25 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Hawaii
A trip to Hawaii is high on the bucket list for many people but unfortunately it can be cost prohibitive if you don’t know where to look for affordable activities. Flights, lodging, snorkel cruises, luaus…these things can all be outrageously expensive. We’re here to help you make your bucket list dream a more affordable reality! There are actually a ton of free or cheap things to do in Hawaii. So many, in fact, that I enlisted the help of some of my fellow travel bloggers to bring you a roundup of our favorite spots to visit as you embark on the ultimate affordable Hawaiian vacation.
First, we’ve got a list of 12 free things do in Hawaii. Scroll down a bit further and we’ve got another list of 12 cheap things to do in Hawaii. You’ll quickly learn that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an incredible adventure in the Hawaiian islands!
And if you want to learn how to save on flights & accommodations, check out these travel hacks to go to Hawaii for cheap.
Free Things to do in Hawaii
- Ho’omaluhia Gardens – Oahu
- Koko Head Hike – Oahu
- Tour a Ukelele Factory – Oahu
- Hike Wiliwilinui Ridge – Oahu
- Tour Pearl Harbor – Oahu
- Hike Makapu’u Lighthouse – Oahu
- Turtle Watching at Hookipa Beach – Maui
- Nakalele Point Blowhole – Maui
- Wailua Falls – Kauai
- Spouting Horn – Kauai
- Rainbow Falls – Big Island
- Panaewa Zoo – Big Island
- Visit a Green Sand Beach – Big Island
Free Things to do on Oahu
Ho’omaluhia Gardens
Recommended by Sierra Schmidt from Island + Alpine
The beautiful islands of Hawaii are filled with cheap things to do, and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden on Oahu is one of the best. The lush, green, vibrant gardens are located on the windward side of the island in the town of Kaneohe, and along the ridges of the Ko’olau Mountains.
Ho’omaluhia offers free admission every day of the week and is open from 9am – 4pm to vehicle traffic. There is a pedestrian gate where early rising visitors can enter early for a solitary jog and extremely peaceful stay.
The road through the gardens is about two miles out and back with several parking areas along the way, as well as picnic tables and restrooms. Visitors can choose to walk through the park or drive. The Visitor’s Center can provide a map with worthwhile stops and small hikes off the main road. The informative plaques and signs are plentiful and educational for those looking to learn more about the diverse plant life that originates in various tropical destinations such as Africa, Polynesia, and India.
Made Instagram famous by its incredible views on the entry road, photos are no longer allowed here, but have no fear because gorgeous photo spots are found at every turn throughout the garden. The mountains offer an incredible backdrop from all angles and scenic vistas are present at every overlook. Ho’omaluhia is one of Oahu’s most incredible activities and should not be missed!
Koko Head Hike
Recommended by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy
One of the best free things to do in Hawaii would have to be the Koko Head hike! Also known as the Koko Crater Trail, this one takes you on a set of steep railway ties (‘stairs’) that go up the side of a dormant volcano crater with amazing views, and it’s sure to give your calves a good workout.
The Koko Head trail is not a very long hike in terms of distance, but the path is steep and there’s a lot of elevation gain. It’s not dangerous at all as long as you don’t try to rush it. Where people run into trouble on this hike is when they try to speed run it.
The Koko Head trail is definitely a big workout and calorie burn, no matter how fit you are. It’s also great for sunrise or sunset, although it’s a good idea to do the trek at least once during the day first, that way you’re more familiar with the path.
The Koko Crater railway trailhead is located on the southeast side of Oahu island in Hawaii. It’s about 10 miles from Waikiki, and the drive only takes 30 minutes. There’s a big parking lot at Koko Head District Park and it’s free to use for this hike. There are no entrance fees!
Tour a Ukelele Factory
Recommended by Holly from Globeblogging
Despite its Portuguese origins, nothing conjures up the image of Hawaii like the chords ringing out from a Ukelele. A tour of a ukulele factory offers a unique insight into such an integral part of Hawaiian culture, and it is a must to include on your Oahu itinerary. The best news is, it is absolutely free!
Located in Kaka’ako on the island of Oahu, KoAloha Ukelele prides itself on the standard of its workmanship. The family owned and run company has been handcrafting instruments in excess of 20 years.
