A Round-Up of Free Honolulu Events

No matter what day of the week you visit Oʻahu, there’s always something fun and absolutely free going on across Hawaiʻi’s capital city, Honolulu.

As Oʻahu locals, we love how Honolulu brings our community together with free events that celebrate Hawaiʻi’s culture, traditions, lifestyle, art, dedication to sustainability and more.

These gatherings highlight the island’s vibrant spirit and offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic experiences without having to spend a dime.

In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best free events in Honolulu.

1. Waikīkī Friday Night Fireworks

A Waikīkī tradition lighting up the skies since 1988.

📍 Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Waikīkī
⏰ When: Every Fri from 7:45pm or 8pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch

The free Waikīkī Friday Night Fireworks are a highlight of many Oʻahu vacations. This weekly event launches from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort every Friday evening at 7:45pm or 8pm depending on time of year. Grab a spot on the nearby sandy shoreline, alongside kamaʻaina (locals) and visitors, and enjoy the epic 10-minute show.

2. Art on the Zoo Fence

A showcase of local artwork — a 70-year fixture of Waikīkī weekends.

📍 2760 Monsarrat Ave, Waikīkī
⏰ When: Every Sat & Sun 9am-3pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

Established in 1953, Art on the Zoo Fence remains Honolulu’s only outdoor art venue. Every weekend, Hawaiʻi artists gather on the Honolulu Zoo fence to display their original paintings, photographs and sketches. This regular event gives local artists a platform to showcase their talent and provides visitors with the opportunity to purchase unique artworks.

3. Free Music & Hula Shows

Mesmerizing displays of Hawaiian culture throughout Waikīkī.

📍 Multiple locations
⏰ When: Daily at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch

Hula is embedded into Hawaiian culture and every day across Waikīkī free performances are taking place to introduce visitors to this ancient art form. Popular free hula and music shows include the Kilohana Hula Show, Puʻuhonua Performance and O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show. For more information, see our Free Music & Hula Shows in Waikīkī.

4. Ala Moana Centerstage Entertainment

Free daily events in the heart of the world’s largest open-air mall.

📍 Ala Moana Center, Ala Moana
⏰ When: Daily at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch

Ala Moana Center offers free year-round entertainment on its legendary Centerstage. With an exciting lineup of talent, plan your shopping trip around one of these mall performances. Centerstage features everything from choirs and live bands to hula, dance troupes, fashion shows and more. Check the center’s events calendar for upcoming events.

5. Royal Hawaiian Center Cultural Classes

Hands-on lessons in Hawaiian traditions at this Waikīkī shopping hub.

📍 Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
⏰ When: Mon-Fri 11am-12pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

Royal Hawaiian Center is one of Waikīkī’s top destination for free Hawaiian cultural activities. This shopping hotspot in central Waikīkī offers free, hands-on cultural activities every Monday to Friday, open to the public. Participate in adult and children’s hula lessons, ʻukulele lessons, lei-making classes and lauhala weaving workshops.

6. Royal Hawaiian Band Public Performances

Experience Hawaiʻi’s royal musical legacy live across Oʻahu.

📍 Multiple locations
⏰ When: Weekly at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch

The Royal Hawaiian Band was founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, and is the only band in the U.S. with a royal legacy. The band aims to preserve Hawaiian musical culture, inspire young musicians and enrich the lives of the people in Hawai‘i. You can see them perform live at cultural events, street parades and festivals in Honolulu and worldwide, check their calendar for details.

7. Oʻahu Farmers Markets

Daily spots to procure fresh produce and support local vendors on Oʻahu.

📍 Multiple locations
⏰ When: Daily at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

According to our Oʻahu Farmers & Local Markets: Weekly Schedule, there is a free-to-attend farmers market waiting to be discovered every day. Hit up these regular events to meet, mingle and support Hawaiʻi small businesses. An array of local vendors come together to sell things like fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood, prepared foods, flowers and more.

8. Oʻahu Makers Markets

Shop for handcrafted treasures from Hawaiʻi’s finest talents.

