1. Overview of Free Activities in Waikiki
While Waikiki boasts paid attractions and activities that are some of the finest in the state, there are numerous experiences available at no cost. This article provides an extensive list of free things to do in and around Waikiki, Oahu.
Entertainment at Kapi’olani Park
Address
2686-2882 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
This stunning 500-acre park, established by King David Kalakaua in the 1870s, is recognized on the State’s Historic Register, as many of its remarkable trees exceed 100 years in age. The park hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. The Kapi’olani Bandstand showcases regular Sunday afternoon performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, providing free entertainment for visitors.
Learn About Hawaiian Culture
Address
2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-922-2299
Many hotels and resorts in Waikiki offer complimentary cultural programs, allowing guests to learn to string a lei, play the ‘ukulele, or dance the hula. These enriching experiences extend to children’s programs, integrating the host culture into the vacation experience. The Royal Hawaiian Center provides a comprehensive schedule of free cultural activities, available daily.
Mana Hawaii, a delightful Hawaiian store located on the 2nd level of Waikiki Beach Walk, offers lei-making classes, Hawaiian language lessons, hula lessons for families, ‘ukulele classes, and lessons on Hawaiian hula implements seven days a week.
Enjoy Live Hawaiian Music
Address
2169 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-924-4990
Hawaii uniquely boasts its own language, dance, and music. Most major hotels, resorts, and shopping centers in Waikiki feature free live entertainment by some of the finest island performers. The Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach features live Hawaiian music every night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where guests can enjoy the music from the lobby or pool deck.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa Fireworks Show
Address
2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-949-4321
Every Friday night at 7:45 p.m., the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa presents an impressive fireworks show on the beachfront of the hotel. While the fireworks can be viewed from a distance, a prime location to catch the spectacle is from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
Picnic at Magic Island/Ala Moana Beach Park
Address
1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Phone: +1 808-768-4611
Located just minutes west of Waikiki, Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park is a beautiful 76-acre park featuring expansive grassy areas and pristine white sand beaches with gentle waters. This area is perfect for picnics and a variety of recreational activities such as volleyball, tennis, or leisurely strolls along the paved bike/walking path.
Sunset on the Beach
Almost every month, crowds of locals and visitors converge on select Saturday and Sunday evenings at Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikiki for entertaining evenings featuring Sunset on the Beach. Free movies from various genres are screened on a giant 30-foot backdrop. Attendees need only to bring a beach chair or towel for seating.
Watch a Real Sunset
Is the green flash a real phenomenon that occurs at sundown? Discover the answer for yourself as you unwind on Waikiki Beach, witnessing another day in paradise come to its enchanting close. What could be more romantic?
Take a Self-Guided Tour of Historic Waikiki
Although free guided tours are no longer available, you can effortlessly download and print the self-guided Waikiki Historic Trail tour text and map. This tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of Hawaii’s royalty and its most notable residents, including the iconic Waikiki Beachboys, notably Duke Kahanamoku.
Enjoy the Beach
Address
3300 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-768-3003
All beaches in Hawaii are free and open to the public. Waikiki is host to some of the most renowned beaches globally. Just bring your bathing suit, suntan lotion, beach mat, towel, and snorkeling or surfing gear. The busiest beaches are located in central Waikiki; for a more relaxed experience, head towards Diamond Head where you’ll encounter smaller crowds.
Visit the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii
Address
2131 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-955-9552
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is situated on the grounds of Hale Koa Hotel and the Ft. DeRussy Recreation Center in Waikiki. Originally constructed to protect Hawaii from invasion, the museum now recounts the military history of Hawaii from ancient times, through the Gulf War and the War in Iraq. This compelling narrative is delivered through various displays featuring photographs and sound effects that create an immersive “you were there” experience. Admission is free, with donations graciously accepted.
Watch a Hula Show
The hula is one of the most beautiful representations of Hawaiian culture. Many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shopping venues present free hula performances for visitors. Both men and women participate in this time-honored tradition, sharing the stories of Hawaii’s past through elegant movements.
The Waikiki Hula Show showcases authentic Hawaiian music and hula performances by some of Hawaii’s finest hula halau (dance troupes) and artists. Shows are held Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting, at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, located near the Duke Kahanamoku statue, at the beachside junction of Uluniu & Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki.
