Visitors should take advantage of the many free events held on Oahu, Hawaii.
FREE OAHU EVENTS:
- Ala Moana Centerstage
- Art on the Zoo Fence
- Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday
- Cinema In The Park
- Eat The Street
- Family Fishing
- First Fridays at HiSAM
- First Friday Chinatown
- Friday Night Fireworks
- Kona Nui Nights
- Kuhio Beach Hula Show
- Memorable Sunsets Under The Kiawe Tree
- Moana Surfrider Historical Tour
- Moomeheu Hawaii – Cultural Programming
- Free Sunday Concert
- O Na Lani Sunset Series
- Royal Hawaiian Band Public Performances
- Royal Hawaiian Historical Tour
- Second Saturdays at HiSAM
- Yoga In the Barn
1. Ala Moana Centerstage
Ala Moana Center | Daily 9:30am-9pm (various)
Facebook @AlaMoanaCenter
There are always free events on Oahu taking place on Centerstage at Ala Moana Center, America’s largest open-air shopping mall. Local and international acts, from choirs and bands to fashion shows and pageants, entertain shoppers throughout the day. Don’t miss the daily hula show at 1pm.
2. Art on the Zoo Fence
Monsarrat Ave (opposite Kapiolani Park) | Sat & Sun 9am-4pm
Facebook @artonthezoofencehawaii
Art on the Zoo Fence is a pop-up outdoor art gallery where local artists display their original works and prints. If you’re staying in Waikiki over a weekend, take a stroll to the banyan trees next to Honolulu Zoo where you can mingle with artistic folk and buy your own Hawaii masterpiece.
3. Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday
Honolulu Museum of Art | 3rd Sunday of every month 10am-4:30pm (activities stop 2pm)
Facebook @honolulumuseum
Save $20 per adult with free admission to Honolulu Museum of Art on Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday. People of all ages are invited to peruse the galleries and enjoy art-based activities, entertainment and film screenings. Each event is themed to tie into the museum’s permanent collections and special exhibitions.
4. Cinema In The Park
Ward Village | 2nd Thursday of every month 6-9pm
Facebook @WardVillage
Cinema In The Park showcases Hawaii International Film Festival flicks. Tickets are free to the public but fill-up fast, always RSVP to guarantee your seats. This monthly movie night takes place in Victoria Ward Park at Ward Village, a premier street shopping, dining and entertainment precinct.
5. Eat The Street
Various | From 5pm
Facebook @EatTheStreetHawaii
Without a doubt, Eat The Street is the tastiest food-fest in town. when this food truck rally pops up across the island, it’s one of the best events on Oahu. The menus always change based on different themes and have previously included mouth-watering concepts like spicy, bacon, garlic and chocolate. Meals at own cost.
6. Family Fishing
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden | Sat & Sun 10am-2pm
Facebook @HoomaluhiaBotanicalGarden
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Hawaii’s largest botanical garden, offers a free catch-and-release Family Fishing program. Bamboo poles and barbless hooks are handed out on a first-come-first-served basis. Bring your own bait (fresh white bread). Walking shoes, insect repellant and rain gear is recommended.
7. First Fridays at HiSAM
Hawaii State Art Museum | 1st Friday of every month 6-9pm
Facebook @hawaiistateartmuseum
Hawaii State Art Museum extends evening hours and hosts entertainment on the first Friday of the month, admission is free. It’s a family-friendly evening where guests can view artworks. The museum’s collection is primarily contemporary works by artists who have a connection to Hawaii.
8. First Friday Chinatown
North Hotel St, Honolulu | 1st Friday of every month 5-9pm
Facebook @FirstFridayChinatown
Downtown Honolulu (and Chinatown) is the central business district of Oahu and once a month it’s galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars transform for First Friday celebrations. The individual shops extend hours and incorporate art exhibitions, free entertainment and music, discounted food and cocktails etc.
9. Friday Night Fireworks
Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Hilton Hawaiian Village | Fri 7:45pm Sep-Apr; 8pm May-Aug
Facebook @HiltonHawaiianVillage
Waikiki is blessed with a Friday Night Fireworks every Friday night sponsored by Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. The fireworks display launches from the hotel lagoon. You can see them from many different vantage points, one of the most popular being beachfront along Fort DeRussy Park boardwalk.
