10 BEST Budget Friendly Things to Do, Oahu

1/20/2023

**Updated : January 2023**
Use the map to see a visual of all our recommendations - click the arrow next to our photo to have a pop up list! This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase a product via these links, with no extra cost to you!

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.

** 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**

Looking for the BEST Places to Eat on Oahu? Check out our post here!

Things to Do, 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

Things to Do, 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