Budget Travelers Rejoice! There are lots of cheap things to do in Honolulu that you’re going to love. Whether you like hiking, eating, swimming, or all of the above, Honolulu has got you covered with lots of cheap and free activities.
But the fun doesn’t end there. You can also visit museums, shop for souvenirs, and take in some shows without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more!
Honolulu on a Budget
Honolulu is the best place in Hawaii if you want to travel on a budget. There are lower-cost hotel and condo rentals along with a plethora of food and shopping options. Plus, since Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital AND there are so many people living and visiting, there are lots of free programs and festivals throughout the year.
Of course, any Hawaii visitor should be prepared to spend money as needed, but you can still take advantage of these fantastic cheap things to do in Honolulu.
Check out the list below and let us know what your favorite activities are!
Our Favorite Cheap Things to Do in Honolulu
Beach Day
This is definitely the top thing to do in Honolulu, and it’s completely free! Grab your towel, sunscreen, some snacks, and whatever beach toys you want, and have a fun day out on the shoreline. There are dozens of beaches on Oahu. Choose a spot in glistening, busy Waikiki – or get out of the city for more space and different scenery. Just be sure to be safe and follow the lifeguards’ guidance.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Hawaii, and you can hike to its peak! It costs a few dollars to park and access the hike, and reservations are required.
Waikiki Aquarium
You’ll find bigger and better aquariums than the one in Waikiki, but we still love this little gem. Admission is relatively cheap, there are lots of great exhibits, and it’s a fun thing to do when it’s time to get off the beach and out of the sun. Or, consider the Waikiki Aquarium for a fun rainy day activity in Honolulu!
Crack Seed Store
Have you ever heard of a Honolulu crack seed store? These small shops offer a range of local candy and treats, like Li Hing Mui, lemon peel, arare, and dried fruit. Be careful, you may end up discovering a new favorite snack that you can only find in the islands!
Shave Ice
Here’s another snack that makes for a cheap activity in Honolulu. Grab a shave ice, sit at a picnic table, and enjoy Hawaii’s coolest treat. I think shave ice in Hawaii is better than anywhere else – you’ll get fresh and unique flavors, powdery ice, plus a fantastic setting.
Swap Meet
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is the go-to place for cheap shopping in Honolulu. Get souvenirs, snacks, unique finds, and produce. You can even get a massage! The swap meet costs a couple of dollars to get in and is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Pearl Harbor
Visiting Pearl Harbor tops most people’s Honolulu Bucket List. But lots of visitors are surprised that this is also a cheap thing to do in Honolulu. In fact, besides the $1 reservation, visiting the Arizona Memorial is free!
Capitol Modern (Hawaii State Art Museum)
There’s a free art museum in Honolulu that’s definitely worth a stop! Come by the museum on a rainy day, during time out and about in Honolulu, or if you have extra time before your flight. There are multiple galleries and exhibitions to check out, and it’s in a fun location.
Manoa Falls
Hiking is one of our favorite cheap things to do in Honolulu! And Manoa Falls checks all the boxes for a family-friendly hike. It’s short and pretty easy to complete, it’s right in Honolulu, and you’ll get to see a waterfall along with other tropical plant life.
Lyon Arboretum
Lyon Arboretum is such a great place to visit! The 200-acre property has over seven miles of walking trails and hundreds of plants and trees to discover. It’s free to visit, but donations are encouraged.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is outside of Honolulu, but it’s worth the drive to explore this gorgeous area. Admission is free, and the scenery is awe-inspiring. Emerald green mountains surround the tropical gardens, which also feature a calm pond, walking trails, and a visitor center.
Ala Moana Center
Visiting Ala Moana Center can be a cheap thing to do in Honolulu, but it’s also your chance to spend a little bit of money. There are over 350 shops and restaurants in this mega mall. Window shop to keep costs down, and then enjoy a cheap meal in the massive food court.
Hula Show
Head to Kuhio Beach on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday morning for a free 45-minute hula show! Kilohana Hula Show is a professional-quality production that showcases the beauty of hula.
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Here’s another hike that you’ll absolutely love. The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail takes you along the coast to a sweeping overlook. This 2.5-mile moderate hike is in Waimanalo, just outside of Honolulu.
Walk Through Waikiki
Want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Waikiki? You don’t have to make big plans – simply walk along Kalakaua Avenue. I like to go in the morning to see the beaches and shops before they’re overcrowded, but if you’re into people watching, join the masses during peak hours. Stop into souvenir shops, small restaurants, or the high-end boutiques that line the street.
Eat a Musubi
You can’t leave Honolulu without trying a Musubi! Luckily, this is one of the cheapest things to eat in the islands. If you have a light appetite, one or two musubis could be your lunch. Or pack them along for a beach snack (just like the locals do!). Find them in most convenience stores.
Waikiki Fireworks
The Hilton Hawaiian Village presents a free fireworks show each Friday at 7:45 PM. Find a spot on Waikiki Beach and watch the shoreline illuminate with a short but impressive production.
Happy Hour
You can’t beat a Hawaii happy hour. Settle into a beachside restaurant and enjoy a tropical cocktail – all while saving money! Lots of Waikiki restaurants feature happy hour deals for drinks and food, so you can also get a light, early dinner for cheap.
