Budget-Friendly Activities on Oʻahu, Hawaii
Whoever said nothing in life comes free has obviously never experienced the numerous (and thrifty) thrills that the island of Oʻahu offers. From paradisaical public parks and dazzling firework displays to an open-air cinema under the stars, enjoying your time on Oʻahu doesn’t have to break your budget; in these Hawaiian havens, you really don’t have to pay to play.
Cost-efficient Community Yoga
Break a sweat – not your budget – under the sun at Courtyard Yoga. Hosted by Honolulu’s Ward Village, taking advantage of this free community yoga class will give you the chance to reset your mind, restore your spirit, and most importantly, retain the green that’s in your wallet. Consider it economical enlightenment for the cost-effective inclined.
Budget-Friendly Beacons of Light
Next up, take a hike, literally. The Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail epitomizes the perfect marriage of great views and fresh air, but without all the mud, dirt, and 4-wheel driving that comes with most Hawaii hikes. Located just a hop, skip and a jump from Honolulu, the trail is a roughly 2-mile, smoothly paved nature path accessible for all, including parents with stroller-cruising kiddos. And the best part? Waiting at the top of the steady ascent is Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, one of Hawaii’s most familiar landmarks, along with a million-dollar view that doesn’t cost a dime.
Windward Botanical Gardens
Oʻahu’s east side boasts one of the most beautiful tropical oases in the entire Aloha State, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneʻohe. Here, amid 400 acres of lush verdant land, native Hawaiian plants flourish, and the glimmering waters of a 32-acre lake create a stunning scene. With no entry fee, numerous nature trails, camping on the weekends, and an educational visitor center, this public property is a proverbial Hawaiian playground. Set aside a day to bring the whole family, and if you and the keiki (children) love fishing, visit on a weekend when the Gardens host a catch-and-release program, providing bamboo poles with barbless hooks – all you have to do is bring the bait.
Stunning Sacred Temples
Equally magical is Oʻahu’s Byōdō-In Temple and the lush grounds surrounding it. Tucked away in Kahaluʻu’s Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, at the foot of the captivating Koʻolau Mountain Range, this cherished sacred landmark is a smaller replica of the ancient one that exists in Uji, Japan. Built in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to the islands, the temple is open to the public and welcomes people of all faiths to experience the peaceful spirit that resides here. Enjoy a picnic on the property, which includes a large reflecting pond, quiet meditation enclaves, and mini waterfall features. Roaming the park gardens is free, and if you wish to tour inside the temple itself, the nominal fee of $3 won’t feel too painful, even for the staunchest penny-pincher.
Friday Night Fun
If you enjoy good food, great art, and mingling with a diverse group of locals, visitors, and a healthy handful of hipsters, First Fridays is right up your alley. Held every first Friday of the month, this street festival takes over Honolulu’s Chinatown, as galleries and other art venues open their doors for an evening filled with artist receptions, live music, entertainment, and, of course, ono grinds (Hawaiian for delicious eats). The free festivities kick off around 5 PM and stretch well into the night, with the event officially ending at 9 PM, though the fun continues as long as your eyelids will allow, since last call at local restaurants and bars isn’t until the early hours of Saturday morning.
Dazzling Firework Displays
An explosion of rainbow colors and lights – without the expense – awaits at the Friday night Waikiki Beach fireworks show, hosted weekly by Hilton Hawaiian Village. This dazzling display is free for beachside spectators to enjoy. While taking in the iridescent array of pops, sizzles, and bangs is an exempt fortune, the resort also offers a pre-fireworks ticketed event, The Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue. This theatrical show features music, torch lighting, hula dancing, and more, providing a nice option if you want to enhance your evening experience.
A Cinema Under the Stars
Blessed with good weather and cool evenings, Oʻahu is the perfect place to catch an alfresco cinematic experience. Entertainment awaits under the stars at Ward Village’s Courtyard Film Series. Each month, Ward Village hosts a family-friendly outdoor theatrical event, all for free! Picture those super-fun drive-in movies of yesteryears, but instead of cars, envision chaise lounges, complimentary popcorn, and Hawaii International Film Festival-curated films. Past movie picks have featured everything from fascinating surf documentaries and foreign independent films to cult classics and mainstream favorites.
