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Visiting the island isn’t nice to your wallet, and we definitely know the struggle. However, there are a list of FREE and inexpensive activities to consider while here! Below, we have compiled a list of some of Oahu’s budget friendly activities and sights that you are not going to want to miss while you’re here! Let’s start saving…

Pearl Harbor

Now, this one does require you to wake up early and head to your destination. However, we can guarantee that it is worth it! Pearl Harbor hands out 1,300 FREE tickets every day, starting at 7AM. It seems early, but with so much to do in one day, this would be a great time to start! Not only are you able to pay your respects and embark on a historical journey, you will also be able to see, firsthand, the ships that were involved. This is a great experience for all ages and what makes it even better is that it is FREE!

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

Chances are, you have seen several pictures of Hoomaluhia when planning your trip to Oahu. Lucky for you, you too can experience the beauty that this botanical garden has to offer! With such amazing views, this alone can take up a chunk of your day and is completely free upon entry (excluding Christmas and New Years)! Our suggestion is to pick up a few snacks and have a picnic in this scenic area. You won’t regret it.

Hawaii State Art Museum

Are you wanting to experience Hawaii’s rich culture? This is the perfect place for you to do so! Although small, this museum has a lot of culture and history to share, as well as free events that are open to the public! One such event is an art lunch, where you are able to meet and greet local artists.

Kuhio Beach Hula Show

The Kuhio Beach Hula Show has been mentioned in a previous blogpost, but we just cannot stress this enough! This is a FREE hula show that takes places every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evening on Kuhio Beach. If you’re wanting to experience an authentic show, but don’t way to pay the prices of a luau, this show is what you’ve been looking for!

Classes at the Royal Hawaiian

The Royal Hawaiian Center offers complimentary classes Monday–Saturday, and live entertainment Tuesday–Saturday. Expert kumu (teachers) will teach you arts including lei making, lauhala weaving, hula, ‘ukulele playing and more!

There are so many places to see and activities to partake in that don’t require you to spend more than you’d like. These are just a few favorite and noteworthy budget friendly activities that were worth sharing. Polynesian Residences has the inside scoop on all things Oahu, and can assure you that there are more budget friendly ideas coming soon!

Just a 4 minute drive from the Polynesian Residences is the Hawaii Convention Center. The Hawaii Convention Center, or HCC, is an event space like no other, offering both form and function. Known for its beautiful, open architecture, the HCC is home to some of the island’s biggest events. Provided below are just a few of the August events happening at HCC that you can attend during your stay with Polynesian Residences!

Comic con Honolulu

8/2-8/4

Comic Con Honolulu is a 3 day All-Genre convention that takes place at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Fandoms of all types are welcome here, and the convention will feature guests from Comic, Gaming, Television and Movie industries, as well as local artists, vendors, and costumers.

Visit this site to register and find more information on Comic Con Honolulu!

Joy of Sake

8/9
6:30PM-9:00PM

The Joy of Sake holds events throughout the year in the firm belief that the best way to learn about sake is through actual tasting experiences. During this event, you will be able to experience a variety of different sakes being produced today.

Visit this site to buy tickets of find more information of Joy of Sake.

Heiva I Honolulu

8/17

In a nutshell, Heiva I Honolulu is Hawaii’s biggest and best Tahitian dance competition and festival. From the fast hip shaking Otea movements to the powerful beating drums to the seductive rhythms of song and legends, this competition is sure to entertain. 

Visit this site to buy tickets and find more information on Heive I Honolulu!

Sunset Mele and Night Market

8/30

Sunset Mele and Night Market is a free community event showcasing live entertainment, family-friendly movie, pop-up marketplace, local eats and drinks. If you’re looking for a night of fun, all while supporting local vendors, then Sunset Mele and Night Market is the event for you.

Visit this site for more information!

37th Okinawan Festival

8/31-9/1

Started in 1982, the Okinawan Festival, by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, is meant to share Okinawan culture with the public through exhibitions and demonstrations. Come to experience unforgettable performances and food and immerse yourself in Okinawan aloha.

What to do on Oahu? With so many activities for you and your travel companions to enjoy, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. So, to help you better navigate our island we’ve shared a few of our favorites below.

If you have any suggestions, please let us know in the comment section!

Shark Diving

North shore, Oahu

For the adventure seekers looking for an underwater thrill, try shark cage diving! On this tour, you’ll dive with sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage!

