As we launch Where He Leads Us, we wanted to dedicate our first blog post to our fellow military veterans and service members by showcasing 5 things you can do on Oahu for free or on a budget. We know vacationing to this beautiful state isn?t a bargain trip, so we wanted to gift you with ways you can save money in Hawaii and still have an incredible time. Let us know if you will plan one of these Hawaii excursions next time you?re here!
Ford Island Self Tour & Drive Around
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the most popularly visited spots on Oahu. Every day, thousands of people from all over the world come to the memorial to pay their respects to the USS Arizona, while learning about that devastating day. But what many of them don?t do (or even know is an option) is drive the circumference of Ford Island to learn about and pay their respects to the other ships that were involved in the attack as well.
As you drive, head first towards the USS Utah memorial (right beyond the Navy Lodge). You?ll see a small parking lot and the small memorial setup. You can also see remnants of the ship. From there, you can follow your maps to circle around the island and pause at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The outdoor portion is free, but you must pay for the indoor portion. As you continue around the island, look for signs that point to the next couple of memorials with small informational signs and markers in the water indicating where the ships were located during the attack. Finally, you?ll come towards the end of the loop around the island when you locate the USS Oklahoma Memorial (next to the Battleship Missouri Memorial). This memorial is very humbling and beautiful. Be sure to take the time to pay your respects here.
P.S. Many people love to take their bikes to Ford Island and cycle the circumference, hitting up all the above mentioned spots.
Hickam Tour
If you love learning about history and enjoy taking tours, we highly recommend the Hickam Historical Tour. Narrated in her own words and research, Jessie Higa talks you through what life on Hickam AFB was like before and during the Pearl Harbor attack. She?s done extensive, personal research to put this tour together and bring you the most intimate and incredible details about Hickam AFB during this time. You can only purchase tickets through the MWR, and tours only run on Hickam on Fridays.
Hickam Harbor Outrigger Canoe (OC6)
Speaking of Hickam, there is an opportunity for some adventure on this AFB too! One of our favorite amenities to enjoy in the harbor is the outrigger canoe. It?s a fun and adventurous way to start your morning, enjoy the Pacific Ocean, and drink in the views of the south coast up the west side around you, all while planes are landing overhead (and you?re not breaking the bank). As of this blog post, the cost per person sits at $18 at Hickam Harbor. In Waikiki, the average is $45. You?ll need a total of 5 people to be able to enjoy this ride. The 6th slot will be filled by your oarsman. Afterwards, you can sit on the picnic table and enjoy the beauty of Honeymoon Beach for a little while. Contact the harbor office at 808-449-5215 to schedule.
Fishing Expedition Hickam Harbor
Another cost effective way for you to enjoy a water activity without having to over-budget is scheduling a fishing expedition through the harbor. You will be able to have up to 6 in your party on a boat. You?ll also be assigned a skipper and sometimes a first mate. All the fishing equipment is provided, and you get to keep the fish afterwards! As of this blog post, the cost for this expedition is $250. Outside of base, the average fishing charters range from $87-250/person. Contact the harbor office at 808-449-5215 to schedule.
Secret Beach (KBay)
Known for its lush, mountainside beauty, you may have heard that you have to see the famously beautiful east side of Oahu. It?s over here that Kaneohe Bay sits, where Marine Corps Base Hawaii is located. As you may have deduced from the above topics, there are many things to do on the bases on Oahu! The Marine Corps Base is no exception, having the amenities of renting pontoon boats, beach cabins, one of the best golf courses on island, and Secret Beach. This little strip of beach is fairly unknown or traveled too. Its popularity amongst some comes from the ability to SUP, snorkel, layout, explore lava rocks, and so much more. Because you have to have base access in order to check out this particular beach, it?s not over-crowded from tourists or locals either. It?s an incredible spot that you can kick back, relax and breath in the beauty of Hawaii.
