5 best things about carefree Hawaii

April 15, 2016

Hawaii
Five or so hours on a plane from northern California and there they are: the Hawaiian islands. It was 1959 when Hawaiians voted by a wide majority to make Hawaii our 50th state. I was too young to remember it, but it happened in my lifetime and I don’t think anyone would disagree that Hawaii is the most unique of our 50 states.

Hawaiians have a laid back attitude about life.

There’s a huge misconception that Californians are laid back–I don’t see that here at all. We’re certainly a live-and-let-live state (for the most part) but in terms of being a relaxing and carefree place to live, Hawaii has us beat, bigtime.  There’s something about the warm, moist climate driven by the warm, gentle trade winds, ocean as far as you can see.  Native Hawaiians are Polynesian and that culture seems to be kinder and gentler.  Aloha means hello and goodbye, but it’s also a lifestyle that’s full of peace, calm and love. Aloha!

Hawaiian language is poetic

There are only 13 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet. Every single word–each one– ends in a vowel. Street names aren’t the standard haole names, such as Main, Oak, Webster.  They’re Kuuli Pu Place, Wailea Drive, Malukai St and even Hoohalahala Street. Say them aloud and enjoy the beautiful sound of the language.  Hawaiian vocabulary is part of the school curriculum, as are ancient Hawaiian art, lifestyle and history.

Hawaiian culture is different and fascinating

Keeping Hawaiian history and culture alive through the generations is important, and probably easier because the state is so far removed from the mainland. Visitors come to enjoy the Polynesian dances, music and other aspects of the culture that natives are willing to share with visitors.

The fruit is magical.

Have you ever eaten a pineapple in Hawaii? It’s a sublime experience.  Bananas come in different types, including a small one that tastes definitely citrusy. Yes, Hawaiian fruits can be an adventure in themselves!

Hawaii has volcanoes.

Mauna Loa on the Big Island is one of the biggest in the world. Visiting Haleakala is like walking on the moon. It’s an exotic place, Hawaii.

I’m super lucky because I have a wonderful girlfriend who shares her beautiful home with us from time to time. The thing about Hawaii, though, is that it’s so seductive that I never want to leave.

Have you been?

28 comments on “5 best things about carefree Hawaii
  1. Leanne says:

    Hawaii is a LOOOONG way from Australia – I’m not sure I’ll ever get there, but I have never met anyone who has been there and not loved it. All that tropical beauty without some of the third world problems that some of the other tropical countries have 🙂

  2. Jennifer says:

    I loved Hawaii when I visited in my 20’s. I guess a lot has changed since then, But I do have to say, as someone from Connecticut, California is laid-back to us.

  3. KatR says:

    Hawaii became a state exact 2 months before I was born. I have always loved the photos of the Hawaiian Islands. The volcanoes, the sandy beaches, the rainforests, the exotic flowers, the waterfalls – it all looks so beautiful! I hope to be able to visit there some day!

  4. I’ve never been to Hawaii but would love to visit sometime. It looks absolutely beautiful! But right now our time off is used to visit family.

  5. Hawaii is one of the few states I have never been too, I would absolutely love to travel there one day!

  6. GAry says:

    Carol are you sure you aren’t describing Indiana? Just kidding, I would give an arm and a leg, plus my prized collection of empty fountain drink cups to go to Hawaii. I’ve been to the Polynesian Resort in Disney does that count?

  7. It’s been 10 years since I visited Oahu but I LOVED it. Bet you wish you were there right now instead of LV, LOL!I want to go back next winter with my hubby!

  8. It is a fabulous place…to visit…but as an indoor girl, I have to be in the minority and say it’s not my fave! Last time I was there, I got bit over 80 times (by mosquitos?).
    That’s why I love Colorado—-not as many bugs!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    #midlifeblogger

  9. Vicki O'Dell says:

    Oh, I’m packed and ready to go! I love to travel.

  10. My best friend of 20+ years is Hawaiian. Born and raised there. I once had the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with her parents, who recall Pearl Harbor and all the horrors that went along with it for those right there. Amazing people.

  11. Rosemond says:

    I love Hawaii. I remember the first time I ate a pineapple there. It was like I’d never eaten one before, it was sunshine-y heaven!

  12. I would love to visit Hawaii with my family sometime. As a linguist, the language is especially fascinating to me.

  13. Alison says:

    These are great! I remember the first time I went to Hawaii and thought I could remember what street we were on but all I could remember is that it started with a K and there were a ton of vowels in it like the three other streets around us! 🙂 Wish I could go back!

  14. RaNesha says:

    I have been planning a trip to Hawaii! Your has me excited.

  15. Andrea says:

    it’s a beautiful place – and not just in the wintertime – but all year round!

  16. Toni McCloe says:

    It sounds heavenly,Carol. Especially the pineapple.

  17. Mardene Carr says:

    The minute you put 5 hours and flight in the same sentence I have ceased to listen…LOL…I cannot stand those long flights at all.

  18. Id love to visit Hawaii but I hear the cost of living there is way high.

  19. I’ve never been to Hawaii but I would love to travel there one day! Beautiful place!!

  20. Janice Wald says:

    Hi,
    I’ve been to Hawaii. I visited the Arizona at Pearl Harbor. One of the highlights of my life.
    Janice

  21. Aloha!

    The Hawaiian islands are amazing and the heritage is even more fascinating. My wife is Hawaiian, our kids are all haha-haoles – they are proud of their heritage and we believe in honoring that heritage. I honor it through my business as well. Live Aloha!!

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