The tour will begin in the showroom where your host will proudly show you the various instruments on sale, before you are escorted into the factory itself. Within the walls of the factory you will see every step in the making of the instruments. While the luthiers go about their tasks as usual you are shown the cutting of the wood and will hear about the various woods used and their attributes, moving on to bending the wood into shape, the construction of the instrument and the polishing.
Not only is this a unique cultural experience but one of the most unique and fun free things to do in Hawaii. You’ll also probably get some hot tips for other things you need to include during your visit to Oahu!
Factory tours have recommenced however are by reservation only. Contact KoAloha directly for reservations 24hours in advance.
Hike Wiliwilinui Ridge
by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Oahu is known for its jaw-dropping ridge hikes, which take fearless hikers across the spines of the island’s dramatic mountains, carved over millions of years by erosion. Most of these trails are quite dangerous, though, with crumbly, narrow paths and steep drop-offs. The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, though, is a stand-out exception, with a wide (albeit muddy) path, with just as spectacular views as the most dangerous hikes in the island.
The trailhead is tucked away in a ritzy Honolulu gated community, Waialae Iki 5, and in order to park near the trailhead, you’ll need to snag one of a limited number of free permits kept at the security guard’s station. Once you’ve secured your permit and parked, you’ll climb through a lush forest, eventually reaching a series of stairs, carved into the dirt and supported by wooden planks, that will lead you to the top of the mountain.
While the 4.7-mile trail is generally well-maintained, the path is steep and can get extremely slippery when wet. Accordingly, you should avoid this trail if it is or has recently rained. Otherwise, the seemingly never-ending climb to the ridgeline is worth it, with breathtaking views of the impossibly green Koʻolau Mountain range, Honolulu, and beyond, the sparkling turquoise water of the Pacific. These incredible views make it one of the most memorable free things to do in Hawaii.
Tour Pearl Harbor
Recommended by Erica Forrest of Trip Scholars
Many visitors to Oahu are surprised to learn that Pearl Harbor, one of the top destinations on the island, is free to visit. Plan for at least a few hours to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the boat ride out to the USS Memorial. It is operated by the National Park Service but there are additional sites within, and adjacent, to the park operated by other organizations and some of these charge fees.
Your free visit includes exhibit galleries, access to the park with views out into the harbor, and the sobering Remembrance Circle.
The Navy also offers a free boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial that visitors won’t want to miss. It includes a short documentary beforehand, and reservations are strongly recommended since it is often booked out a few weeks in advance.
In addition, visitors can book the free Ford Island Bus Tour to visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials. This 90-minute tour is fully guided. Both this tour and boat tour do charge a one dollar booking fee.
Understanding the history of Pearl Harbor before arriving enhances any visitor’s experience. There are excellent books, documentaries, and movies about Hawaii to read or watch from home that will elevate your understanding of the memorials. The onsite bookstore provides more to deepen your understanding after your visit.
Pearl Harbor is easy to access by both tour and city buses and is only a 20-minute car ride from downtown Honolulu. Larger bags are not allowed, but you will want to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. Some visitors bring flowers, which they drop into the sea to honor those who died. Although a day at Pearl Harbor is free, your memories will be priceless.
Hike to the Makapu’u Lighthouse
Recommended by Corritta from It’s a Family Thing
There is no doubt Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The island of Oahu is full of beaches, waterfalls, and picturesque hiking trails.
The Makapu‘u Point lighthouse trail offers unbelievable views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline. On a clear day, you can see Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. They are protected wildlife sanctuaries, so you cannot visit the island, but you can get a glimpse of two of the 137 islands that make up Hawaii.
The best thing about this trail is that it is free. Located on the eastern side of the island, only 15 minutes from the famous Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, this trail offers ample parking to see some of the most stunning views of the ocean.
It’s recommended to complete this hike early in the morning because the trail is straight upwards with no shade. You will need a sun hat, plenty of water, and sunscreen during this hike.
Although it is not strenuous, it is uphill, so take your time. Depending on how much time you spend at the lookouts, the hike will take 2-2.5 hours to finish. The hiking path was recently repaved, with additional lookouts for better views of the ocean, islands, and wildlife. If you are visiting between December and May, bring binoculars for your chance to see whales.
The Makapu‘u Point lighthouse trail is one of the most beautiful and affordable things to do while in Oahu. You can’t beat the price or the view.
Free Things to do on Maui
Turtle Watching at Hookipa Beach
Recommended by Priyadarshini Rajendran of Glorious Sunrise
On the North Shore of Maui lies the peaceful town of Paia. From the Paia town, you can start the Road to Hana trip and explore the abundant beauty throughout the trip.
