Best Things to Do Oahu

10 BEST Budget Friendly Things to Do in Oahu

1/20/2023

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, you've undoubtedly run into the insane price gouges that blanket the islands post covid. Lucky for you, we've gathered the best budget friendly things to do while exploring the island! Read on for our favorite FREE (or close to free) things to do in Honolulu and along the North Shore.

While in Maui we stayed at Lumeria Resort and loved it!

*Pro Tip : Use the island's public bus system to get around, at only $3 per ride or $7 for an unlimited day pass, it's guaranteed to save you some money!*

Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip.

For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination.

Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international!

We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and always use NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi connections.

For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels.

Best Things to Do Near Honolulu

Waikiki Beach - FREE beach with beautiful sand and great for swimming
Diamond Head - at $1 per Walk-In or $5 per Vehicle, this pretty cheap hike is worth the incredible views, just remember that you'll need a reservation and the park closes at 4 pm!
Pearl Harbor - FREE National Park Monument, although there are some things to pay for, we recommend checking out the USS Arizona Memorial (reservations required or wait for stand by tickets), the museums and theaters (it's also important to note they have a strict no bags policy, and they'll make you check in EACH bag for $7 - no matter how small, we even saw a family with 3 young daughters all of each had their own "purse" and they were going to be charged for each one)
State Capitol - FREE and quite unique with their giant medallion out front, we also recommend walking by the nearby King Kamehameha Statue and Iolani Palace
Friday Night Fireworks - FREE every Friday night on Waikiki Beach (unless you're like us and they blow a fuse)
Take a Day Trip to the North Shore - take the bus for only $3 each way to spend a day on the North Shore

Our Favorite Tours in Oahu :
- Oahu Shark Dive
- Paradise Cove Luau
- Circle Island Tour

Best Things to Do Near the North Shore

Watch the Surfers - FREE and known for having some of the best waves, the North Shore is typically buzzing with surfers and knee boarders looking to catch a wave
Visit Sea Turtles - FREE on Laniakea Beach, please be respectful of the turtles and do not approach or touch them!
Hit the Beach - Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Beach and Hale'iwa were all beautiful with great sand beaches!
Go Snorkeling - FREE at Shark Cove as long as you have your own gear

Watch our Oahu Adventures here!