Top 10 Free Things to Do in Waikiki

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Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 10 Free Things to do in Waikiki, Oahu.

Just about any location you go these days, you can find free activities to do solo or with the whole family. This is also true for Waikiki!

Thanks to the massive tourism industry supported by folks like us; several hotels in the area provide free activities every day of the week.

Additionally, the Royal Hawaiian Center located in the heart of Waikiki, provides free cultural events that will enrich your experience and create those moments you will come home telling your friends about.

Top 10 Free Things to do in Waikiki

1. Experience the sunset on Waikiki beach. It’s free and happens everyday! Build this into your itinerary daily for a good dose of awe inspiring moments and pictures.

 2. Walk everywhere. There are trolleys and The Bus to take you just about anywhere around the Island, but riding them all the time will keep you from discovering those tucked-in shops or bars that make a trip fun!

Waikiki is contained in a few miles and it’s pedestrian friendly. Walking will keep you healthy while allowing for those spontaneous discoveries.

I was able to find art markets, free musical concerts and even meet a very interesting group of musicians who travel to Hawaii once an year along Waikiki beach, all because I walked…

3. Watch one of the many Hula shows in the main square in Waikiki (right by the gigantic tree- you won’t miss it).

There are usually two or more each month and if you ask the local ambassadors (volunteers that provide tourism information), they will be able to provide you the dates and times while you are visiting.

Another way to do this is just by watching the sunset everyday…that is how I stumbled upon it.

4. Learn to play the ukulele. Believe me, even if you are completely challenged in the musical area, you won’t want to miss this experience.

Instruments are provided for free to the first 25 participants each class and several “regulars” bring their own. Arrive at least 40 mins early to get in line and guarantee a spot. Read more about my experience here.

5. Make a lei (flower necklace) with the owners of the oldest lei shack in Waikiki.

You will get to keep about U$30 worth of the most beautiful, fragrant flowers in the island, learn a new skill and hear about the history of Hawaii. Oh, and you may just get lucky enough to get a hug and kiss in the process. Read more about this free activity here.

6. Take another free class. Not satisfied with learning an instrument and how to make a flower necklace? There are more options available through the Royal Hawaiian Center like Hawaiian storytelling or quilting. Here is a link to their schedule.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and history by giving these 10 Free Things to Do in Waikiki a try!

7. Farmer’s Market: there are a couple along Waikiki. One close to Kapiolani park on Kuhio Avenue and one that happens at the Waikiki Beach Walk on Lewers Street Thursdays from 5-8pm. It’s a free event, however I doubt you will leave without spending some cash. Since you walked there, you won’t feel guilty about the calories consumed!

8. Free Yoga. Need a little stretching? Classes are available every Wednesday at 4pm on Waikiki Beach Walk on Lewers Street. Other yoga classes are also offered by various hotels and studios indoors, outdoors or even on a paddle board. While in Oahu, I joined the yoga class at my hotel (Hilton) for $10.

9. Live music entertainment. Most hotels host a happy hour with local musicians. Just like the farmer’s market, it’s free, but you may end up enjoying a drink or two. I specially liked Hilton’s Happy Hour, because of its convinience (that’s where I stayed), but I also heard great things about Marriott’s Ukelele night.

10. Enjoy the beach. There is a long stretch of it and it doesn’t matter if you like to mingle (closer to Outrigger and Moana Surfrider) or to be left alone (towards Kuhio), you can find the perfect spot to spend the day.

These are my favorite 10 Free Things to do in Waikiki.

Do you have a favorite free activity in Waikiki?

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This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.