It’s a bit of a debate about the best things to do in Oahu lately. We’ve put a brief list together for you of the Top 5 Free things to do on Oahu! Yes, believe it or not you don’t always have to spend your money while on vacation. The Islands of Hawaii have many beautiful things to offer you during your trip. What type of person are you when you are on vacation? Are you the type that truly loves to get outside and enjoy the waves, the hiking, and the beaches that stretch the entire island? Are you the type of person that just truly wants to take vacation to a ‘vacation’ level and enjoy nothing more than lounging, relaxing, and sunning? Either way, we’re here to help you discover a few of the best things to do in Oahu.
North Shore Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Oahu
The reason surfing is one of the best things to do in Oahu is because unlike the other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu has North Shore! North Shore is one of our favorite destinations when we are looking for free things to do on Oahu. The reason this portion of the Island is so wonderful when you are looking for some of the best things to do in Oahu is because, well, it’s a true adventure of local culture. The first thing you’ll experience if you are heading from town towards North Shore is Oahu’s Dole Pineapple Plantation.
Dole Pineapple Plantation was one of the oldest plantations in Hawaii aside from Sugar Cane and it was, at one time, one of the largest companies in the State. When you get there you’ll want to have a camera ready because it’s not every day you can capture pictures of endless fields of Pineapples. One of my personal favorites while at Dole, though not one of the 5 free things to do on Oahu, is their Mini Train Ride and the Pineapple Ice Cream! Heck, you are on vacation to enjoy yourself a bit aren’t you?
After you are completely sweetened up from your Trip to Dole, you’ll want to take a trip to the main town of North Shore Oahu, Haleiwa. This little town is always bustling with a relaxed nature of foodie’s and surfers. If you are someone looking for a few unique experiences while in this cute little town you may want to grab lunch at one of the many famous Shrimp Trucks in the area as these offer some of the tastiest food you’ll have had all day! One of the local favorites is 
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and I’d have to agree they are pretty tasty.
Another thing you may want to have a stop in at the Artiss Family home as well. I know this isn’t a traditional place to visit and we often don’t think of visiting a family we’ve never met when we are trying to enjoy a few of the best things to do in oahu, but they are truly amazing. I got into a conversation with the mother of the family and asked, “Where are you originally from…,” as she smiled and replied, “Heaven…why?” The family is truly lovely and the father has taught all the children in the family how to play music. The best part is, if you catch them on the right day, you can actually watch a live concert by some of the best artists you’ve ever heard.
It’s Not The Best Thing To Do In Oahu Without Sweets
For me, some of the best things to do in Oahu have a bit to do with indulgence. Hey, don’t judge me…lol. North Shore has 2 places that, even though I live here, I still have to visit on a regular schedule. The first place, because it’s so close to the heart of North Shore is Matsumoto”s Shaved Ice! You are going to be wondering, “What’s the Huge Line For?” until you have one of the shaved ice for yourself. For a few tiny dollars you can enjoy one of these well known desserts and share with a friend…yes, they are big enough to share (See…one of the 5 free things to do on Oahu!).
Lastly, and as I’m writing this I’m realizing how much I love food, you’ve got to check out Ted’s Bakery. This little place is normally missed by most tourists looking for great places to eat when they are in Hawaii. Well, admittedly, I rarely eat here…unless you count a plate of pie food. Yes, it’s amazing and my favorite is the Chocolate Haupia Pie (Haupia is Coconut Here in Hawaii). So are we having a great day yet? So far on our journey of a few of the best things to do in Oahu, we’ve eaten, tasted, and shaved ice nibbled our way along the shore. Yes, this is shaping up to be a great vacation already!
For The More Active Best Things To Do In Oahu
For you more active types, in my opinion, some of the best things to do in Oahu have to deal with being outside. Oahu is really neat because we have something that is obviously recognized by everyone who has ever seen pictures of Hawaii. Here in Oahu we have Diamond Head, which is actually more of a crater than a mountain even though it certainly looks more like a mountain. For a tiny fee you can actually hike this wonderful little rise and get an amazing view over the entire island…well, at least a view of Waikiki and the endless blue ocean. If you are planning to hike Diamond Head, you are going to be doing yourself and injustice if you aren’t planning on bringing a camera.
From the top of Diamond Head you can have some of the best pictures and these can be used as gifts, so yet another one of the top 5 free things to do on Oahu! If you go early in the morning or after 4pm it tends to be the best times of day to hike for both view and temperature. The middle of the day does tend to get a bit warm and I’d try to avoid mid-day as it truly can be a bit of a hot hike then.
After your hike up Diamond Head you are sure to get an appetite and just want to spend a bit of time strolling, ‘eating…again’, and just relaxing. For that, you can enjoy a walk along an eclectic boardwalk of street performers, hula dancers, surfers crossing traffic, and an endless stream of visual activities. This little known area is Waikiki Beach Boardwalk and is truly one of the best things to do in Oahu.
Now, how are you feeling? Relaxed a bit? This list could be many things to many people because Hawaii is one of the few places I’ve lived that offers everything for everyone. It doesn’t really matter what type of person you are as I’m confident that you’ll have a wonderful time discovering things to do in Oahu. Much Aloha and I hope you enjoyed learning about a few of the best things to do in Oahu.