Honolulu---Hawaii's state capital on the island of Oahu---is as close as you will get to the resemblance of a major mainland city in Hawaii. From its rich history with the event of Pearl Harbor to the infamous Waikiki beach, it is a popular target destination for visitors who want to experience every aspect of Hawaiian culture. Although Hawaii in general is more expensive than the mainland because it imports many of its goods, there are ways to experience Honolulu without breaking the bank.
Free Activities
Start off your morning in Honolulu with a walk or jog on Waikiki Beach. Along the way you will find stands and shopping centers offering free quilting, ukulele, lei making and hula dancing lessons. Pick up the free tourist publication "This Week in Oahu." Not only will you find the week's event and activity highlights, you will also find coupons offering free meals and free items to be redeemed at local restaurants and shops.
Historic Sites
Honolulu offers a lot more than fun in the sun. It is home to a monumental United States history memoriam: Pearl Harbor. Carve out a day to learn about and reflect on this moment in time. Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free. There is usually a long wait because of the site's popularity amongst tourists. Once inside you will view a 20-minute film documenting Pearl Harbor before you tour the rest of the area. A tour of the Bowfin Submarine and Museum is $10 per adult and $4 for children under 12 as of 2010.
Nature Trails
One dollar as a pedestrian grants you entry into one of the United States National Landmarks located in Honolulu: Diamond Head State Park. If you drive your car into the state park, parking costs $5 as of 2010. However, you want to explore the majority of this natural wonder on foot. Wear comfortable sneakers for your hike to the top of the crater where a breathtaking view of the whole island of Oahu awaits.
Tours
The one and only royal palace standing in the United States is in Honolulu. It's called Iolani Palace. Learn about the monarchy that ruled Hawaii until the late 1800s when King David Kalakaua and his sister and successor Queen Lili'uokalani reigned. As of 2010, $20 per adult and $5 per child under 17 gives you up-close and personal access to the grandeur of this historically preserved and restored royal palace. A tour of Iolani Palace leaves you with an appreciation of Hawaii's history and culture like no other place on the islands.
Free Shows
Luas are entertaining cultural experiences but they can also cost a pretty penny. Thankfully luas are not the only way to experience the sweet sounds of Hawaii in Honolulu. For a calming end to an activity-filled day, close to sunset take a stroll to the end of Kalakaua street where the large banyan tree stands. After the torch ceremony, local musicians grace their open-air audience with Hawaiian tunes, singing and playing ukuleles, while hula dancers sway their grass skirts to the rhythm on the backdrop of the sunset.
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