84 thoughts on “2022 Jonesing For Hawaii | Here’s Where to Start Now”
Pamela V
I am booked for April 2021 and have been since early June.
We will all return and enjoy the Islands and the people. Business owners ligature will survive these difficult times will be glad once we return.
You can support Hawaii businesses online, I’ve ordered sunrise papayas from Kumu farms in Maui (they also have pineapples if you miss them)
Kona Coffee Purveyors for best Kona coffee. Look up Lion coffee to order (sure, it’s not the bargain you get at Long’s but what the heck?) Ten Tomorrow for women’s clothes made in Hawaii. ABC stores have a website, you get the message.
Just saying.. instead of complaining you can’t visit, look up fav places you shopped at and see if you can purchase something you like and support Hawaii businesses this way and hopefully when you can visit again they are still in business.
Florida keys are really nice like hawaii and so much cheaper and easier to get to. You can drive there or take a ferry or fly. And unlike hawaii you can walk everywhere in 2 miles on key west.
Plus its been open for tourists since june 1 while hawaii cant decide on when to reopen, not even oct 1, or a full 5 months later than Florida keys!
Hawaii clearly has issues that run deeper than covid or a very select few tourists that cant follow the rules. And yet Hawaiians Still seem to expect perfection, total respect and to turn on and off the tourist flow At will like its a faucet.
Beat of hawaii articles and subsequent comments really illustrate how 3rd world hawaii is and how it continues to sink into despair. Really usa would be better off without it and the only reason its a stste is because of the military for the mostpart. It has no other economic driver besides tourism and the stupid crazy people won’t do anything to demand keeping tourism fully functional during covid etc.
Hawai’i: 44 deaths per million population.
Florida: 521 deaths per million population. That’s 12x the death rate.
It’s really odd that there are so many comments on this site which insult Hawai’i and promote Florida. If you like FL, go there. There’s really no need to denigrate HI. Seems very insecure to have to cut down one destination in order to justify the other one.
As for “better”? HI has better weather (drier), far fewer hurricanes, better scenery, better surf. Oh, and FL has double the murder rate.
Thanks but no thanks.
I already have my villa and flight for June 2021 booked, my Hawaiian clothes I bought for myself, my husband and 2 daughters are awaiting our dream vacation. BOH is my life line to what’s happening there and I thank you!!! Just counting down the months till I can take my family to paradise.
Haha! This made me laugh! I do so much of this and have stations ❤️‘d on Spotify and Pandora. I miss Hawaii so much. My whole family does. Our daughter loves it so much it’s the only place she was completely thrilled about when her UofH acceptance letter came in. We’ll be baaaack!
I’m already booked! Normally I alternate each yr between the Caribbean and Hawaii but since I had to cancel Hawaii this year and was already booked for the Caribbean next year I said, why not? So two nice vacays next year. I’m holding off on using my vouchers from this year until it gets closer since they are a one time change only, but I’m already on count down. Thank you so much for all your updates.
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.
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.
A big YES to this suggeston Martha. We order Kauai Coffee directly from the plantation whenever we are getting low, and do the same with our favorite cookies – Macadamia Shortbread from Kauai Coookie Company. I’m sure they can use the business.
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.
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 🙂
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 …………….
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.
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
Mahalo for all of the good ideas! You give us hope! Today I had my Pandora Hawaiian music station blasting while floating in the pool watching my nextdoor neighbors beautiful palm tree’s gently sway in the wind. For a moment it took me home to Kauai. A girls got to do whatever it takes to survive! A hui hou🌺
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
Pretty much means I definately am! Coming back in a couple of months for our 25 th anniversary and about our 25th time to come. I think we should become residents.
I dream of Hawaii constantly and yes my friends tire of hearing about my obsession ☺. Have been to Oahu once and Big Island twice. Cant wait to go back . It is heaven on earth 🌴🌴🌴
My kids tell me I am obsessed with Hawaii, the only place I ever want to go on vacation is Hawaii. I am a beach bum and I live in Massachusetts, there are at least 8 months out of the year that I can not go to the beach, I am living in the wrong place.
I am all of the above. I am so happily addicted to ALL of the islands! I really think that this website needs to set up some kind of ‘hawaii dating’ website for those of us who love to travel to Hawaii with those who LOVE the islands.
I’ve been to all islands except Lanai….I travel alone and would some day love a fellow Hawaii lover travel partner. I’m a female…….loving men.
I dream of Hawaii regularly, so it’s good to know I am not sick! I count the days until my next trip, have been there 17 times and will return in 186 days.
20 out of 24 – Can’t get enough of Kauai and love it more every time we visit even after more than 20 trips. Feels like home. My checks have pictures of beach scenes. I keep my Hawaii trip folder by my desk at home in California and add to it between trips with tidbits about restaurants and new things to see. I spread out making reservations for air, car rental, etc. over several months to keep the next trip current all the time. We went to see the Brothers Cazimerro in Napa a few weeks ago. Just finished the last reservation for a Feb. trip – additional condo days beyond our 2 weeks timeshare reservation. We love ocean front where we can hear the waves. Hawaii tee shirts are the norm day and night. Can just taste the next plate lunch at the Pono Market or the noodles at Hamura’s Saimin. Yummmm
omg,,I couldn’t believe you had this article and test. I answered yes to all of them. I started coming to Kauai in 2005 because of a personal situation,,a loved one wanted to be buried there,,plus my great, great aunt is saint Marianne of molokai,,,so of course I have been to molakai three times!!,,,just came back from Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, in September, and before I left I was already planning and thinking how I could arrange for a trip next year…unfortunately I have this fairly new job that does not allow much time off,,where as in the past I could get time off whenever I wanted,,,,i narrowed my love down to Kauai,,,i think of Kauai all the the time,,it’s in my blood,,at work I daydream incessantly of all the the time spent there,,it helps me thru the work day,,,i dream of winning big the lottery so I could move there,,but people say just do it,,it is cheaper than doing what you are doing,,,to the poster,joy,,,enjoy your months in Kauai,,i’m envious!
Oh thank god, I thought I had a disorder or something…Hawiian Island Fever? It has a nice ring to it. It has gotten to the point where whenever I say the word “Hawaii” anyone around me sighs and gives me a look that says “get help”. The only help I need is figuring out when I can make it back. I have only visited the Big Island, and caught the fever right away. Kauai is next on my list. Maybe next year!
A few more:
Count the DAYS until the return flight.
Cry during Hawaii Five-O.
Only subscribe to Hawaii magazines.
Make mochi at home.
Wear shirts that say oHIo, with the emphasis on HI.
Have yet to visit Molokai, but can pick out landmrks on it when flying over! Does that count? 10 weeks till I can touchdown on my home-away-from-home sands again! In the meantime, listed to Hwaaiian music while at my desk all morning with the space heater on my feet 🙂
Oh my gosh, not only did I answer yes to all 24 but I even got teary eyed as I read them……..I’m such a dork 🙂 . It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who does these things!
I fell in love with the zebra doves on Kauai. I go on you tube where there are videos of zebra doves, I close my eyes and listen. I’m transported for a brief moment back to Kauai.
There’s actually 24 questions – #11 twice. I answered “yes” to all but 8 (have only been to BI, O‘ahu & my beloved Kaua‘i), 9 (I still burn), 12 (don’t want to sound silly), 22 (not close enough to LAX)
Sounds like me. You forgot shorts and slippahs no matter how cold. Still waiting for the $250/$300 r/t airfares to show up. I got use to seeing them this time of the year and spring. Any chance?
dbuckner, you can get the barclay mastercard travel rewards card and you will get 400 back on your flight and some extra to use on motels in hawaii. u can stay at maile sky court for about 100 a night including tax. you can do a vacation for 3 or 4 nights if your hard on cash and still see alot of the island to give you a good idea of what its like in hawaii.
I have alot of these things, but I want to move to Guam. Hawaii is not warm enough in winter for me and the water feels cold. I would also like to visit marshal islands and seychelles, maldives. Hawaii is nice but there are definately more tropical places in the world that are even more lush with a better warmer climate.
Not all 23 but very close… screen savers are changing dolphins… Rubber slippers in all weather too… LOL Yes friends think I’m nuts…. But then again If I’m not home they know where I am!
Aloha
Oh, I’m so glad I’m not alone!! We’re spending 4 months in Princeville this winter and have been doing the count-down since this past spring. Dreaming of living there soon.
I am booked for April 2021 and have been since early June.
We will all return and enjoy the Islands and the people. Business owners ligature will survive these difficult times will be glad once we return.
You can support Hawaii businesses online, I’ve ordered sunrise papayas from Kumu farms in Maui (they also have pineapples if you miss them)
Kona Coffee Purveyors for best Kona coffee. Look up Lion coffee to order (sure, it’s not the bargain you get at Long’s but what the heck?) Ten Tomorrow for women’s clothes made in Hawaii. ABC stores have a website, you get the message.
Just saying.. instead of complaining you can’t visit, look up fav places you shopped at and see if you can purchase something you like and support Hawaii businesses this way and hopefully when you can visit again they are still in business.
Florida keys are really nice like hawaii and so much cheaper and easier to get to. You can drive there or take a ferry or fly. And unlike hawaii you can walk everywhere in 2 miles on key west.
