Recently USA Today ran a story on free tourist attractions in each state. And they proclaimed that the best free tourist attraction in Hawaii is the beach. Really?
Who doesn’t love saving money when they travel? And a great way to do that is to find interesting free things to do. So from time-to-time, a list of these things pop up, which isn’t out of the ordinary. But, recently, USA Today published a list that stated Hawaii’s top free tourist attraction are its beaches. Is it just me, or does that seem like a really easy, lazy claim to make?
Why I Have an Issue with This
All beaches in Hawaii are public land, which means almost every beach in the State is free. Except for Hanauma Bay, which is a nature preserve and a state park. And there are so many other free things to do and see in Hawaii that this selection just seem so half-hearted. Especially since, DUH, almost everyone that comes to Hawaii goes to the beach anyway. What’s more is the list actually includes some pretty good recommendations for others states too like the U.S. Mint in Denver, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport, etc.
A Few of My Free Activity Recommendations
I get it, a lot of the free things in Hawaii may not be that obvious. But it’s not like a lot of these free attractions are a secret either, so here’s my list of free activities I’d recommend:
- Hawaiian Agricole Rum Tasting at Ko Hana Rum (Oahu)
- Historic sugar cane steam train ride at Grove Farm (Kauai)
- Drive the Road to Hana (Maui)
- Hike the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (Oahu)
- Enjoy sunrise on the Lanikai Pillboxes (Oahu)
- Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu)
- Kamaka Ukulele Factory Tour (Oahu)
- Nakalele Blowhole + Heart Rock (Maui)
- Big Island Bees (Hawaii Island)
- Rum tasting at Koloa Rum (Kauai)
Best Free Tourist Attraction in Hawaii is the Beach, Final Thoughts
Let’s be clear, here. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go to the beach when you visit Hawaii; you totally should! However, why would you recommend that as a free activity to do in Hawaii? It’s such an obvious thing to do in Hawaii; most visitors do it without even thinking about it. So why not recommend something that isn’t so obvious to visitors to the islands?