By Jill Leviticus
Things to See in Oahu, Hawaii for Free
Visitors flock to the Hawaiian Island of Oahu for the stunning views from its famous
beaches and mountains. Oahu
vacations tend to be expensive and you may find yourself yearning for a few activities that are budget-friendly after a few days of sightseeing, shopping and sunbathing. Luckily there are a variety of free activities that will keep you entertained and engaged. From hula shows to scenic hikes to World War II history, you'll find plenty to do in Oahu without opening your wallet.
Kuhio Beach Hula Show
The Kuhio beach Hula Mound is the site of free hula shows by a variety of native dance companies and other performers. Days and show times vary depending on the season. Shows are held near the Duke Kahanamoku statue and seating is on the grass near the statue.
Kuhio Beach Hula Show
Uluniu and Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Tel: (808) 843-8002
Ohanahotels.com
State Capitol Tours
Tours are offered of the Hawaii State Capitol building, the home of state legislators, the lieutenant governor and the governor of Hawaii. The capitol, built in 1969, features several unique architectural features that are particularly symbolic of the state. Columns are placed in groups of eight and doors contain eight panels in recognition of the eight major Hawaiian Islands. In keeping with the island theme, the building is surrounded by water and outer columns rise from reflecting pools to represent palm trees. Tours are offered on Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m.
State Capitol Tours
Hawai`i State Capitol
415 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Tel: (808) 586-0178
Hawaii.gov
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
The 2-mile lighthouse trail leads to the Makapu'u Lighthouse, a landmark on the windward side of the island. The trail offers views of the coast, including Molokai, and Kaohikaipu and Manana Islands. During the months of December through April, you may be able to see humpback whales in the Molokai Channel that runs past the lighthouse. There is no shade or restrooms on the trail and a parking area is located at the beginning of the trail.
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Kalanianaole Highway
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
Tel: (808) 587-0300
Hawaiistateparks.org
USS Arizona Memorial
One-thousand, one-hundred and seventy-seven men died when the USS Arizona was bombed by the Japanese in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial gives visitors some insight regarding what it was like to be a battleship sailor and shares stories from sailors who survived the attack. The memorial also explores the events that led up to the attack on Peal Harbor and historical events of World War II. The visitor center is open daily, except for Thanskgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
USS Arizona Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818-3145
Tel: (808) 422-0561
Nps.gov/valr/
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park
Encompassing 5,300 acres that extend from the ocean to the mountains, Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park provides a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The park offers 2 hiking trails, a small camping area, picnicking and a beach area. The 31 families that live in the area assist with interpretive programs about the Hawaiian lifestyle and values. You'll find remains of an old religious temple, fishing shrine, house sites and planting areas on the grounds of the park.
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park
52-222 Kamehameha Highway
Kahana, Hawaii 96717
Tel: (808) 237-7767
Hawaiistateparks.org
Resources
About the Author:
Jill Leviticus has been a writer for 20 years. She writes business, health and travel articles for several online publications and worked as a writer for a hospital and a nonprofit research foundation. Leviticus has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Lock Haven University and works as a public relations writer.
Photo Credits:
Daderot/wikimedia commons