Plus its been open for tourists since june 1 while hawaii cant decide on when to reopen, not even oct 1, or a full 5 months later than Florida keys!
Hawaii clearly has issues that run deeper than covid or a very select few tourists that cant follow the rules. And yet Hawaiians Still seem to expect perfection, total respect and to turn on and off the tourist flow At will like its a faucet.
Beat of hawaii articles and subsequent comments really illustrate how 3rd world hawaii is and how it continues to sink into despair. Really usa would be better off without it and the only reason its a stste is because of the military for the mostpart. It has no other economic driver besides tourism and the stupid crazy people won’t do anything to demand keeping tourism fully functional during covid etc.
You do realize they’ve run out of hospital beds on Oahu right? You really want to be trapped 5 hours to the nearest hospital? Grow up.
Hawai’i: 44 deaths per million population.
Florida: 521 deaths per million population. That’s 12x the death rate.
It’s really odd that there are so many comments on this site which insult Hawai’i and promote Florida. If you like FL, go there. There’s really no need to denigrate HI. Seems very insecure to have to cut down one destination in order to justify the other one.
As for “better”? HI has better weather (drier), far fewer hurricanes, better scenery, better surf. Oh, and FL has double the murder rate.
Thanks but no thanks.
I already have my villa and flight for June 2021 booked, my Hawaiian clothes I bought for myself, my husband and 2 daughters are awaiting our dream vacation. BOH is my life line to what’s happening there and I thank you!!! Just counting down the months till I can take my family to paradise.
Hi Pam.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Haha! This made me laugh! I do so much of this and have stations ❤️‘d on Spotify and Pandora. I miss Hawaii so much. My whole family does. Our daughter loves it so much it’s the only place she was completely thrilled about when her UofH acceptance letter came in. We’ll be baaaack!
Mahalo for this post! Well needed reminders that we will visit Hawaii again, maybe even, hopefully in 2021! Aloha!!
Hi Adele.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I’m already booked! Normally I alternate each yr between the Caribbean and Hawaii but since I had to cancel Hawaii this year and was already booked for the Caribbean next year I said, why not? So two nice vacays next year. I’m holding off on using my vouchers from this year until it gets closer since they are a one time change only, but I’m already on count down. Thank you so much for all your updates.
Hi Jo.
Thanks for all of your comments.
Aloha.
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.
Hi Martha.
Thank you!
Aloha.
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.
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.
A big YES to this suggeston Martha. We order Kauai Coffee directly from the plantation whenever we are getting low, and do the same with our favorite cookies – Macadamia Shortbread from Kauai Coookie Company. I’m sure they can use the business.
What does it mean if I do most of those things and haven’t even been there yet? October!
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.
Hi Heather.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I do all 30! I definitely have the Hawaii fever. I even listen to KWXX on my cell phone when I drive!
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!!!
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/
Hi Erin.
Thank you.
Aloha.
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 …………….
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.
Yes! When I go to the mainland, I have to restrain myself lest I freak out the other drivers!
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
Hi Linda.
Mahalo!
Watching KHNL daily and drinking Kona beer on occasion.
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
Mahalo for all of the good ideas! You give us hope! Today I had my Pandora Hawaiian music station blasting while floating in the pool watching my nextdoor neighbors beautiful palm tree’s gently sway in the wind. For a moment it took me home to Kauai. A girls got to do whatever it takes to survive! A hui hou🌺
Hi Nani.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Add: take the day off work to watch the Eddie. Spend the next day trolling all Hawaii websites for recaps
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
Pretty much means I definately am! Coming back in a couple of months for our 25 th anniversary and about our 25th time to come. I think we should become residents.
I dream of Hawaii constantly and yes my friends tire of hearing about my obsession ☺. Have been to Oahu once and Big Island twice. Cant wait to go back . It is heaven on earth 🌴🌴🌴
Nailed it
24 out of 24, should I seek professional help?
My kids tell me I am obsessed with Hawaii, the only place I ever want to go on vacation is Hawaii. I am a beach bum and I live in Massachusetts, there are at least 8 months out of the year that I can not go to the beach, I am living in the wrong place.
I am all of the above. I am so happily addicted to ALL of the islands! I really think that this website needs to set up some kind of ‘hawaii dating’ website for those of us who love to travel to Hawaii with those who LOVE the islands.
I’ve been to all islands except Lanai….I travel alone and would some day love a fellow Hawaii lover travel partner. I’m a female…….loving men.
Mahalo
I dream of Hawaii regularly, so it’s good to know I am not sick! I count the days until my next trip, have been there 17 times and will return in 186 days.
