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.
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
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.
Megan Shute
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.
NicestGuyEver/Flickr
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.
Andy Baerst/Flickr
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.
Cord Cardinal/Flickr
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.

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6. Go for a drive.
Charlene Trapp/Flickr
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.
Empyreal/Flickr
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.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
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.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
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.
Matt McGee/Flickr
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.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
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!

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More to Explore

Free Activities In Hawaii

Megan Shute | October 19, 2020

What are the most popular free things to do in Hawaii?

  • Going to the beach
  • Taking a hike

Whether you want to lounge in the sand all day or enjoy a fun, free workout that will get your heart pumping and lead you to stunning views, there's nothing better than enjoying some time soaking in Hawaii's natural beauty, without opening your wallet, of course.

What are the most popular beaches to visit in Hawaii?

While we love all of Hawaii's beaches, the most popular stretches of sand in Hawaii often front the state’s best resort communities, including:

While these beaches are popular for their proximity to some of the most sought-after tourist destinations, they are also mighty gorgeous in their own way with fine, white sand, crystalline, turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze.

What is the most beautiful hike in Hawaii?

The Aloha State is home to several stunning hiking trails, but one of my all-time favorites and what I consider the most beautiful hike in Hawaii is the Pipiwai Trail. Located in southeast Maui, off Hana Highway and near the Pools of Oheo, is the unforgettable Pipiwai Trail, a four-mile round trip trek that will take you on quite the enchanting journey through a lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest to a towering banyan tree, through a vast bamboo forest, and to several impressive, cascading wate

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