9 Reasons why Hawaii should be your next getaway

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Halona Blowhole
Where: Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hawaii

If you're looking for the perfect lookout spot to check out the best of the Hawaiian islands, the Halona Blowhole is our prime choice. On a clear day, it offers stunning sweeping, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, including the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Getting to the destination in itself proves to be a treat too: you'll chance upon the Quan Am Nam Hai, the statue of the female goddess and Guardian of the Sea, a cove, reefs and stunning caves. Be careful though - the majestic waves can be strong.
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Surf in O’ahu
Where: O'ahu North Shore, O'ahu

O'ahu is the cultural heartbeat of the Hawaiian state. It's home to its capital, Honolulu and a host of other major Hawaiian attractions, which is why many travelers start their trip in O'ahu. Surfers, in particular, will especially enjoy O'ahu's North Shore, which reins in the world's largest waves during winter. Of course, the iconic Wakiki Beach still proves to be a tourist favourite for beach lovers. However, if surfing is not your thing, you'll love the urban, trendy vibes the island's southern shore has.
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Lava Viewing
Where: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

When in Hawaii, make lava viewing a must-do activity in your itinerary - seeing it first-hand (like the lava flow in Pahoa, pictured above) is certainly an experience you won't forget. After all, Hawaii itself wouldn't exist if not for the volcanic activity that created all the islands in the archipelago. There are a total of five active volcanoes: four on the Big Island (Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualalai and Loihi) and one on Maui (Haleakalā). There are various ways you can view the lava - like the Jaggar museum, which gives you a good view of the Halema’uma’u crater.
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The Byodo-In Temple
Where: Kahaluu, O'ahu, Hawaii

The Byodo-In Temple, located at the foot of the Ko'alau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in O'ahu, is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple in Uji Japan. Established in 1968, it was intended to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants. Today, the temple's lush and beautiful grounds have become a popular spot for wedding ceremonies among locals and a tourist destination for the Japanese.
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Haiku Stairs
Where: O'ahu, Hawaii

Now, this one's for the outdoor lovers: the famous Haiku Stairs, also aptly known as the Stairway to Heaven, is a steep hiking trail featuring nearly 4,000 steps that span across the breathtaking Oahu's Ko'olau mountain region. The climb is steep, but the views at the top are certainly priceless and arguably some of the best landscapes in the world.
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Mauna Kea Observatory
Where: Mauna Kea, Hawai'i

Fancy a night under a star-studded sky? The Big Island of Hawai'i is a fantastic spot for stargazing. In fact, the 4,200 meter high summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii is also home to the world's largest observatory. Marvel at the twinkling canvas of stars above you as you tuck into a nighttime picnic (complete free!) or after an adventurous climb to its summit.
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Explore Maui’s Black Sand Beaches
Where: Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui

Maui is Hawaii's second largest island, best known for its infectious and wild energy. The best way to make the most of your stay in Maui is to visit the Wai’anapanapa State Park, which boasts of everything from it surreal black sand beaches to its imposing mountains, all nestled within the dense tropical rainforest and dramatic ridges that surrounds it.
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Spinner Dolphin-Watching in Maui
Where: Maui

To say that the Hawaiian archipelago is rich in its marine life is an understatement. While whale-watching proves to be a seasonal activity in Maui, you can catch their native 'spinner dolphins' year-round. As its name suggests, these relatively petite creatures are able to perform up to seven spins while completely jumping out of the water!
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A Taste of Nature in Hawaiʻi
Where: Hawai’i, Hawaii

Also known as the Big Island, Hawai’i (not to be confused for Hawaii) is home to Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano and other wildlife refuges like the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, where you'll find the remains of an ancient temple. There's so much history, culture and nature to sink your teeth into here, as well as water sport activities like kayaking and snorkeling.

So you’re a self-confessed tropical paradise enthusiast. You’ve probably ticked the Maldives off your travel bucket list, and have been to Bali more times than you can count. If you’re looking for the next dreamy island adventure, why not make Hawaii your next destination?

With its surreal volcanic landscapes, spectacular beaches and breathtaking tropical flora, fewer places on Earth come close to the beauty that is Hawaii. You might not know this, but there are actually hundreds of islands in the archipelago, with seven of its islands (i.e. O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Hawai’i) being the most renowned.

You can choose to either island-hop or stick to one or two islands to make the most of your stay there. Whether you’re a beach bum or nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in beautiful Hawaii – get inspired for your trip in the gallery above!

TRAVELING TO HAWAII? HERE ARE SOME INSIDER TIPS

Thought flying to Hawaii from Kuala Lumpur would be costly on your pocket and cranky on your back? Not if you choose the right airline! Here are some travel hacks for your perfect aloha vacation:

Affordable flights? Yes! As it turns out, planning and booking your tickets ahead of your trip can give you huge cost savings. Enjoy 30% off your flights from Kuala Lumpur to Honolulu (via Osaka) with AirAsia X*.

Hassle-Free Arrival. Honolulu’s peak arrival period for international flights is between 9 am to 12 pm. A perk of flying with AirAsia X is that its arrival timing (of either 12.05pm or 12.30pm) steers clear of this peak period, allowing for a comfortable, stress-free start to your vacation.

Fly in Comfort! AirAsia X’s Premium Flatbed option offers complimentary luggage, fully reclinable seats, priority services and an overall hassle-free experience truly caters to your flying needs and comfort.