Oahu on a Budget: Inexpensive Family-Friendly Activities

Oahu • June 20, 2018

It’s no secret that a trip to Hawaiʻi can seriously rack up the bill. After all, it pays to spend time in paradise! From dining decisions to pricey attractions, an island vacation can bring up some serious questions about the best way to spend your savings. 

This Week Hawaii is making it easy for you to experience paradise on a budget. Here we’re showcasing popular things to do on Oʻahu at a reasonable price.

Experience Pearl Harbor – Tour the historic site where the US officially entered World War II with a visit to Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces targeted Pearl Harbor in a devastating attack on its aircrafts, ships and soldiers. Today, the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are made up of the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, and are open to the public to experience on a variety of walking, narrated and virtual tours. Pearl Harbor Historic Sites offers a variety of packages and combo tour offers to help you get the most of your money. PC: Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Enjoy free Waikīkī activities – As the hub of activity for visitors enjoying a Hawaiʻi vacation, Waikīkī is also home to a variety of free offerings for passersby just taking in the sights. All around the visitor mecca there are free hula shows and live performances, the most popular including those at Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound and Royal Hawaiian Center. After enjoying an authentic hula show, close out your evening with a spectacular Friday evening fireworks show at Hilton Hawaiian Village where the fireworks burst above dazzling Waikiki Beach. PC: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Visit and tour Dole Plantation – Dubbed Hawaiʻi’s “Pineapple Experience” since opening its doors in 1989, Dole Plantation is one of Oʻahu’s most popular attractions, and welcomes over a million visitors every year. Dole Plantation is filled with family-fun activities including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze and the Plantation Garden Tour. Of course, no trip to Dole Plantation is complete without a refreshing cup of Dole Whip, a world-famous pineapple soft serve! Tour packages and group rates are available at a low cost. PC: Dole Plantation.

We know planning a trip to Hawaiʻi is an investment—This Week Hawaii wants you to make the most of your money! Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a memorable vacation in paradise. If you’re looking for continued inspiration, check out our blog to learn more about our favorite places to explore.

What Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? First-Timers Guide
By Cheryl Lee September 15, 2025
Planning your first Hawaii trip? Compare Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island & Kauaʻi in this guide to help you choose the best island for your perfect vacation.
By Cheryl Lee September 7, 2025
From farm-to-table fine dining and fresh island seafood to local shave ice and hidden roadside gems, Maui’s culinary scene offers something for every taste.
By Cheryl Lee September 7, 2025
From upscale boutiques to hidden local gems, Maui offers an unforgettable shopping experience that blends island charm with global flair.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Whether you prefer sit-down with a view or a quick bite, we offer choices based on cuisine, ambiance and location.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Get out and explore! All points of interest contain This Week Map coordinates and are free unless noted.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Treat yourself and your loved ones with a special gift from the Big Island. Below are some local retailers offering unique island finds.
By Cheryl Lee August 29, 2025
Makalei Golf Clulb is an upland course in Kailua-Kona with staggering views and challenging holes-so much you'll forget your handicap and just relish the stunning scenery.
Hawaii’s diverse national parks, from volcanic craters and sacred coastal sites to historic landmark
By Cheryl Lee August 9, 2025
Plan your visit to Hawaii’s national parks with tips on history, best times, fees, and must-see attractions across the islands.
By Cheryl Lee July 18, 2025
Isle of windswept beaches, no traffic lights
By Cheryl Lee July 18, 2025
Residents of the Valley Isle say “Maui no ka oi,” meaning “Maui is the best!” It could be because of the long stretches of white sand beaches …or the idyllic offshore views of neighboring Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Moloka‘i and the tiny islet of Molokini.