There are so many amazing things to do in Maui including the Road to Hana road trip. The first stop on Road to Hana is at Hookipa Beach in Paia, where you can marvel at the numerous gentle sea green turtles resting on the beach.
The sea green turtles are protected species, so please follow the signs and maintain a distance of 6 feet from them at all times. Do not approach the turtles.
Turtle Watching at Hookipa Beach is free and the beach is also famous for wind-surfing and snorkeling. Park at the lot on the top or cruise down the one way and park right by the beach and exit at the end and get back on the Road to Hana. Parking is free but can get crowded. Get down to the beach and stay on the right side of the beach. On the left, there is a barrier and after that barrier you will see many sea turtles resting. If viewing from the top parking lot, you can mistake them for rocks, but look closely via binoculars or right from the beach and you will see these giant sea turtles.
Nakalele Point Blowhole
Melodie Rush at Travel Must Do’s
Natalele Blowhole in Maui is a natural wonder that draws visitors worldwide to witness its power and beauty. Located on the western coast of Maui, just south of La Perouse Bay and north of Makena State Park, Natalele Blowhole is an awe-inspiring attraction that you can enjoy free of charge. As waves crash against the rocks on shore they are forced upward through an underground lava tube, resulting in powerful jets of water that can reach heights of up to fifty feet. It’s best to visit in the mornings when the crowds are smaller and potentially a rainbow may form in the morning sunlight. If you enjoy seeing beautiful colors from the sun be sure to check out sunrise or sunset at Haleakala National Park.
You can access Natalele Blowhole by car, but if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can also hike the La Perouse Trail. The walk takes about an hour one way and is well-marked with signs and orange flags. Along the way, you will pass several breathtaking views of the coastline.
If you decide to visit Natalele Blowhole on foot, it’s essential to take proper safety precautions. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes with good grip because the rocks can become wet and slippery. It’s also recommended that visitors stay behind the blowhole at all times in order to protect themselves from potential falling rocks or surges of water.
Free Things to do on Kauai
Be sure to check out our 7 day Kauai itinerary for families for more ideas!
Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn is one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. The Poipu surf channels into a natural lava tube here and releases a huge spout of water that can reach as high as 50 feet into the air. You’ll also hear a hiss and a roar that according to Hawaiian legend belongs to the lizard guardian Kaikapu.
Access to Spouting Horn Park is free and has ample parking. You can view the blowhole from a fenced lookout – hiking down to get close is now allowed due to the dangerous surf. Be sure to go at sunset for the best views!
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is a rare double waterfall that is located near the town of Lihue, Kauai. It’s easily accessible and doesn’t require any hiking. Simply park in the free lot and walk to the overlook. The best time to go is in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists and to have the best chance at seeing a rainbow in the mist.
Wailua Falls has been used as a location in many movies and TV shows, most notably the opening credits for the show Fantasy Island.
Hiking to the base of the waterfall is possible but technically illegal and you may face fines if you try to do it.
Free Things to do on the Big Island
Rainbow Falls
Recommended by Brandon from Zimmin Around the World
Rainbow Falls is a popular waterfall in the town of Hilo located on
Hawaii’s Big Island. This waterfall is found along the Wailuku River
in Wailuku River State Park. The height of Rainbow Falls is 80ft and
it flows over an ancient lava cave. Besides the natural beauty of
Rainbow Falls, one of the best features of the falls is that it is
absolutely free.
There is a free parking lot right off of Rainbow Dr and the boardwalk
to the falls is just a few feet away. The path leading to the
boardwalk and boardwalk itself is very safe and visitors are met with
gorgeous views of Rainbow Falls, the Wailuku River, and surrounding
rainforest. Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbow that can be
seen at the base of the falls during misty mornings. For visitors, it
is recommended to spend anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour at
the falls.
As if Rainbow Falls isn’t beautiful enough, head over to the Boiling
Pots just up the road to see more of natures beauty along the Wailuku
River. The Boiling Pots are a geological phenomenon formed by ancient
lava flows. Like Rainbow Falls, there is a lookout to view the Boiling
Pots and there is no fee to visit this attraction.
Panaewa Zoo
Recommended by Tabitha Bailar from Travel Compositions
One of the best free things to do on the Big Island is the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Hilo. You’ll be surprised at how many animals there are to see, the dense foliage of the tropical vegetation, and how extensive the park is.