Don Quijote
Every city has that grocery store. The place that has great deals, a little bit of everything, and unique finds. It’s always extra busy, but also lots of fun to visit. For Honolulu, that’s Don Quijote. This bustling store is a great place to pick up groceries, unique snacks, and grab-and-go meals like sushi, noodles, and local Hawaiian food.
Walk Downtown Honolulu
When you think of Honolulu, you may picture Waikiki. But there’s more to the city than the stretch of shops and hotels along Kalakaua Avenue. If you want to see unique architecture and get a feel for local Hawaii life, head to downtown Honolulu and walk around for a bit.
Try Poke
Poke is another must-eat food in Hawaii, and it makes for a pretty cheap meal too! Lots of grocery stores have poke counters where you can get a scoop of fresh, marinated fish on top of steaming rice.
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation is located outside of Honolulu in the town of Wahiawa. It’s free to go to the visitors center, which has some pineapple plants around it and sells Dole Whips. You can pay per activity here as well, which helps make this a cheap thing to do near Honolulu. Ride the garden train, enter the maze, or take a walking tour.
Kayak
Rent a kayak to enjoy a day out on the water. A kayak rental will save you money versus booking a spot on a guided tour. Kailua Bay is our favorite place to kayak on Oahu – the calm conditions and great scenery are worth the drive outside of Honolulu. Nearby rental shops make getting your kayak easy.
Plantation Village
Plantation Village in Waipahu is a hidden gem. This highly-rated outdoor museum takes you back in time to Hawaii’s plantation days (around 1850-1950). See how cultures came together to work and live by seeing restored buildings, exhibits, and gardens.
Honolulu Fish Auction
Ever wonder how Hawaii’s restaurants get their fresh fish? Well, you can see it for yourself during the Honolulu fish auction. During this unique process, fresh fish are offered to bidders during a high-paced and busy auction. You can come and watch for free, or book a guided tour to get the most out of this unique experience.
Ride the Bus
Honolulu has a vast bus system and a new skyline that connects certain points. This can make for a cheap way to get around, especially as you avoid paying for parking! TheBus has individual fares for $3 along with day caps and multi-day options. The Honolulu rail connects Kapolei with the Aloha Stadium area.
Chinatown
No visit to Honolulu is complete without stopping by Chinatown. This is a fun place to shop, eat, explore, and take in the arts. Try a Dim Sum restaurant, buy a fresh lei, or peruse an Asian store.
Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Hawaiian Center is NOT a cheap place to shop in Honolulu. It has a lot of high-end retailers and upscale restaurants. But, if you want to look around and enjoy a sweet atmosphere, this is a great place to go.
Here’s the deal: the event calendar at the Royal Hawaiian Center is where you’ll really find the best cheap things to do in Honolulu. There are free concerts, stargazing programs, lei-making classes, ukulele lessons, and more.
Snorkel
Snorkeling is a fun and cheap way to enjoy the glistening waters of Honolulu. Pack gear from home, rent it at an activity shop, or buy it from a retailer on the island. You can snorkel along Waikiki Beach, but you may see more marine life when conditions are calm on North Shore Oahu.
Byodo-In Temple
Nestled below the mountains in Kaneohe, you’ll find a serene spot that’s perfect for escaping the bustle of Honolulu. And it’s cheap to visit! For a few bucks, you can explore the grounds and gardens of Byodo-In Temple, a smaller replica of the World Heritage Site in Japan.
Day Trip to North Shore
A trip to North Shore Oahu is always worth the drive. And once you’re there, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Walk around Haleiwa, watch expert surfers tackle monstrous waves, cool off at Waimea Bay, and stop by a food truck.
Stand Up Paddle Board
Honolulu is a fun place to try Stand Up Paddleboarding. Rentals usually start around $30, and thrifty families can take turns circling calm areas on the board. Popular SUP spots on Oahu include Ala Moana Beach Park, Kaimana Beach, and Kailua Beach Park.
Whale Watch
In the winter, whale watching becomes a favorite pastime for visitors and residents alike. Booking a boat tour will get you closer to these majestic sea creatures, but you can easily see them from shore for free. Look out from Makapuu Lighthouse Point, Diamond Head, or even your hotel balcony!
Take a Morning Beach Walk
Up early? This is the perfect chance to beat the crowds to the beach and enjoy some outdoor time before things heat up. Take along your coffee and a pastry and get your toes in the sand. Long beaches that are great for walking include Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Waimanalo Beach.
Rent a Bike
If you’re comfortable riding bikes, then this is a fun and cheap way to get around Honolulu. Biki rentals are located throughout Honolulu, or you can go through a shop for a range of bike options.
Watch the Sunset
It’s been a long day enjoying the best cheap things to do in Honolulu! Now there’s one cheap activity left: watch the sunset! Find a picnic table and bring along a plate lunch, or simply relax and take in the views. Favorite places to watch the sunset include Kakaako Waterfront Park, Tantalus and Round Top Drive, and Aloha Moana Beach Park.
Planning a Hawaii Vacation on a Budget
A Hawaii vacation doesn’t have to be overly expensive! Work with the team at Hawaii Aloha Travel to plan a vacation on a budget. We’ll help secure deals on hotels and activities while putting together a vacation plan that works great for you. We can’t wait to connect!
