Sightseeing on a Budget on Oahu

When it comes to flights, accommodation, and meals out, visiting Oahu can be expensive. With careful planning, though, you don’t have to spend a fortune on sightseeing. Here are our tips for saving money on the Hawaiian island.

If you’re on a budget but still want to do as much as possible, it pays to book a combo tour that combines two best-selling activities—such as a visit to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tour—at a discounted rate.

You can circle the entire island and tick off all Hawaiian highlights in a single day. Booking a Circle Island tour means you can save money on renting a car, without having to sacrifice any of the landmarks that are tricky to get to by public transportation, such as Byodo-In Temple and the Halona Blowhole.

Some of the most popular attractions in the Honolulu area, such as Pearl Harbor and Makapu’u Point, are spread out. To save on transportation, opt for hop-on hop-off bus tour that transports you all around the city and allows you to customize your own itinerary. 

Instead of booking a regular walking tour, choose one that includes food tastings to save on the cost of meals. Some experiences—such as cooking classes, culture-themed walking tours, and snorkeling and sunset cruises—even include a full lunch or dinner.