So often, clients will come to My Vacation Lady with dreams of a honeymoon or vacation to the Hawaiian Islands but they are so concerned about spending too much money to be able to see and do things while they are there.
Hawaii is one of the few travel destinations where you can find lots to see and do for very little money— if not completely free.
Let’s talk about what there is to see and do for free in Waikiki.
Between torch lighting ceremonies and hula shows and Hawaiian arts and crafts classes, visitors to Waikiki can keep pretty busy and not have to spend money! And with Waikiki being such an easy place to walk, it’s easy to stroll around the area without having to add money for a car rental or taxi.
Here are some popular freebies in Waikiki:
History Tours at the Royal Hawaiian
Take a tour of The Royal Hawaiian and enjoy fascinating stories about this iconic resort, including answers to fun questions like “Why is the resort pink?” and plenty more. A complimentary walking tour is offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm to educate guests about the resort’s rich history and famous guests. This complimentary guided tour is offered on Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 2pm. Meet at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery on Coconut Lanai.
Kuhio Beach Torchlighting and Hula
The shows are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, weather-permitting from 6:30pm to 7:30pm (6:00pm to 7:00pm Nov-Dec-Jan) and are free to the public. They’re held at the Kūhiō Beach Hula mound on Kalākaua Ave near Uluniu Avenue across from the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī.
Royal Hawaiian Band
The Royal Hawaiian Band performs and marches in over 300 concerts and parades each year but they offer weekly public performances on most Fridays at ‘Iolani Palace and Sundays at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand. Check out the schedule here
Royal Hawaiian Center Classes and Entertainment
We stopped in a couple of times and there was always something going on at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. You can take ukulele or hula lessons, learn how to make traditional Hawaiian quilts, hear a Hawaiian storyteller, create a lei using fresh tropical flowers or try your hand at lomilomi massage– and it’s all free. Almost every evening there’s a band playing music as well. Here’s more info
Sunset on the Beach
A 30 foot movie screen gets set up right on the beach for family friendly movies on Saturday nights at the Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikiki. Events start at 4:30 p.m. with a mix of games for all ages and a diverse mix of food vendors, while live Hawaiian entertainment begins at 5 p.m. The movie starts as the sun goes down around 7 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. Be sure to check the online schedule, since it only happens once every other month or so at www.sunsetonthebeach.net
Waikiki Historic Trail
With 4 distinct sections, this self-guided outdoor tour leads visitors to a series of 21 surfboard markers in significant locations. Each spot shares fascinating legends and stories of the area, from Hawaiian Royalty to tales of the famous Waikiki beach boys. Download the free map and guide at
www.waikikihistorictrail.org
Fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village
On Friday nights, the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks show on their property. One of the best places to view the display is at the reef in the beach in front of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. The resort offers an Aloha Friday evening with hula performances, torch lighting and more for a fee but you can watch the fireworks for free from Waikiki Beach.
While airfare can be expensive to get to Hawaii but you don’t have to spend a fortune on activities to keep you busy. My Vacation Lady is a Hawaii Destination Specialist and we offer our clients lots of info and suggestions on what you can see and do and experience while you’re in the Hawaiian Islands. We can help make your honeymoon to Hawaii or dream vacation to Hawaii one that you’re sure to remember for a lifetime. Why stress and plan on your own when we can help.
