Here Are 11 Awesome Things You Can Do In Hawaii… Without Opening Your Wallet

The Hawaiian Islands are notoriously expensive, and whether you live in Hawaii or are attempting to plan your next vacation, it can be difficult to stay on budget. Luckily, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more free or cheap activities as expensive helicopter rides and boat tours. Just take a look around – Hawaii is home to more natural beauty than any other American state, most of which is free to explore. Here are 11 awesome things to do in Hawaii for free.

1. Head to the beach.

Besides the beach essentials, which you should already have, planning a beach day is free, and easy. Just pick a beach, pack a lunch, and enjoy a day of sunshine, sand, and surf. Make a splash!

2. Take a hike.

Aside from a few state and national parks that have entrance fees or make you pay for parking, hiking is fun, free — and a great workout without paying for a gym membership.

3. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

If you want to experience a little history, check out the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, on Oahu. Admission is free, however they only have so many tickets per day, so plan on getting there early to a spot.

4. Appreciate natural beauty.

If you are on Kauai, take a trip the Waimea Canyon, an absolutely stunning feat of nature. Or drive to the Nuuanu Pali lookout for spectacular views of the windward side of Oahu.

5. Catch a sunset.

There is nothing quite like a Hawaiian sunset, is there? Grab your camera, a blanket or towel, and a picnic basket and head to any west-side beach.

6. Go for a drive.

With so many gorgeous drives across the islands, it makes sense to plan a day of driving around the island. Don’t miss Maui’s Road to Hana, a magnificent winding road that provides stunning views at all times. The only cost is gas!

7. Take a tour.

Whether you are a caffeine addict like me, or not, you will love to take a tour of a Hawaiian island coffee farm. The most famous are obviously near Kona, but there are great coffee farms on other islands as well. If coffee isn’t your thing, check out a tour of a macadamia nut farm. This might not be totally free, since you’ll probably want to buy some coffee after that free sample.

8. Hit the town.

If you’re on Oahu, head to Waikiki any Friday night for fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Even better, spend the afternoon learning about history on the Waikiki Historic Trail, or stroll among the shops. Or check out Kona, Hilo, Lahaina, etc.

9. Get cultured.

Depending on the island in which you reside, there are several free hula shows and cultural events that are free to the public — check out Ala Moana Center on Oahu, or the shops at Mauna Lani in Kona. Many other cultural events across the islands are free, too.

10. Experience the unique.

Though visitors are advised to not take sand from Hawaii due to an urban legend, visiting the black sand beaches on the Big Island is absolutely necessary. Or check out the green sand beach on Maui.

11. Learn about Hawaiian plant life.

There are several breathtaking botanical gardens across the Hawaiian Islands, and many offer free admission. Take a walk in one of these gardens to experience distinctively Hawaiian plant life.

What are your favorite free things to do in Hawaii? Would you add anything else to this list? Sound off in the comments below, then check out our list of things to do in Hawaii for $10 or less!