5 Free Ways to Stay Active
Looking to try something new, get fit and make friends all for free? Check out these group activities available on O‘ahu.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Flow with Tai Chi in the Park
Greg Yuen’s tai chi class reminds you to slow down, breathe and focus on one thing at a time. Yuen teaches the Yang-style long form sequence, a 128-step progression to calm the mind and body. During a recent class, I focused my attention on the smallest of movements, ones I rarely take the time to think about in my normal day. As we breathed and stepped with intention, my stress faded away. The peaceful outdoor setting at Kapi‘olani Park made the experience feel meditative, and the hourlong class passed by quickly. “I wanted people to have an opportunity to have good health without money getting in the way,” Yuen says.
gregyuenmd.com/free-taichi-classes
Try a High-Powered “Kazaxe” Dance Class
To get your groove on, look no further than Shannon Ashe’s biweekly Kazaxe (pronounced “ka-za-shay”) dance class, which starts at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Magic Island. The cardio-focused dance-fitness class will get your body moving in no time. There’s no set fee for the class, although a $5–$10 donation is encouraged.
Photo: Merrick Bayouth
Explore Scenic Trails with O‘ahu Hike Club
Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, beginner and experienced hikers can go on a group trek with the O‘ahu Hike Club, whose mission is to build a community that stays active in nature. It’s an ideal way to get outdoors, enjoy a no-cost workout and meet new friends. Among the trails traversed: Old Pali Road, Lulumahu Falls and Koko Crater. Along with hikes, the club hosts beach cleanups and other excursions too.
Duck, Dodge and Don’t Take It Personally
Nostalgic about your small kid days? Join in for dodgeball every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Wilson Community Park. This friendly meetup is open to people of all ages and abilities. It’s fun, relieves stress and is a good way to move your body and meet new people. Just make sure you wear clothes you can run (and sweat) in.
Go on a Group Run
Whether you’re just starting to run or planning your next marathon, the Hawai‘i Running Project offers free group training sessions five days a week to encourage healthy habits and wellness. The sessions include runs in different locations around Honolulu, including Ala Moana Beach Park, Kapi‘olani Park and Hawaiʻi Kai.
Esmé Betsch was the spring 2026 editorial intern for HONOLULU Magazine.
