Hot List Hawaii: Affordable Island Adventures (like free!)
Aloha, fellow adventurer! 🌺
Hawaii’s beauty might make you think it’s a vacation for the rich and famous, but we’re here to prove that’s not the case! You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the islands have to offer. From free hula shows to stunning hikes, we’ve found the best budget-friendly activities that let you experience the aloha spirit without breaking the bank. 🏖️✨
1. Camping at Friends of Malaekahana
Location: Malaekahana Beach Park, Oahu
Parking: Ample parking available at the beach park for a small fee.
Website: Friends of Malaekahana
What to Bring: Tent, sleeping bags, food, water, sunscreen, and a cooler. (Camping gear rentals are available nearby.)
Average Cost: Camping fees range from $25 to $35 per night. You can also rent a yurt or bungalow for a little more
2. Hiking Diamond Head
Location: Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
Parking: Available at the base of the hike for a $5 fee.
Website: Diamond Head
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera.
Average Cost: $5 per person for entry; parking is an additional $5. If you are staying in Waikiki, you can walk and save $5!
3. Visit the Byodo-In Temple
Location: Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Oahu
Parking: Free parking at the temple site.
Website: Byodo-In Temple
What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and a camera.
Average Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children.
4. Waimanalo Beach (free!)
Location: Waimanalo Beach, Oahu
Parking: Free parking available at the beach park.
What to Bring: Beach towel, sunscreen, water shoes (for walking on rocks), and a beach umbrella.
Average Cost: Free!
6. Free Hula Show at Kuhio Beach (free!)
Location: Kuhio Beach, Oahu
Parking: Free parking is available in public lots.
Website: Kuhio Beach
What to Bring: A blanket or beach chair to sit on.
Average Cost: Free!
7. Events at the Royal Hawaiian Center (free!)
Location: Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki, Oahu
Parking: Paid parking available, but there is also street parking.
Website: Royal Hawaiian Center
What to Bring: Comfortable seating or a beach mat for the show, and a camera.
Average Cost: Free!
8. Visit the Farmer’s Market at the KCC (free!)
Location: Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, Oahu
Parking: Free or low-cost parking available at the campus. You can also walk there from Waikiki!
Website: KCC Farmer’s Market
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera
Average Cost: Free!
9. Classes at the Waikiki Community Center (free!)
Location: Waikiki Community Center, Oahu
Parking: Street parking is available, or use nearby parking garages.
Website: Waikiki Community Center
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, and a willingness to learn!
Average Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated.
10. Live Hawaiian Music at Duke’s Waikiki (free!)
Location: Duke’s Waikiki, Oahu
Parking: Paid parking available at the resort or free street parking nearby.
Website: Duke's Waikiki
What to Bring: Nothing, just come ready to enjoy the music.
Average Cost: Free to listen, though you’ll likely need to buy a drink or food if you want to stay for long.
11. Events at the International Marketplace (free!)
Location: International Marketplace, Waikiki, Oahu
Parking: Paid parking available, but there is also street parking.
Website: International Marketplace
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera
Average Cost: Free!
12. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (free!)
Location: 150 A'lohikaula St, Kailua, HI 96734
Parking: Free street parking. There’s limited parking in the area, so it’s best to arrive early.
What to Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, camera
Cost: Free! Do a sunrise hike!
13. Visit the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden (free!)
Location: Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Kaneohe, Oahu
Parking: Free parking available at the garden.
Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking around the garden, sunscreen, and a camera.
Average Cost: Free!
