By Shiromi Nassreen
Free Activities in Oahu, Hawaii
There is very little that is cheap about Oahu. Hotel accommodation, food and gas are more expensive more than most places since everything has to be brought in by boat. Luckily, due to Hawaii's wonderful weather year round, there are many activities you can do on the island that are absolutely free.
Relax at the Beach
There are hundreds of beaches throughout Oahu worth visiting that you can spend the day at. Waikiki beach is a good beach to people watch. If you happen to be visiting during the winter, be sure to go up to the North Shore to see the world famous Triple Crown surfing competitions and the Banzai Pipeline. Ala Moana Beach Park is a nice less touristy beach with calm waters for swimming and Lanikai Beach, on the Windward side, which has been in competition with neighboring Kailua Beach for the title of best beach in America due to its turquoise waters and pretty offshore islands.
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu Hawaii 96815
Ala Moana Beach Park
1201 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu Hawaii 96814
Telephone: (808-592-2288)
Lanikai Beach
Mokulua Drive
Kailua Hawaii 96734
Visit the Arizona Memorial
The Arizona Memorial stands just above the sunken USS Arizona where 1177 sailors were entombed following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition to learning about Pearl Harbor, the memorial also teaches about the war in the Pacific. Entry is free, and the memorial gets hundreds of visitors every day so it is best to come early to avoid long lines. For security reasons, cameras are allowed but purses, backpacks and camera bags are not allowed at the memorial.
USS Arizona Memorial
No. 1 Arizona Mmemorial Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Telephone: 808-422-0561
Go See Halona Blowhole
In East Oahu lies Halona Blowhole. It is a point where the ocean has cut through the lava making a hole. When the surf is right (high tide is the best time to visit) water will get forced out through the hole. The water spray coming from the hole looks similar to a whale's blowhole. The parking lot for the blowhole is on a lookout which has commanding views of the Windward side of Oahu. On a clear day, you can often see nearby Molokai. Halona Blowhole is located East of Hanauma Bay at the second lookout.
Halona Blowhole,
Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
Hike to a Waterfall
While there are not as many interesting waterfalls on Oahu as other islands, there are some very accessible waterfalls which you can see for free. Manoa Falls trail offers an easy short hike to a very scenic waterfall in the Manoa valley. Meanwhile, in Kailua, Maunawili Falls offers a longer hike for the more adventurous, leading to a waterfall that you can swim in.
Manoa Falls
End of Manoa Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Telephone: (800-464-2924)
Maunawili Falls
Kelewina Road
Kailua, Hawaii 967534
Whale Watching
While taking a boat tour whale watching can be fun, it can also be pricey. However you can easily watch whales for free. The ideal places to watch whales are from high up looking out to the ocean. One of the best places on the island for whale watching during season (between Mid-December and Mid-April) is at Lanai Lookout. You can see the white spray from the whale's blows, and if you are lucky, you can even get to see some breaching. Lanai Lookout is located just East of Hanauma Bay.
Lanai Lookout
Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu Hawaii 96825
About the Author:
Shiromi Nassreen is a British writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama and has been writing professionally for three years. She writes primarily travel and outdoor articles on Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in Dysfunkshion Magazine as well as Illusion Television and Matador Travel.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Robert Arserio
