On a budget
Lindsay Eagan

Visiting Oahu on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

Oahu has plenty of fun and exciting attractions and activities for the whole family. But we know visiting Oahu on a budget could seem pretty difficult, especially if you plan on getting the most out of the island. However, we're going to show you how you can visit a bunch of popular attractions AND help eliminate excess spending.

Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions

Admission to many of these Oahu tourists attractions and are included on the Go Oahu Card. Go Oahu Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include:
  • Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran
  • Dolphin Encounter by Sea Life Park
  • Semi-Private Surf Lesson by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii
  • Polynesian Cultural Center
  • And more!

Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Vehicle, Yacht, Horizon, Person, Sunrise, Scenery, The Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran is a dinner experience that cannot be missed. Offering a gentle sea breeze as you enjoy your meal, you may find yourself in a position whereas you'll never want to eat in a stuffy diner ever again. To make matters even better, the menu offers tropical cocktails and island-style meals as a reminder that you're enjoying luxury dining at a discount price. Getting In: Oahu Dinner Cruise tickets by Makani Catamaran are available as an option on 3 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards.

Dolphin Encounter by Sea Life Park

Image of Lifejacket, Vest, Animal, Dolphin, Mammal, Sea Life, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Dolphin Encounter by Sea Life Park offers the best dolphin experiences in the area. On a waist-deep platform, you can playfully enjoy the company of dolphins in their environment. Whether "dancing", kissing, or playing, the dolphins tend to honor their guests in their own silly manner. Getting In: Dolphin Encounter by Sea Life Park tickets are available as an option on 3 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards.

Semi-Private Surf Lesson by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii

Image of Shorts, People, Person, Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Beach, Coast, Shoreline, Adult, Male, Man, Sea Waves, Shoe, The Semi-Private Surf Lesson by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii is a surfing experience you can't pass up. You'll receive a top quality board and pre-instructions before you hit the waves and see what you're capable of. This experience can also accommodate children under 12, but they will have receive some training beforehand. Getting In: Semi-Private Oahu Surf Lessons by Sea & Board Sports Hawaii are available as an option on 3 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Image of The Polynesian Cultural Center allows you to explore the rich heritage located in the Pacific Islands. With 42 acres to explore, you'll have plenty of territory to explore on your own (or with family). Make sure you stick around after dinner to catch the spectacular Ha: Breath of Life show while your food settles. Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card.

Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Vegetation, Lake, Water, Landscape, Land, Rainforest, Tree, The Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tour at Kualoa Ranch has one of the most preserved ponds in the Oahu area. Dated between 800-1,000 years old, this pond is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it cannot be missed. If you're interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, Kualoa Ranch is definitely the answer. Getting In: Kualoa Ranch Fishpond & Garden Tours are included on the Go Oahu Card.

Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip:

There are plenty of other fun options to choose from, including these activities included on the Go Oahu Card. Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour - The Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour is a must for any movie/television buff. Considering the long history of franchise productions that have been filmed on Hawaii, you'll run out of fingers counting the locations you've seen on television (or on the silver screen). From Jurassic Park to Lost, get ready to experience the decades of entertainment first hand at the Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour. Hanauma Bay Snorkel - The Hanauma Bay Snorkel is a thrilling experience that can't be passed up. Being incredibly affordable, you've be able to explore the crystal clear waters that Hawaii is well known for. To make matters even better, the snorkeling equipment is sanitized, clean and professional. Battleship Missouri - If you're a history buff, you might be very familiar with the Battleship Missouri. Being a primary artifact, it's where World War II formally ended and you can experience the battleship up close and personal. The on-board tours are limited, so book this experience early to save yourself a spot. USS Bowfin Submarine - The USS Bowfin Submarine has a long list of secrets that demand your attention. Being known to save downed pilots, the USS Bowfin Submarine was an important asset during World War II. Being one of the ships that rescued George Bush Sr., it's an integral piece of history that deserves a visit. Dole Plantation Train Ride (Pineapple Express) - The Dole Plantation Train Ride is here to explain how the brand became a worldwide sensation. The train ride itself (also known as the Pineapple Express) is a twenty minute ride that explores the history of Dole and its products. Long story short, this low cost ride is fun for the whole family.

Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation

If your budget isn't as large as you had hoped, have no fear as there's still plenty of activities waiting for you in Oahu. Such free activities in Oahu are: Hike Diamond Head - A hike at Diamond Head is an excellent free way to exercise (and explore) what Hawaii has to offer. Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike - The Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike offers some of the best views of the Oahu coastline. Between the structure being over a hundred years old and the stunning ocean backdrop, the Makapu'u Lighthouse looks fit for a postcard. This hike itself is moderate and remains free to enjoy. The Beaches - With a 112 miles of beach, Oahu has plenty to brag about. Whether relaxing, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, surfing, or snorkeling, it's likely that you'll find a beach that suits your interests. Watch Surfers at Oahu North Shore - Since surfing and Hawaii go together like peanut butter and jelly, there's no shortage of incredible surf spots that you can discover in the Oahu area. Kapi'olani Park - Being the oldest and largest park in Hawaii, you'll easily lose track of time exploring what this free public space has to offer.

Let's Recap on Visiting Oahu on a Budget

There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting Oahu on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Oahu Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Oahu vacation itinerary.
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