These 9 One-Of-A-Kind Experiences You Can Only Do In Hawaii Will Give You #WanderlustGoals
Home to the most active volcano in the world!
If you're looking for the trip of a lifetime, then Hawaii is the #wanderlust destination of your dreams
Made up entirely of hundreds of islands, Hawaii is known for its gorgeous, untouched, natural scenery, plentitude of pristine public beaches, ocean surroundings, and active volcanoes.
With unique natural wonders and a backdrop of Native Hawaiian culture, you'll never experience anything quite like Hawaii.
AirAsia X now flies to Honolulu X times a week, with prices starting as low as RM999 ;)
1. Watch the lava flow into the sea from an active volcano in the comfort of a private helicopter tour
See the volcanoes up close, feel the spray of the waterfalls, and check out Hawaii from a completely different viewpoint.
There are loads of different helicopter tours to choose from! The most epic flies over Kilauea, the most active of five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii. Soar over lush forests and gorgeous waterfalls before witnessing the longest continously erupting volcano in the world. With flowing red lava and billows of smoke, it's a sight you'll never forget!
2. Hike up the top of Mauna Kea and go stargazing
How romantic is this?? Take a night time hike up Mauna Kea, then lay back and watch the stars light up the sky.
Unlike Kilauea, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano. Its peak is the highest point in the state of Hawaii, making the island the second highest island in the world. Its known to be one of the best sites in the world to view the stars, you'll feel like you could reach out and touch them!
3. Relax your mind and body with a traditional Hawaiian massage
Let your body relax with a traditional massage like Lomilomi.
The traditional massage therapists in Hawaii use their palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, and even sticks and stones to massage you. Fun fact: Lomilomi in the Hawaiian language means "to knead, to rub, or soothe; to work in and out, as the paws of a contented cat." :3
4. Have a picnic breakfast while you catch the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala
Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in the Hawaiian language, and with good reason! Pack a picnic and take a drive up this massive volcano to be treated to a sunrise at 10,000 feet above sea level. You'll be in awe as you watch the colors of dawn stretch across the landscape of the Haleakala National Park below.
Remember to wear warm clothes because it gets cold up among the clouds!
5. Step on to Black Sand Beach on Big Island
Forget sand! The shore of Big Island's south shore is made of pulverised lava, making the land look jet-black. Black Sand Beach is yet another of Hawaii's one-of-a-kind natural wonders. The unique black colour is found almost nowhere else in the world.
The area is also home to several endangered species such as the Hawksbill Turtle and Hawaiian Monk Seal.
6. Marvel at the view atop Waimea Canyon where movies like 'Jurassic Park' were filmed
Mark Twain called Waimea Canyon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It's over 12 miles long and over 3,000 feet deep! With amazing waterfalls and frequent rainbows, this is legit a sight you'll never forget.
In fact, it probably looks a little familiar because lots of Hollywood movies have been filmed in this location, the most notable is 'Jurassic Park.' :O
7. Take a break and sip on 100% island-grown Kona coffee
If you're a coffee-lover, an absolute MUST is trying pure Kona coffee. The beans are island-grown, harvested, and brewed locally. The coffee has a distinct taste due to the rich volcanic soil where the beans are grown from the Hualalai Volcano.
If you want to go even deeper, visit a plantation for a tour. Some places even offer "coffee cupping", where you can taste different brews until you find just the right one that hits the spot!
8. Take a tour of Shangri-La, an unexpected Centre for Islamic Arts & Culture
Doris Duke was an American heiress and philanthropist who filled her beautiful home in Oahu with an extensive collection of art from countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria. She founded of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, which includes more than 3,500 pieces of art from her personal collection. While some of the artifacts date back to 1,500 BC, there are also contemporary pieces from Muslim artists on display too.
When Doris died in 1993, her home was repurposed into the Centre for Islamic Arts and Culture.
9. Watch the the humpback whales come home to breed, calve, and nurse their young
Humpback whales are born in Hawaiian waters, making them kamaaina or native-born. They have a big cultural significance to Native Hawaiians, playing large roles in ancient legends. As these humpback whales swim to their birthplace to mate and nurse their young, the Native Hawaiians celebrate their return as a homecoming.
The warm, shallow waters around the Hawaiian Islands make it the perfect spot to watch these beautiful creatures in their natural environment.
And we're just scratching the surface! Hawaii is filled to the brim with natural wonder and amazing local culture :)
Whether you want to surf the beautiful waves at Waikiki Beach or shop at the independent boutiques and vintage stores of Honolulu, there's something unique at every corner of this island paradise.
The influence of both North American and Asian culture mixed with the local Polynesian culture, makes this place a foodie haven too!
Plan your trip ahead and fly from Kuala Lumpur to Honolulu (via Osaka) with AirAsia X with flights starting from RM999.
Booking period: 23 April 2018 - 6 May 2018
Travel period: 23 April 2018 - 31 October 2018
Insider tip: Peak hour for international arrivals in Honolulu is from 9am to 12pm. AirAsia X arrives in Honolulu at 1205 or 1230, just outside peak hour, which means smoother operations, immigrations, and an improved guest experience. ;)
If the thought of a long flight freaks you out a little, know that Premium Flatbed is an option with complimentary luggage, fully reclinable seats for a good rest, priority services, and more. It's a super complete, hassle-free experience.
Find out more here!