cairns catamaran shark attack

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Sharks repeatedly attack yacht off Australian coast, forcing sailors to abandon damaged vessel

Nine-metre inflatable catamaran was part of round-the-world expedition, article bookmarked.

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Three people were rescued off the northeastern coast of Australia after multiple shark attacks inflicted damage to their catamaran.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) said on Wednesday that both the hulls of the vessel, located in the Coral Sea near Cairns , were damaged after several shark attacks.

Satellite images and a video available on the Amsa website showed a substantial portion of the yacht ’s stern being ripped apart.

“The vessel departed from Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns (Australia) when contact was established,” Amsa said in a statement.

The yacht was located about 835km (519 miles) southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea when rescue teams responded to the emergency at about 1.30am on Wednesday.

The nine-metre inflatable catamaran called Tion was reportedly a Russian-registered vessel. The Russian Geographic Society confirmed the catamaran was part of a round-the-world expedition, according to ABC News.

Amsa said in the statement that they sought help from a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier called Dugong Ace and tasked Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to the scene, which effectively carried out the rescue operation.

The three passengers – comprising two Russians identified as Evgeny Kovalevsky and Stanislav Beryozkin, and French citizen Vincent Thomas Garate Etienne – are scheduled to reach Brisbane on Thursday.

The spokesperson for the Russian Geographic Society said their expedition commemorated two significant milestones: the 250th anniversary of the birth of explorer Adam Johann von Kruzenstern and the bicentennial celebration of the discovery of Antarctica by Russian explorers.

It commenced its journey from St Petersburg on 1 July 2021, with the objective of setting a record for the longest cruising distance covered on a frame-inflatable sailing trimaran, according to local reports.

However, the sailors were rescued from the trimaran, named Russian Ocean Way, off the coast of Chile in March. The Tion-Russian Ocean Way is the second vessel of the expedition, and it was launched in April.

It was also punctured by sharks in Tahiti in June.

Joseph Zeller, an Amsa responder, was quoted as saying by ABC News that “the sailors were very lucky because they had an emergency distress beacon... which enabled us to tell the most appropriate and fastest response to rescue them”.

“They were very well prepared, they were calm, but of course, they were elated to be rescued.”

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3 men rescued after sharks repeatedly attacked their inflatable boat off Australia

Three sailors were rescued from a sinking inflatable catamaran Wednesday after it came under repeated attack by sharks that stranded them more than 500 miles off Australia .

Rescuers picked up the men, two Russians and a Frenchman, after their emergency beacon sent out a distress call at 1:30 a.m. eastern Australian time (11 a.m. Tuesday ET), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, or AMSA, said in a statement .

The crew had embarked from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Aug. 28 and were headed to the Australian city of Cairns on the latest stage of an around-the-world trip.

But several shark attacks damaged both hulls of their 30-foot boat.

The catamaran had “large sections of its hull missing,” Joe Zeller, a senior manager at AMSA, said in a video statement.

"An emergency beacon absolutely saved their lives," said Zeller, who was on call when the distress signal was received.

A huge Panama-registered vehicle carrier, the 650-foot Dugong Ace, carried out the rescue in the Coral Sea. The unharmed sailors, ages 28 to 64, are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday.

AMSA did not name the rescued men. The expedition is led by Evgeny Kovalevsky, alongside crew member Stanislav Berezkin, both from Siberia.

The project's website lists Vincent Thomas Etienne as an extra crew member participating in the Tahiti-Australia stage. The boat is a Russian-registered catamaran named “Russian Ocean Way — Tion.”

A spokesperson for the expedition said by text message that Yulia Kalyuzhnaya, the head of the operation, will fly to Australia to meet the sailors and discuss the future of the voyage.

“Now [the] travelers are safe, this is the most important thing. Unfortunately, the catamaran could not be saved. The fate of the expedition will be clear next week,” the spokesperson said.

The trip from Vanuatu to the trio's intended destination of Cairns, Australia, is more than 1,200 miles. AMSA said it would normally take two to three weeks depending on weather conditions.

An Instagram account for the voyage said the boat was first attacked Monday by cookiecutter sharks, a small species that grows to around 16 inches and is linked to only a handful of attacks on humans. That caused the boat to partly submerge, but it limped on for 100 more miles.

It was attacked again Tuesday, when sharks pierced its right-side hull, causing it to start sinking.

Satellite photos and a video on the AMSA website showed the extent of the damage, with the boat clearly listing and losing buoyancy.

The crew and their belongings were saved, but the catamaran was lost.

“There are many reasons vessels are attacked by sharks, but the motivations of these sharks is unclear,” Zeller said in a video statement released by AMSA. The trio were “very happy” to be rescued, he said.

The boat set off from St. Petersburg in July 2021, led by Kovalevsky and Berezkin.

The pair said they were emulating pioneering Russian explorers of the 19th century. The voyage was planned to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Adam Johann von Krusenstern, who led the first Russian round-the-world voyage.

The plan was to visit 40 countries and return to St. Petersburg in July 2024, but the future of the project is now in doubt. Russia’s Ministry of Science and Ministry of Education, as well as the state broadcasting company, are listed as "information partners" on the project's website.

AMSA has used the incident to remind sailors to always carry the appropriate safety equipment. "This is a timely reminder to always carry a distress beacon while on the water. GPS-equipped EPIRBs and personal locater beacons (PLBs) can save your life in an emergency," it said in a statement. (EPIRBs are emergency position-indicating radio beacons.)

I cover early morning U.S. breaking news, everything from severe weather to crime. I'm based in London and have worked for American news outlets since 2013.

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Three sailors rescued in Coral Sea after experiencing yacht damage from multiple shark attacks 800km off Cairns coast

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority successfully rescued three sailors in the early hours of Wednesday morning after responding to a distress beacon which "saved their life".

Three sailors have survived a major scare overnight after they were rescued from a series of harrowing shark attacks that severely damaged their vessel.

The trio were on a catamaran in the Coral Sea, about 835km south-east of Cairns, when they were rescued about 1.30am Wednesday.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) responded to a Russian-registered emergency position-indicating radio beacon.

It was located to a nine-metre inflatable catamaran Tion which had departed Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns in a trip estimated to take two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Several shark attacks left both hulls of the vessel damaged, with the three people who were aged between 28 and 64 – two Russian and one French citizen – needing to be rescued.

They are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning after AMSA called for the help of Panama-flagged carrier Dugong Ace and the Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to the scene.

