By Joe Flanagan
Hawaii can be an expensive place, especially when it comes to doing all the major activities and seeing all the attractions throughout the islands. But if you want to have a relaxing day or two and try not to spend any money at all, try these few activities.
The Beach
The beach is the most obvious. Waikiki Beach is only a block away. Get your Hawaiian tan on. Go have fun in the water. Use our free beach gear located just outside the hostel office. There’s boogie boards, snorkel gear, beach mats, beach chairs, soccer balls, etc.
Kapiolani Park
Kapiolani park is just right in front of the beach. If you’ve had enough sun, or maybe you got burned too much, hang out at Kapiolani Park under the 100 year old trees. Have a picnic. Better yet, get some of your new travel buddies from the hostel and have a barbeque.
Fireworks
But if you do a barbeque, try and do it Friday evening. Every Friday, the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a free fireworks show. The show stars at 7:45pm and can easily be seen from Kapiolani Park.
Hula
Three times a week Hawaiian performers put on a free hula show featuring authentic Hawaiian music. Learn more about the Hawaiian culture and traditions. The shows are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm, and are located on the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound which is near the Kahanamoku Statue.
U.S. Army Museum
If you are into history, visit the U.s. Army Museum located within the grounds of the Fort DeRussy Recreation Center. Admission is free. The museum features displays of the Gulf War and the War in Iraq. Learn the military story and background of Hawaii.
Pearl Harbor
Though not in Waikiki, you can take a 45-minute shuttle ride or a 1.5 hour bus ride to Pearl Harbor. Admission to the museum is free. Get there early and you can score free tickets to the Arizona Memorial. A short film is shown to give you the history and background of Pearl Harbor.
The Polynesian Hostel Beach Club 