The FREE Things in Waikiki

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.

July 4th Fireworks Events near Waikiki

Guest Post by Sheila Beal at Go Visit Hawaii

Oahu really knows how to celebrate Independence Day with a bang!

July 4th Fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park (near  and possibly visible from Waikiki)

Ala Moana Center has traditionally hosted Oahu’s biggest fireworks show and this year’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will be no different. The fireworks show is set to start at 8:30 pm at Ala Moana Beach Park. This show is free and open to the public. As the biggest fireworks show on the island, organizers estimate that up to 50,000 people may attend this event at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Prior to the big fireworks show, Ala Moana Center will offer free entertainment starting at 4pm.

Ala Moana Center is located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. To get there from Waikiki, you can drive, take the bus or trolley or walk. See this link for transportation options. We do not recommend that you drive as there will be some road closures in the immediate vicinity before and after the event.

Traditionally, these fireworks set off from Magic Isle at the tip of Ala Moana Beach Park. As such, the fireworks are potentially visible from various locations surrounding Ala Moana Beach Park. Take a look at this Google map link with Magic Isle pinned to help you visualize potential viewing points from the various beaches of Waikiki.

Other Notes

The annual July 3rd fireworks from Aloha Tower Marketplace will not take place this year due to major construction at Aloha Tower.

Hilton Hawaiian Village will not host their weekly Friday night fireworks display on Friday, July 4, 2014 for safety reasons. The display will continue the following week.

Mahalo to all these sponsors and event organizers who make Oahu a special place to celebrate Independence Day!

Events are subject to change without notice.

Have a safe and happy July 4th whether you’re on Oahu or beyond!