The Pana’ewa Zoo is the only natural occurring rainforest zoo in the United States and covers 12 acres. There are over 80 species of animals living there ranging from incredible Bengal tigers to cute, colorful poison dart frogs.
Easy, paved paths take you around the zoo to visit both endemic and international animals. You can see animals like a two-toed sloth, an American Alligator, a variety of primates, and giant anteaters. You might discover animals you didn’t know about like the binturongs, the extinct-in-the-wild ‘alala, and nene.
Parrots are scattered throughout the park, making happy squawking noises, and on some days coming out to skateboard along the pavement. Kids will enjoy climbing and sliding on the large playground. Covered picnic tables allow for a packed lunch rain or shine. A petting zoo is open for an hour on Saturdays to allow kids to get their hands on emus, box turtles, and farm animals.
You could spend hours at the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Botanical Gardens watching animals play and examining all the tropical plants along the paths. And you’d never guess that you can experience all of it for free!
Visit a Green Sand Beach
Recommended by Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff
One of the most iconic and free things to do in Big Island of Hawaii is to take a hike to the unique Papakolea green sand beach. There are only 4 green sand beaches in the world so this is a must see. Just don’t expect a vibrant green color but you can see a hint of green in the sand when you’re up close.
Papakolea green sand beach is around 1.5 hours drive from the town of Kona, and a popular activity to do near Kona. This is a very unique beach because of the color of the sand and the challenging hike to reach it. The parking lot is free and the only place where there are restrooms. Once you park, you go down to the boat dock and take a left and start a 3 mile long hike along the coastline to reach the green sand beach. The hike is relatively flat, but what makes it challenging is the wind and blowing sand. The challenging hike to the beach is what makes this such a great activity to experience.
To reach the actual beach you need to climb down a short cliff but it’s totally doable. There are no lifeguards here and the waves can be quite rough so swimming is not advisable. Also be aware that there are no facilities like restrooms or water or food, so make sure you carry enough water for the hike and pack a picnic.
Cheap Things to Do in Hawaii
- Visit the Byodo In Temple – Oahu
- Go to a “show only” luau – Oahu, Kauai, Big Island
- Hike Diamond Head Crater – Oahu
- Spend a day on the North Shore – Oahu
- Go snorkeling at Kahekili Beach – Maui
- Go to the top of Haleakala volcano – Maui
- Hike Pipiwai Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools – Maui
- Hike Twin Falls – Maui
- Go hiking in Waimea Canyon – Kauai
- Take a shelter dog on a field trip – Kauai
- Visit Old Hilo Town – Big Island
- Kayak to the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay – Big Island
Cheap Things to Do on Oahu
Byodo In temple
Recommended by Heather Kasvinsky of This Noshtalgic Life
The Byodo-In Temple in Oahu, located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, is a smaller-scale replica of a temple in Kyoto, Japan. It was built to commemorate the centennial of Japanese immigration to the United States. The Valley of the Temples is a beautiful and scenic resting place for many of Hawaiʻi’s departed. The hilly landscape is dotted with hundreds of freshly placed tropical flowers to remember loved ones, adding to the already gorgeous scenery.
The Byodo-In Temple is truly an exquisite sight. It is made of concrete and wood, ornately painted, and detailed with gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden with koi ponds and waterfalls. Inside the temple, there are two rooms. The first room contains a statue of Buddha. Visitors are welcomed inside to the 18-foot gold leaf-covered Buddha to light incense and offer a prayer. The second room is the Hall of Prayer, which contains a bell that visitors are invited to ring.
Admission to the Byodo-In Temple grounds is $5 per person, $4 for seniors, and $2 for children. The low entry fees and Instagram-worthy backdrops make this temple one of the most beautiful cheap things to do in Hawaii. The temple is open to the public from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily with the last entrance at 4:15 pm.
The nearest town to the temple is Kaneohe, which is about a 10-minute drive away. Visitors to the area can also enjoy He’eia State Park to take in views of Kaneohe Bay or go on a short day hike on the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail, also known as the Kaneohe Bay Pillbox trail.
“Show Only” Luau
Recommended by Marcie Cheung of Hawaii Travel Spot
Want to go to a luau in Hawaii but you’re on a budget? Some luaus offer a “show only” option. This means that you skip the dinner and show up later in the evening to just watch the hula dancing. These tickets are usually at least 50% off the regular luau ticket price.