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, this tour takes you three miles offshore where you will observe Galapagos and Sandbar sharks while in a cage.

Enjoy an Authentic Hawaiian Luau

Waikiki, Oahu

Enjoy a Gourmet Farm to Table ultra-Premium Luau while being entertained by one of the best shows on the island. This Luau comes highly recommended!

Learn to Surf!

Waikiki, Oahu

Spend more time surfing with “Gone Surfing Hawaii,” located on Waikiki beach. Instructors will teach you the basics on the beach before heading into the ocean. Classes are offered at all levels, whether you are just beginning or looking to hone your skills.

Rent a Kayak

Kailua, Oahu

Kailua Beach Adventures is the water sports company which offers kayak rentals, guided tours, snorkeling rentals, stand up paddle boards and fun beach activities. Conveniently located near Kailua beach for easy kayak transport.

Tour Pearl Harbor

Honolulu, Oahu

Pearl Harbor is Hawaii’s number one visitor destination with over 1.8 million visitors a year. At the focal point is the USS Arizona Memorial, which marks the resting place for 1,102 sailors and marines who were killed when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. Next, to the Arizona Memorial is USS Bowfin Submarine Museum nicknamed The Pearl Harbor Avenger because she was launched on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Also, part of the tour is with the Battleship Missouri, best remembered as the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan which ended World War Two. And finally, located nearby on Fort Island, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

For more things to do on Oahu check out our blog, 10 Most Instagrammable Places.

Poke and poke bowls have become a popular dish around the United States and chances are, you may have tried it in your home town.  But do you know where this delicious dish originated? You may be surprised to learn that poke actually comes from Hawaii. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made of fresh fish, usually ahi (tuna), limu (seaweed), inamona or kukui nut (candlenut) and sea salt. From its original form, poke has evolved into a local “must have” at every social event, celebration or gathering. Poke, once thought of as a pupu or appetizer, is now commonly eaten as a meal in the form of a Poke bowl — fresh poke on a bed of hot steamed rice or on a fresh crisp salad. For those of you who have never tried it, there’s no better place to get it than here in the islands.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite local food eateries which include our top poke spots.

Aloha Poke

Located at 1111 Bishop St. Suite 116

Fresh from the boat to your bowl, Aloha Poke Shop makes your poke fresh upon ordering using the best locally sourced products.  Their locally sourced tuna, marlin, ono and other pelagic fishes are fresh, never frozen, and will not be treated with carbon monoxide, tasteless smoke or other preservatives to mask its true quality.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Located at 1240 N School St.

If you’re only going to one spot for traditional Hawaiian food, make it Helena’s. Helena’s won a James Beard America’s Classics award in 2000, but locals have been lining up since 1946. New to Hawaiian food?  Try the Set Menu D: which comes with kalua pig, lomi salmon, pipikaula (air-dried, juicy short ribs, quickly fried for crunch), and squid lū’au (a savory dish of squid and young taro leaves coconut in coconut milk) and poi (pounded taro, eaten as a primary starch) or rice. Due to its popularity, the line to get into the restaurant can be very long and if that’s the case order takeout.  There’s nothing like laulau and rice in the comfort of your own home or hotel room.

Pho 97

Located at 1120 Maunakea St.

Pho 97 has an extensive menu which can make ordering your first meal there a challenge.  We suggest the bun rieu soup — hearty and generous with delicate crab cakes and cubes of pig’s blood; com tam (broken rice) combo with barbecue pork, steamed egg, vermicelli cake, shredded pork-pig ears, and a fried egg; and finally, any of their pho dishes are just incredible.

L&L

Located around the Island.

Plate lunches (main entrée a scoop of rice and side salad) are HUGE in Hawaii and in the early years, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue was known for their fresh plate lunches. In late 1999, their founders – Johnson Kam and Eddie Flores, Jr. – introduced their restaurant to residents of California. Since then, the chain has found fans around the world with L&L restaurants in Hawaii, California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Texas, New York, Tennessee, Guam and Japan. In addition to the fresh, culturally-commingling flavors of Hawaii, every L&L meal is infused with the warmth of aloha – the legendary spirit of welcome that makes every guest feel at home.

