Best Free Sites in Honolulu

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

People both young and old love to visit this age old park that attracts hordes of visitors year after year. This lush green park is the largest of its kind in the city and finds itself hosting a variety of special games, events and shows from time to time. Thus, you will be able to witness a wide range of social, community and sports events at Kapiolani Regional Park. Take long leisurely walks as you take in the breathtaking sight of sprawling green lands cocooned by gigantic trees and enjoy the bounty of nature. It houses the Honolulu Cricket Club, the only such club in Hawaii and consequently holds a large number of cricket events as well. Heading further south along the park will lead you to the beach park by the same name.

This graceful pink, tile-roofed California-Spanish mission style structure was built in 1929 and now serves as Honolulu's City Hall. Hale (pronounced HA-lay) means "house" in Hawaiian. The open interior courtyard is patterned after the Bargello, a 13th-century palace in Florence, Italy. Public space in the high-ceilinged lobby is often used for art exhibits, concerts and other public events. Between mid-December and the beginning of January, huge statues of Santa and Mrs. Claus in Hawaiian attire, penguins, reindeer and other winter decorations cavort across the expansive lawn and fountains. Admission is free.

Behind the Kaluakoi Hotel is Kepuhi Beach. A 20-minute scramble from here over rocks and down a dirt road later, one will find the lovely, deserted Kawakiu Beach. Depending on the tide and weather conditions, this can either be a good or a dangerous place to surf and swim. Kawakiu is also known for its archaeological places of interest and its gorgeous sunsets. Since it is not accessible by car, it is almost always empty of people.

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a 15 block area. During the day, plenty of shop owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to satiate your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays.