Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Oahu

"The USS Missouri Battleship Memorial is also worth visiting while you are in Pearl Harbor. If you’d like more military and history insights of Pearl Harbor, you might consider visiting the USS Bowfin and the Pacific Aviation Museum."

"You can visit the Pearl Harbor Museums, the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Aviation Museum and plenty more. It was a very moving experience and definitely worth the visit."

"Frequently appearing on many a ‘Best Attractions in Hawaii’ list, this spectacular 42-acre open-air park highlights traditional lifestyles and habitats of native Polynesians via several villages, each representing a particular culture. Visitors of all ages will enjoy stepping back in time to life in native Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, the Marquesas, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Each village features its own traditional arts and crafts, educational displays, hands-on activities such as spear throwing and canoe paddling, and more."

"You'll see coastal views of beaches and undeveloped valleys before entering Laie, where the Polynesian Cultural Center and Mormon Temple are located. Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline."

"After that, make your way to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a bit expensive, but I highly recommend the tour that includes the luau and night show."

"Kailua Beach Park combines everything you are looking for in best beaches in Oahu into one spot. Located on the eastern or windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach Park is situated within 35-acres and has a long 2.5-mile stretch of white sand which is dotted with several ironwood and coconut palm trees for shade. Kailua Beach Park is ideal for families and the water is usually calm enough for good swimming."

"Just up the road is another one of the most popular Instagram spots on all of Oahu; Kaiula Beach Park. Drive safely, as the road will take you up a scenic drive with views of the most inviting beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not becoming distracted by the siren call of Eden out your window will be one of the most difficult things you will have to do during your time on Oahu!"

"This is a great family beach with plenty of shaded areas that make great places to take a break from the fun. There are also picnic tables, lots of parking space, and even a cafe if you get thirsty or hungry. The sand here is absolutely fantastic in color- a perfect gold- and the deep blue waters compliment it perfectly."

"The Keliiponi Hale was erected in front of ʻlolani Palace in 1883 as a pavilion for the coronation of King Kalakaua. As there was no other ranking person to perform the duty, Kalakaua placed the crown on his own head. The pavilion was later moved to its present site and used as a bandstand."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew K. Smith used under CC BY 2.0. Over at Lulumahu falls, you will not be disappointed with what you see. In fact, leave your footprints along the way as you make your hike to Lulumahu Falls and the moments and sights of this place will forever be imprinted in your memory."

"The Lulumahu Falls trail climbs through dense bamboo forests and over streams, before reaching the towering Lulumahu waterfall, reaching over 50 feet tall. It is definitely one of the best waterfalls in Honolulu!. While there’s heavy foot traffic, this moderate Honolulu waterfall hike is marvelous."

"Built in 1926, this 10-story landmark was once the city’s tallest building. In the golden days when all tourists to Hawaii arrived by ship, this pre-WWII waterfront icon – with its four-sided clock tower inscribed with ‘Aloha’ – greeted every visitor. These days, Hawaii Pacific University occupies the mostly defunct Aloha Tower Marketplace, which was meant to ensnare people arriving at the nearby cruise ship docks."

"This iconic landmark, which opened in 1926, was once one of the tallest buildings in Hawaii, offering incredible views of the harbor. Once serving as a lighthouse to guide incoming boats, these days it’s an indelible feature of the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 544 1453"

"Although Mormon doctrine prohibits non-Mormons from entering the temple proper, the public is welcome at the sounding grounds and Visitors’ Center. Visitors give this attraction high marks for the beauty and serenity of the lush grounds, as well as the impressive architecture of the temple. Several factors make this particular LDS temple unique."

"Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline. Down the road, at Shark’s Cove, you’ll want to walk in its tidepools and snorkel its fairly shallow depths, before stopping at world-famous Waimea Bay. Choose a beach to lounge at for the rest of the day, before exploring Haleiwa Town and getting an early dinner at Haleiwa Beach House. Instead of ending your day on the North Shore here, consider driving back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for its evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 Polynesian dancers—one of the best shows in Hawaii."

"Roy Yamaguchi is one of the OG Hawaiian chefs responsible for putting Hawaiian fusion cuisine on the global culinary map. At the original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai, guests have enjoyed fresh Hawaiian fare in a contemporary setting with stunning views of Maunalua Bay for the last 25 years. Today, there are dozens of Roy’s around the islands and on the mainland."

"Even though I was told there was no guarantee we would get an outside table, we lucked out and got a..."

"Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Garden is my favorite place on Oahu and one of the best places to eat in Hawaii. I really cannot stress how much I recommend you go here. Dining here makes you feel like you are eating dinner in Jurassic Park and, to make it even better, the food is also to die for."

"Take in the North Shore's relaxed lifestyle at this fantastic eatery. Kick back on the lanai, take in the incredible island scenery, and revel in the moment. While you do, make sure to sample terrific seafood and steak entrees."

"Park Description and Highlights: This forested area in Aiea is home to the Keaiwa Heiau, hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. Situated in a residential neighborhood, it’s most used by local residents. Suggested Visit: The ‘Aiea Loop Trail."

"Located right below the Makapu’u Lighthouse, these tide pools are the perfect place to cool off after a tedious hike. It’s the ideal place to float around without having to worry about the strong current of waves surprising you. Locally known as “Maks”, you’ll find so many photo opportunities in this area, from the beach to the lighthouse, to of course, the transparent tide pools."