20 out of 24 – Can’t get enough of Kauai and love it more every time we visit even after more than 20 trips. Feels like home. My checks have pictures of beach scenes. I keep my Hawaii trip folder by my desk at home in California and add to it between trips with tidbits about restaurants and new things to see. I spread out making reservations for air, car rental, etc. over several months to keep the next trip current all the time. We went to see the Brothers Cazimerro in Napa a few weeks ago. Just finished the last reservation for a Feb. trip – additional condo days beyond our 2 weeks timeshare reservation. We love ocean front where we can hear the waves. Hawaii tee shirts are the norm day and night. Can just taste the next plate lunch at the Pono Market or the noodles at Hamura’s Saimin. Yummmm
My wife and I and our 6 children would like to go to Maui or Kaui. We are looking for an affordable condo in a great location. Any recommendations?
Hi Paul,
Consider HomeAway and AirBNB. We suggest starting with the highly acclaimed online and in print guidebook series Hawaii Revealed.
Aloha.
omg,,I couldn’t believe you had this article and test. I answered yes to all of them. I started coming to Kauai in 2005 because of a personal situation,,a loved one wanted to be buried there,,plus my great, great aunt is saint Marianne of molokai,,,so of course I have been to molakai three times!!,,,just came back from Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, in September, and before I left I was already planning and thinking how I could arrange for a trip next year…unfortunately I have this fairly new job that does not allow much time off,,where as in the past I could get time off whenever I wanted,,,,i narrowed my love down to Kauai,,,i think of Kauai all the the time,,it’s in my blood,,at work I daydream incessantly of all the the time spent there,,it helps me thru the work day,,,i dream of winning big the lottery so I could move there,,but people say just do it,,it is cheaper than doing what you are doing,,,to the poster,joy,,,enjoy your months in Kauai,,i’m envious!
Oh thank god, I thought I had a disorder or something…Hawiian Island Fever? It has a nice ring to it. It has gotten to the point where whenever I say the word “Hawaii” anyone around me sighs and gives me a look that says “get help”. The only help I need is figuring out when I can make it back. I have only visited the Big Island, and caught the fever right away. Kauai is next on my list. Maybe next year!
A few more:
Count the DAYS until the return flight.
Cry during Hawaii Five-O.
Only subscribe to Hawaii magazines.
Make mochi at home.
Wear shirts that say oHIo, with the emphasis on HI.
Have yet to visit Molokai, but can pick out landmrks on it when flying over! Does that count? 10 weeks till I can touchdown on my home-away-from-home sands again! In the meantime, listed to Hwaaiian music while at my desk all morning with the space heater on my feet 🙂
Oh my gosh, not only did I answer yes to all 24 but I even got teary eyed as I read them……..I’m such a dork 🙂 . It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who does these things!
I fell in love with the zebra doves on Kauai. I go on you tube where there are videos of zebra doves, I close my eyes and listen. I’m transported for a brief moment back to Kauai.
There’s actually 24 questions – #11 twice. I answered “yes” to all but 8 (have only been to BI, O‘ahu & my beloved Kaua‘i), 9 (I still burn), 12 (don’t want to sound silly), 22 (not close enough to LAX)
Sounds like me. You forgot shorts and slippahs no matter how cold. Still waiting for the $250/$300 r/t airfares to show up. I got use to seeing them this time of the year and spring. Any chance?
My name is Megan, and I am addicted to Hawaii. I answered 22 of 23. Sadly I have not YET been to Molokai or Lanai…
20 of 23, I have a problem.. I’m stuck in Ohio
dbuckner, you can get the barclay mastercard travel rewards card and you will get 400 back on your flight and some extra to use on motels in hawaii. u can stay at maile sky court for about 100 a night including tax. you can do a vacation for 3 or 4 nights if your hard on cash and still see alot of the island to give you a good idea of what its like in hawaii.
I have alot of these things, but I want to move to Guam. Hawaii is not warm enough in winter for me and the water feels cold. I would also like to visit marshal islands and seychelles, maldives. Hawaii is nice but there are definately more tropical places in the world that are even more lush with a better warmer climate.
For me, Hawai’i is just right in the winter, but a little too warm in the summer. Arriving in Honolulu on December 5. Aloha.
all but four of them. so i am up there. thanks again for all your tips. makes the time go by til my next trip.
Not all 23 but very close… screen savers are changing dolphins… Rubber slippers in all weather too… LOL Yes friends think I’m nuts…. But then again If I’m not home they know where I am!
Aloha
19 out of 23! I listen to Hawaiian 105 at work everyday! My co-workers think I’m crazy…clearly they have never visited the islands!
Mahalo for post! Love it!
Oh, I’m so glad I’m not alone!! We’re spending 4 months in Princeville this winter and have been doing the count-down since this past spring. Dreaming of living there soon.