Hello!

My family is going to Oahu and are on a tight budget. Can anyone recommend inexpensive family entertainment.

Also, I heard that there is a free movie on the beach somewhere on the Island. Anyone know anything about this?

Anyone have any inexpensive dining recommendions.

I would appreciate any assistance.

Don't know about free movies but the beach is free - greatest entertainment in the world right there in front of you. Lots of stores in Waikiki area also for looking (and/or shopping), doesn't cost to look. I do not believe there is any charge to climb Diamond Head, there wasn't when we did it. Great views too. Ala Moana Shopping Center has lots of stores, places to eat and wander about in. I'm pretty sure the Dole Pineapple/Hilo Hattie Factory tours are free, they have buses going there too from various hotels I believe.

As for inexpensive eats, well every fast food place known to mankind is on the islands as well as plenty of places like coffee shops. You can also buy goodies at ABC stores (like 7/ll - they are all over the place) and picnic.

Don't forget to go to Pearl Harbor too.

As I remember from our last trip, there is a publication available at hotels, airport, etc., titled "100 free things to do on (Maui), (Oahu), etc." There are probably similar lists on Hawaii tourist websites. Have you tried to do a search on www.google.com?

Hi Nancy,
My husband and I just returned from Hawaii. We spent a week on Oahu. I had expected to need more money, but we wanted to try a lot of 'local' food, and it ended up being very inexpensive.
You didn't say where you're staying, so I hesitate to recommend particular places because they may not be convenient. I'd ask the staff of your hotel to recommend someplace with a local feel. That's how we got one recommendation. One place we fell into and really liked was a plate lunch restaurant on the southern part of the island. We were just exploring the shoreline and beaches and came across a place that had a really good plate lunch with large drink included for only $5.00!! Now, that would be a bargain anywhere. The whole time we were there, there were locals coming and going. Most of those plate lunch meals that we came across were generally a bit more and didn't include a drink.
The beaches are a great way to spend time and they're all free! We felt that anything we had to pay admission for was no better than what was around for free on the island.
Waikiki at sunset is a pretty happening place to pass time, with free outdoor entertainment, torchlight ceremonies, etc.
You don't mention the ages of your kids, but these suggestions should appeal to most ages.
Enjoy your stay. We loved our time there.

Nancy, found the following website thru www.google.com (searched for "free activities on Oahu").

http://www.andhawaii.com/hawaii/budget-travel/oahufree.html
http://www.andhawaii.com/hawaii/budget-travel/oahulc.html

Hope this helps.

Saturday nights there are free movies on a big screen set up at the Park end of Waikiki. The first (or is it second?)sunday of each month they have 'Brunch on the beach". They cover part of Kalakaua Avenue with astro turf and little tables with umbrellas. Local restaraunts set up booths selling brunch items. There are usually local musicians and hula dancers.

Every evening between 6:30-7:30pm there's a free hula show right on Kuhio beach in Waikiki. There are also free concerts on Friday evenings and free hula shows 3 times a week at 10:00am in Kapiolani park. Free movies on the beach are Saturdays and Sundays. Here's a site for more info and schedule:

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/events/waikiki_events/

The Arizona Memorial is free. Diamond Head costs money now but it's only a buck or two.

Inexpensive dining (these border more on 'fast food' type places) - Zippy's (try their chili and rice), Ba Le (vietnamese/french sandwiches), Kua Aina (burgers). There are also lots of food court areas in the various shopping centers where you can have an inexpensive meal.

Hope this helps.

Don't forget to climb up DIamond Head.

Nancy, are you out there somewhere???