 

Artizen by MW

Artizen is casual downtown offshoot of the MW Restaurant (another favorite) is worth a visit for the desserts alone. The savory dishes change daily, but regulars have their favorite bentos and plate lunches. The coconut cake and chocolate are superb classics amped up with intensity and precision.

 

Kyung’s Seafood

Located at 1269 S King St.

Kyung’s is a local favorite located in downtown Honolulu. Its dinner menu is perfect for a night of good company coupled with seafood and spicy Korean food. Share the large sashimi platter with a group of friends and add on a few hot dishes and a pitcher of strawberry soju slush, and call it a night. Kyung’s also make great poke (especially the salmon-‘ahi mix).

Liliha Bakery

Located at 515 N Kuakini St.

Try the classic Hawaiian dessert, Coco Puffs from Liliha Bakery. Each one is made of three parts: choux pastry, chocolate pudding, and chantilly (while chantilly usually means whipped cream, in Hawaii it often refers to a frosting made from whipped butter, egg yolks, and sugar). Liliha Bakery also doubles as a legendary diner. Dine in and order the crisp waffles and the butter roll.

Sushi Izakaya Gaku

Located at 1329 S King St

Packed nightly make reservations a must at Gaku, a classic izakaya with a cult following. Gaku is a casual place, but meals can add up quickly especially with sake involved. We suggest ordering the negitoro tartare (with masago, ponzu, green onions, and a raw quail egg), the uni and ikura shooters topped with shoyu jelly, and the house-made tofu.

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Waiola Shave Ice

Located at 2135 Waiola St.

There are many shave ice spots to choose from, but we can’t help coming back to Waiola, mostly for the nostalgia and the affordability.  For only $3 you get a large cone or cup with up to three flavors and there is an enormous selection of flavors — don’t leave town without trying the li hing mui (salty dried plum) or pickled mango.

 

Malassadas at Leonard’s Bakery

Located at 933 Kapahulu Ave.

Everyone agrees that a hot-from-the-fryer malassada at Leonard’s is an iconic Honolulu experience. The glorious deep-fried dough tends to be on the eggy side, moist with a perfectly golden exterior and just enough sugar. They come plain, dusted with li hing mui, or cinnamon sugar. The malassada puffs are another great option— those come stuffed with custard, haupia (a cross between coconut milk pudding and jelly), or dobash (chocolate) pudding.

Located at 933 Kapahulu Ave.

 

 

The island of Oahu is remarkably beautiful; from its clear blue ocean waters to its lush green mountain ranges. And although it’s easy to get caught enjoying the beach located just a block from the hotel, we suggest exploring the island by way of hiking through it.

Make sure to pack accordingly with the right shoes, plenty of water, sunblock, and don’t forget your camera! Because not everyone is experienced with hiking, we have listed our favorite hikes in order of difficulty, beginning with the easiest.

1. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Location: Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72)
Marvel at the scenic shoreline! With its short ascent (just under a mile), its paved trail, and its breath-taking views of Makapu’u beach and mountain ridges. We deem this hike a must for hikers at all levels! If you are visiting during the Winter season, you may also see wondrous humpback whales breaching in the distance.

Easy parking located off Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72) at the southeastern-most
point of Oahu.

2. Manoa Falls

Location: 3860 Manoa Road past Lyon Arboretum
Conveniently located near Waikiki, this is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on Oahu. Hikers enjoy a well-maintained, 1.6-mail hike to a glorious 150ft waterfall. Due to the location and ease of the trail, this hike typically has a lot of hiking traffic but is definitely worth visiting.

We do warn against going into the water due to the chance of contracting the bacterial disease leptospirosis.

3 Lanikai Pillbox Hike 

Location: 265 Kaelepulu Drive.

Popular among locals, you’re bound to enjoy this short, kid-friendly hike with incredible views of the Mokulua Islands. This hike is ranked as easy to moderate.

4. Koko Crater Arch

Location: Park at Halona Blowhole overlook. The trail will be located on the left.

This short 0.9-mile hike takes you to a natural arch on the side of Koko Crater. This trail features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate, although most of the trail is easy there are parts of the hike that are very steep. Use caution while hiking in these areas and make sure to wear the proper hiking shoes.

5. Kaena Point Trail

Location: Take H1 freeway west. Keep going until you get to Kaena Point State Park.

