Budget-Friendly Oahu: 10 Affordable Activities for Thrifty Travelers
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Oahu?
Hawaii is a luxury vacation destination, but these budget-friendly things to do in Oahu make your holiday of a lifetime achievable with a lower price tag than you might expect. Memorable experiences don’t have to come with luxury prices.
Find some tips and tricks to make it cheaper to get around the island, book your accommodation, eat, and participate in all the sight-seeing and activities that make a Hawaiian vacation truly special. Stop worrying and make the most of your time in Hawaii with this advice.
1. North Shore for affordable accommodation
Lower costs away from the city
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
One of the best things for your budget might be steering clear of the hot tourist spots like Honolulu when you’re looking for accommodation. While there are certainly low-cost options to be had in Hawaii’s capital, you’ll get more for your money if you look further afield. North Shore on Oahu is quieter, more scenic, and more affordable, as long as you avoid the luxury hotels.
There are still amazing beaches, excellent surfing opportunities, and gorgeous scenery in North Shore, without that hefty price tag. If you don’t mind being further away from the heart of the action and appreciate having a little more spending money, check out the hotels on offer in North Shore. Read more
Location: North Shore, Waialua, HI, USA
North Shore for affordable accommodation
2. Beach-hopping by bus
The simple, inexpensive way to get around
Good for: Adventure, Budget
Rather than using rideshare or hiring a car, one of the most economical ways to get around Oahu is by bus, or TheBus as it’s called. Buy yourself a HOLO card, top it up with money online, and you can just tap and ride from stop to stop. There are even ways to link cards together, so you can manage them as a group.
While it’s not quite as flexible as having your own car, it’s far cheaper and TheBus goes to all the major beaches as well as plenty of other places you’ll want to visit. Check out the website or app to check which route you want. It’s so simple and easy, and excellent value for money.
Beach-hopping by bus
3. Shark’s Cove
A rocky snorkeling paradise
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
In Pupukea, up on the north shore of Oahu, is the gem of Shark’s Cove. Miles away from the busy tourist beaches of Honolulu, this is listed as one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Rocky and picturesque, it’s beautiful above the water, but below the waves is where the adventure really begins.
Without the inflated price tags of the big city, you’ll find snorkeling here is more affordable, and there are so many fish and ocean dwellers to see. Although it’s not suitable for small children, older parties will have a great time in the water here. Take a trip to Shark’s Cove and discover the secret underwater life of Hawaii.
Location: Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Shark’s Cove
4. Dining out in Chinatown
Great food for less
Good for: Budget, Food
One of the best options for eating on a budget is to head for Chinatown, down by the water in the Downtown area. The prices on the menus in a lot of Honolulu’s restaurants can make you wince, but you don’t need to avoid eating out altogether.
While you’ll still find some upmarket eateries in the neighborhood, a lot of the small restaurants around here serve meals for very reasonable prices, all authentic and delicious. Grab a table and fill yourself up with Chinese barbecue, Vietnamese Pho, and much, much more. Read more
Location: Chinatown Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Dining out in Chinatown
5. Royal Hawaiian Center
Shops and eateries galore
Good for: Budget, History, Unusual
Another wonderful place for affordable food is the food court at the Royal Hawaiian Center. As you might expect, this is more chain restaurants and fast food than elsewhere, but don’t let that put you off. There’s a range of different styles of cuisine, from classic American fare to Filipino and, of course, native Hawaiian favorites.
This is also a great place to go for sales; you never know which of the many shops in the open-air mall is going to be offering bargains. Take some time and poke around to explore clothing, Hawaiian-made goods, surfing equipment, and more, to see what you can pick up. Read more
Location: 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 808-922-2299
Royal Hawaiian Center
6. Diamond Head Trail
Awe-inspiring views from atop a volcano
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
At the southernmost point of Honolulu is the huge, lush caldera of Diamond Head, a stunning inactive volcano that provides magnificent sea and city views. The Diamond Head Trail makes for a low-cost adventure that will give that thrill of exploration.
The round-trip is less than 2 miles, meaning it shouldn’t take you too long, but there is 560 ft elevation, so while it’s not terribly difficult, it’s considered a moderate hike. You do need to book tickets to the Diamond Head State Monument in advance, but tickets are inexpensive, and if you’re not traveling by car, then you can skip the parking fee. Read more
Location: Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 4 pm
Diamond Head Trail
7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Tribute to a pivotal moment in world history
Good for: Budget, History
It’s free to access the museum and grounds at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, so there’s no reason not to visit this fascinating and significant monument to one of America’s most famous tragedies.
The trip out to the memorial above the submerged USS Arizona runs every 15 minutes, but you’ll need to book a timed ticket in advance. The whole experience is a thought-provoking insight into peace and the history of the US military. Take a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn more. Read more
Location: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 808-422-3399
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
8. Hawaii State Art Museum
A tour through the culture and life of Hawaii
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Admission to Capitol Modern, the Hawaii State Art Museum, is always free, making it an incredible place to visit if you’re vacationing on a budget. The exhibitions and collections showcase the talent and cultures that the islands have nurtured.
Hawaii’s history and position have provided it with a unique culture, and the art housed here gives visitors an amazing chance to see the state from many different points of view. Discover the mythology, history, and modern experiences of Hawaiians and immerse yourself in the local vibe. Read more
Location: 250 South Hotel St Second Floor, 250 S Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sunday–Tuesday)
Phone: +1 808-586-0900
Hawaii State Art Museum
9. Kailua
Gorgeous small town with spectacular beaches and amenities
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
For all that Hawaiian sun and fun, without the Honolulu price tag, just a short trip from the capital, on the east coast of Oahu, is the town of Kailua. Incredible for watersports enthusiasts and sunbathers alike, Kailua offers gorgeous views and less crowded beaches, but still has bars, restaurants, and all the other amenities you’d expect from a town.
Enjoy Lanikai Beach with its breath-taking natural beauty, stop in at a local brewery for a drink, or browse the stalls at one of the local farmers’ markets for fresh Hawaiian produce.
Kailua
10. Aloha Tower Marketplace
Historic setting for a wonderful shopping trip
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Originally a lighthouse, Aloha Tower was once the tallest building in Hawaii, these days it’s an entertainment, market place, and retail hub. It houses dozens of stores and venues that will fill up your day. It still keeps that historic character, though, adding to its appeal.
Admission is free, though there is a small charge to ride on the trolley or to go up to the observation deck, and the stores often have great sales and bargains that you can enjoy hunting for. Take your time and find fantastic souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and dinner. Read more
Location: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 808-544-1453
Aloha Tower Marketplace
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