lifestyle

These 10 Stunning Places In Hawaii Need To Be On Your Must-Visit List

You'll never want to come back.

Cover image via Na Pali Pirates

It's safe to say that Hawaii is on all of our travel bucket lists

Image via Giphy

Whether it be for a much-needed vacation or honeymoon, Hawaii is one of the few places people always have in mind when they think of a beach paradise. And who can blame them?

Good news! AirAsia is now flying daily to Honolulu for as low as RM899 one way

Image via AirAsia

Now you can book a trip to paradise at an affordable rate!

Not sure which part of Hawaii you should visit? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these free but awesome places:

1. Waimea Canyon

This scenic canyon is nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific", and for good reason. It has panoramic views of the crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges.

The 3,600-feet deep canyon was formed by erosion from the Waimea river and it boasts a colourful array of red, brown and green hues that make for great photos. Activities you can do there include hiking and fishing!

2. Wailua Falls

The Wailua Falls is most recognised in the opening credits of the long-running television show 'Fantasy Island'. It's one of Kauai's best and most popular waterfalls. The dramatic double-tiered waterfalls are easily accessible with almost no hiking needed and can be seen from the roadside.

They make for a great photo opportunity too. If you're lucky, you might just catch a rainbow during a morning visit!

3. Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve

Image via Independent UK

Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve is a 4000-acre private nature reserve that's located between Ka'a'awa and Waikane. It's a popular tourist attraction as well as filming location for over 50 movies and TV shows like Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0, Godzilla, Jumanji and much more.

Visitors get to explore Kualoa daily with several tours like a Jurassic Valley Zipline, Movie Site Tour, ATV's and Raptors, horseback rides, ocean voyaging, beach activities, a new Food Tour and many more.

4. Puu Pehe

Image via Visit Maui Blog

Also known as Sweetheart Rock, Puu Pehe rises majestically 80 feet out of the water. It's an iconic landmark between Manele and Hulopoe Bay. It is also steeped in rich Hawaiian folklore that tells the tale of a young warrior who fell in love with a Hawaiian maiden.

Sunsets there are especially beautiful and you can even spot spinner dolphins in the waters below!

5. Makapuu Beach Park

Backed by sea cliffs, the Makapuu Beach Park is popular among bodyboarders and bodysurfers. Located on the southern tip of east Oahu, you can take the Makapuu Trail and hike to the top of the sea cliff to watch an extraordinary Hawaiian sunrise or even experience whale-spotting from December to May.

There's also a lighthouse for you to explore and the Makapuu Point is known for the island's best pro bodysurfing place. 

6. Summit of Haleakala

Image via Wonders of Maui

It's deemed as a great place to experience the sunrise and sunset, and from almost 10,000 feet above sea level! Be swept away with the colours of the sky and clouds.
 
The sun rises as early as 5.38am in the summer and 6.55am during the winter. If you're not an early riser, then going when the sun sets is perfect for you. Don't forget to bring warm clothes, snacks and most importantly, your camera.

Do note that a sunrise reservation for personal and rental vehicles to view the sunrise from the summit district needs to be made up to 60 days prior.

7. Mauna Kea Visitor Station

Image via Go Hawaii
Image via Wiz Tours

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano, home to one of the best places to stargaze in the world. It's located at the highest point in the state of Hawaii, and is actually the tallest mountain in the world (even taller than Mount Everest) if measured from base to peak.

Head up to Mauna Kea Visitor Station, also known as The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, to learn more about Mauna Kea, and enjoy the sunsets or starlit skies through powerful telescope lenses.

8. Lahaina in Maui

Lahaina is a historic town on the west side of Maui, just 45 minutes from Kahului Airport. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a whaling village, Lahaina has now become a hotspot for tourists in Maui.

Stroll down Front Street, one of the “Top Ten Greatest Streets” by the American Planning Association to get a real feel for old Lahaina. Some historic spots you don't want to miss are the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Lahaina Prison, the Pioneer Inn, and Maui’s oldest living banyan tree.

9. Napali Coast

Image via Napali Coast

Napali Coast spans across 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, and its beauty is second to none. The cliffs rise up steep above the Pacific Ocean, and there are magnificent waterfalls and beaches, still relatively untouched by modern civilisation.

That's why the best way to explore this coast is by boat or air. If you take a boat tour, you'll also want to stop by sea caves like Waiahuakua sea cave, Hoʻolulu sea cave, and Open Ceiling cave.

10. Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Known as one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, the Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one place you definitely have to visit.

You can also find large honu, also known as Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking on the beach. But you are not allowed to touch these protected turtles or take any black sand home.

If you book now, you get to enjoy flights to Honolulu from as low as RM899 one way!

Image via Air Asia

Booking period is from now till 31 December and travel anytime from 8 January to 13 August 2019.

Say 'Aloha Hawaii' by booking your flights HERE.

For more information on the island paradise, click HERE

If you're looking to book more trips to other countries, AirAsia has also got you covered:

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