10. Kona Nui Nights
Ward Village | 3rd Wednesday of every month 5:30-8pm
Facebook @WardVillage
Kona Nui Nights is an evening show centred around Hawaiian language, music and hula. Tickets are free to the public but are limited, always RSVP to guarantee your seats. This regular event takes place at Ward Village, a premier street shopping, dining and entertainment precinct.
11. Kuhio Beach Hula Show
Hula Mound (opposite Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort) | Tue, Thu & Sat 6pm Nov-Jan; 6:30pm Feb-Oct
Authentic Hawaiian music and hula are performed three nights a week by local entertainers at the Kuhio Beach Hula Show. This complimentary Oahu event uses a purpose-built Hula Mound as it’s outdoor stage and attracts a large audience. Make sure you arrive early to get a good seat on the grass.
12. Memorable Sunsets Under The Kiawe Tree
House Without A Key, Halekulani | Daily 5:30pm
Facebook @HouseWithoutAKey
House Without A Key is a romantic oceanfront restaurant that’s very popular for sunset drinks thanks to its free nightly entertainment, Memorable Sunsets Under The Kiawe Tree. Distinctive Hawaiian music combine with graceful hula performed by former Miss Hawaii winners.
13. Moana Surfrider Historical Tour
Moana Surfrider | Mon & Wed 11am
Facebook @MoanaSurfrider
The general public is invited to learn about the interesting history of Moana Surfrider hotel, nicknamed the “First Lady of Waikiki”. Step back into yesteryear during this Historical Tour. Meet at the Historical Room on the 2nd floor of the Banyan Wing.
14. Moomeheu Hawaii – Cultural Programming
Royal Hawaiian Center | Mon-Sat 9am-7pm (various)
Facebook @RoyalHwnCtr
More than just a retail shopping hotspot with 150 stores, Royal Hawaiian Center also provides complimentary Cultural Programming (free Oahu events) and live entertainment. Expert kumu (teachers) offer a raft of free Hawaiian cultural lessons in lei making, lauhala weaving, hula, ukulele playing, quilting, lomilomi massage and more.
15. Free Sunday Concert
Plaza Stage, Waikiki Beach Walk | Sun 5-6pm
Facebook @waikikibeachwalk
Waikiki Beach Walk is a vibrant mix of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, popular restaurants, and bars. In addition, it offers a great variety of free entertainment, cultural activities, and classes. Catch some of the island’s best entertainers at a free Sunday Concert.
16. O Na Lani Sunset Stories
International Market Place | Daily 6:30pm Sep-Feb; 7pm Mar-Aug
Facebook @IntlMktPlace
International Market Place, a shopping center in the heart of Waikiki, hosts a free storytelling performance in honour Queen Emma. The nightly O Na Lani Sunset Stories are told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance and include ceremonial torch lighting. A list of other free Hawaii events are also routinely hosted.
17. Royal Hawaiian Band Public Performances
Iolani Palace & Kapiolani Park | Fri Noon (Iolani Palace) & Sun 2pm (Kapiolani Park)
Facebook @RoyalHawaiianBand
Founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, the Royal Hawaiian Band was literally the “King’s Band” during the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It’s now an agency of the City & County of Honolulu and they perform in over 300 concerts, parades and events each year. Public performances are held every Friday at Iolani Palace and most Sundays at Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
18. Royal Hawaiian Historical Tour
The Royal Hawaiian | Tue & Thu 1pm
Facebook @RoyalHawaiian
The general public is invited to learn about the rich history of The Royal Hawaiian hotel, nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”. Listen to fascinating stories from “back in the day” during this Historical Tour. Meet at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery on the Coconut Lanai to join the group.
19. Second Saturdays at HiSAM
Hawaii State Art Museum | 2nd Saturday of every month 1=3pm
Facebook @hawaiistateartmuseum
On the second Saturday of each month, the Hawaii State Art Museum hosts complimentary hands-on art activities for all ages. Guests can drop in to this free Hawaii event at any time, all materials are provided and allow about 30 minutes to complete a project.
20. Yoga in the Barn
SALT At Our Kakaako | Monthly Various
Facebook @saltourkakaako
SALT At Our Kakaako is an entertainment precinct about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. They run a series of free Hawaii events every month, including a Yoga in the Barn event.
RELATED >> Hawaii Events & Festivals
TIP: Every free Hawaii event is subject to change and cancellation. Always confirm the correct details closer to the date. The easiest way to do this is by checking the applicable Facebook pages, information is usually posted on the feed or under the Events section.
Oahu Friday Night Fireworks Tours