📍 Multiple locations
⏰ When: Monthly at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

Oʻahu makers markets shine a spotlight on Hawaiʻi-based creatives, artists, designers, collectors and food vendors and are the best place to find authentic souvenirs and gifts. Oʻahu’s largest makers markets are the Mālama Hawai’i Makers Market held in Hawaiʻi Kai (1st Saturdays), Ala Moana (2nd Saturdays) and Haleʻiwa Town (3rd Saturdays).

9. Waikīkī Street Parades

Lively parades that captivate crowds along Kalākaua Avenue.

📍 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
⏰ When: Monthly at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

Waikīkī’s street parades pay tribute to Hawaiʻi’s diverse culture and rich history. The processions always head down Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī, where spectactors line either side of the street. Some take place annually, like the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade and Honolulu Pride Parade, while others are one-off affairs. For more information, see our 12 Must-See Waikīkī Parades.

10. Waikīkī Block Parties & Street Festivals

Festive evening events that takes place along Waikīkī’s iconic main street.

📍 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
⏰ When: Monthly at various times
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

Waikīkī block parties and street festivals are eclectic free-to-attend events that shut down Kalākaua Avenue for an evening of eating, shopping and live entertainment. Some take place annually, like the Waikiki SPAM JAM block party and Pan-Pacific Hoʻolauleʻa street festival, while others are one-off affairs. For more information, see our Waikīkī Block Parties & Street Festivals Guide.

11. Hawaiʻi Free Walking Tour

Explore Honolulu’s rich history with this tip-supported guided tour.

📍 King Kamehameha Statue, Honolulu
⏰ When: Every Tue & Thu 9:30-10:30am
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

The Hawaiʻi Free Walking Tour is Hawaiʻi’s only free tour (tips are suggested and highly appreciated). Participants meet at the King Kamehame Statue in Downtown Honolulu and are led on an informative 1.5 hour walking tour to key city attractions including ʻIolani Palace, Hawaiʻi State Library, Honolulu Hale (City Hall) and King Lunalilo’s Crypt. Book online to reserve your spot.

12. First Friday Hawaiʻi Art Gallery Walk

Watch Chinatown come alive with art, culture and community every month.

📍 Chinatown
⏰ When: 1st Fri of the Month 5-9pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

First Friday Hawaiʻi Art Gallery Walk is a monthly event that highlights the best of Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. Local art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars open their doors late to welcome mingling visitors to the area. See one-of-a-kind works displayed at venues like The ARTS at Marks Garage and enjoy entertainment at participating venues.

13. First Friday at Capitol Modern

A family-friendly free event celebrating Hawaiʻi’s boundless creativity.

📍 Capitol Modern, Honolulu
⏰ When: 1st Fri of the Month 5-9pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

On the 1st Friday of every month, Capitol Modern (formerly the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum) hosts a family-friendly all-ages event called First Friday, a free evening affair filled with lots of great art and music. Guests can peruse select art galleries, wander through the Sculpture Garden, shop at the Art & Flea urban market and enjoy a host of live performances.

14. International Market Place Fitness Events

Stay active with free bi-weekly outdoor fitness classes in Waikīkī.

📍 International Market Place, Waikīkī
⏰ When: 1st & 3rd Sun of the Month 9-9:45am
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend

If you want to continue your fitness regime while on vacation in Waikīkī, the International Market Place hosts fun, free fitness events on most weekends. Join the Free Fabletics Fitness Class on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle. All attendees will receive an exclusive discount at Fabletics after the class.

15. WOW Beach Clean Ups

Help preserve Waikīkī’s beauty during these community beach cleanups.

📍 Waikīkī Beach
⏰ When: Sat 19 Apr & Sat 25 Oct 2025
🎟️ Cost: Free to participate

Do your bit for the environment and participate in a beach clean up along Waikīkī Beach. The next scheduled beach clean ups taking place in 2025 are on Saturday 19 April for “Earth Day” and Saturday 25 October for “Let’s Make a Difference Day”. Companies, residents and visitors are welcome to donate their time and supplies to help keep Hawaiʻi’s beautiful beaches clean.

In summary, discover a wealth of free events happening across Hawaiʻi’s capital city of Honolulu — daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly!