Hannah Tan’s Guide to a Holiday in Honolulu

Beautiful sunshine with a dash of rainbow – can be said about both Malaysian celebrity Hannah Tan and Hawaii, America’s island of dreams.

It makes perfect sense that Hannah’s chosen holiday destination is the hot and sexy Honolulu. Located on Oahu island, this tropical capital city is also the gateway to the Hawaiian archipelago including Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Niihau, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii (Big Island).

Honolulu charms millions of travellers every year with its postcard-perfect beaches, scenic hiking trails and awesome food scene. With plenty to see and discover, no wonder it is aptly nicknamed ‘The Gathering Place’.

How to do Honolulu like Hannah Tan? Check this out.

Learn How to Make Lei and Wear It with a Smile

Perpetually associated with Hawaii, lei is a flower garland worn for a variety of reasons to symbolise peace, love and honour. For tourists, it’s a symbol of aloha (meaning hello) and the perfect accessory to announce your holiday on Instagram.

Learn to make your own lei at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, just like Hannah did, and enjoy the iconic luau (traditional Hawaiian feast and party) afterwards. Don’t forget to explore the cute villages modelled after the six Polynesian islands – Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, and Hawai’i – while you’re here.

Go for a Drive Around the Island in a Red Hot Convertible

While the bustling beachside city centre Waikiki has plenty to offer in terms of food, entertainment and shopping, the other parts of the island are worth exploring too. What better way to go for a spin than in a red hot Ford Mustang like our beauty?

A classic road trip you should do like Hannah is along the Kalanianaole Highway, where views of the spectacular mountain ranges greet you at the beginning of the drive and then the stunning panorama of the great big ocean as you reach north towards the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

Head over east for great snorkelling around Hanauma Bay, or go northeast for the stunning powdery beaches of Lanikai Beach, a favourite of former US President Barack Obama.

SEE ALSO: 12 Stunning Images That Make You Wanna Say, Aloha Hawaii!

Run from Dinosaurs at Kualoa Park

Are you a fan of 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbour, Mighty Joe Young or the TV series LOST? More than 79 movies and TV shows were shot at Kualoa Park including the most famously associated Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies.

While Hannah prefers to explore the park via ATV, there are plenty of other options including horseback riding tours, Jurassic valley ziplining, jungle jeep expedition tours, as well as kayak adventures.

Savour Local Dishes from a Legendary Hawaiian Food Truck

Are you a foodie like Hannah? Then Honolulu’s food truck scene is a must experience! Hannah made a point to check out one of Oahu’s legendary food trucks, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.

Established in 1993, Giovanni’s menu offerings may look simple but they’re incredibly delicious. Stuff yourself silly with their Hot & Spicy Shrimp, Lemon Butter Shrimp, or their signature Shrimp Scampi. Meanwhile, non-shrimp eaters can go for the Jumbo Garlic Hot Dog.

SEE ALSO: Honolulu on a Shoestring: 8 Budget Tips for Your Hawaii Holiday

Be One with Nature at Waimea Valley

Hashtag #lovenature is a given for your holiday social media postings in Hawaii, and one of the best places for this is Waimea Valley. Located in North Shore, it is part of a bigger ahupua‘a, an old Hawaiian term for subdivision of land stretching from the mountains to the sea.

A nature lover and wellness advocate herself, Hannah enjoys a quiet walk through the botanical gardens to reach the 45-feet-tall Waimea Falls, the highlight of the place.

Learn How to Ride the Big Waves like a Pro

Riding the waves of success may have looked like it came naturally for Hannah, but the truth is this girl works very hard to achieve this. With its fantastic beaches and a prime surfing scene, Hawaii is a great destination for Hannah to take up surfing.

Now she can join her husband Bryan on his surfing trips!

SEE ALSO: The Best Swimming Spots in Oahu, Hawaii

Unwind with a Sunset to Remember

Hawaii is such a wonderful holiday destination with so many things to see and explore. But at the end of the day, it’s best to find a cool chill out spot on the beach and enjoy the changing colours of the sunset.

Hannah Tan sure did at Waikiki Beach, with a big minoʻakaa (smile) to top it all. 

GETTING THERE: AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur to Hawaii. Book your tickets now at airasia.com.