Best Free Activities In Hawaii

So, you’re coming to Hawaii and between the airfare, the hotel and a few pre-booked activities, you’re kind of left wondering – what can I do for free in Hawaii? Don’t worry – I get it! Some might say that everything in Hawaii costs money, but I disagree. There are so many free things to do in the Hawaiian Islands! Today I’m sharing the best free activities in Hawaii. I’m covering every island [noted in brackets after each activity], so no matter which one you’re visiting, this post should be helpful! Let’s get started on all the best free things to do in Hawaii…

Best Free Activities In Hawaii

Go to the beach [all islands] This one seems really obvious, but we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here!

Visit the Birthing Stones in Wahiawa [Oahu]

Snorkel in Shark’s Cove [Oahu]

Take a hike! Here are my top 10 hikes on Oahu + 6 easy hikes in Oahu 🙂

Drive through Haleiwa town — here are my top 10 things to do in Haleiwa 🙂

Watch the waves at Waimea Bay [during winter months on Oahu]

Stroll through Paia and find the colorful surfboards [Maui]

Watch the sunrise/sunset – it’s worth the early wake up call for sunrise! Here are the best places to watch the sunset on Oahu 🙂 [all islands]

Visit Pearl Harbor – taking the tours cost money, but a self-guided walk through is free! [Oahu]

Watch the fireworks show in Waikiki Beach on Friday nights [Oahu]

Visit Rainbow Falls [Big Island]

Visit Waimea Canyon [Kauai]

Sample coffee at Kauai Coffee Company (get the banana bread flavor!) [Kauai]

Stop at Lanikea Beach or Haleiwa Beach Park to see sea turtles [Oahu] **NOTE: Disturbing, touch or otherwise bothering the turtles is a federal offense. Observe them from a distance only!**

Walk through Waipio Valley [Big Island]

Walk through Lahaina and look for whales from the shoreline (only in the winter months) [Maui]

Drive the Road to Hana [Maui]

Hike through Akaka Falls State Park [Big Island]

Hike through a bamboo forest to a waterfall on the Pipiwai Trail [Maui]

Tour a coffee farm [Big Island]

Hike to the top of the Pink Pillbox to watch the sunset on the west side of Oahu

Visit Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden on the east side of Oahu in Kaneohe [Oahu]

Pay respects at Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific [Oahu]

Go see Wailua Falls – Fantasy Island fans may recognize it 😉 [Kauai]

Go up Mauna Kea [Big Island] — there may be a small fee involved in this now, but it is SO worth it!

Drive up Haleakala [Maui]

Walk through Kaimuki, Kakaako or Manoa — all unique neighborhoods that have cute restaurants and shops [Oahu]

Free classes at Royal Hawaiian Center [Oahu] and Shops At Wailea [Maui] — classes included ukulele and lei making among others 🙂

Visit Chinatown and see the beautiful flower shops [Oahu]

Drive to Spouting Horn, a blowhole near Poipu Beach – it sounds like a horn is blowing! [Kauai]

Learn the history of Molokai at the Father Damien Museum in Honolulu [Oahu]

Walk across the Swinging Bridge [Kauai]

Hike out to Shipwreck Beach for sunrise [Lanai]

Head to Honolulu Fish Auction at Kewalo Basin around 5AM to see all the local fishermen come in and auction off the fresh fish to restaurants [Oahu]

Watch the windsurfers at Ho’okipa [Maui]

Browse a farmer’s market to see local produce and wares from farmers and artisans (bring cash if you plan to buy!) [all islands]

Take photos at Queen’s Bath [Kauai]

Visit the historic Banyan Tree in Lahaina [Maui]

Learn traditional bread making techniques at Kona Historical Society [Big Island]

Drive through Garden of the Gods [Lanai]

Visit the ancient fish ponds on the Windward side [Oahu]

In the winter months, grab a pair of binoculars and head up Makapuu Lighthouse Trail to spot whales! [Oahu]

Drive to South Point and see fearless jumpers dive into the water below at the southernmost point of the U.S. [Big Island]

Attend the nightly cultural event (hula and torch lighting) at International Marketplace in Waikiki [Oahu]

Take the historical tour at Moana Surfrider Hotel in Honolulu + then walk through the basement (not guided) of The Royal Hawaiian to see Waikiki’s history. [Oahu]

Park at Fort DeRussy in Honolulu and walk through the U.S. Army Museum (it’s quite small) but pretty interesting! [Oahu]

Hike out to Green Sand Beach — PACK WATER! [Big Island]

Spend the afternoon floating in the tide pools around the islands, but BE WARY OF TIDES and make smart choices if you are not a swimmer. [all islands]

Drive around any of the islands + find little-known treasures like hidden shave ice stands or mac nut farms!

See a black sand beach [Maui + Big Island]

Stroll through the murals of Kakaako – they are changed frequently so you can do this over and over 🙂 [Oahu]

If it rains during your trip (How To Spend A Rainy Day In Hawaii), drive H3 to see the majestic natural waterfalls running off the mountains [Oahu]

I hope this list of free things to do in Hawaii is helpful + that (hopefully) you’ve found an activity or two to guide your next vacation to Hawaii. Even though this list is long, it’s still not exhaustive of the free activities to do here in the Hawaiian Islands, which is kind of crazy! Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy your time in Hawaii 🙂