Where do Hawaii residents go on vacation?

Just where do Hawaii residents go on vacation?

I walked off the plane and was immediately enveloped into a blanket humidity. The air was lightly scented of plumeria. It felt like a welcome home hug.

This month I celebrate my 16th year living on Oahu. It was never the plan to stay this long, but somehow it became impossible to leave. It’s an inspiring place as a photographer and nature lover. I find myself reaching for my camera again and again to capture the beauty around me.

Still, as much as I love the islands, I regularly feel the effects of rock fever and need to make a trip. But when you live in major tourist destination, a so called tropical paradise, where do you go on vacation? This is a question I hear often, so I put together a top 4 list.

4. Search for something different

The world is an amazing place and there’s so much to see and experience. Living on an island in the middle of the Pacific means it’s expensive to go anywhere, so why not make the most of it? Many head to the cold to ski down snowy slopes or to just have an excuse to put on warm clothes and drink hot chocolate. Some head to big cities to take in shows and shopping, while others travel to experience different cultures.

If you have flexibility, you can try out Kayak Explore and choose your destination by cheap flights.

3. Family reunions

There are many transplants in the Islands along with families who have have members that moved away. Many Hawaii locals plan trips to visit family for a fun reunion. With our family on the other side of the world, just getting there and back is an adventure.

2. Las Vegas

Hawaiians make 300,000 trips to Las Vegas every year making it perhaps the most Hawaiian city on the mainland. This migration from paradise is a result of casino-sponsored charter packages that make crossing the Pacific cheaper than hopping to a neighbor island.

This virtual Aloha State has its own radio programs, websites and even casino hotels, where plainclothes security men wear aloha shirts, and restaurants and gift shops cater to Hawaiian tastes and traditions, like Spam for breakfast.

1. Hawaii

The top vacation destination for Hawaiian residents is simply Hawaii. Many hotels like Disney’s Aulani resort and Turtle Bay on Oahu have excellent kama’aina discounts offering a bit of luxury and relaxation close to home. If you want to venture a bit farther, simply island hop. One thing I love about Hawaii is that each island has a unique feel and opportunity for adventure.

If you don’t have any travel plans scheduled and you’re feeling a bit of rock fever yourself, try something new. Browse through the Keiki Monday archives to find some fun family activities on Oahu.