Free Hawaiian Cultural Activities in Waikīkī

Get hands-on with free Hawaiian cultural activities, offering an opportunity to deepen your connection to the islands through authentic experiences.

We love that select Waikīkī shopping centers and a raft of hotels provide free Hawaiian cultural activities, sharing Hawaiʻi’s history, music and crafts with visitors from around the world.

Shopping center activities are open to all, while hotel activities are reserved for in-house guests. Enhance your trip by staying at a Waikīkī property that includes these unique Hawaiʻi experiences.

In this post, we share our local recommendations on free Hawaiian cultural activities in Waikīkī.

1. Royal Hawaiian Center

Enjoy a complimentary cultural lei making class or learn to play Hawaiʻi’s string instrument during an ʻukulele lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Both adults and keiki (kids) can also showcase their dancing skills with a hula lesson, or create a holiday souvenir at a lauhala weaving lesson.

Check the Royal Hawaiian Center events calendar for up-to-date information on their free cultural classes, events and entertainment program.

2. Waikiki Beach Walk

Waikiki Beach Walk offers free Hawaiian cultural activities including a daily 15-minute introductory ʻukelele lesson for ages 12 and older.

They also host Ka Lei Hula “The Adorned Dance”, a Sunday morning hula class where you’ll chant, learn basic steps and a choreographed dance.

Check the Waikiki Beach Walk events calendar for ongoing information about their entertainment and activities.

3. OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, home to the A’o Cultural Center, sets the standard for cultural programming among Waikīkī hotels.

Through curated exhibits and experiences, the Center offers guests a chance to connect deeply with Hawaiian traditions, values and practices.

Explore a virtual exhibit about the legendary Hōkūleʻa, admire a mural of a traditional canoe and participate in an array of cultural activities.

Take hula lessons, craft kupeʻe (bracelets), create feather hairpieces or canoe paddle keychains, play the ʻukulele or kalaʻau (rhythm sticks), get a Polynesian tattoo or design a Hawaiian name tag.

For an even richer connection, join a museum artifact tour or immerse yourself in the Hawaiian language at a ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverbs) class.

This hotel also supports live Hawaiian music, provided complimentary every night at their poolside bar and restaurant, Kani Ka Pila Grille.

Check the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort guest activities calendar for daily cultural offerings, available to in-house guests.

4. OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort offers a variety of free cultural activities, both within the hotel and at the nearby Aʻo Cultural Center.

Guests can take part in a complimentary traditional Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony held weekly on the sands of Waikīkī Beach.

Take hula lessons, craft kupeʻe (bracelets) or surfboard keychains, play the ʻukulele or kalaʻau (rhythm sticks) or try Hawaiian card making, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamping) or woodcarving.

In addition, you can dive into Hawaiʻi’s history of surfing and hear stories of local legends like Duke Kahanamoku on the hotel’s exclusive surf tour.

Check the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort guest activities calendar for daily cultural offerings, available to in-house guests.

5. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort 

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort has an exceptional cultural program, making it a top hotel choice for visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the islands and forge connections with the land, spirit and people of Hawaiʻi at the on-site Cultural Center.

The resort offers a variety of engaging classes, including ʻukulele and hula lessons, Hawaiian quilt making and ribbon lei creation, among others.

Don’t miss the local cuisine demonstrations, where you can create and savor fresh Hawaiian poke, shave ice and a flawless Mai Tai.

Check the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort activity and events calendar for special classes, available to in-house guests.

6. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort

Guests of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort are invited to participate in authentic arts and crafts every morning, mid-day and evening.

Choose from ʻukulele and hula lessons, lauhala ornament weaving, haku kupeʻe (bracelet) creation or orchid lei and rainbow ribbon making.

Check the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort events and attractions for resort happenings, available to in-house guests.

7. The Royal Hawaiian

With an enviable itinerary of cultural activities throughout the year, you’ll never tire of things to do as a guest at The Royal Hawaiian.

Dance hula to Hawaiian music, take a historical tour to uncover fascinating facts about the hotel or learn the art of stringing a fresh flower lei.

Delve into Hawaiian storytelling and gain valuable insights into ocean and island preservation from respected kūpuna (Hawaiian elders).

The Royal Hawaiian also partners with the Waikīkī Beach Services, making it a top choice for those eager to learn the Hawaiian art of heʻenalu (board sliding).

Check the The Royal Hawaiian activities and events calendar for complimentary resort inclusions, available to in-house guests.

8. Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

The Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort integrates some of the most beloved Hawaiian cultural activities into its daily offerings.

Guided by local kumu (teachers), guests can enjoy ʻukulele lessons, haku kupeʻe (bracelet) crafting and ribbon lei making workshops.

The highlight, however, is the Hiuwai Sunrise Ceremony — a meaningful Hawaiian tradition featuring a blessing and chant by the ocean, symbolizing purification and a fresh start.

Sheraton Waikiki also partners with the Waikīkī Beach Services, making it a top choice for those eager to learn the Hawaiian art of heʻenalu (board sliding).

Check the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort events calendar for wellness and cultural activities, available to in-house guests.

9. Sheraton Princess Kaiʻulani

Sheraton Princess Kaʻiulani, on the former ʻĀinahau Estate once home to Princess Kaʻiulani, shares its cultural ties via free historical tours.

Guests can also take ʻukulele lessons and ribbon lei making classes, but the standout is the Hoʻala Sunrise Ceremony — a rejuvenating Hawaiian blessing and chant by the sea.

Check the Sheraton Princess Kaiʻulani events calendar for wellness and cultural activities, available to in-house guests.

10. Hilton Hawaiian Village

Guests at Hilton Hawaiian Village can enjoy a handful of complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities offered daily throughout the resort.

Learn traditional dance with a hula lesson, craft a kukui nut bracelet as the perfect keepsake and watch for interesting talk story events.

Check the Hilton Hawaiian Village activities and entertainment calendar for resort happenings, available to in-house guests.

In summary, embrace Hawaiian culture during your Waikīkī vacation by visiting shopping centers or staying at hotels that offer free Hawaiian cultural activities.