In just a few weeks we are heading back to Oahu in Hawaii. This is one of our favorite destinations (as a family.) We love the culture, language, adventure, beauty, and beaches. It is such an incredible vacation experience. However, Hawaii can also be super expensive. There are still ways to save money in Oahu. We are excited to share some of our tips to still save money in Oahu in Hawaii.
#10 Take the Bus
Oahu public transportation system has stops throughout the island. TheBus (yes, it is actually called TheBus) is a great way to get around Oahu. From Waikiki, it is very convenient to take The Bus to places like the AlaMoana shopping plaza, Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, Pearl Harbor, and even up to the North Shore.
#9 Taste Hawaiian Cuisine
No trip to Oahu is complete, without some native Hawaiian fare like kualoa pork, lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, and poi. There are lots of food trucks and local spots that you can try Hawaiian cuisine for less than $10. Plus, it is such a treat to try local foods.
#8 Climb Diamond Head
Work off that lunch by climbing Diamond Head crater. This is one of Tim’s favorite activities in Oahu. Diamond Head is also one of the most iconic sites on Oahu. It was formed about 300,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. The trail to the summit was built in 1908 and used by the military to defend Oahu from invaders. Today, guests can climb it to see some of the most spectacular views of the island.
#7 Pick up Souvenirs at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Take the #20 or #42 bus from downtown Honolulu to the Aloha Stadium where a huge swap meet, kind of like a tropical flea market takes place Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can find all kinds of foods, crafts, and souvenirs. This is a fun way to hang out with the Hawaiian locals.
#6 Visit Pearl Harbor
Take a few hours during your vacation to visit the Pearl Harbor museum. This is part of our history, so it is a great learning experience. It is also an inexpensive attraction to visit during your trip to Oahu.
#5 Shaved Ice
YUM! You must get shaved ice in Hawaii. You can even try a local version with ice cream. The shaved ice is just such a great treat, while you are visiting Hawaii. It is a must do and on our under $10 list!
#4 Surf’s Up
Unless you surf a lot, you will not want to go surfing in Hawaii. However, you can certainly go cheer on a surfer. Oahu is a surfer’s paradise in the winter months. If you are visiting in the summer months, you will have to skip this activity, because the water is flat over those summer months. The best time to watch the surfers is before 11 AM near the Mokule’ia Beach Park.
#3 Hanging Out in Waikiki Beach
Waikiki reminds me a lot of South Beach in Florida. Lots of interesting characters! A free and FUN activity is people watching in Waikiki. You can just shop and people watch along the street or hang out at the beach in Waikiki Beach.
#2 Tour the Dole Plantation
It opened as a fruit stand in 1950, but today, the Dole Plantation is a popular tourist attraction. Access to many parts of the Plantation is free. If the weather’s hot, be sure to indulge in the world famous pineapple frozen treat known as the Dole Whip. Oh yes, they sell Dole Whips outside of Disney World! LOL!
#1 Shop in an ABC Store
The ultimate touristy store in Hawaii is called the ABC Store. Most of these stores are huge with everything you can think of from food to Hawaiian shirts. This is a fun store to just wander around. Plus, they have tons of souvenirs that are inexpensive like super inexpensive!
These are a few of my favorite things under $10 in Hawaii. We are heading off to Oahu soon, so be sure to come back to see our experience at Aulani and in Oahu. Mahalo!
Here are some other articles to help you plan a visit to Hawaii.
