Hospitable Hawaii

This summer I went to Hawaii with my family. The long flight from Pittsburgh to Phoenix and from Phoenix to Honolulu was not a problem for me as I am an avid traveler. I have been on over twenty flights to destinations such as Italy, California, and Florida multiple times, but Hawaii offered something different.

As soon as I stepped off the plane I felt a warm rush of air and sunlight that was refreshing in comparison to the cool air and artificial lights of the airplane.  I noticed that walking in the airport, there were open sections in the wall, adorned with beautiful Hawaiian vegetation, that allowed the fresh tropical air to come in to welcome you.

Throughout our travels around the island one thing held constant.  The natives were so nice, helpful, and accommodating.   We had to ask for directions quite often because the Hawaiian alphabet has only thirteen letters which makes most of the street signs look similar. When questioned, the locals would give them with a smile. They also aren’t into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While shopping at the International Market, we asked a vendor if he would be at his shop tomorrow and he said no because he was going to rest. The Hawaiian people just ooze friendship and kindness.  For example, the travel agent in the hotel gave us some mangos she picked on her way to work because we had never tasted them.  The Hawaiian fruit is so fresh and delicious.  I tried passion fruit for the first time in Hawaii at the Pacific Beach Hotel, and I loved it so much my mom buys it for me at home.  At the Dole Plantation we got to taste their specialty, pineapple ice cream, topped with fresh pineapple.

Food aside, the many beaches and views were so astonishing. The two most beautiful sights for me were Waimea Bay at sunset and the top of Diamondhead. The long trek up the dormant volcano was well worth the breathtaking view of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.  As a big fan of LOST, I was really excited to see where they filmed the show and walk on the beach where the show takes place.  We even got to see the plane in the show, which is stored at a small airfield, thanks to the accommodating locals. To top it off, we met “Hurley”, a character on LOST, on our way home in the Honolulu International Airport.

To wrap up the vacation, we went to a Luau at Paradise Cove and experienced the food, games, dances, and culture of Hawaii and other Pacific islands.  They sent us off by teaching us “Shaka” which means hang loose.  Looking back, Hawaii had the laid-back attitude of Italy, the climate of California, and the looks of Florida but with the nicest people you can ask for.  It is refreshing, like stepping off the plane into the Hawaiian sunshine, that in a world with so many problems, one small island in the Pacific Ocean manages to be so kind and accommodating that you can’t leave without taking a piece of it with you.  Hawaii has taught me to relax in this busy world we live in, help others, and to hang loose!