Eight experiences you can only have in Hawaii

Admire the world’s largest active volcano, connect with an ancient culture, and relax on pristine beaches—it’s all here for you in Hawaii
Hawaii
Photograph: Courtesy Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Written by Sarah Etinas for Time Out in partnership with Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
Advertising

Not only is Hawaii one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful, unique places in the world—it's incredibly convenient to get there from Los Angeles. In the same time it'd take you to get to New York, you could be sinking your toes into golden Hawaiian sand. There are loads of direct flights available, and if you're savvy, you can score decent fares, too.

But that's not all: to help you make The Stay in Hawaii even more special, Hilton is offering the “Another Night on Us”* deal. When you book a minimum length of stay (between three and seven nights, depending on the specific hotel), you’ll get an additional night for free. It matters where you stay—especially when you’re getting a bonus day! You’ll definitely be able to put it to good use during your Hawaii getaway…

1. Stargaze on top of the world’s tallest mountain

Island: The Big Island

Though many people believe that Mount Everest is the world’s tallest mountain, that title actually belongs to Mauna Kea in Hawaii (when measuring from the seafloor to the peak). Located an hour and half away from the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Mauna Kea is one of the best stargazing spots in the world. With the high altitude and minimal light pollution, you can often see a clear view of the Milky Way.

2. Visit the world’s largest active volcano

Island: The Big Island

While Mauna Kea claims the title of the world’s tallest mountain, its neighbor, Mauna Loa, is the world’s largest active volcano. To visit Mauna Loa, you’ll need to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is just 40 minutes from Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton. Once you get there, you can drive the scenic Mauna Loa Strip Road and admire this massive volcano from the Mauna Loa lookout point.

3. Attend a few of Hawaii’s annual festivals and competitions

Island: The Big Island

There are many events that only take place in Hawaii, and one of the most iconic festivals is Hilo’s Merrie Monarch Festival. Talented hula groups from all around the world are invited to perform at this illustrious event. But the Merrie Monarch Festival is just the start of Hawaii’s exciting festivities; each winter, the famous Banzai Pipeline beach hosts Billabong Pipe Masters. In the past, greats like Kelly Slater, John John Florence and Andy Irons have won this incredible surfing competition.

4. Experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast

Island: Kauai

Hawaii has more than its fair share of naturally stunning landscapes, but the Na Pali Coast is arguably the most jaw-dropping. These striking green mountains are dotted by cascading waterfalls and framed by the bright blue Pacific Ocean. There are three different ways to see the Na Pali Coast: by boat, by air and by foot. Regardless of which option you choose, the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay is a fantastic home base for your Na Pali Coast adventure.

5. Try the only spirit in the world made with 100% deep sea mineral water

Island: Maui

Vodka isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii. But Maui is home to Ocean Organic Vodka, the only spirit made with 100% deep sea mineral water. Ocean Organic Vodka sources its water from 3,000 feet below the Kona Coast, which gives the vodka a completely unique taste.

Situated 30 minutes away from the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, you can easily visit Ocean Organic Vodka’s farm and distillery. While there, you can enjoy a guided vodka tasting and tour.

6. Take an ukulele factory tour

Island: Oahu

Originally from Portugal, the ukulele has since become an important mark of Hawaii’s culture. You’ll likely hear music played on ukuleles all throughout your trip to the islands. Hawaii is the only place in the world where you can take a ukulele factory tour. On Oahu alone, there are three ukulele factories that offer tours: Kanilea Ukulele, Kamaka Ukulele and Koaloha Ukulele. All of these businesses are within a 30-minute drive from the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

7. Learn about ancient native Hawaiian petroglyphs

Island: The Big Island

Many ancient cultures had their own pictorial language, including the ancient Native Hawaiians. You can see these historic drawings on every Hawaiian island, but the best place to spot ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs is at the Puako Petroglyph Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. With over 3,000 petroglyphs, you’ll see drawings including boats, chiefs and animals.

8. Meet some of Hawaii’s amazing sea creatures

Island: Oahu

The Waikīkī Aquarium, home to more than 3,500 species of marine life, lets you get up close and personal with some of Hawaii’s incredible fauna. You can meet giant clams (some as big as 500 pounds!), visit a coral farm and snap a photo with a shark—or mano, as they’re called in Hawaii. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana is just three miles away from the Aquarium and downtown Honolulu, making it the ideal spot for your epic aquarium adventure. 

With all of these experiences to discover in Hawaii, you’ll need a bit more time here. Hilton’s “Another Night on Us” deal is a fantastic way to extend your getaway. It matters where you stay in Hawaii—especially when you’re staying an extra day! 

Start planning now!  

Offer is subject to details stated herein and availability at participating hotels & resorts within the Hilton Portfolio and the selected resort’s booking terms and conditions for stays booked on or before 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time, December 31, 2022. Offer requires three (3) day advance reservations. Offer requires a minimum stay of six (6) consecutive nights at the following resort properties Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, HI, The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations, Hilton Waikiki Beach, HI, Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All Inclusive Adult Only Resort, a minimum stay of seven (7) consecutive nights at the following resort properties Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, Hilton Barbados Resort, a minimum stay of five (5) consecutive nights at the following resort properties DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan, Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations, Hilton Grand Vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations, Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, a minimum stay of four (4) consecutive nights at participating hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean, Hawaii, and French Polynesia, and a minimum stay of three (3) consecutive nights at Hilton Cartagena, Hilton Tahiti Resort, Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla. Booking cannot be changed.
Additional restrictions, blackout dates, early departure fees, and deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply and vary by hotel. Rates will vary based on individual hotels and specific travel dates selected. Unless otherwise stated, quoted rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes, gratuities, incidental charges and resort fees (if applicable). Participating hotels are subject to change without notice. This offer is not applicable to existing reservations or group bookings, and may not be combined with other select promotions, discounts or offers. Complimentary night is non-transferable and must be consumed during same stay in which it was earned. Complimentary night includes room rate, tax in same category room as paid night(s) and does not include gratuities, resort fees or incidental charges. The value of complimentary night stay will be applied as a discount to the daily rate paid for all consumed nights, which relates to the hotel's Best Available Rate, ("BAR"), which is a specific rate type that varies depending on time of purchase, is unrestricted, non qualified and excludes discount or negotiated rates. Early departures will forfeit complimentary night(s) and rate discount not earned on nights consumed.
Unless otherwise noted, all offer components are non transferable or redeemable for cash, expire at check out and may not be used or applied on future stays. This offer may not be combined with other select promotions, offer or discounts and is not valid for existing reservations or groups. Offer components are non transferrable, unable to be redeemed for cash, and cannot be used during future stays. To book by phone within the U.S. or Canada, please call +1 800 HONORS (445 8667) or view Global Reservation phone numbers and request the rate. Hilton Honors™ membership, including earning of Points and redemption of Points, are subject to Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions, available at HiltonHonors.com/terms.
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising