8 Reasons Hawaii Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination

Hawaii is the quintessential island getaway! With that much fun under the sun gathered in one place, it’s no wonder that it’s become one of the world’s most iconic vacation spots. Here are 8 more reasons why you should make Hawaii your next holiday destination.

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1. Star in your Own Jurassic Park Home Movie

It’s been 25 years since the first Jurassic Park movie. How about reliving those classic scenes at the actual film locations? Great news! Most of those breathtaking backdrops are in Hawaii—including Kualoa Ranch, Manawaiopuna Falls, Napali Coast, Jurassic Kahili Ranch and Hanola Beach. Many do offer horse-riding and ATV movie tours. So get your cameras ready for a smashing good time.

Do note that some of these properties are privately owned, so it’s best to check its accessibility before going.

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2. Learn to Surf at the Iconic Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is ideal for novice surfers. The waves are gentle and roll on for a while, so you can enjoy a nice long ride toward the shore. There are also no rogue waves or strong undercurrents in this protected bay, so if you’re heading there, I’d say it’s worthwhile factoring in some time for surfing lessons. Or if you’re already a surfing expert, grab that surfboard and hit those crystal blue waves!

3. Climb the World’s Largest Dormant Volcano—Haleakala

Just look at that view! Haleakala is a massive volcano that covers 75% of the Maui island in Hawaii. Having erupted a few times within the last 1,000 years, this sleeping giant is now a popular hiking spot for visitors to Maui. Famous for having one of the world's largest dormant volcanic craters, about 30 km in circumference, it’s truly a sight to behold. Haleakala National Park offers a variety of hikes at the summit area, ranging from 10 minutes to multiple days depending on your preferences.

Activities on hikes include looking for native forest birds and exploring the geologic history of the volcano. You also can view a gorgeous sunrise at the summit district! Just be sure to make a reservation on the national park’s website beforehand.

4. Lava viewing on the Island Of Hawaii

Have you ever played the game, ‘The Floor is Lava’ during your childhood? In Hawaii, you can take it up a notch by seeing actual lava! Lava viewing has been a staple activity for tourist to the Island of Hawaii over the last few decades. Lava hikes and boat tours have brought many visitors up close to the lava flow. Unfortunately, they have been suspended indefinitely due to changes in volcanic activity.

However, you still can view this epic natural occurrence by helicopter. There are a few helicopter tours that brings you right into the action, where you can get an aerial view of the glowing lava bursting out of the cinder cone! This may be a pricier option, but may be worth it for this once in a lifetime experience.

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5. Gourmet Coffee: Kona Coffee

Coffee lovers rejoice! You are now in the land of Kona Coffee—one of the most expensive coffees in the world that hails from the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. What better time to get your gourmet coffee fix than direct from the farm? There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, and many offer tours to the public. Visit coffee orchards and mills to see how the beans are processed or just enjoy a nice cuppa while idling the time away. Ah… bliss!

Due to being cultivated in mineral-rich volcanic soil and unique conditions in the Kona District, the coffee is said to give a light, sweet and fruity flavour with a hint of spice.

6. Get a Dose of History at Pearl Harbor—Free Tour!

There are 4 main memorials at Pearl Harbor: WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument (USS Arizona), Battleship Missouri Memorial (USS Missouri), Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Museum and Park. The USS Arizona memorial is open to public and is free! They issue 1,300 boat tickets daily starting at 7AM on a first-come-first-serve basis. It’s best to reserve your tickets online up to 2 months before you go at www.recreation.gov. Also, don’t forget to join the free narrated tour that starts every 15 minutes from 7.30AM to 3PM. The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and includes a 23-minute documentary as well as a boat ride to the memorial.

If you’re a history buff like I am, do make time for all four memorials. The Pearl Harbor Gift Shop is also a must-visit for a great selection of souvenir items, replicas, and memorabilia.

7. Party Under the Stars at a Luau

A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast featuring entertainment. Think every rom-com ever set in Hawaii. Looks like fun, right? It is! It usually begins around sunset, where you can dine among the coconut trees on slow-cooked ‘kalua pig’ (pork cooked in an underground oven) and ‘poi’ (Hawaiian taro). Then, enjoy the traditional performances of Hawaiian and Polynesian songs and dances, under a blanket of stars. What a great way to conclude a day of fun activities. There are many excellent locations across Hawaii that do good Luaus, so do some research and take your pick!

8. Beach Please!

Last but not least, no trip to Hawaii is complete without visiting the pristine sandy beaches! Waikiki is merely one of the many spectacular beaches in Hawaii. We’re talking about an ocean sports hotspot at Hookipa Beach, a diver’s haven at Honaunau Beach, shallow waters for swimming beginners at Poipu Beach, a perfect backdrop for romantic getaways and weddings at Lahaina Beach, jet black sand and endangered sea turtle habitat at Punaluu Beach… and the list goes on!

So escape to Hawaii right now! I know I would.

Don't forget to take note of the $25 instant flight discount>> for return flights from Singapore or $50 discount>> for your next flight when you book your flight+hotel!

This post is brought to you by CheapTickets.sg and the Hawaii Tourism Board.