20 Things to Do in Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii’s vibrant capital, pulses with energy, blending stunning natural beauty with rich history and urban excitement. While famous attractions like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor draw crowds, many assume exploring this Pacific hub requires significant spending; however, numerous fantastic free things to do in Honolulu allow visitors to experience the city’s unique Aloha spirit without straining their budget. Discovering the heart of Oahu’s main city affordably is easier than you might think.
This guide points you towards 20 specific activities and sights you can enjoy in Honolulu entirely free of charge. From iconic beaches and poignant memorials to scenic viewpoints and cultural glimpses, you can create a memorable island experience. Get ready to explore the best of Honolulu without opening your wallet.
Beaches and Coastal Views
Waikiki Beach Walk: Stroll the world-famous sands, watch the surfers carve waves, and soak up the iconic atmosphere with Diamond Head looming nearby. Experiencing this legendary beach scene costs nothing but your time.
Ala Moana Beach Park: Relax like a local at this large park featuring over half a mile of sandy beach with calm swimming areas protected by a reef. Enjoy the shade trees and grassy areas perfect for picnics just west of Waikiki.
Kahanamoku Beach & Lagoon: Unwind on the wide beach or swim in the calm, protected Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon near the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It offers gentle waters ideal for families and relaxing floats.
Magic Island Views: Walk out onto the man-made peninsula at Ala Moana Beach Park. Enjoy excellent views of the Waikiki skyline, Diamond Head, and stunning sunsets over the ocean.
Historic Sites and Memorials
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Museums/Grounds: Explore the visitor center’s extensive outdoor grounds and museum exhibits detailing the Pearl Harbor attack and World War II history. Admission is always free to this poignant and educational site.
USS Arizona Memorial Program: Obtain free tickets (reservations highly recommended online via recreation.gov, small booking fee applies; limited walk-up tickets may be available) for the boat program to the memorial. This solemn experience honors those lost during the Pearl Harbor attack.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl): Visit this serene memorial cemetery located within the Pūowaina Crater. Walk the grounds respectfully and visit the Honolulu Memorial at the top for sweeping panoramic views.
King Kamehameha Statue: Stop across from Iolani Palace to see the iconic gold-accented statue of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands. It’s a popular spot for photos, especially when adorned with leis on Kamehameha Day.
Iolani Palace Grounds Walk: Stroll the beautiful grounds surrounding the only official residence of royalty in the United States. Admire the unique American Florentine architecture of the palace from the outside.
Kawaiahaʻo Church Visit: View the historic “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,” built from massive coral blocks sourced from offshore reefs. You can often step inside this mother church of Hawaii for quiet viewing outside of service times.
Hawaii State Capitol Building Visit: Admire the unique mid-century modern architecture symbolizing a volcano and palm trees. Check for free public access to walk through the open-air rotunda during business hours.
Parks and Scenic Views
Diamond Head View (From Below): While hiking into the crater requires a fee and reservation, admire the iconic profile of Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) from Waikiki Beach or Kapiolani Park. The view itself is a landmark sight enjoyed freely by many.
Kapiolani Park Exploration: Wander through the large park at the eastern end of Waikiki, adjacent to Diamond Head. Enjoy the walking paths, large lawns, shady trees, and occasional free events or concerts.
Pali Lookout (Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside): Stop at this historic lookout point just a short drive from downtown Honolulu. Experience dramatic panoramic views of Oahu’s windward coast and the sheer Koʻolau cliffs (be prepared for strong winds).
Tantalus/Round Top Drive Viewpoints: Take a scenic drive up into the hills behind Honolulu. Pull over at designated viewpoints like Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside for stunning city and sunset views.
Makiki Valley State Recreation Area Trails: Hike trails through lush forest just minutes from downtown Honolulu. Enjoy the stream, native plants, and a peaceful escape into nature on marked paths.
Culture, Arts, and Neighborhoods
Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown Walk: Explore the streets of Honolulu’s business district and adjacent historic Chinatown. Admire the mix of architecture, browse unique shop windows, and soak up the bustling urban atmosphere.
Kaka’ako Murals: Wander the streets of the Kaka’ako neighborhood between downtown and Ala Moana. Discover large-scale, vibrant murals painted on warehouses and buildings by international and local artists.
Free Hula Shows: Enjoy authentic Hawaiian music and hula performances at venues like the Royal Hawaiian Center or the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound in Waikiki. Check their current performance schedules online for free shows.
Friday Night Fireworks (Check Status): Check locally if the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is still offering its free weekly fireworks display, typically on Friday evenings. It’s a popular spectacle over the lagoon if available.
