If you are one of the lucky people who are able to travel to Hawaii and not just dream about it, then you are in for an amazing treat! Hawaii is not only a place that offers the beauty of the ocean and beaches, it also represents a way of life and culture. O’ahu consists of a unique blend of city and country, local and global. There is something for everyone to enjoy here. So please read on to learn about these tips on how to visit Oahu on a budget.

The Culture of Hawaii

The culture breeds calm, nature, appreciation for land and ocean, open mindedness, and a laid back relaxed way of life. You’ll experience an immediate calming that overwhelms you merely at your first step off the airplane; the relaxation and good vibes begin.

Relaxation and feeling good is only just a small part of experiencing the Hawaiian islands. There are eight major islands that make up the Hawaiian islands and I am most familiar with Oahu. I have spent so much time visiting, that I lost track of how many times I have been here.

Fun Free Things To Do In Oahu

As you might imagine, there are countless places on Oahu to fall in love with. To begin, the beautiful city of Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu. I do not spend much time lingering around the downtown areas or indoors. But there are several very cool places that I enjoy and things that you may want to check out on your next visit to Hawaii. And most of our activity is very little or no cost. Read on for things to do in Hawaii on a budget.

Oahu, Hawaii Beaches

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is a must see at least one time if you visit Hawaii. Although this beach is a tourist destination, there are other beaches less populated. Waikiki Beach is essentially an iconic place and one of the most recognizable places in the world. No cost. One of the most popular things to do in Hawaii on a budget. You can also grab lunch or enjoy dinner with a sunset!

More To Do Around Waikiki

I always strive to look for unique spots or places outside of the trendy areas. Essentially I’m a budget Oahu travel planner for myself. Take a look at these few spots in Oahu where I enjoy and think you might find interesting as well. (Ideas for you to check out if you make it to Oahu.)

The goal is to learn about Hawaiian history and further your understanding of the local people here:

1. Waikiki Historic Trail: a tour that takes you around Waikiki via bronze trail markers in the shape of surfboards.

2. U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i: Interesting collection of artifacts, weaponry, photos and historical details from ancient Hawaii, Vietnam and Army in the Pacific.

3. Ancient sacred stone sites along Oahu shoreline that are symbols of Hawai’i’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Kapaemahu – The Stones of Life directions.

4. Duke Kahanamoku Memorial Statue.

5. Diamond Head hike: (This was formerly free at one, however current days- a reservation is needed and there are small $fees).

6. Waikiki Aquarium. There is an admission fee of $12 to enter this facility.

Bellows Beach

A more private and quiet beach park is at Bellows Beach. It is a beautiful beach located on Bellows Air Force Station and is only open to the public on the weekends. This is because it is located on a military installation. The beach is not as populated and busy as other local beaches. No cost.

North Shore

North Shore Beaches: No cost. There are several beach and park areas along the North Shore Hawaii.

• Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park
• Laniakea (or Turtle) Beach
• Waimea Bay Beach Park
• Pupukea Beach Park
• Sunset Beach
• Waialaeʻe Beach Park-Pahipahiʻalua Beach
• Kawela Bay 
• The Top 5 Best Beaches North Shore

Local Hawaii Exploring

Royal Hawaiian Hotel:

There is no cost to walk and browse around this luxurious hotel, which is also an icon and historic hotel in Honolulu. With its bright pink colors of concrete stucco, it has been called the The Pink Palace of the Pacific. We always make sure to go down to the Waikiki area and mill around the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. There are lovely boutique shops, comfortable seating areas to relax and enjoy the garden balcony. Another enjoyable activity to do Hawaii on a budget

Kualoa Ranch Jurassic Park Tours

Here you will find a beautiful scenic and private landscape that is full of nature preserves and animals. Th is 4000 acre ranch property is an adventure playground like no other. Because it offers ATV rentals, mountain biking, horseback rides, and a bus tour. It is also used for numerous locations for filming television and movie sets.

We had an incredible day on our ranch bike excursion. This amazing experience includes a mountain bike ride through the ranch landscapes and valleys. They offer a complimentary lunch and beverage. And the horses came by for a little visit while eating lunch. For reservations and fee schedules check it out Kuala Ranch.

Kualoa Ranch Zipline

It’s no accident that this wonderland of adventure has been featured in numerous movies, tv, and films. It’s majestic mountains and luscious valleys are undeniable reasons that will leave you speechless. And not to mention the activities that will thrill you! The Jurassic Zipline tour is pretty awesome.

Update: 2024 January. It appears that there are no longer mountain bike tours, it is an electric bike tour now.

Historical Sites on Oahu

USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial: I am sharing with you our amazing experience to the USS Arizona. As you embark on this water excursion, you will be learning about an incredible time in history. It is known to be one of the most pivotal moments in history as this battleship was bombed on December 7, 1941 during an attack on the U.S. by the Japanese.

We arrived on time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for the embarking onto the boat to be taken out to the memorial site that lies above the actual sunken battleship. There are a few options to choose from of which works best into your timeline on your visit here. Reservations or walk in tickets are available so you can review what best fits your schedule here.

USS Missouri Memorial

USS Missouri Memorial: This is another piece of history that is well worth the visit and tour on America’s Battle Missouri. There is a fee to tour this memorial.

This is where the WWII officially ended and where the Japanese formerly signed the final surrender.

Aloha Tower

Another one of Hawaii’s iconic sites to visit is Aloha Tower. The marketplace has converted the upper level to living spaces and the residential community for Hawai’i Pacific University students. Aloha Tower is a site for any traveler or visitor to see. It is something interesting to do. There is no charge or fee to take the elevator up to the top level. It is quite a sight at the top because you step out to the balconies and see the gorgeous views of Honolulu. No cost.

Hawaii most definitely has its share of history and culture. But now it’s time to explore more adventure and activity. Check out these fun and adventurous things to do that are low cost to no cost.

Outdoor Adventure:

Diamond Head hike: This trail is a short and moderately challenging path with a 0.8 mile trek from the Trailhead and 560 feet elevation. Rated as steep and strenuous. Beautiful and scenic with views of Honolulu skyline areas. There is a low fee to park in the lot and hike Diamond Head.

Update: January 2024 Diamond Head has incorporated a reservation visitation system, as of May 2022.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail This is another beautiful short hiking path that is about 2.5 miles distance with 505 feet elevation. This hike is rated as easy and is very heavily trafficked. There are gorgeous views of the lighthouse and various plants and flowers along the way. No cost.

Kealia Hiking Trail . Located nearby Dillingham airfield and a hiking trail of 7.6 miles with 2516 feet of elevation. It is rated as moderate and contains lots of views. This trail is beautiful as you scour through trees, red dirt switchback trail, inclines and rough paths. It is not very heavily trafficked and is a quiet and adventurous trail. No cost.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden: This is a beautiful, peaceful garden to stroll through as you enjoy the various plants, flowers, and several small animals, such as ducks milling around the property. You will enjoy the lovely sounds of the birds in a peaceful serene setting. No cost.

Make Your Dreams Come True!

So stop dreaming and make your trip happen! Hawaii is an incredible place and I recommend that you visit and experience it at least once in your life. It is so full of nature and adventure, beauty and culture! Although each island has its own unique qualities, Oahu is one of my favorite.

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Read more adventures:
Hiking in Hawaii
Hawaii Uncovered