Why is it that many people think of Hawaii as the perfect location both for a vacation and to reside in?

Being born and raised in Hawaii, I have thought about the above question more than a few times. It was not until I traveled abroad that I realized how great these islands really are. Like every where else, life in Hawaii has its ups and downs, but altogether I have come to appreciate the place that I call home.

The Sunrise and Sunset

Much like many things in life, the perceived value of objects goes down when they are always readily available to you. It is not until these things are taken away that you understand just how precious they are.

If you have ever watched the sunrise in the wee hours of the morning on the top of Mount Haleakala over on the island of Maui, or even watched the sunset while on the west coach of any of the islands while you are being extra careful not to blink for fear of missing the elusive green flash, you know that these events are truly breathtaking. However, if you are able to see them just about everyday, you may take them for granted.

Not too long ago, I was able to visit the great state of New York. New York City was definitely a sight to see. The bright lights of Times Square with its countless shops and crowds of people was a lot to take in. Being cultured with Broadway shows and tours of museums and historical landmarks was exciting also. However, it is highly noticeable that the smog in the air forms a blanket where the sun cannot shine through well enough to fully adorn itself while it rises or sets. Also, the stars do not shine as bright as they do back at home. In fact, you were fortunate if you could count the stars in the sky and they numbered more than the number of fingers on your hands.

As great and majestic as New York City is, nothing is really as spectacular as a Hawaiian sunrise or sunset. If you have ever had the chance to lie on the beach in the evening after a day of surfing, and gaze into the sky as the sun appears to sink beneath the ocean, you know my sentiments exactly.

The Country and the City

Honolulu city lights do not quite match up to the city light of Las Vegas or Times Square, but Downtown Honolulu has a city-like atmosphere nonetheless. The wonderful thing about living on Oahu is having the city and the country so close together that it is like having your cake and eating it too. When I get tired of the city and the hustle and bustle of town, old Haleiwa town is just a couple of hours away where I can relax and enjoy a slower pace as I gather my thoughts at the beach.

Those were just a few of the countless things that I have come to appreciate about Hawaii. It is interesting when you are able to gain a different perspective of your normal and routine life. It really does not matter if you live in Hawaii or Hong Kong; there is much to be appreciated about the different places that we each call home. I now fully believe in taking time to smell the coffee, so to speak, so that I never take for granted the wonderful things about the place that I call home.