It’s easy to either cook your own dinner or stop by a food truck before heading to the show. If these are still out of your price-range, you can always grab takeout (or even Hawaiian food from 7-11) and enjoy a free hula show in Hawaii. These usually consist of children performing at malls or shopping centers around the island.
Oahu: Mele Luau on Oahu also has a show only package where you skip the meal and just enjoy their theatrical Polynesian love story show. This is the newest luau on Oahu.
Kauai: The Smith Family Luau on Kauai has this option and it’s perfect because their show is actually located in an amphitheater away from the dining area, so it’s a seamless transition.
Big Island: The Legends of Hawaii Luau held at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island also has the option to skip the dinner buffet and just see the show for less than half the price of their normal luau tickets.
Hike Diamond Head Crater
Recommended by Karen from Forever Karen
Towering over Waikiki, Oahu, the Diamond Head Crater is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 150,000 years ago. Today, the state park attracts visitors to climb its summit for 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki, and Ko’olau Range.
The trail has recently become so popular that hikers must reserve a time slot online. It costs USD 5 per person to climb, and expect the out-and-back trail to take up to 90 minutes.
To avoid the extreme heat, the optimal time to hike Diamond Head is between 6 and 8 am. Hikers need closed-toe shoes and bottled water.
Don’t be deceived by the flat, paved path from the parking area. The trail soon turns into a switchback dirt route, often slippery when wet. You’ll encounter a 225-foot dark tunnel near the summit and a few sets of stairs. One group, nicknamed the “stairs of doom,” tests your endurance on 99 steep stairs.
At the fork, take the left path, which allows you to do the stairs of doom on the descent. By going left, you’ll encounter the old war bunker first. Inside the bunker, descend a spiral staircase and continue to the Diamond Head summit.
While the lookout area is small, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Waikiki Beach, Koko Head, and Diamond Head Lighthouse. During the trek back, you can savor the views of the crater and reward your climb with a Dole pineapple smoothie from the parking lot food truck.
Spend a Day on the North Shore
Recommended by Lisa from Planning Away
The North Shore of Oahu is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. Take a drive to Hale’iwa. Here you will find the famous Hawaiian shave ice location Matsumoto. They have many fun flavors and combinations to choose from. You can also window shop at all the fun stores in Hale’iwa. This is one of the best things to do in Oahu with kids!
Next, you can head a little farther down the North Shore to Waimea Bay. This is where you will find the best surfers hitting the gigantic waves. This is one of the most exciting free things to do in Hawaii. Seriously, spending a few hours watching will make your day feel incredible. Winter is the best time to see the big swells.
After you enjoy watching the professional surfers, head to Laniakea Beach also known as Turtle Beach. There are tons of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun.
This is not your typical beach, you come here to see the turtles not to swim and sunbathe. These magnificent creatures were once almost extinct but now are thriving all around the island. Turtle Beach is a free public beach with free parking.
Oahu’s North Shore is the perfect place to spend an affordable day in Oahu.
Cheap Things to Do on Maui
Be sure to check out our 7 day Maui itinerary for families for more ideas!
Snorkeling at Kahekili Beach
Recommended by Lexi Forrest from Stylish Packing Lists
One free but fun thing to do is to snorkel off Kahekili Beach in Maui. Kahekili Beach is located near the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas in Maui, and the beach has a parking lot nearby. Unlike many snorkeling spots in Hawaii, you don’t need to join an organized tour to snorkel here, all you need is some snorkeling gear and the ability to swim.
The snorkeling is best near the beach pavilion or the rocks near the southern end, and it’s up to you how far you want to swim out. Snorkeling at Kahekili is great for beginners as the reef starts in the shallows, so you do not have to swim further out if you don’t want to. The reef runs parallel to the shore at about 10-14 feet depth.
While snorkeling you may see green sea turtles and eels, but you’re guaranteed to see a variety of fish and corals. As a bonus, between November and May, you may even be able to hear whale sounds underwater as they pass by the coast if you listen carefully.
It is better to snorkel in the morning than in the afternoon, as it gets windier later in the day which makes for rougher conditions. Fins or boots are a must as the sandy bottom soon gives way to a rougher bottom. In conditions like these it’s best to go into swimming mode as soon as you can, which is safe as it gets deeper quickly.
