
reef not far off the beach, and some massive turtles. Meanwhile Lanikai Beach
on the east coast is a shallow beach with some nice reef to snorkel around. It
often enjoys a gentle breeze so watch out for sunburn.
 |
| Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Meet the fishies at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma
Bay is the local favourite for snorkelling with plenty of reef just a few steps
from the beach. The tropical fish will delight as you float on the surface of
the water admiring their world. Be careful not to touch the reef though, and
avoid being knocked against it by waves where possible, as it is very easy to
damage and will almost certainly hurt you.
See what inspires Hawaiians at the Hawaii
State Art Museum
Another
way to learn about the culture and identity of Oahu’s people is to spend a
little time in the Hawaii State Art Museum admiring the creative output of Hawaiian
artists, and others. The museum’s permanent display of Hawaiian art reflects
Hawaii’s diverse population and beliefs.
Step into history at the Royal
Hawaiian Hotel
If
you’re keen to imagine how it felt to visit Honolulu in the early days, take a
stroll through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The infamous pink hotel has become a
local landmark. Built in 1927, the hotel is built in pink Spanish / Moorish
style. US President Franklin D Roosevelt once stayed in the hotel and it also
provided a rest and recovery location for US military personnel during World
War II. Free tours are offered at 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
 |
| Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Learn
history from the first lady of Waikiki
Opened
in 1901, grand old Moana Surfrider (a Westin resort), also known as ‘The first
lady of Waikiki’ because it was the first hotel to grace the shore of Waikiki
Beach, has a small but interesting display that is free for visitors to enjoy.
The exhibit features historic photos and collectibles detailing the birth of
surfing in Waikiki and artefacts from the area’s heyday as an early tourist
resort.
Pearl
Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
As
the site of the shocking international act of aggression that cost so many
lives and propelled America into World War II, it is no surprise that many
people visit Honolulu to get a better understanding of what happened here and to
pay their respects to those that died here.
It
is free to visit the centre which has two small museum-style exhibitions
explaining the history, a small theatre that plays a film about Pearl Harbor,
and to also take a boat ride over to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a
memorial set up above the wreck of the USS Arizona (one of the warships sunk in
1941). Entry tickets are free, but a limited number are available each day. It
is possible to book online (which costs $1) to ensure you can visit on the day
you choose, and also avoid having to queue. It is also worth visiting during
the morning as Honolulu is a windy place and the boat to the memorial is
cancelled when the wind gets too strong.
Other
sections of the Pearl Harbor experience include the USS Bowfin (a submarine
open for visitors to explore), Pacific Aviation Museum, Battleship Missouri
Memorial, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. Entry fees apply to these extra
sections, and some require a quick trip on a shuttle bus.
 |
| USS Bowfin in Pearl Harbour, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Picnic
at Hale’iwa Farmers’ Market
The
Hale’iwa Farmers’ Market is one of the largest in the area. Nestled in the
Waimea valley, the lush vegetation and pretty gardens are a lovely place to
spend a few hours. You could take your own picnic, but for a few dollars you
could also try local specialties such as poke and handmade ice cream
sandwiches. Keep an eye out for opportunistic peacocks and savage mosquitoes!
 |
| Picnic at Hale'iwa Farmer's Market, Waimea, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Friday
night fireworks
To
really start your weekend with a bang, head to Waikiki to see the Hilton hotel’s
weekly firework display get underway around 19:45 on Fridays. The show lasts 5
– 10 minutes and can be seen across town but the best views are from the beach
between the Hilton and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
Nuuanu
Pali lookout
For
a magnificent panoramic view of the windward side of Oahu, follow the Pali
Highway (61) through the centre of the island and keep an eye out for the turn
off. Once the site of the bloodiest battle of Hawaii’s history, in which Duke
Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in 1795, fortunately the lookout is now a far more peaceful
place, offering a window overlooking the north eastern coast of the island and
out across the Pacific. Hold onto your hat though, it can get windy!
Climb
the Aloha Tower
For
views across downtown and Honolulu Harbour visit the Aloha Tower. At the base
of the tower some panels that have seen better days explain the history of the
area and the tower. Catch the teeny tiny lift to the top of the tower for great
views.
 |
| Aloha Tower, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Listen
to the Royal Hawaiian band
Fancy
some music fit for a king? Take in a musical treat in beautiful surroundings at
the bandstand in the gardens of Iolani Palace, one-time home to the Hawaiian
royal family, where the Royal Hawaiian Band performs music at 12pm on Fridays. The
band is the oldest band in the US, has entertained Hawaii since 1836, and was
involved in developing the Hawaiian national anthem.
 |
| Iolani Palace Bandstand, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA |
Festivals
and events
Honolulu
hosts many events throughout the year, but for something uniquely Hawaiian, try
to time your visit to coincide with the Honolulu Festival (March), King
Kamehameha Celebration (June), or Aloha Festival (September), when colourful
parades take place in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.
Christmas
Lights
If
you’re in Honolulu in December don’t be surprised if you spot Father Christmas
dipping his tired feet in a fountain, elves making merry, star-topped Christmas
trees lining the streets and huge Christmas displays. Honolulu doesn’t do
things by halves, and during December the Christmas lights stretching from
downtown to Waikiki are amazing.
Hiking
It
wouldn’t be paradise without paths through the tropical jungle, would it? Oahu
is a hiker’s paradise. The island has lots of walking trails, of which Aihulama,
Panoa Flats, and Judd Trail loop are just a few. Manoa Falls trail is said to
be one of US President Obama’s favourites. Take water and a hat and enjoy the
magnificent views over beautiful Oahu.
Do
you have any tips on free things to do on Oahu? If so, feel free to share them
in the comments below!
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