“They were all happy to be rescued and they’re all healthy and well and aboard the Dugong Ace,” AMSA senior manager Joe Zeller said.

“Every time you proceed to the open ocean, there’s an element of risk. But you can minimize that risk by having the appropriate safety equipment such as lifejackets and a GPS-encoded emergency beacon.

“An emergency beacon absolutely saved their life, it enabled the rescue coordination centre to identify their precise location and tailor the most appropriate and quickest response to rescue them.”

Mr Zeller said there are many reasons why sharks attack vessels however the motive for why they targeted this catamaran was “unclear”.

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Three men rescued from waters off australia after sharks attack inflatable catamaran.

Three men on board an inflatable catamaran were pulled from the sea in the early hours of Wednesday after “several shark attacks” left their vessel partially sunken off the Australian northeastern coast.

Two Russians and one French national, ages 28 to 63, were on board the boat as it traveled from Vanuatu to the northeastern city of Cairns, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said in a statement.

The 9-meter (30-foot) Russian-registered vessel appeared to run into trouble when sharks attacked its inflatable hulls.

“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” AMSA said in the statement.

After receiving a distress call at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, AMSA requested the assistance of Panama-flagged vehicle carrier Dugong Ace, which carried out the rescue operation around 835 kilometers (520 miles) southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

AMSA also deployed a rescue aircraft to the scene.

AMSA duty manager Joe Zeller said “a large section” of the vessel’s hull was missing when it was found.

“There’s many reasons that vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks is unclear,” he said.

Zeller said the trip from Vanuatu to Cairns, a distance of more than 2,200 kilometers (1,400 miles), would normally take about two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

“The three males were very happy to be rescued and they are all healthy and well,” Zeller said.

Night vision images posted on the authority’s website showed the rear of the vessel submerged in the water.

The men are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning, AMSA said.

Three rescued after sharks attack inflatable yacht off Australian coast

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3 rescued from Coral Sea after multiple shark attacks damaged inflatable catamaran

Officials reminded citizens "always carry a distress beacon while on the water."

Three people were rescued from the Coral Sea after "multiple shark attacks" damaged their catamaran.

Following an alert from a Russian-registered emergency position-indicating radio beacon, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority responded to the distress call early Wednesday morning at around 1:30 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time.

The beacon came from a nine-meter (29 feet) inflatable catamaran Tion with three people aboard -- two Russian citizens and one French citizen.

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The sailing party had departed from Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, and was traveling to Cairns, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia. While details are slim, the stranded people were in their catamaran 835 km (519 miles) off the coast of Cairns in the Coral Sea, per the AMSA. Both hulls of the catamaran had been “damaged following several shark attacks,” the AMSA confirmed in a release.

After receiving the beacon’s signal, AMSA sent a Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to the catamaran’s location and secured the assistance of the Dugong Ace, a vehicle carrier sailing under a Panama flag.

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The three people were rescued and are expected to arrive in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday morning.

No further information was immediately available.

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Three rescued from shark-bitten catamaran in Coral Sea

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Three people rescued off Australian coast after yacht damaged by multiple shark attacks

Two Russians and a French citizen were successfully rescued by another vessel after setting off emergency beacon 835km off the coast of Cairns

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Three people have been rescued in the Coral Sea off the coast of Cairns , after their catamaran was damaged during several shark attacks.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) coordinated the rescue early Wednesday morning roughly 835km off the coast of Cairns, after receiving a distress beacon.

In a post to social media, the crew, who were on a round-the-world expedition called Russian Ocean Way, which they were documenting online , said they were first attacked by sharks on 4 September, leaving the rear left “cylinder” of their nine-metre inflatable catamaran damaged.

“As a result, [it] completely submerged under water,” a post on the crew’s Instagram account reads.

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The following day, the catamaran was again attacked by sharks, with the right “balloon” becoming damaged.

According to the post, the catamaran – named Tion – then began to sink, which is when the crew sent an SOS signal.

Amsa responded to the Russian-registered emergency position-indicating radio beacon at 1.30am. Three people were located onboard the catamaran, which had departed from Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns.

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“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” Amsa said in a statement.

Amsa requested the assistance of Panama-flagged vehicle carrier Dugong Ace, and tasked the Cairns-based challenger rescue aircraft to the scene.

The three people – two Russian and one French citizen – were successfully rescued by the Dugong Ace. The vessel, bound for Shanghai, arrived 45 minutes after the distress call was sent, the crew said on social media.

They loaded their personal belongings on to the rescue ship, while the catamaran was left behind.

The crew is due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

Amsa said this was a timely reminder to always carry a distress beacon while on the water.

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Three sailors rescued from shark-bitten catamaran off Australia

Officials said sharks attacked the inflatable catamaran and tore off large chunks of the vessel’s hull.

Three men on board a catamaran off the northeastern coast of Australia have been rescued after sharks tore off sections from the hull of their inflatable vessel, according to officials.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the three sailors – two Russian and one French citizen – were rescued early on Wednesday.

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They were picked up by a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier – the Dugong Ace – while floating in the Coral Sea, some 835km (519 miles) southeast of Cairns in Australia.

Satellite photos and a video on the AMSA website showed a large part of the stern of the nine-metre (30-foot) yacht torn away.

“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” AMSA said in a statement.

The authority said the sailors, aged between 28 and 64, had planned to sail from the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu to Cairns, a distance of more than 2,000km (1,200 miles). They activated an emergency distress beacon in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The three sailors are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday, AMSA said.

“There’s many reasons why vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks are unclear,” said Joe Zeller, the acting manager of the AMSA Response Centre. The three sailors “were very happy to be rescued and they are all healthy and well and aboard the Dugong Ace,” he added.

The Coral Sea where the men were found is brimming with reef sharks.

According to the Australian government, it is home to more sharks “than almost any other survey site in the world”.

A school of 12-inch sharks were able to sink an inflatable 29-foot catamaran in the Coral Sea

Several small sharks about the size of a cigar are to blame for sinking a 29-foot catamaran this week sparking a dramatic night-time at-sea rescue, the vessel's survivors said.

Maritime authorities in Australia recued three sailors early Wednesday after officials said sharks attacked and sunk an inflatable catamaran in the Coral Sea.

The sailing party, two Russians and one French national, were safely pulled from the ocean while on their way to the northern Australian city of Cairnsfrom Vanuatu in the South Pacific, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority reported.

One of the rescued sailors, Russian Evgeny Kovalevsky, told The Guardian cookiecutter sharks are responsible for sinking the sailboat.

“[We were] not scared about our life. We [were] scared about the finishing of expedition,” he told the outlet, adding it was not the first time he'd come under attack by that species of shark.

Kovalevsky told the outlet he encountered them more than a decade ago in the Atlantic Ocean while, ironically, also on an inflatable vessel.

Watch the sailors get rescued after several sharks damaged their inflatable catamaran.

What is a cookiecutter shark?

The cookiecutter, according to the Shark Research Institute, measures an average of 12-19 inches in length and has thick lips and "razor sharp teeth" used to attach itself to prey leaving behind a crater-size wound.

Cookiecutter sharks generally live the oceanic ‘twilight zone ’ in depths to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) and eat fish, squid, and crustaceans. They usually only surface from the deep at night, the research institute said.

Unlike other large sharks including great whites − known to reach lengths of 20 feet, the small cigar-shaped shark typically does not attack people in open water. However, they have been known to attack objects much larger than themselves like seals and even nuclear submarines, researchers with the institute said.

Sailors rescued after shark attack: Sailors rescued after several shark attacks damage inflatable catamaran in Coral Sea: Video

Two days of attack

In an Instagram post, the group wrote, the sharks first attacked the boat on Monday, leaving "the rear left ball" of the catamaran damaged.

"In an emergency state, the travelers lasted for about a day, they managed to travel about a hundred miles," the group wrote.

The next day, the group said, the ship was attacked again by sharks - this time causing the catamaran to lose its balance and begin to sink.

Crews said they issued an SOS and, about 45 minutes later, the catamaran was approached by a Panama-flagged passing container ship. At that point, the group reported, the captain decided to abandoned the sinking catamaran at sea.

Surfer attacked in Australia: Surfer attacked by suspected great white shark hospitalized, clinging to life

The sinking ship, a radio beacon and an at-sea rescue

An alert from a radio beacon on the catamaran led rescue crews to the vessel about 1:30 a.m. local time, maritime officials reported.

Rescue crews on a Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft , who confirmed the vessel was damaged from shark attacks, then rescued the three sailors and transported them to shore just outside Brisbane, Australia on Thursday, according to the group and maritime officials.

No injuries were reported.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior correspondent for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund.

Sailors rescued from Coral Sea after sharks sank inflatable boat vow to continue voyage

By Conor Byrne

By Meg Bolton

By Jessica Ross

ABC Sunshine Coast

Topic: Maritime Accidents and Incidents

Stanislav Berezkin (left), Evgeny Kovalevskiy (centre) and Vincent Bauge at Mooloolaba, Queensland. ( ABC Sunshine Coast: Meg Bolton )

The Russian and French crew of an inflatable catamaran sunk by sharks in the Coral Sea are thankful to have reached dry land after a dramatic rescue and several weeks at sea.

Key points:

• The three sailors from the Tion-Russian Ocean Way say they will continue their circumnavigation attempt
• They have now lost two boats since they left Russia in July 2021
• The sailors say they only recently learned of the danger of cookie-cutter sharks

The 9-metre Tion-Russian Ocean Way was deflated on Wednesday morning  by cookie-cutter sharks during a Russian Geographical Society circumnavigation attempt to honour the country's great navigators.

The sailors were cleared by customs in Mooloolaba this morning.

Expeditioner Evgeny Kovalevskiy estimated "tens of sharks" were biting the boat before it was punctured.

The sponsons – the inflatable catamaran hulls — have four separate chambers inside to ensure the craft stays afloat if one or more is punctured.

"We see that air is less and less," Mr Kovalevskiy said.

The stern chambers on the port-side sponson were the first to deflate, rendering one of the two rudders useless.

"But when they attack the right balloon, it was finished — and we try to sink like the Titanic,"   Mr Kovalevskiy said

The crew of the Tion-Russian Ocean Way step onto dry land at Mooloolaba. ( ABC Sunshine Coast: Meg Bolton )

The catamaran cutters

Mr Kovalevskiy said the crew became aware of the cookie-cutter sharks hazard only recently.

On the Atlantic Ocean much earlier in the expedition they had a satellite phone with the society in Russia about the mysterious circular bites appearing in their boat.

"They attack whales, dolphins and big tuna," Mr Kovalevskiy.

"When the inflatable boat is moving it vibrates, like a whale vibration, and the sharks, they're feeling this vibration and attack in the deep night, usually, from 2,000 meters deep.

"When we were crossing French Polynesia's many islands there were many shark attacks."

The crew repaired about 20 bite marks in French Polynesia, none of which had penetrated the hull.

"We actually don't feel the bump because our weight is two tonnes and the shark is very small," Mr Kovalevskiy said.

"Before this, nobody knows that inflatable boats could be attacked by sharks."

Amanda Hay says cookie-cutter sharks leave perfectly circular wounds on their victims. ( Supplied: Australian Museum )

Australian Museum Ichthyology collection manager Amanda Hay said the cookie-cutter shark was an opportunistic parasite.

"If you ever see a whale or a dolphin washed up on the beach, you'll see little perfectly round-shaped plugs taken out of the flesh, and that's due to the cookie-cutter shark," she said.

"They've got fleshy lips and the top teeth are really short and fine and sharp.

"The bottom teeth are much more broadly triangulated and overlap.

"They latch on with the front teeth and form a suction with the lips, and then they swirl around and take a perfectly round cookie shape … out of their victim."

The Tion-Russian Ocean Way leaving Vanua Levu, Fiji, in happier times. ( Supplied )

'We are absolutely normal'

The sailors were aiming to set a Guinness World Record for circumnavigation by inflatable boat — a feat as yet unrecorded.

"When you live real life, this looks unusual and people say, 'Oh you're crazy'," Mr Kovalevskiy said.

"You have to realise your destination.

"If the Creator sent you an opportunity to be scientists, you should be scientists.

"If He told you that you should be an artist, you should be an artist.

"If you are an artist and you feel like you're like an engineer, you're crazy.

"We are absolutely normal.

"It was very important that we repeat the way that 200 years ago the first Russian circumnavigators made."

The voyage of the Russian Ocean Way expedition. ( Supplied: Russian Ocean Way )

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Tourists rescued off australian coast after inflatable catamaran attacked by sharks.

Three adventurers rescued from sinking catamaran after shark attacks

Three tourists floating hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Cairns on an inflatable catamaran have been rescued after calling for help when their vessel was attacked by sharks.

Their catamaran was damaged by the predators during the attack amid an attempt to sail from Vanuatu to Cairns.

The two Russian tourists and one French tourist aboard the 9m vessel named Tion let off their emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at 1.30am AEST.

The terrifying incident left them stranded 835km southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said.

AMSA launched an emergency rescue operation, engaging a massive vehicle-carrying vessel heading from Port Kembla to China, the Dugong Ace, and a Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft.

“Dugong Ace successfully conducted the rescue and collected three people,” AMSA said.

“They are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

“This is a timely reminder to always carry a distress beacon while on the water. GPS-equipped EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) and personal locator beacons (PLBs) can save your life in an emergency.”

Dean was fishing for tuna when the gentle giants stopped by. Around 20 whales came out of nowhere swimming with him for over an hour.

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3 Men Rescued from Coral Sea After ‘Several Shark Attacks’ Damage Their Inflatable Catamaran

The trio were rescued in the early hours of Wednesday morning, over 500 miles off the coast of Australia

Three men have been rescued from the Coral Sea after "several shark attacks" damaged their inflatable catamaran.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed in a media release that both hulls of the 30-foot catamaran had been damaged following the attacks more than 500 miles off the Australian coast.

The three men, who were traveling to the Cairns in the far north of Queensland, were rescued in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The boat’s emergency distress beacon sent out a call at 1:30 a.m. local time. 

russian.ocean.way Instagram

A video posted on the AMSA’s official Twitter, now known as X, shared footage of the search and rescue effort. “Remember to always bring a registered beacon with you when you're out on the water - it could help save your life,” the tweet accompanying the clip read. 

“AMSA requested the assistance of Panama-flagged vehicle carrier Dugong Ace and tasked the Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to the scene. Dugong Ace successfully conducted the rescue and collected three people,” the release added.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority via AP

According to NBC News , the men had set off from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Aug. 28 on the latest stage of an around-the-world trip.

Per the outlet, the sailors, aged between 28 and 64, are said to be unharmed. Their belongings were also saved, but the catamaran was lost.

The trio, two Russians and one Frenchman, are due to arrive in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday morning, the release said. 

Joe Zeller, a senior manager at AMSA, said in a video statement that the catamaran had “large sections of its hull missing,” reported CNN ,  

"An emergency beacon absolutely saved their lives," he continued. “There are many reasons vessels are attacked by sharks but the motivations of these sharks is unclear.”

Zeller added that the men were “very happy” to be rescued. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Per the voyage’s Instagram account @russian.ocean.way , the three men onboard were Evgeny Kovalevsky, Stanislav Berezkin and Vincent Thomas Etienne.

According to one post, their vessel was first attacked by sharks on Monday and began to sink on Tuesday.

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Breaking news, three sailors saved off australian coast after ‘several shark attacks’ left them shipwrecked.

Three sailors were saved from a sinking inflatable catamaran early Wednesday morning after “several shark attacks” left them shipwrecked off the northeastern coast of Australia.

The men — a French citizen and two from Russia — were located by rescuers after their emergency beacon sent out signals of distress at 1:30 a.m. local time, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a statement.

The sailors, who are between the ages of 28 and 64, departed from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday last week and were headed for the northeastern Australian city of Cairns when sharks attacked their ship’s inflatable hulls.

A “large section” of the hull was missing when the 30-foot Russian-registered cataraman was finally located by emergency rescuers, AMSA duty manager Joe Zeller said.

“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” AMSA said.

“There’s many reasons that vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks is unclear,” Zeller said in a video shared by AMSA.

The trek from Vanuatu to Cairns, a journey of more than 1,400 miles, would typically take between two to three weeks, depending on the weather, Zeller noted.

“The three males were very happy to be rescued,” Zeller said, adding that all three were in good health following the tumultuous trip.

The sailors’ identities have not been shared by authorities. They are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

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Australian authorities rescue Russian catamaran attacked by sharks

Australian authorities have rescued three people aboard a Russian catamaran damaged in “several shark attacks” in the Coral Sea off Cairns.

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Australian authorities have rescued two Russians and a French sailor on a catamaran bound for Cairns after it was damaged by sharks.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the nine-meter inflatable catamaran named Tion was sailing from Vanuatu to Cairns, Queensland.

At 1.30am on Wednesday, AMSA responded to Russian-registered emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) 835km southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

“Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks,” a statement said.

ASMA then requested assistance from Panama-flagged vehicle carrier Dugong Ace and sent a Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft to the distressed vessel.

Dugong Ace successfully rescued three people on-board the catamaran, who are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

Two were Russian citizens and one was a French citizen.

It is understood the Russians were sailors Evgeny Kovalevsky and Stanislav Berezkin, who were on a circumnavigation expedition, and the French man was Vincent Beaujeu.

According to the Russian Geographical Society, Mr Kovalevsky and Mr Berezkin set off on the first Russian round-the-world expeditions of the 19th century on July 1, 2021.

They left Vanuatu for Australia on August 28.

The group had been repairing the boat in Vanuatu, where they reported many bite marks from small sharks.

“We set off from Vanuatu, from the island of Efate, where we had been moored for a week, made repairs,” Mr Kovalevsky said, according to an RGS article on August 29.

“We are going to Cairns, Australia. The waves are up to three meters; the breeze is up to 20 knots, probably. At times it will pick up to all 25.”

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ASMA said it was a “timely reminder” to always carry a distress beacon while out on the water.

“GPS-equipped EPIRBs and personal locater beacons (PLBs) can save your life in an emergency,” the authority said.

“Make sure your distress beacon is properly registered with AMSA.”

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A Indonesian adventure of a lifetime had turned into a nightmare for this teenage Aussie surfer.

An historic pub has been destroyed after an early morning fire broke out, forcing guests to evacuate.

A hiker has been winched to safety after experiencing a medical episode.

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Hawaii is a vacation destination most people dream of experiencing at least once in their lives. The combination of the beautiful scenery, alluring weather, and enriching culture all contribute to making it one of the most popular family vacation destinations!

Making an itinerary for a family trip to Oahu can be hard. There are so many things to do and see, ranging from shopping to eating, and boogie-boarding to going on hiking adventures.

Whether you’re sunbathing on a beach on the North Shore or hiking Manoa Falls, here are the best free family activities in Oahu.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

OAHU IN A NUTSHELL

Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!

• When To Go : December through March (peak season). September to November or April to June (off-season, for equally pleasant weather  and  fewer crowds).
• Nearest Airport : Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Where To Stay :  The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – it’s cute and retro, has no resort fee, AND free parking! Or we recommend Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei – not directly in Waikiki, but has no resort fees, free parking, AND free breakfast!
• How to Get Around : You will need a car. We recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the best deal. Book early because rental cars in Hawaii go like hotcakes!
• Must-Do’s : Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center , spend a whole day exploring the North Shore , and be touristy by experiencing a luau — Paradise Cove Luau is by far one of the most famous luaus on the island!
• Before You Go : Pack your snorkel gear to avoid having to rent! And remember to pack a rain jacket — Oahu’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is possible at any time of the year. Oh yeah, pack a beach bag too!

Best Free Family Activities In Oahu, Hawaii

1. go shopping in the waikiki area.

Exploring Waikiki on foot is a great way to get the entire family out and about on a casual stroll through town.

Because Waikiki is the main resort area of Oahu, you’re not going to find much peace and quiet here, if you’re looking to escape crowds on your vacation. However, if you thrive in bustling spots with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and bars at your fingertips, this area is the place for you.

You could pop in and out of the shops on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki , head to Ala Moana Shopping Center , or visit the Don Quixote superstore (a Japanese market, like a Walmart, but with tons of pre-made Japanese / Hawaiian / Korean food as well).

Pro Tip: I highly recommend checking out Don Quixote as an alternative to Foodland or the ABC Stores if you’re looking for local goods to bring home. To save some money, buy your souvenirs, coffee beans, and snacks from Don Qui!

Take a stroll through the new International Marketplace , with stores set amongst the shade of a large banyan tree. On certain days, there can even be special events held here, including a farmers’ market and a local craft market.

For more free things to do while you’re in the Waikiki area, you and your family can take ukulele or hula lessons at the Royal Hawaiian Center .

2. See the Duke Kahanamoku Statue

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is probably the single most prominent landmark along the Waikiki waterfront.

This statue commemorates Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the “father of modern surfing” and one of Hawaii’s most influential people. He is probably best known for having introduced surfing around the world, as it was once just a Hawaiian sport.

He demonstrated the sport of surfing not just on the mainland USA, but as far away as Australia!

In total, he also won five Olympic medals in freestyle swimming (three gold and two silver between 1912 and 1924) and was known for hitting a lot of new world records.

He is also a local hero, as he was honored for saving 8 people (by going back and forth on his surfboard) when their boat sank in Corona Del Mar, California in 1925.

3. Take the kids boogie-boarding

While in Waikiki, you’ll see a lot of boogie-boarders on the beach! If you or the kids want to try this casual sport for yourselves, go boogie-boarding at the local favorite spot in Waikiki called “ The Wall “.

Alternatively, you can go boogie-boarding at Waimanalo Beach on the Windward side of the island.

4. Take a free walking tour of historic Honolulu

Join Hawaii Free Tours as they take you on a short but informative walking tour around some of Hawaii’s most historically significant landmarks.

On this 75-minute walking tour, you will be led by a local guide(s) that will share the history of Hawaii as well as some of their insights on Hawaii’s modern-day culture.

You will leave the tour with a better understanding of the true spirit of aloha, having learned about Hawaiian history and about stories that have been orally passed down through generations from the ancient tribal Hawaiian times!

This tour is 100% free but gratuities to guides are highly suggested and very much appreciated.

5. Visit Chinatown

Honolulu’s Chinatown became a historic district in 1975, and in the 1980s, the City and County of Honolulu designated Chinatown as one of Oahu’s four Historic, Scenic, and Cultural Districts.

This historic neighborhood is defined by its red-brick buildings, double-hung windows, and unique overhangs above the sidewalk.

Spend an hour or so strolling through Chinatown, making sure to peek into all the noodle factories, herbal shops, grocery markets, and gift shops.

If you’d like a more guided experience, take a walking tour hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

6. Explore the arts district of Kaka‘ako

Welcome to Oahu’s newest and hippest neighborhood, the Arts District. This neighborhood, a working-class residential and warehouse district, has most recently been turned on its head.

Today, you’ll find a whole bunch of exciting new shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars here, including the Aupuni Space warehouse gallery, South Shore Market, Fishcake , and Cafe Duck Butt .

History buffs cannot miss Kawaiaha‘o Church , built in 1842, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. Cross the street to get to the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site for another healthy dose of local history. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places!

And if you have the kiddos with you, you can always take them to Mother Waldron Park , located in the center of the district.

7. Do a sunrise Koko Head hike

No matter how fit you are, a Koko Head hike will have you huffing and puffing, dripping with sweat.

First off, what is Koko Head? Basically, the Koko Crater Trail is a Stair Master workout all the way up the 1000+ stairs, with a rewarding panoramic view up top.

If your family is into heart-pumping activities, this could be the perfect family activity!

As challenging as it sounds, hiking the Koko Head trail is super fun as people passing each other are continuously motivating or complaining to each other. It’s pretty, entertaining, and a very popular hike on Oahu. Highly recommended if you’re going to be spending any amount of time in HI!

The views are absolutely amazing here on a clear day.

Read More:  The Packing List for Hawaii and Other Tropical Beach Destinations

8. Hike Manoa Falls

The hike to Manoa Falls is not only a great family-friendly activity, but it’s also completely free and very easy to get to.

Located just a short drive from downtown, this short 1.7-mile roundtrip hike passes through scenic landscapes that wind you through bamboo forests and rainforest canopies.

You’ll walk parallel to the Manoa Stream until you hit the base of the waterfall which is 150 feet tall!

Pro Tip: Before doing this hike, I would check recent images of Manoa Falls to see what the current waterfall conditions are. (Is it dry? Gushing with water?)

9. Go snorkeling

Spending some time with the underwater life in Hawaii is a must-do in our eyes, no matter if you’re a total beginner or an avid snorkeler!

While Hanauma Bay is known as the premier snorkeling destination on Oahu, it does come with a very steep admission fee of $25 per person.

Don’t want to pay an admission fee to snorkel? You can drive a bit further to get to Kaiona Beach Park , which is another good snorkeling spot that’s free to snorkel at.

Some other free places to snorkel on Oahu include Sunset Beach, Three Tables Beach , and Shark’s Cove on the North Shore.

