Abdul AsyrafExplored more than 20 countries and want to add another exotic gem to your “Been there, done that” list? Boasting unique and exotic experiences you’ll never find elsewhere, here are some of the most compelling reasons why you should book a flight ticket to Hawaii next.
While the idyllic islands of Hawaii invoke a sense of yearning amongst many with wanderlust, it somehow feels like a far-fetched dream destination that will probably cost a bomb to fly to. However with careful research and of course, extremely affordable air tickets from our favourite airline Scoot, you can actually experience the best of all things aloha without busting your budget. The ultimate definition of paradise on earth; pristine scenic landscapes, volcanic wonders, and fascinating aquatic life await you.
| With affordable flights on low-cost carrier Scoot, paradise is indeed within easy reach! Quit hesitating and dive deep into the aloha spirit with Scoot’s irresistible promo fares from just S$409 for a one-way ticket*! Book by 25 Sep and travel by 30 Nov 2018, from 7 Jan to 17 Mar 2019 or from 15 Apr to 24 May 2019.
With 4 weekly flights to Honolulu via Osaka, Scoot is the best choice for any traveller looking to visit Hawaii. *inclusive of taxes and surcharges |
1. Spellbinding stargazing opportunities
Image credit: (right) Guy Courtemanche
There is just something so awe-inspiring about the night sky that always leaves us speechless. If you’ve spent most of your life in a cosmopolitan city full of bright lights (like Singapore), it may be time to trade in those glittering skyscrapers for a star-studded sky in Oahu. The islands have evolved to be one of the world’s premier astronomy destinations, and celestial favourites such as the Milky Way and the constellations of Ursa Major and Orion can be seen here.
Image credit: Anthony Quintano
Kaena Point is one prime stargazing spot that is quite easy to get to and offers great views of the sky. Located at the westernmost tip of Oahu, this spot enjoys minimal light pollution from the city, and you are definitely promised an unobstructed view of the Milky Way. Avid astrophotographers should aim to arrive by 8pm to stake out a good spot for that panoramic shot of the Milky Way.
2. Snorkel inside a crater or alongside manta rays
Image credit: (left) David Gibbs, (right) SNORKELINGDIVES.COM
There are plenty of snorkelling sites all over Hawaii, but this isn’t just any normal snorkelling experience – it’s inside a crater! If you’re visiting Maui island, be sure to hop on a catamaran and head to the Molokini Crater. Molokini is one of the three volcanic calderas in the whole world, and the amazingly clear waters allow you to see the kaleidoscope of coral reefs, and more than 300 species of tropical fish!
Image credit: (left) Keauhou Bay Adventures Facebook (right) Laika
You’ll be hard pressed to start pinching yourselves in disbelief, when you get to snorkel with gentle manta rays gliding through the waters! These creatures appear at night on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, feasting on plankton. Keauhou Bay Adventures offers snorkelling tours out at 7pm, 8.15pm, and 9.30pm to coincide with the feasting, and in small group sizes so you can enjoy a truly intimate experience with the manta rays. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience that’ll leave you with unforgettable memories for a lifetime!
3. Culinary offerings that you can’t find elsewhere
Hawaii is an amazing amalgamation of different cultures, and every culture has introduced its own elements and weaved its specialities into the state’s culinary scene. A fusion gastronomic experience awaits you!
MUSUBI
Image credit: (left) istolethetv (right) Jason Swadley
A simple and traditional Japanese snack ubiquitous in Hawaii, musubi comprises of a block of rice topped with a slab of meat and wrapped in seaweed. You’ll find them everywhere, from 7-Eleven stores to street markets and more. The classic Hawaiian favourite is the Spam Musubi, but there are plenty of varieties all around for you to sink your teeth into. At Mana Bu’s, you can even customise the type of rice you like and choose from exciting options such as spicy tuna mayo.
SAIMIN
Image credit: Eugene Kim
A noodle soup dish that was inspired by the Japanese ramen, Chinese mein and Filipino pancit; Saimin was developed by immigrants in Hawaii during the plantation era. It comprises thin wheat egg noodles served in a hot dashi broth, served with green onions, kamaboko, kimchi, Portuguese sausage, Spam and other variations. It has become such an iconic dish in Hawaii, that even McDonald’s offers it too! With an astounding total of 60 varieties that will leave you spoilt for choice, head to Shiro’s Saimin Haven for a good ol’ classic bowl of saimin to warm you up!
LOCO MOCO
Image credit: Matt Wunderle
This classic, comfort dish is also widely found across the islands, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to classy five-star restaurants! Often eaten for breakfast, loco moco comprises of white rice topped with hamburger patties and fried eggs, which are then blanketed in rich, brown gravy. Head to one of the diners which popularized the loco moco since 1949, Café 100 in Hilo, and take your pick from 30 types of the iconic dish! It’s an inexpensive yet satisfying dish you have to try out for yourselves.
| Can’t wait to try out these mouthwatering local dishes? Then don’t miss Scoot’s promo fares from just S$409 for a one-way ticket* to Hawaii! Book by 25 Sep and travel by 30 Nov 2018, from 7 Jan to 17 Mar 2019 or from 15 Apr to 24 May 2019.
With 4 weekly flights to Honolulu via Osaka, there’s bound to be a flight timing that matches your schedule. Wait no longer and Scoot to the idyllic paradise of Hawaii today! *inclusive of taxes and surcharges |
4. Oahu’s quaint foodie neighbourhood beckons
Bring along an empty stomach when you head to Kapahulu Avenue, because your stomachs are in for a real treat. Connecting Waikiki with the Kaimuki neighbourhood, Kapahulu Avenue may not be a long street but it sure packs a punch. You can spend a whole day here just feasting on Honolulu’s best local foods, which are incredibly delicious to say the least.
