The 16 Best Things To Do In Waikiki For Free

Waikiki is a 3.4-square-mile neighborhood in Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii. It’s on the island of Oahu which means the Gathering Place. We are goiing to share 16 Best Things To Do In Waikiki For Free, most of them are free while for some activities you have to pay a small fee.

1. Waikiki Beach

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Waikiki Beach in Hawaii is one of the world’s most popular beaches, it is a gorgeous Beach with soft sand, and it is also a perfect place to see sunrise and sunset. This Two Mile Beach was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty but is now one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii and visitors can enjoy every water sport you can think of including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and stand-up boarding. 

Waikiki beach area consists of eight beaches, if you start from the west side the first beach is Duke Kahanamoku Beach which is next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel, then you will see Fort DeRussy Beach Park, Gray’s Beach, the Royal Hawaiian Beach, Kuhio Beach Park, Queen’s Beach, Kapiolani Beach Park, and the last one Sans Souci Beach in the east end.

2. Walk Waikiki

Waikiki is completely walkable and very accessible, it’s very easy and convenient to go shopping, restaurants, and beaches, you can get there by walking, two main areas I would recommend either promenade from the Hilton Hawaiian village, or walk along the main street Kalakaua Avenue down to outrigger reef that entire area will be paved if you’re curious what that looks like.

3. Diamond Head

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This green volcano is both a U.S national monument and another popular Waikiki tourist destination is also only a 2.2-mile drive from Waikiki Beach, getting up and down the mountain requires a 30-minute 1.8-mile hike, but rewards you with Gorgeous views, admission on the Diamond Head State Monument is 10 dollars a car or 5 dollars a person, it’s open every day except Wednesdays from 6 a.m to 4 P.M.

4. Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center is one of the best things to do in Waikiki for shopaholics, it’s the largest open-air mall in the Pacific Islands, it has designer shops, galleries, specialty vendors, the largest food court in Oahu, a Japanese walking food court and more.
The center also hosts Shirokiya Japan Village Walk it’s modeled after a traditional Japanese village with over 30 kiosks selling traditional food and beer.

5. Basalt

 Basalt is the best brunch spot in Waikiki, there charcoal buttermilk pancakes with guava strawberry sauce are the most popular item on their menu but Coco-Maca Nut French Toast is another great option, they also offer more substantial meals for lunch or dinner like Basalt’s avocado Garden toast and prime rib Moco, you can even buy their charcoal pancake mix from Duke Lane’s Marketplace to recreate the dish at home.  

6. Kalakaua Avenue

Kalakaua stretches from Honolulu to Kapiolani Park, it’s the shopping Hub of Waikiki and has everything from luxury clothes to local food and souvenirs, must visit the ABC convenience store.

you can even visit other shopping centers along the venue, such as an international marketplace the Royal Hawaiian Center is also a worthwhile stop it has plenty of shopping areas but you can also enjoy a cultural program, get a temporary tattoo, or try Hawaiian street food.

7. Ainahau Triangle Park

 If you want to see local plants and Wildlife this is one of the best things to do in Waikiki, these include Banyan trees, plumeria flowers, Native roosters, and chickens.

8.  Banan shaved ice

 Banan’s shaved ice is one of the most famous Hawaiian Treat, but Banan’s dairy-free banana ice cream is also worth a try, you can add almost any topping you want such as dark chocolate, granola, coconut, honey, and their house-made macadamia nut honey butter, there are even options for how you get your ice cream served to you including a

papaya boat or pineapple yacht, if you’re not in the mood for ice cream try banana smoothies Acai bowls, or coffee. 

9. Sky Waikiki

Sky Waikiki is one of the best things to do in Waikiki Hawaii as well as one of the most interesting, it’s found on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, enjoy a seafood dinner or tropical cocktail while looking down on the island below. 

10. Lyon Arboretum

There are over 6,000 tropical plants Within these Lush Gardens, they sit just outside of the city limits and provide a beautiful escape from urban life, admission is free but a five-dollar donation is appreciated.

11. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay, a crescent-shaped beach is also a natural Marine Preserve it’s one of the best snorkeling areas in Oahu, and it is so well maintained, in addition to the plentiful marine life.

You’ll get a chance to gaze at Cliffs and coral beds, go through a video entry to reach the park and Beach areas, there are also plenty of other fun water opportunities, try taking a catamaran around the bay or signing up for a surfing lesson it’s also a romantic spot for a sunset dinner cruise.

12. Farmer’s Market Wakiki

Waikiki hosts a market every Wednesday at the Blaisdell Center from 4 to 7 PM, you can also check out the KCC Market at the entrance to Diamond Head from 7:30 to 11 A.M on Saturdays, and 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday.

13. Chinatown

Chinatown Hawaii’s rich Asian history began when immigrants came to the area in the 1800s to work on its sugar plantations, many decided not to leave when their contracts expired and instead bought land along the harbor in the area they colonized has turned into Hawaii’s Chinatown sits on the edge of Waikiki and Honolulu, it’s full of bars Pop-up galleries restaurants and more, it also celebrates the Asian history of the area with flower shops, dim sum stands, and other features. 

14. Kuhio Beach

Kuhio Beach is more than a beautiful beach or a place to see the unique Banyan Treeit also hosts a ceremonial torch lighting and free hula show at 6 30 PM every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

15. Hellona Blowhole

 Lookout in Hawaiian and you’ll be able to see for miles in this beautiful area, if you can reach the lookout spot you’ll also get a chance to see the unique rock formation shoots water into the air like a geyser in the summer months. 

16. Catamaran rides

Catamaran rides are one of the best activity to do on this Island, Catamaran rides offer some of the best sunset views here on Oahu. There are two options available:

• Beach Catamarans, where you board directly from the beach.
• Docked Catamarans, which offer easier boarding, especially for those with mobility issues or looking to dress up for the ride.

Whether you choose beach or docked catamarans, there are options to suit every budget, including BYOB, drinks-only, and drinks with appetizers packages.

Final Thoughts

We’ve shared a lot of options for things to do in Waikiki, some of which are free while others require a small fee. You can also explore local farmers’ markets where you’ll find not only fresh produce but also local art, crafts, Manoa honey, and Hawaiian chocolate.

Another unique option is Duke’s Lane, the remaining part of the old International Marketplace, offering various souvenir kiosks. Additionally, there are ABC stores and Ross on Seaside Avenue for souvenir shopping.The ABC stores which are pretty much on every block of waikiki.

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