If you’re visiting the summer, opt for the North Shore beaches as snorkeling on that end of the island is fantastic and so much better! If you’re traveling in the winter, do not attempt to snorkel on the North Shore as the waves can reach heights of over 20 feet (6 m) in this area.

Pro Tip: To save on snorkel rental costs, you should bring your own snorkeling set. It’ll save you a bunch of money on rentals, which average $15-25 per person for the combo of mask and fins. If you don’t currently own this, consider investing in a snorkel set  you can call your own.

Read More: 9 Best Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii

10. cool yourself off at waiola shave ice.

Okay, while this one is not completely free, it’s so affordable that it might as well be free!

A complete hole in the wall, Waiola is one of our favorite shave ice spots. They excel at their mochi balls, which is why I love them! The passionfruit, guava, and lychee flavors are our go-to.

For some of the best li hing candies on the island, head inside the Waiola store. Their li hing mangos and sour belts are some of the most potent and delicious we’ve tasted!

11. Go shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center

One of the fun things to do in Oahu with the whole family is to check out the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu–the biggest outdoor mall in Hawaii!

Trust me when I tell you, this shopping center is huge. Once you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll find a pathway to get to the other side of the mall. It’s as if the mall can magically expand itself and double in size.

After all that shopping (or window shopping), stop by the Ala Moana Center’s Centerstage, the hub for more than 800 performances annually. Depending on the day, you might find events such as keiki (children) hula, chorale music, street dancing, and more.

Before leaving, be sure to grab a nice meal at one of the food joints here. There are standalone restaurants, dessert shops, and cafeterias that feature a multitude of cuisines.

You can easily take the bus from Waikiki and various locations of the city to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. If you’re visiting with a car, you’re in luck. There is FREE parking here!

12. Visit Green World Coffee Farm

Green World Coffee Farm is a small local coffee farm consisting of 7 acres of land with approximately 3,000 arabica coffee trees. Green World Coffee buys green beans from local farms across Hawaii such as Maui, Molokai, Kauai as well as Waialua, which is located on the North Shore of Oahu.

In addition to a large gift shop selling everything from coffee, tea, and other local merchandise, they also offer a full menu of drinks that can be purchased off the espresso bar.

At the gift shop, there are free coffee and tea tastings! Personally, the chocolate mint tea was unique and delicious! And because they roast their coffee daily, you know you’ll be tasting fresh beans whether you buy beans to take home or order a drink.

After you pick up your drinks and gifts, head out back to the little coffee farm area to enjoy a few moments outdoors before heading back in your car for your next stop.

13. Visit the Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation, located just a few minutes from Green World Coffee Farm on the North Shore of Oahu, is a fun stop for the entire family.

Established by James Dole in 1899, the company now ships 170 different food products to over 90 countries.

To learn more about pineapple history, take the free self-guided Plantation Garden Tour. The Plantation Garden Tour provides visitors with a pleasant stroll through cute little pineapple plants and educational placards on display.

If you’re traveling with children, you may want to consider doing the Pineapple Express Train Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze (though both of these come at an extra cost).

After you’re done exploring the outdoor grounds, head into the plantation country store where you’ll find a huge (and I mean huge) variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local snacks, and gifts. Sure it’s touristy, but still a lot of fun to look through.

In the cafeteria area, you can find foods and refreshments to enjoy including their iconic Dole Whip. And if you’re looking to bring an actual pineapple home, they have those for sale too!

Pro Tip:  Parking gets crazy here, so try to arrive around 9:30 am when they open. You’ll get the shortest lines at all the attractions–gift shop, train rides, maze, etc.

Read More:  Oahu Hawaii: Top Tips For First Timers

14. explore haleiwa town.

Located about 1 hour from Waikiki (15 minutes away from Dole Plantation) is the historical town of Haleiwa. Along with the North Shore of Oahu, this area is known as the surfing capital of the world!

Historically, Haleiwa is an old community dating back to the 1900’s contributing to the sugar plantation industry.

Once you pass Haleiwa’s iconic sign with the surfer, you’ll find a bunch of cool surf shops, boutiques, art galleries, and local food joints housed in plantation-era buildings.

Once you drive in, you will be able to tell that Haleiwa is the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. You’ll find lots of food trucks, shave ice joints, and acai/smoothie shops, and lots of people sitting around enjoying them!

Take a stroll around the various plazas that make up Haleiwa for an hour or two, including the old  Waialua Sugar Mill . The sugar mill features local crafts, products, and services in a unique, old-Hawaii setting.

Shops include the North Shore Soap Factory, Charley Walker’s All Surf Glassing, Haleiwa Surfboard Company, Old Sugar Mill Brand Coffee & Chocolate, the weekly Saturday morning Farmers’ Market, and more.

You may want to get some shave ice at the iconic Matsumoto’s Shave Ice too, especially if it happens to be a hot and sweltering day.

15. North Shore Macadamia Nut Company

Can you really go to Hawaii and not eat a whole bunch of macadamia nuts? The best place to get mac nuts to snack on (or to bring home as gifts) is straight from the source!

The North Shore Macadamia Nut Company has been a working macadamia nut farm in Waialua since 1972. I love stopping here for mac nuts gifts when I’m in the North Shore–this last time around, we left with 6 bags total to bring back to our family/friends back home.

You have to know that these aren’t just the regular boring macadamia nuts you find in your local Walmart or Target. We’re talking about all kinds of great flavors, including coffee-flavored, cinnamon-flavored, lilikoi-flavored, coconut-roasted, and more.

The best part? They have free samples so you’ll know exactly what kind of deliciousness you’re going to get before even buying.

16. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

Laniakea Beach, otherwise known as “Turtle Beach”, is a very special place. This is a great spot to warm your toes in the golden sands and–with a bit of luck–spot some green sea turtles basking in the sun!

If you haven’t been able to guess it, the beach is named for the large sea turtles that frequently sun themselves on the sand. For decades, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have frequented Laniakea Beach more than any other spot on Oahu, which is why this beach has taken on the name “Turtle Beach”.

If you get lucky, you may even see a few for yourself. Also at the beach will be a group of volunteers that serve to provide information about the turtles and make sure tourists are viewing from a distance.

I cannot stress this enough, please respect the laws and the turtles and admire them from afar. It is prohibited by federal law to touch, provoke, or even get too close to the turtles.

Pro Tip:  Parking can get really bad here, so be prepared to hunt for nearby parking along the main road and walk to the beach.

17. Snorkel or beach at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore. It’s also a perfect place to visit with the whole family after your adventures in Waimea Valley.

