By Christina Chua

Having lived in Honolulu for 8 years, I swore never to return.

Why? Hawaii was too far away and expensive to reach compared to Bali or Phuket, and it seemed that all of the action was in Asia.

But I had a change of of heart after another long stay in Hawaii this year where I was reminded by its breath-taking beauty and the number of activities I absolutely enjoy there.

So here are my 8 best reasons why you should make the Big Island your next vacation destination.

1. Surf, ski, and jump off a sea cliff -- all in one day

Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you’re really that active, fit enough to weather the steep change in altitude and fortunate enough to have it snow on Mauna Kea or “White Mountain”, you may be able to check off all three in a single day!

Here’s a tantalising itinerary for the adrenaline junkie:

- Catch some early waves at Pine Trees Beach

- Next, dive at South Point, the southernmost point of the United States

- Then arrange for shuttle transportation to the top of Mauna Kea (there are no lifts or lodges) to ski down runs of more than 2 miles for 2,500 to 4,500 vertical feet with a panoramic moonscape all around you.

2. More than just the world’s best white sand - black and green beaches too

Hawaii is well-known for its famed white sand beaches. These days however, with ease of access and on budget, you can arguably find a white sand beach anywhere from the Maldives to Krabi.

But only in Hawaii will you find a diversity of surprising coloured sand from deep lava black to mineral green, due to the unique ecology of the islands.

My favourite is the Green Sand Beach, or Papakolea Beach, one of only four green sand beaches in the world.

The sand gets its colour from the mineral olivine, which looks as fantastical as kryptonite and can be found in larger crystals in the rocks surrounding the beach.

Also on the Big Island and close by Papakolea, is Punalu’u Beach. This dense black sand you can find all around the island is made of basalt and results from volcanic lava cooling in the ocean.

3. Rugged terrain, volcanoes and stargazing like you've never seen

Hawaii is not just palm trees and plain white beaches, and the topography of the islands varies widely.

If green and black sand beaches aren’t alien enough for you, then the Mars-like terrain on the slopes of the Big Island’s volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa or Maui’s Haleakala crater will certainly make you feel like you are on the set of a sci-fi film.

Take a four-wheel drive up to the 4,200 metre summit of dormant, million-year- old Mauna Kea for a spectacular sunset far above the clouds, and watch the telescope observatories open their large lens for some of the most important astronomical research in the world.

Evenings at the island’s most active and largest volcano Kilauea can also be a very special experience as the glow offlowing lava is enhanced by the dwindling purple twilight.

4. Endangered species and marine life everywhere

Only in Hawaii would you be able to enjoy brunch at a breezy cafe like Daylight Mind, with a view of surfers catching a few waves and a few honu just chilling on the rocks.

Honu are endangered but they can be spotted everywhere on the islands.

For better or worse, Hawaii is known as the “endangered species capital of the world”, and though it consists of less than 0.2% of the land area in the United States, it’s home to at least 1/3 of the nation’s endangered species.

The islands are like a safari for marine life!

Kayak through a pod of Spinner dolphins and snorkel through hundreds of beautiful tropical fish at Captain Cook Monument. Do a night dive with manta rays in Kona, or take a boat out for humpback whale watching in the winter months.

5. Trails for every level of hiking ability - and the most rewarding views

In Singapore and the region, we’re honestly at a loss for good trails, and not everyone can train up to conquer Mount Rinjani. But the ridges and dormant volcanoes of Hawaii boast a variety of hikes from easy, family and dog-friendly trails like Makapu’u Lighthouse or the Lanikai Pillboxes to difficult week-long treks for the very experienced.

I enjoy hiking in Hawaii more than any other place because they allow me to have great conversations without breaking into too hard of a sweat due to the perfectly balanced climate, and provide some of the most rewarding views and spectacular sunrises for all that effort.

When hiking, always pack your swimsuit as you never know if the trail will pass by a waterfall or descend towards tidal pools!

6. The yummiest fusion food the world has to offer

A confluence of cultures, Hawaii is where Asia, the South Pacific and the Mainland (what locals call the rest of the United States) meet. The result is one of the tastiest fusion cuisines you have ever tried in your life.

Poké has already made its way as a trendy food exported from the islands, but hunt down other “ono” (local slang for “delicious”) dishes such as meat jun, malasadas, sweet potato haupia pie or oxtail soup.

For more of a fine dining experience, visit Roy’s -- long-standing restauranteur of Hawaii’s culinary scene, Alan Wong’s — pioneer of the island’s farm-to- table movement, and of course Nobu’s two branches in Waikiki and the private island of Lana’i.

7. The smells, tastes and shopping finds of Honolulu’s Chinatown

Many cities have Chinatowns but the best of them all is arguably the Chinatown of downtown Honolulu.

The scents that linger in the streets from the many lei shops, the historic architecture, and the hole-in- the-wall dim sum have not changed since I was a child.

But today the district has gained a trendy edge with eateries like the Pig and the Lady, bar-cafés like the Manifest, and independent boutiques that support local designers like Roberta Oaks and Owens & Co.

8. The spirit of Aloha

Besides the visiting rainbows, breaching whales and hula, if there is anything that will complete your holiday, it is the spirit of Aloha that permeates and under-girds these islands.

Aloha is much more than politeness -- it is the genuine care, warmth and hopefulness that locals sincerely exude.

No other vacation will leave you with such a sense of well-being and love than one to the islands of Hawaii!

Top photo by Christina Chua.

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