So many states claim uniqueness, and Hawaii does too. But this string of emerald islands in the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, over 2000 miles from any continent, takes a little more work to get to. So it’s reasonable to wonder: will that be time and money well spent?
Glad you asked. Have a brochure, and watch these classic movies and TV shows. See Elvis singing on tropical beaches. Admire surfers skating thunderous waves. Memorize the galloping Hawaii Five-0 theme music.
Hawaii, as tourist bureaus and Hollywood constantly remind us, is ‘paradise.’ Push past the hype and what do you find? Darned if they’re not right. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving coral-reef cities in the afternoon and drinking mai tais to slack-key guitar at sunset. It’s slurping chin-dripping papayas with hibiscus flowers in your hair; it’s Pacific Rim cuisine, fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales. By serendipity and design (and popular consensus), Hawaii is an almost flawless destination. It’s an enchanting multicultural society whose roots lie in Polynesia, Asia, North America and Europe, and it’s an expression of nature at its most luscious and divine.
Over seven million visitors come to experience paradise annually, but the islands are not as crushed with sun-baked tourists and cooing honeymooners as that makes it sound. If you want a cushy resort vacation, head for Oahu’s Waikiki or West Maui. For something cheaper or more adventurous, aim for the Big Island or Kauaʻi. If time is short, stick to one island and make the most of it. Honolulu is a teeming cultural and economic powerhouse, but in under an hour you can be alone in the rain forest or snoozing on white sand.
Locals know that Hawaii isn’t really paradise, but on any given day it can sure feel like it.
Last updated: Sep 22, 2008