In the summer, Waimea Beach offers visitors a beautiful white sand beach to lounge on and picturesque waters to swim in. During winter, it’s one of the world’s most historical surf breaks!

During the summer months, visitors can do all sorts of things, including snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, or even surfing.

Looking to snorkel during your beach time too? Waimea Bay is a wonderful place to do that. While the waters here are rough in winter, Waimea Bay can be as calm as a swimming pool on summer days, meaning lots of great snorkeling opportunities.

In fact, the bay is part of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, which means that the amount of fishing is limited, protecting the local aquatic life.

There are no snorkel rentals available at Waimea Bay, so if you want to snorkel, you must bring your own snorkeling set .

18. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a must if you love beautiful scenery, mountains and exotic plants.

Even before you enter the park, it’s jaw-dropping to see. You’ll be driving in through a grand, palm-lined entrance to Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens, a very grand welcome to this majestic park.

While you’re here, do not miss the picturesque lake and walking trails around the park. And being a botanical garden, you’ll see global collections from the Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India & Sri Lanka, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa.

Best of all, admission is completely free! For your visit, I recommend 1 to 1.5 hours.

19. Try mac nuts at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

If you’re looking to bring home some Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nuts, then you have to make a stop at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts.

Located beneath aged banyan trees, this shop offers up macadamia nuts and delicious Kona coffee (free tastings!), along with natural bath products, chocolates, and other local Hawaiian treats.

20. See the Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole is a famous landmark made out of molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions. When the surf is just right, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening, creating a special Hawaiian geyser – all for your viewing pleasure!

Halona Blowhole is a great highway stop if you’re planning a drive on the eastern shores of Oahu.

21. Soak in views at Makapu’u Point Lookout

Just a 4-minute drive away is Makapu’u Point, featuring dramatic sea cliff views and epic ocean views.

This is the perfect spot to snap a few selfies or family photos before heading back to the Waikiki area.

From here, you’ll also be able to spot Manana Island, aka Rabbit Island (aptly named for its shape). There is also a lighthouse in the area, but the lighthouse isn’t visible from this viewpoint.

To get there, you’ll have to walk up the paved road that begins just below the entry to the lookout (on the Hawaii Kai side of the lookout). It’s a 1.75-mile trail to the lighthouse from there.

22. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is easily one of the best beaches on Oahu without a doubt.

With its bright turquoise waters washing up on fine white sands, it’s easy to see why Lanikai is consistently voted Oahu’s “most beautiful” beach. In fact, it’s even been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Because of how popular it’s gotten over the years, expect a lot of people. So many people that you might have trouble finding a parking space. If you aren’t able to find a spot in the main lot, do be extra mindful of where you park! Laws are strictly enforced here.

There are also no bathrooms, showers, or changing facilities, so come prepared with that knowledge.

23. Hike the Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge)

This short and sweet trail features two military bunkers decorated in colorful graffiti that you can climb on in order to enjoy panoramic views of Lanikai Beach.

There are two pillboxes on this 2.1-mile trail. Completing the trail means you’re rewarded with some of the best vistas of Oahu’s windward side.

And while this trail could be rated as moderate, it is fairly easy to hike with a few narrow sections that require a steady footing. Just be prepared for a steady uphill climb right from the start of the trailhead and you’ll breeze through it.

All in all, it’s really not too difficult as I’ve seen locals complete this trail in flip-flops! Having said that, I would still highly recommend wearing closed-toed shoes for this.

24. Honolulu Museum of Art

With a permanent collection of more than 60,000 pieces, the Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii’s largest general fine-arts museum.

The Honolulu Museum of Art offers free admission for kids 18 years and younger every day. The museum even holds Family Sunday on the third Sunday of each month, where all families can take advantage of both free admission and hands-on keiki activities!

After browsing the galleries and enjoying the open courtyards and ponds, take a break and grab a bite to eat in the open-air HoMA Cafē or recharge with an energizing drink at the Coffee Bar.

25. Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM)

The Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) is one of the few state-sponsored art museums in the country. At this admission-free museum, visitors can view the finest collection of works from some of Hawaii’s best artists.

Located adjacent to the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library, HiSAM is an educational teaching tool for the public. HiSAM has four galleries as well as a Sculpture Garden to enjoy.

Did we mention this museum is completely free to the public? Score!

26. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries. This is a must-do attraction for history buffs as they can actually set foot right where the Pearl Harbor attacks took place 75 years ago.

You can visit the grounds, watch a video that provides more background on Pearl Harbor’s significance, visit the USS Arizona Memorial by ferry, and even take a docent-led tour all for free!

Book ahead or get there early to receive same-day timed tickets to take a ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial. The tour around the Visitor Center and Arizona Memorial will take 1-2 hours.

Do note that if you’re traveling with young children, strollers are not allowed on the ferry.

27. Go shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Hawaii’s largest open-air market.

This is the ideal place to discover unique treasures (think Hawaiian candies, ukeleles, keychains, aloha shirts, and other affordable souvenirs), where even the locals shop for the best deals in town.

If you’re getting too warm from the walking, there are delicious and refreshing coconuts to keep you hydrated while you shop!

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. While it is not completely free to walk around, there is just a very small admission fee to enter.

Check their website for the latest admission fees and business hours. Be sure to bring cash so you can buy things!

28. Attend a Sunset On The Beach night

Sunset on the Beach is a free seasonal event that features outdoor viewings of movies on a large 30-foot screen. Each year, there are about 3 to 4 Sunset On The Beach movies held.

In addition to the movie programming, nearby restaurants also will serve affordably priced meals and usually live Hawaiian-style entertainment accompanies the event.

The event is located on Queen’s Surf Beach, across from the Honolulu Zoo. Sunset On The Beach starts at about 4:30 pm and ends at about 9:30 pm. The movies typically are shown after sunset.

29. Watch the Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting and Hula Show

For a high-quality and free hula show, head to the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound . These impressive 60-minute shows are held every Saturday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm (or 6:00pm to 7:00pm from Nov to Jan).

The show opens with torch lighting and the traditional blowing of the conch shell which are both just so epic in itself.

Don’t forget to bring a beach towel or a beach chair so you can get comfortable for the sunset hula show!

The hula show takes place on the ocean side of Kalākaua Ave, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, diagonally across from the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

30. Enjoy cultural activities at the Royal Hawaiian Center

The Royal Hawaiian Center is the best place to go for a taste of Hawaiian cultural activities. The coolest thing about it is that these free classes are open to the public almost every day of the week.

