Free Stuff to Do in Hawaii: From Waterfalls to Whale Watching
Let’s address the lava-covered elephant in the room: Hawaii isn’t exactly known for being budget-friendly. But what if we told you that some of the best experiences in Hawaii are totally, gloriously free? Yup, this isn’t a drill. From chasing waterfalls (literally) to dancing at a sunset hula show, the islands are basically throwing a tropical block party, and your wallet isn’t even invited.
We’re breaking down the top free things to do in Hawaii that will have you beach-hopping, culture-soaking, and Insta-story-bragging your way through Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai. This includes everything from snorkeling at uncrowded beaches to catching live music in public parks. With a scenic ridge trail, beach parks, and even free entry to sites like the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, there’s no need to choose between adventure and your credit score.
If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Hawaii that still delivers max vibes, you’re in the right place. This guide is your ticket to guilt-free fun, with plenty of awesome activities—family friendly, budget-conscious, and packed with history and beauty. So grab your reef-safe sunscreen, channel your inner Moana, and let’s get tropical.
Oahu: Free Culture, Views & Beach Days for Days
Waikiki Beach & Kuhio Hula Show
After a day in the sand, stick around for the free hula show at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. It runs several nights a week and features live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancers.
Bonus: the show often starts right as the sun dips, making it a sunset-and-show twofer and one of the most memorable things to do in Hawaii for free.
Craving more beach bliss? Head to Lanikai Beach, a short drive from Waikiki and often ranked among the world’s most stunning. Hike Diamond Head at sunrise for epic views, then refuel at Green World Coffee Farm en route to the North Shore.
📍 Kalakaua Ave & Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Royal Hawaiian Center
This upscale shopping hub doubles as a cultural playground. Don’t miss the free hula, lei-making, and ukulele classes offered throughout the week. It’s family-friendly and the perfect break from beach lounging (or impulse shopping). You can learn a few Hawaiian words, string your own plumeria lei, or pick up some serious ukulele skills—all without spending a dime. Plus, the shaded courtyards and live music make it a great spot to cool off mid-day.
📍 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The visitor center, museums, and USS Arizona Memorial boat tour are all free. You’ll want to reserve your boat tickets online ahead of time (they go fast), but walking through this powerful historical site is a must for any first-time visitor. The exhibits are deeply moving, with personal stories and artifacts that bring history to life.
📍 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
Ala Moana Beach Park
An easy stroll from Waikiki, perfect for swimming, jogging, picnicking, or watching the sunset. It’s less touristy than Waikiki, and yes, free parking is a rare blessing on this island. Locals come here for morning jogs, hula hoop classes, and chilled-out picnics with poke and musubi.
It’s one of those low-key gems that captures the essence of free activities Hawaii is known for. Grab a shady tree and stay for the golden-hour glow that lights up the skyline.
📍 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Free Hikes to Brag About
Manoa Falls Trail – Trek through a lush rainforest to reach a dreamy 150-ft waterfall. The 1.5-mile hike is short, sweet, and sweaty.
📍 Na Ala Hele, Honolulu, HI 96822
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail – A paved trail with killer coastal views. Whale season (Nov–May) makes it even better.
📍 Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795
ʻAiea Loop Trail – A moderately challenging 4.8-mile loop with views of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from above.
📍 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701
Maui: Free-To-Roam Vibes With Sunset Energy
Kaʻanapali Beach
Stroll along the beachfront boardwalk, snorkel near Black Rock, or just lie out under a coconut tree. All beaches in Maui are public, so you can live your resort dreams without booking a suite. Keep an eye out for cliff divers performing at sunset; it’s a full-on vibe. The beach walk is lined with restaurants, tiki torches, and live music at night, so you can keep the fun going long after your swim.
📍 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Napili Bay
This crescent-shaped bay is as calm as your post-mai-tai mood. Ideal for families and beginner snorkelers. Bonus: the sunsets here are next level. The water is crystal clear, and if you’re lucky, you might swim alongside a sea turtle or two. It’s also less crowded than some other west-side beaches, making it perfect for a peaceful beach day.
📍 Napili Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Golden sand, turquoise surf, and a wild, untamed vibe. Makena is big, bold, and beloved. No lifeguards, so swim smart. It’s a local favorite for bodyboarding and sunbathing with serious elbow room. The waves here can be intense, so it’s more for confident swimmers than toddlers with floaties. But even just lounging and people-watching is a total mood.
📍 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Ho‘okipa Beach Lookout
Watch elite windsurfers cut through waves or catch sea turtles napping near the shore. At sunset, the lookout transforms into one of the island’s most serene and photogenic scenes. There are usually local photographers around capturing the magic, and the breeze up there is just chef’s kiss. If you’re into surf photography or dreamy landscape shots, bring your camera and linger.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
This breezy Kapalua Coastal Trail passes tide pools, lava rock, and luxury resorts. Great for walkers, wanderers, and whale watchers. There are multiple beach access points along the way, so bring your swimsuit for a spontaneous dip. Wear proper shoes—parts of the path are rocky and uneven but oh-so-worth it for the views. And if you time it right, you can end your walk with a sunset swim at Kapalua Bay.
📍 99 Coconut Grove Ln, Lahaina, HI 96761
Shoreline Whale Watching
From November to May, spot humpback whales along the coast of Lahaina and Kihei. Bring your zoom lens! Morning hours are usually best, and you don’t even need binoculars to catch a tail slap. Look for blow spouts, breaching whales, or the classic tail flick as they dive. And yes, it’s just as thrilling as any boat tour, without the price tag.
📍 Anywhere along Honoapiilani Hwy, West Maui coastline
Kauai: Free & Wild on the Garden Isle
Waimea Canyon Lookout
The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” has lookouts that will make your jaw drop and your camera cry with joy. The colors shift with the sunlight, giving you a new view every five minutes. Bring a jacket—it can get chilly at the top, even on sunny days. And don’t rush, there are multiple stops with totally different perspectives.
📍 Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796
Wailua Falls
Two-tiered and full of drama, this waterfall is visible from the roadside, no hiking boots needed. Arrive early to avoid tour buses and catch the rainbow mist in the morning sun. The lookout is super accessible and great for quick photo ops. Adventurous types might spot unofficial trails nearby, but stick to safe zones.
Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail
This coastal Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail hike brings fossil-rich cliffs and sacred sites into view, starting from Shipwreck Beach. You’ll pass ancient Hawaiian fishing spots and hidden coves where you might be the only one there. It’s perfect for early risers who want solitude and sunrise views. Pack water and sunscreen; there’s no shade but tons of photo moments.
📍 Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, Koloa, HI 96756
Lydgate Beach Park
With protected swimming areas and a killer playground, this one’s a family crowd-pleaser. There’s also a paved walking path and picnic tables, perfect for post-snorkel snacking. Kids can splash safely in the enclosed lagoons, and the nearby bike trail makes for an easy adventure. It’s one of those rare places where everyone—toddlers to grandparents—has a good time.
Spouting Horn
This natural blowhole shoots sea spray with a soundtrack of dramatic hissing. A fan favorite! Bonus: local vendors nearby sell handmade crafts, making this a great pit stop for souvenirs. Legend has it that the hissing is the cry of a trapped lizard god. So yes, even the folklore is extra. Just don’t stand too close unless you want a salty splash!
Your No-Stress Game Plan: What to Do Before You Go
Sure, spontaneity sounds cool, but let’s be honest, winging it in Hawaii can mean missed hikes, overpriced parking, or forgetting reef-safe sunscreen and spending a lot on it at a beach shack. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or seeking out the best free things to do Hawaii has to offer, here’s how to plan your trip like a seasoned surf god/goddess:
- Pick Your Island Vibe: Oahu is great for first-timers and history buffs, Maui is all romance and Road to Hana vibes, Big Island is lava-chic, and Kaua‘i is the Garden Isle of your outdoor dreams.
- Budget Wisely: Flights, food, and accommodations add up, but you can offset costs with free activities and by booking rental condos with kitchens (homemade poke bowl picnic, anyone?).
- Book Ahead: Secure your Arizona Memorial tickets and rental car early. Hawaii doesn’t do last-minute very well.
- Pack Smart: Bring hiking shoes, swimsuits, a daypack, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle so you’re not paying big bucks for hydration.
- Visit in the Shoulder Season: Plan your trip for February, September, or October to score better deals on flights and hotels.
- Dine Smarter: Keep an eye out for food trucks and happy hour deals. Who needs fine dining when you’ve got garlic shrimp under a palm tree?
Pro Tip: Celebrating New Year’s in Hawaii doesn’t have to cost a thing—many beaches and public parks host free fireworks displays, live music, and cultural festivities to welcome the new year.
Aloha for Zero Dollars? Yes, Please
Who knew paradise could be so budget friendly? With this list of free things to do in Hawaii, you’ll be soaking in ocean views, learning to hula, joining a scenic or historic walking tour, and hiking through lush jungles—all while keeping your wallet chill in the shade.
If you’re planning a quick visit, a Big Island itinerary for 3 days is enough time to enjoy highlights like waterfalls, beaches, and historic parks — many of which are free.
Ready to live your best lei life without maxing out your credit card? Snag unbeatable Tripster deals on Hawaii’s best attractions, shows, hotels, vacation packages, and more.
Free Things to Do in Hawaii FAQs
Are there free cultural events and shows?
Absolutely. Waikiki Beach hosts free hula shows, and places like the Royal Hawaiian Center offer free lessons in lei-making and ukulele.
What about free hiking trails?
So many! Try Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail or the ʻAiea Loop Trail on Oahu, and Kapalua Coastal Trail on Maui for jaw-dropping views without the jaw-dropping price.
Are waterfalls visible for free?
Yes—hello, Wailua Falls and Rainbow Falls! You can see many stunners from public roads or visitor center areas.
Are there free attractions for families with kids?
Definitely. Head to Lydgate Beach Park on Kauai or Ala Moana Beach Park on Oahu for kid-approved fun with zero cost.
Can you see whales without a tour?
You bet. From November to May, whales put on a show visible from the shore, especially on Maui’s coast.
Is Pearl Harbor free to visit?
Yes, entry to the Pearl Harbor visitor center, museums, and boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is free. Reserve tickets in advance!
How can you get around Hawaii affordably?
Take "TheBus" on Oahu with an all-day pass for $7.50. On other islands, plan ahead for car rentals or limited public options.
Are there free ways to learn about Hawaiian culture?
Yes! Free classes and talks are held at spots like Royal Hawaiian Center and Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve.
What are some free things to do at night?
Watch the sunset (duh), enjoy beach bonfires, or catch free hula shows under the stars in Waikiki or Coconut Marketplace on Kauai.