If you didn’t add snorkel gear to your Hawaii packing list you can rent some from The Snorkel Shop, Snorkel Bobs or Boss Frogs, which are all nearby. Most have rentals for $5-17 a day. Some offer a multi-day hire discounts. You can also rent from the Westin hotel across the road, although it is a little more expensive.
Haleakala National Park
Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel
One of the best free or cheap things to do in Hawaii is to visit Haleakala National Park. Visitors to Maui can head to this National Park. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass for National Parks, it is free to get in or it costs $30 without it.
The main reason people head to Haleakala National Park is to see the sunrise at the Summit. If you choose to do this, you will want to make a reservation ahead of time for $1. Then, you will be able to enter the park between 3am and 7am. Make sure to check when sunrise time is so you can plan accordingly. If you do not want to get up for sunrise, you can also opt to stay for sunset.
Haleakala National Park also has several hiking trails. The Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands) Trail is one of the most popular options. Depending on how far you hike, this trail is 7.8 miles round trip, but you can opt to turn around whenever you would like.
Other things to do include a series of lookouts around the park such as the Pa Ka’oao Overlook, the Kalahaku Overlook, or the Leleiwi Overlook.
Another quick and fun hike to take is the 0.54-mile Hosmer Grove trail. This hike goes through a non-native forest of trees brought in from the mainland.
Pipiwai Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools
Contributed by Pafoua at Her Wanderful World
When visiting Maui, Hawaii, one of the best cheap things to do in Hawaii is drive the Road to Hana. The Road to Hana is a beautiful drive 65-mile that takes you through the lush rainforest and around hundreds of waterfalls. The views are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to take in the natural beauty of Maui. There are also many stops along the way where visitors can take a break and explore.
The ultimate stop on the Road to Hana, however, is the Pipiwai Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools, located in Haleakala National Park. The trail to the Seven Sacred Pools branches away from the Pipiwai trail – it is recommended to do this trail after hiking the 4-mile out-and-back Pipiwai Trail.
When you hike through the Pipiwai Trail, you’ll see a large banyan tree, come upon a bamboo forest, and finally view Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall that will take your breath away.
Once you head back and are near the parking lot, follow the trail that leads to the Seven Sacred Pools, which are some of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Maui. Be sure to check the signs before swimming as sometimes there are warnings against swimming.
The total cost for the Road to Hana includes entrance into Haleakala National Park ($30 or free with America the Beautiful Pass), the cost of a rental car, and the cost of gas. The best time to start driving the Road to Hana is around 8 AM as you’ll want to start hiking the Pipiwai Trail no later than 1 PM.
When in Maui, the Pipiwai Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools are a must-visit!
Twin Falls
Recommended by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff
Whatever you are a beginner or more advanced hiker, visiting Twin Falls Trail would be an excellent choice. This is the place where you can go hiking and dive into nature too. Situated near Haiku, Maui, Twin Falls Trail is considered an easy trail. The elevation of this trail is around 106 meters above the ground, and the length is 2.9 km. So it would take you approximately 53 minutes to complete the whole trail.
On this trail, you can see the scenic green views of nature and the falls. People visit this place for the waterfalls. You will find some cliffs here and you can walk straight from those cliffs to the waterfall. If you love to swim and don’t get bothered by being wet, this trail will be a gem for you.
Before heading to this trail, you should get proper clothes that protect you from water, or it’s better to carry an umbrella. And remember to wear proper waterproof hiking boots or sandals as the area remains wet and muddy most of the time. So taking slippers or rain boots will let you roam around without any worry.
You can head to this trail throughout the year. The best time to visit this trail is in the morning, but around 3 or 4 pm, the area becomes less crowded, and you can enjoy the serenity of this place. You have to pay $10 parking fee at Twin Falls Trail.
Cheap Things to do on Kauai
Go Hiking in Waimea Canyon
Recommended by Faith Hansen from 3ticketsplease.com
Kauai is an adventurer’s paradise. While some adventures like spending the day kayaking the Wailua River to Secret Falls or biking in Poipu cost a little money for rentals, hiking Waimea Canyon, the“Grand Canyon” of Kauai is more affordable. All you need to pay are entry fees & parking at the state park, making it one of the most exciting cheap things to do in Hawaii.
Located on the southern shore of Kauai, getting to Waimea Canyon is a 26-mile round trip scenic drive from Waimea town. Even the car ride is a wonderful adventure, with three official lookouts and short nature walks to overlook the canyon.
If you never leave the pavement, the views of Waimea are absolutely worth the drive time. But be sure to check your gas gauge at the beginning of your adventures as there are no gas stations inside the park.
But for those who want to go a bit deeper into the 14-mile gorge, Canyon Trail, a moderate 3.4 mile hike that branches off the Cliff trail is a perfect day experience. While hiking in the canyon is its own reward, the Canyon Trail leads you to the top of Waipoo Falls to take in the view over this 800-foot waterfall.
For this hiking adventure, you definitely need good hiking shoes, water and snacks. The hike takes about 3 hours. It does have some steep areas so definitely not a first-time hike. However, for those who adventure beyond the pavement, the views of the vibrant greens of the foliage and red of the earth, will be a forever memory.
Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip
Recommended by Candace from A Journey Inspired
If you’re a dog lover or you want to give back to the local community while in Kauai, taking a shelter dog for a field trip is the perfect budget-friendly full-day activity! The Kauai Humane Society runs a field trip program which provides you the opportunity to “borrow” a dog for the day to enjoy the island’s natural beauty together.
The shelter is currently overflowing with almost double the stray dogs they have room for. Therefore, this program is not only beneficial for the dog’s physical and mental health, but walking your dog around town may even help the dog get adopted.
The program runs from 10AM to 5PM daily. Simply schedule a pickup time and the staff will match you with a dog that suits your plans. For example, you can take your dog to the beach for a relaxing day, or hiking for more adventure. Some suggestions include the Sleeping Giant Mountain, Moalepe/Kuilau Trail, the Kapaa Coastal Path, and Mahaulepu Beach. The shelter provides all the materials you need in a backpack, and you will not have to feed or take the dog to do its business.
A small $40 donation must be made upon booking to help support the Field Trip program and ensure commitment to showing up for the dog. Altogether, this excursion is a great way to get your “dog fix” without the long-term commitment of adopting. Not only is this one of the coolest cheap things to do in Hawaii but your heart will most certainly feel full after spending a full day with your new adventure buddy! To read about an experience with this program, please refer to this post on shelter dog field trips.
Cheap Things to do on the Big Island
Visit Old Hilo Town
Visiting the Old Town of Hilo and surrounding areas in town is a good and cheap way to explore the eastern part of Hawaii Island. The old town district is fun to walk around the two main streets and explore all the cool stores, galleries and fun eateries to enjoy in the area.
Close by is the Hilo Farmers market which is the oldest and largest on the island to visit daily with most of the big shopping days on Wednesday and Saturdays. You can also visit the waterfront area to closeby Liliu’okalani Garden one of the largest Japanese gardens in the state with stunning landscape and Japanese ornaments. Coconut Island, Reed’s Beach and the Banyan drive trees are a part of this scenic and historic part of the city.
Kayak to the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay
Recommended by Jina Lee from By Jina Lee
No trip to the Big Island is complete without a stop at the historic and serene Kealakekua Bay. Located about 35 minutes from Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua Bay attracts tourists and locals alike to visit its calm waters, abundant coral life, and spinner dolphin pods.
Instead of spending over $100 per person on a day cruise, you can self-kayak Kealakekua Bay for $30-45 per person and can explore the bay at your own pace. The most popular destination for all visitors of the bay is to snorkel around the Captain Cook statue.
Make sure to head to Kealakekua Bay for the smoothest kayaking conditions as well as peak visibility for snorkeling. It is also your best chance of encountering spinner dolphins along the way to the Captain Cook monument.
Once you make it to the Captain Cook monument by kayak, you can snorkel in the area for as long as you want, with most averaging 2-3 hours in the bay. Note that you will need to tether the kayak to yourself while snorkeling. If that makes you nervous, know that the kayak is incredibly sturdy and won’t capsize as you get in and out of the water. Once you’re snorkeling, you’ll barely notice that the kayak is even there.
Be sure to rent your kayak from Ehu and Kai Adventures, as they are the only company that’s licensed to operate at the bay. If you choose another company, you will have to kayak further to get to the Captain Cook statue.
We hope this helps make your Hawaiian dream a more affordable reality!
Aloha!
Our family is on a mission to experience the best affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the US help other families create lasting memories in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or check out our Hawaii Bucket List for a list of the top kid-friendly adventures in the Aloha State across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.