Cultural classes include lei-making, hula lessons, Lauhala weaving, ukelele lessons, and Hawaiian quilting. They sometimes even have rooftop stargazing that’s open to the public, too.

To find out what’s happening exactly during your visit to Oahu, check out the Royal Hawaiian Center’s events calendar for the full schedule.

Classes are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so do plan on showing up earlier if you want to secure spots for the whole family!

31. Koko Crater Botanical Garden

The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a hidden gem located on the eastern side of Oahu! The garden is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano and focuses on the cultivation of rare and endangered dryland plants.

It’s not your average botanical garden! Xeriscape concepts are used to transform this dry landscape into a garden where plants suitable to desert-like conditions can flourish.

Visiting the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a great way to get away from the crowds and experience the natural beauty of Oahu! You’ll find lots of trails and paths that wind through the property, providing a peaceful and serene experience (as if Oahu wasn’t serene enough as it is!).

Some of the highlights of the garden include the cactus and succulent garden, the dryland palms, and the plumeria grove.

32. Do the Waikiki Historic Trail

The Waikiki Historic Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors on a journey through the history of Waikiki. This urban trail features 23 historic sites and markers, each with a unique story to tell about the history and culture of Waikiki!

You’ll want to follow the numbers on the trail map. Once you’re there, click on the number for more information about the stopping point!

The trail begins at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound , where visitors can see a statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer. From there, the trail winds its way through Waikiki, stopping at sites such as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel , the Moana Surfrider Hotel , and the Waikiki Aquarium .

Each site on the Waikiki Historic Trail has a unique story to tell, from the history of the Hawaiian monarchy to the development of the tourism industry in Hawaii. You can even learn about the famous guests who have stayed at the hotels, the legends of Hawaiian gods and goddesses, and the impact of World War II on the island.

33. Soak in the vista views at Pu’u Ualaka’a State Wayside Park

For the best free vista in Honolulu, head to this lofty hillside park and get ready for sweeping views left and right!

You’ll have Diamond Head views on your left, Honolulu and Waikiki front and center, and the Wai’anae Range to your right. Plus, it’s all backdropped by the gleaming sight of the Pacific Ocean!

Consider Getting The Go City Oahu Attraction Pass

We love an affordable vacation just as much as the next guy. However, in some destinations, we actually want to enjoy paid attractions.

Having done almost all of Oahu’s free attractions throughout our four previous visits, we wanted to explore some of the island’s premier paid attractions such as Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center .

On our latest visit, we got the Go City Oahu Pass . This all-inclusive attraction pass is a great way to see some of Oahu’s best attractions at steeply discounted prices .

Instead of paying full-price admission for each tour, museum, and guided excursion you want to do, you’re able to do unlimited things with the All-Inclusive Pass for one fixed price.

We experienced it for ourselves –the Go City Oahu Pass really is the easiest way to see the very best of Oahu! During one of our last trips to Oahu , we were able to do a lot  with the All-Inclusive Pass.

But even more importantly, we were able to save a ton of money!

The All-Inclusive Pass gets even cheaper the more days you opt for .  The 2-day pass costs $204 ($102/day), 3-day pass costs $259 ($86/day), 5-day pass costs $369 ($73/day), so on and so forth. You can choose between a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day All-Inclusive Pass.

Do note that Go City does offer “Premium Attractions” that are only available to those who opt for a pass of 3 days or more. These premium attractions include full-day tours, luaus, sunset catamaran sails, and more!

Getting access to one of these attractions was so worth it because it meant we didn’t have to pay premium retail prices for the premium experience (we opted for the catamaran sail).

So if there’s a premium attraction that really piques your interest, I’d highly recommend going with a 3+ day pass, especially if you’re going to be visiting Oahu for 4+ days.

Top Four Popular Tours In Oahu

• Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Waterfall : full-day tour featuring a ton of Hawaii’s landmarks, then lunch at the famous Fumi’s Shrimp Stand on the North Shore!
• Chief’s Luau Admission : experience a luau on Oahu, complete with a lei greeting! You can partake in a few activities before eating, followed by a Polynesian show.
• Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki : snorkel with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more!
• DEAL ALERT! Save 10% on select packages when you book at least 10 days in advance!

Affordable Places To Stay In Oahu

Staying in Honolulu/Waikiki can be a good idea for first-timers , as it puts you close to plenty of introductory things to do, places to eat and shop, and tourist attractions.

While it is convenient and close to a lot of restaurants, bars, and shopping, there are some drawbacks.

First off, because of how compact and populated this area is, street parking is hard to come by.

Do note that a lot of the hotels and resorts here charge both resort fees and parking fees. These fees range anywhere from $20-50 per night for parking and $15-35 per night for the resort fee.

So if you’ve found a hotel you like, be sure to check for these ‘hidden’ fees!

Many hours of research later–here are a few hotels that I’ve found to be the most budget-friendly in the Waikiki area, after accounting for all the added fees:

• The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club  – it’s cute and retro, has no resort fee, AND free parking!
• Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei  – not directly in Waikiki, but has no resort fees, free parking, AND free breakfast!
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki   – no resort fee
• Aqua Oasis  – affordable, even with both parking and resort fees factored in.
• Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach  – affordable resort fee and parking fees.

If you’d rather get off the beaten path a little, I would actually recommend staying in a  VRBO vacation rental  or hotel on any part of the island other than Waikiki. While Waikiki is beautiful and convenient, it is also very developed, meaning it’ll have more of an impersonal city feel.

Other parts of Oahu are way more scenic!

My favorite part of the island to stay is in  Kailua , located on the  East Shore . Lanikai Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is located on the Eastern part of the island, too.

Best lodging/transportation combination:  Rent a car + rent a vacation home/private room in a neighborhood with driveway parking or street parking outside of Waikiki. Free parking = more money to spend on other parts of your vacation!

And that about wraps up our list of free family activities in Oahu! I hope you were able to discover a few new things to do with your whole crew. Safe and happy travels to ya!

Looking for more Oahu travel tips? Read more:

• Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know
• 2 Days In Oahu: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary In Hawaii
• 116 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii
• 13 Cool Souvenir Gifts to Bring Back From Hawaii
• What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring
• 8 Best Hotels In Oahu With NO Resort Fees
• 9 Best Snorkeling Spots In Oahu, Hawaii