10 Fun and Free Things to Do in Oahu

Oahu is an amazing island in the Hawaiian archipelago that offers a plethora of fun and free activities. From the stunning beaches and lush green mountains to the bustling city and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventurous hike through the jungle, Oahu has it all. Here are 10 fun and free things to do in Oahu that will keep you entertained and immersed in the beauty of the island.

Explore Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is a great place to spend a day relaxing and soaking up the sun. You can go swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or just relax and watch the amazing sunset. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or have a few drinks. The beach also offers a variety of activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and outrigger canoe rides.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can explore the nearby Diamond Head crater. This is a great way to get a unique view of the city and the ocean. The hike is relatively easy and takes about an hour to complete.

Waikiki Beach is also home to some of the island’s most beautiful resorts and hotels. You can take a walk down the beach and admire the luxurious buildings for free. It’s also a great place to people watch and see what the locals are up to!

Hike Diamond Head

Hiking Diamond Head is a great way to get a unique view of the city and the ocean. The hike is relatively easy and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the lush vegetation of the crater and the stunning views from the top. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and the ocean.

The hike is free and open to all ages. You can also bring your camera and take some amazing pictures from the top. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay safe and comfortable throughout the hike.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Koko Head Trail. This trail is more strenuous and takes around two hours to complete. The trail is free and open to all ages, but it is recommended that you bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.

Visit the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. You can also explore the lush gardens and admire the beautiful flowers and plants. The zoo also offers free guided tours and educational programs, making it a great place to learn about the animal kingdom.

The zoo is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants within the zoo, so you can grab a bite to eat while you explore.

The Honolulu Zoo is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the animals and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the beauty of Oahu and create some lasting memories.

Visit the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum is the largest museum in Hawaii and is a great place to spend an afternoon learning about the history of the island. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a collection of Hawaiian artifacts and a planetarium. You can also explore the lush gardens and admire the beautiful flowers and plants.

The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the museum and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the museum through interactive activities.

The Bishop Museum is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the artifacts and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the culture of the island and create some lasting memories.

Explore Kailua Beach Park

Kailua Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu and is a great place to spend a day relaxing and soaking up the sun. You can go swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or just relax and watch the stunning sunset. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or have a few drinks.

The beach also offers a variety of activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and outrigger canoe rides. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can explore the nearby Lanikai Pillbox Hike. This is a great way to get a unique view of the ocean and the surrounding area.

Kailua Beach Park is also home to some of the island’s most beautiful resorts and hotels. You can take a walk down the beach and admire the luxurious buildings for free. It’s also a great place to people watch and see what the locals are up to!

Explore Lanikai Pillbox Hike

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a great way to get a unique view of the ocean and the surrounding area. The hike is relatively easy and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the lush vegetation of the area and the stunning views from the top. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the ocean and the nearby islands.

The hike is free and open to all ages. You can also bring your camera and take some amazing pictures from the top. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay safe and comfortable throughout the hike.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Ka’ena Point Trail. This trail is more strenuous and takes around two hours to complete. The trail is free and open to all ages, but it is recommended that you bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.

Explore the Honolulu Art Museum

The Honolulu Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the art and culture of the island. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a collection of Hawaiian art and a Planetarium. You can also explore the lush gardens and admire the beautiful sculptures and paintings.

The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the museum and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the museum through interactive activities.

The Honolulu Art Museum is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the artwork and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the culture of the island and create some lasting memories.

Explore Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a stunning valley located in the heart of Oahu. The valley is home to a variety of plants and animals, including tropical birds, fish, and lizards. You can explore the lush gardens and admire the beautiful flowers and plants. The valley also offers a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, kayaking, and outrigger canoe rides.

The valley is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the valley and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the valley through interactive activities.

Waimea Valley is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the animals and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the beauty of Oahu and create some lasting memories.

Explore Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu and is a great place to spend a day exploring the ocean. The bay is home to a variety of fish and other marine life, making it a great place to go snorkeling. You can also explore the nearby reefs and admire the stunning coral formations.

The bay is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the bay and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the bay through interactive activities.

Hanauma Bay is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the fish and the stunning coral formations. It’s a great way to capture the beauty of Oahu and create some lasting memories.

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to spend an afternoon learning about the culture of the islands. The center features a variety of exhibits, including a collection of artifacts and a planetarium. You can also explore the lush gardens and admire the beautiful flowers and plants.

The center is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the center and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the center through interactive activities.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the artifacts and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the culture of the island and create some lasting memories.

Explore the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a great way to get a unique view of the city and the ocean. The lookout is located on the windward side of Oahu and offers stunning views of the coastline and the nearby islands. You can also explore the nearby trails and admire the lush vegetation of the area.

The lookout is free and open to all ages. You can also bring your camera and take some amazing pictures from the top. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay safe and comfortable throughout your visit.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. This trail is more strenuous and takes around two hours to complete. The trail is free and open to all ages, but it is recommended that you bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.

Visit the Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace is the former seat of the Hawaiian monarchy and is a great place to spend an afternoon learning about the history of the island. You can explore the palace and admire the ornate architecture and artwork. The palace also offers a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn about the rich culture of Hawaii.

The palace is open seven days a week and admission is free for children under the age of five. You can take a self-guided tour of the palace and explore at your own pace. You can also take part in a variety of educational programs and explore the palace through interactive activities.

The Iolani Palace is also a great place to take pictures. You can capture some amazing shots of the palace and the lush gardens. It’s a great way to capture the culture of the island and create some lasting memories.

Summary

Oahu is an amazing island in the Hawaiian archipelago that offers a plethora of fun and free activities. From the stunning beaches and lush green mountains to the bustling city and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventurous hike through the jungle, Oahu has it all.

Some of the best things to do in Oahu include exploring Waikiki Beach, hiking Diamond Head, visiting the Honolulu Zoo, exploring the Bishop Museum, exploring Kailua Beach Park, exploring Lanikai Pillbox Hike, exploring the Honolulu Art Museum, exploring Waimea Valley, exploring Hanauma Bay, visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, exploring the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, and visiting the Iolani Palace.

These are just a few of the many fun and free things to do in Oahu. There are plenty of other activities to explore, so be sure to get out there and discover the beauty of the island for yourself!