7 (Mostly Free &) Non-Touristy Things to Do in Oahu

This post: 7 non-touristy things to do in Oahu that are family-friendly with affordable or completely free options.

I love the islands of Hawaii. I’ve visited Oahu three times, and every time I gravitate toward the off-beaten paths. Maybe it’s an INTJ female thing, but I’m not your typical tourist!

If you love discovering the culture and history of places you visit–and feel a bit averse to touristy attractions–this post is for you.

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7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Oahu

In this post, I’m sharing my top non-touristy things to do in Oahu.

Most have affordable or even free options, are family-friendly, and will give you a taste of the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the Hawaiian Island.

1) Climb the Pill Box Hike

The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, located on the east side of Oahu island, is definitely worth the climb! At just under a mile (round trip), the hike is fairly short.

But it is a climb, so keep that in mind if you have young children or any health difficulties. (And please wear supportive shoes, like hiking boots or running shoes.)

What sets this hike apart from other island trails are the pillboxes at the top, a remnant from the island’s World War II days. If you feel up to it after your ascent, scamper up one of the pillboxes for an extra amazing view of Lanikai Beach!

There’s no fee to take the Pill Box hike.

P.S. Check out my TSA-friendly travel makeup…

2) Visit the Hawaiian Mission House

The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic State Site is a hidden jewel my husband and I discovered on our first visit to Oahu. The mission houses are located in historic downtown Honolulu (more on that below), and provide a little-known glimpse into the extraordinary history of the islands.

The Hawaiian Mission House is open weekly, Tuesday – Saturday. Tours include a free, self-guided or a paid option.

3) Walk Historic Downtown Honolulu

For my history-loving friends, a walk through historic downtown Honolulu is a unique treat! Framed by the unforgettable beauty of the islands, Hawaii’s rich history and culture comes to life as you explore many of the island’s little-known but most-see gems.

Here are just a few of the sites to experience in historic downtown Honolulu:

• Iolani Palace (more details below)
• Kawaiahaʻo Church (the first Christian chapel on the Hawaiian Islands) 
• Many more historic churches (most are open for self-guided tours)
• Washington Place (the governor’s mansion, tours must be booked in advance)
• Hawaii State Capitol (free admission)
• King Kamehameha I Statue ( a short walk from historic Kawaiahaʻo Church and the State Capitol)
• Hawaii State Art Museum (located on Richards Street)
• Chinatown (on the western side of Honolulu’s financial district in Downtown Honolulu)
• Foster Botanic Gardens (adult admission is $5, children 6 – 12 get in for $1, admission for kids under 5 is free)

Most of the sites in historic downtown Honolulu are within blocks of each other, which makes it easy to enjoy on foot. Download a free map, with 25 top historic sites for a self-guided tour, here.

4) Take the ʻIolani Palace Self-Guided Tour

The beautiful Ionani Palace is nestled in historic downtown Honolulu, and is probably one of my favorite places for exploring the unique cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands.

There are numerous tour options to choose from, but none of them are free. It’s also important to note that all tour tickets must be purchased in advance online; there are no walk-in tour options.

My husband and I enjoyed the ‘Iolani Palace self-guided tour, which is a 60-minute audio tour through the main floors of the palace.

5) Visit Pearl Harbor for Free

Visiting Pearl Harbor was top on my list of things to do in Hawaii. I’m lucky enough to have visited the memorial park twice, and I’ll go again if I ever get the chance.

While there are some historic tours you can purchase (and I’m sure they’re worth every penny), you can also visit Pearl Harbor for FREE if you want to.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to visit Pearl Harbor for free:

• The park is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• You’ll have to park a ways out and walk
• You CANNOT take a purse, backpack, or any type of bag inside the park (lockers are available to rent)
• There’s lots of walking and limited shade, so wear a hat and sunscreen
• The last shuttle to the U.S. Arizona leaves at 3:00 p.m.
• Audio guides are available at many sites
• A free, 23-minute film about the Pearl Harbor attack is available to watch
• If you give yourself a free, self-guided tour through Pearl Harbor, plan to spend at least 75 to 90 minutes at the park (paid tours can last up to eight hours)

Learn more by visiting Pearlharbor.org.

6) Picnic or Walk in Wahiawa Botanical Garden

I discovered the Wahiawa Botanic Garden on my last trip to Oahu, when my daughter and her fiance chose it as the spot for their engagement photo shoot.

This botanic garden is known as “the tropic jewel” on Oahu island, and I couldn’t agree more! The 27-acre garden dates back to the 1930s, when the land was used by sugar planters as an experimental arboretum. A trek through the winding pathways feels like exploring a hidden, tropical rain forest!  

If you plan to visit the Wahiawa Botanical Garden with young children, keep in mind that some of the walking trails are steep. If you have strollers or toddlers, you’ll want to stay on the main walking paths.

Admission to the Wahiawa Botanical Garden is free (you simply park and walk in). It’s the perfect place to picnic (there’s so much shade!), take a family vacation photo shoot, or enjoy a non-strenuous hike through the island’s beautiful vegetation.

7) Explore North Shore Waimea Bay

North Shore Waimea Bay will always have a special place in my heart, as it’s the site where my husband performed the marriage for our daughter and son-in-law

There are reasons our introverted daughter chose this lovely, less-touristy spot as the location for her private beach wedding:

• It’s considerably less crowded than Waikiki Beach
• The parking is easier than other more touristy spots
• The atmosphere is generally more relaxed and mild

If you visit North Shore Waimea Bay during the winter months, you’ll likely get to watch surfing competitions. During the summer months, the bay provides a relaxing, semiprivate spot for families or couples to enjoy swimming, picnics, and leisurely hikes along the beach.

Tip: To avoid even more of the tourist crowds, arrive at North Shore Waimea Bay before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.

These are some of my favorite non-touristy things to do in Oahu.

I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and please let me know if you decide to visit any of these places!

There are a few more historic and cultural places I want to explore next time I’m on the island of Oahu, including the Dole Plantation (hello, pineapples!). It’s just a few miles away from North Shore and admission is FREE. It’s definitely on my bucket list of “non-touristy things to do in Oahu” that I haven’t done yet.

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If you loved this read, check out my other travel posts!

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• Here’s the BEST Way to Travel for Cheap
• Check Out My TSA-Friendly Travel Makeup

Let me know.

If you visited Oahu island in Hawaii today, which one of these sites would you want to explore first?