“Wow! You live in Hawaii – must be nice”. This is almost always the response received when asked where I live. Visitors from around the world envision pristine islands, year-round sunshine, white, green, and black sand beaches; waterfalls, tropical forests, and jungles. Some imagine living here. But the wise know vacationing and living somewhere can be different worlds.
Hawaii is the most remote populated archipelago in the Pacific. No doubt, the diverse, majestic beauty of these islands is breathtaking. I’ve experienced Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island “Hawaii” which has been home for two decades.
I love Hawaii. It is a paradise for me. But don’t get it twisted, the ills of society exist here also just on a smaller scale. I feel nature is the great buffer, a comforter to soften the impact of various nuances associated with an island lifestyle. More so, the Hawaiian culture, which if there is one word to describe, is the Spirit of Aloha.
There are challenges no matter where or how we live. Life is just doing what it does – living. Despite it all, I discovered my heaven on earth here in these islands. And I’m forever grateful.
I also get that paradise isn’t for everyone.