Image credit: (top) Matthew Dillon (bottom) Rainbow Drive-in Facebook
Are you drooling at the sight of these dishes already? Feast on barbeque platters or loco moco platters at the Rainbow Drive-in, a popular hotspot amongst locals and tourists alike! From fried Saimin with BBQ Beef to chilli dog plates, cheesy corned hash and more, you won’t be able to stop at just one serving.
Image credit: (top) Leonard’s Bakery, (right) Waiola Shave Ice
Other notable must-visits include Leonard’s Bakery and Waiola Shave Ice. Leonard’s Bakery serves heavenly malasadas that have been voted the best in Hawaii! Think deep fried donuts, filled with a thick, gooey filling of your choice and then coated in sugar, in five different flavors – original, chocolate, coconut, caramel and haupiah. And for a refreshing reprieve from the tropical heat, get a yummy shaved ice bowl from Waiola Shave Ice – the Azuki Bean Bowl, in particular, is a hot favourite!
5. The island is chock-full of Insta-worthy locations
Image credit: (left) Paul Bica (right) Ashlyn Gehrett
Be sure to bring extra memory cards for your camera, or ensure that your phone has sufficient storage space! Every corner of Hawaii presents a unique photo opportunity that will leave your Instagram followers swooning. From rugged nature trails to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, you’re guaranteed plenty of double-taps!
Image credit: (top left) Melissa Doroquez (top right) Leonard Jacobs (bottom) Andrew Baerst
Take down this list of the top Instagrammable spots in Hawaii that you should explore: Waipio Valley Overlook and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach in Big Island (where you’ll spot giant sea turtles); sunrise at the summit of Haleakala in Maui; Napali Coast Kalalau Lookout and Waimea Canyon in Kauai; top of Diamond Head Crater and Banzai Pipeline in Oahu. Be sure to capture Hawaii’s unique and mesmerizing landscapes as much as you can!
| Travel and Instagram go hand-in-hand, just like Scoot and awesome vacations. With promo fares from just S$409 for a one-way ticket* to Hawaii, there’s simply no reason to resist at all! Book by 25 Sep and travel by 30 Nov 2018, from 7 Jan to 17 Mar 2019 or from 15 Apr to 24 May 2019.
Amazing flight deals like this don’t come by often, so snap them up before they’re all gone! *inclusive of taxes and surcharges |
6. Excellent wave breaks for surfing
Image credit: Big Wave Dave
With world-renowned surf spots from the North Shore to Honolulu’s south coasts, locals will proudly tell you that the island of Oahu was where surfing was born. Testament to this, there is, in fact, a statue of the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. Honolulu is definitely the place where you want to catch your first wave!
The waves at Waikiki Beach are perfect for beginners and even children. The waters are a brilliant shade of blue only found on this long stretch, and you’ll be treated to leisurely waves and panoramic views of the cityscape. If you feel intimidated by the crowds of surfer dudes, sign up for a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools there.
Image credit: Mandolin Davis
For the avid and experienced surfers, the barreling wave breaks at the Banzai Pipeline are sure to excite you! It is one of the heaviest waves on the entire planet and can even catch advanced surfers off guard. Put your skills to the test!
7. Immersive cultural experiences
Image credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority
Hawaiian culture is still very much alive and you can experience the warm aloha spirit everywhere you go. It is an ancient blend of various ethnic influences and places a huge emphasis on legends, values and traditional practices. Oh, and did you know that you will be cursed for a lifetime by the Hawaiian goddess Pele if you bring home a lava rock from this sunny island state?
Image credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority
With its roots in Polynesian culture, learn more about Hawaiian traditions and way of life at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Honolulu. There are numerous activities for you to take part in – learn to make leis, practice the hula dance and discover true Hawaiian hospitality by participating in a traditional luau (feast). Don’t forget to feast on the succulent Kalua pork!
8. Hawaii’s rich history will take you back in time
Hawaii is steeped in history and it would be a shame to visit this amazing destination without learning more about its past. The history of the islands dates back to the 3rd century with the arrival of the Polynesians from islands in the South Pacific, and the more recent historical events during World War II.
Image credit: Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum boasts a remarkable collection of cultural and natural history exhibits and artefacts and is ranked the finest Polynesian anthropological museum in the entire world. Be sure to check out their newly renovated Hawaiian Hall which immerses you in the native Hawaiian culture.
Image credit: Prayitno
A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial is also a must when exploring Honolulu. This memorial was built over the middle section of the sunken USS Arizona to honour those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbour.
| Raring to head to Hawaii right away now that you’ve gotten a glimpse of the scenic landscapes, rich gastronomic scene, and diverse cultures that Hawaii has to offer? Scoot’s the best way to fly there via Osaka. And to make things even sweeter, Scoot’s offering promo fares from just S$409 for a one-way ticket* to Hawaii! Book by 25 Sep and travel by 30 Nov 2018, from 7 Jan to 17 Mar 2019 or from 15 Apr to 24 May 2019. *inclusive of taxes and surcharges |
Honolulu will no doubt heighten your senses with its tropical aroma, crystal-clear waters and verdant cliffs. Hawaii is no longer a faraway dream – you don’t have to save up a lifetime for it, and you definitely don’t need to be on a honeymoon just to explore the islands. Wait no more, pack your bags and Scoot off to this paradise from just S$409 for a one-way ticket* now!
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