You’re a Hawaii travel deal addict or a “Kama`aina-in-the making,” if you…
I was reminded of this post yesterday flying away for a week off-island. As the flight came out of Lihue, there was a tear in my eyes as I listened to Pali’s Haleakala with gratitude.
Plan your next trip to Hawaii before you leave the islands. (#1). Subscribe to websites and Facebook for your cheap flights to Hawaii. (#2). Shop for Hawaiiana. (#3)
Wear Hawaii-style clothes (even in cold weather back home). (#4). Listen to Hawaiian music wherever you go. (#5). Dream of Hawaii when you’re not here. (#6).
Feel happiest when in Hawaii. (#7). Visit every island including Molokai and Lanai. (#8). Tan only and never sunburn. (#9).
Know the differences between Mauka and Makai, Windward and Leeward. (#10). Talk about being On and Off-Island. (#11). Get a lump in your throat when leaving Hawaii to fly home. (#12).
Slip into Pidgin so well when you return even after a long absence. (#13). Prefer Musubi, Saimin, Plate Lunch and malasadas (to name a few) to burgers, fries, and pizza. (#14). Watch the videos you took on your last Hawaii vacation just so you can get centered enough to make it through the day. (#15).
Enjoy plate lunch and live Hawaiian music at regular intervals no matter where you live. (#16). Have your photo of swaying palms as the background on your phone or computer so you think of Hawaii several times a day. (#17). Look at Hawaii websites and Facebook pages to find out if you’ve missed anything that needs to be added to your ‘to do’ list for next trip. (#18).
Check all the live web cams and watch Hawaiian sunsets during the winter or anytime you need a fix. (#19). Watch Hawaii weather online. (#20). Grumble about wearing shoes when you get home or leave them at the door. (#21).
Read Hawaii news online. (#22). Watch for planes arriving from and taking off to Hawaii. (#23). Check Hawaii travel deals even when you aren’t planning a Hawaii vacation. (#24).
Have your check imprinted with Hawaiian beach scenes. (#25). Keep your Hawaii trip planning information in front of you all all inappropriate times. (#26). Set your watch or computer to Hawaii time. (#27).
Watch Hawaii 5-0 religiously. (#28). Cook Hawaiian food at home. (#29). When you buy flowers they are Hawaiian tropicals. (#30).
How many of the above applied to you? Anyone answer yes to all 30?
Thanks to all those who helped provide input in this just updated (1/16/20) post!
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Martha says
One more for your list:
Ordering products unavailable on the mainland. I regularly order Hawaiian products such as plumeria scented hand lotion, maui sweet onion salad dressing and smoked tako (octopus) to name just a few beloved Hawaiian-only made goods! Can’t live happily without them….mahalo to Hawaii and to Beat of Hawaii for making us feel closer to our other home.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Martha.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Darren says
Our Family of four is so excited to be headed back to Kona, HI this coming May 2020 two years removed from our first visit ever. Our 14 & 10 yr old kids were elated to hear that we were going back! Question to you and the avid followers of “Beat of Hawaii”, we have heard so much about the MaunaKea Observatory, what recommendations do you have for our family and the value one gets for the cost? Thank for everything you do Beat of Hawaii because it was your continued posts that kept the joy of Hawaii at the forefront.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Darren.
The observatory is not open to visitation. The summit, of course, is. You’ll find more information here: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea.html.
Aloha.
Cathy says
What does it mean if I do most of those things and haven’t even been there yet? October!
Heather says
Mahalo for this list. I did not answer yes to all 30 but it reminded me of the things I love. Hope to be back to Kauai one day, sigh. Thanks for the e-mails.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Heather.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Gail A. says
I do all 30! I definitely have the Hawaii fever. I even listen to KWXX on my cell phone when I drive!
Elliott says
I’m in Yakima, WA with 3″ of snow on the ground and below freezing temps, But I’m wearing my Christmas Aloha Shirt under my heavy winter coat today!!!
Erin O. says
This actually brought a tear to my eye. It’s my absolute favorite post since signing up for your mailings. One thing I do that helps when I’m missing Hawaii (and especially now in the cold New England winter) is listening to the Exotic Tiki Podcast. Have you heard it? It’s so lovely. I just close my eyes and I’m there. Mahalo, Erin 🙂
https://www.exotictikiisland.com/
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Erin.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Colleen says
I have my Slack Key CD in my car player at all times. It is the ONLY CD I listen to. I also have one in our ‘back yard beach house’ where our hot tub is located. I listen to Hawaiian Slack Key while doing my exercise routines in the hot tub. I close my eyes and think about Hawaii. I also have a ‘wave sound machine’ in our ‘beach themed backyard beach house’ – that is good for day dreaming of Hawaii …………….
George S says
Add: Give shaka to driver that lets you merge into traffic … thereby either freaking them out or pissing them off for you flashing a gang sign.
I invaribly do this every time I drive on mainland while visiting.
kiawe says
Yes! When I go to the mainland, I have to restrain myself lest I freak out the other drivers!
Linda H says
I answered yes to all 30! Lived there 25 years, back on the mainland now. I miss my beloved Hawaii every single day. I try to get back every year to visit friends and family. I cry and carry on when I get on the plane to go home. The best time of my life was when I was living in Hawaii.
I enjoy “Beat of Hawaii” so much.
Thank you.
Linda
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Linda.
Mahalo!
Dave says
Watching KHNL daily and drinking Kona beer on occasion.
darlene says
for starters: i set my laptop to hawai’ian time {hst} … seriously … we live in the spokane, wa area
the first weather town/city that comes up on my phone is … kailua-kona
i shop for and sew hawai’ian fabric and clothing and bags and pouches and ……. napkins and tablecloths and pillowcases and nighties for us ….
i can’t wait for the next trip … because of very serious family issues, we have not been back for three years — it’s coming soon … i’m sure …
every time i pass the spokane int airport {geg}, i’m looking for flights leaving for hawai’i … i think of seattle as the gateway to kona ….
i’m addicted and i love it ….. and would not change a thing, except for *going home* to hawai’i
Julianna says
Add: take the day off work to watch the Eddie. Spend the next day trolling all Hawaii websites for recaps
Lee says
Molokai and Lanai On! 24 out of 26, don’t use checks and haven’t yet gotten to Molokai and Lanai. While on Kauai 2 weeks ago make reservations for next winter