This unique hike is special in regard to its connection to traditional Hawaiian spirituality. Kaena Point or “Laina A Ka ‘Uhane” is known as the “jumping off point.” In ancient Hawaiian it is believed that the soul travels west before leaving this earthly realm. In the case of the people on Oahu, the souls of the ancient’s journey to the westernmost point of the island which is at Ka ‘ena Point.

The trail to leads to a remote and scenic protected area harboring some of the last vestiges of coastal sand dune habitat on the island, and home to native plants and
seabirds. Whales can be seen during the winter season.

With stunning beaches, clear blue ocean water, rainbows, and lush mountain ranges, Hawaii is one of the most picturesque places in the world. While you’re staying with us, take advantage of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you! We’ve put together a list of Oahu’s most Instarammable places which includes everything from fun hikes to ono (delicious) bites.

Here are some of the best spots around the island which are sure to make your friends and family jealous.

1. Banzai Pipeline

Location: 59-473 Ke Waena Rd., Haleiwa

Known around the world for its perfect barreling waves, Banzai Pipeline, is a surfer’s paradise. Although beautiful, the waves can be too intense for the novice swimmer, so be sure to look for warning signs prior to going into the water. And if you’re not able to get into the water, no worries, photos of these massive waves are sure to excite.

2. Tantalus Lookout

Location: Nutridge St., Honolulu

Soaring high above Oahu’s major city, Honolulu, Tantalus offers breath-taking views of the city-scape. Originally named “Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a,” or “Hill of the Rolling Sweet Potato,” named for the the sweet potato gardens that once grown atop the mountain.

Capture beautiful photos of the magnificent view, day or night.

3. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice

Location: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa

Shave Ice is a Hawaiian dessert, similar to a snow cone, as it is made from ice; the difference however, is that shave ice is exactly that, shaved ice, while snow cones are made from crushed ice. One of the most popular Shave Ice distributors on Island is arguably, Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, located on the North Shore in Haleiwa town.

The brightly colored syrups aren’t just tasty, but photo worthy as well!

4. Omaluhia Botanical Garden 

Location: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a tropical paradise with palm frond bearing plants and other lush greenery. If you plan on visiting, we suggest going early in the morning, as this popular destination tends to become crowded later in the day.

5. Crouching Lion 

Location: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Hiking enthusiasts LOVE this hike! Although, extremely beautiful, this trail can be extremely dangerous, as this is a mountain ridge with steep drop-offs. We caution all hikers, novice and pro, to pay attention to the trail. We also suggest not hiking during the winter season (rainy season). That said, the views from this hike are magnificent and the photos produced are sure to please your social media followers. Just be careful when taking these snaps!

6. Lanikai Beach 

Location: Kailua, HI 96734

Voted the Best Beach in America, it’s no wonder Lanikai Beach is so popular! Enjoy 3 miles of white sand, flat turquoise water, and a chill atmosphere. Any photo taken here is bound to be gorgeous. If it’s a clear day, we challenge you to photograph the Mokulua Islands, or “Mokes” off shore at Lanikai Beach.

7. Wings of the North Shore 

Location: 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa

Colette Miller’s fun Angel Ming mural is one of the hottest and most instagrammable places on Oahu. Make sure to stop of for a photo when you are in Haleiwa getting your Shave Ice. This mural is located directly in front of Anahulu’s shave ice spot.

8. Olomana ( Three Peaks) 

Location: Auloa Road, Kailua Road

Not a hiking fan? This trail is not for you. Olomana or “Three Peaks” is a 4.5 mile hike which flows up three mountain peaks. Each peak more difficult then the next. There are ropes which hang down to assist climbers on the steeper portions of the hike, however, we would advice you to not rely on these as there is no telling how old they are or how well they are tied.

If you are up to the task, make sure to bring a camera or a smart phone as the photos from the top of the first peak are pure magic!

9. Waikiki Beach

Catch the sunset on Waikiki Beach, and you’ll be happy you did! Waikiki Beach is known for some of the best sunsets the world over. The beach is not too bad itself.

This two-mile beach is made up of 8-sections all of which are busy with tourists from all over the world. Though, if you get to the beach early in the morning, you’ll likely find the perfect toursist-less place to take your photo.

10. Manoa Falls

Location: End of Manoa Road, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822

And Finally, our list would not be complete without a Hawaiian waterfall. Manoa Falls is pretty easy with a rewarding 150-foot waterfall at the end. We suggest going early due to the popularity and ease of this hiking trail.