HAWAII

By: Francis Rodríguez

Hawaii is adventure. It offers exotic places and an indisputable promise for a unique vacation. The 50th state provides its visitors the opportunity to submerge in a true earthly paradise. Hawaii, home of surfing and hula, became the youngest state to join the American union in 1950, attracting thousands of tourists every year who rush to discover the treasures of the six main islands:  Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the island of Hawaii.  

Beyond the warm weather, surfing and islands, Hawaii invites visitors to discover its cultural richness and every island offers its own fantasy space. If you are ready to embark on a trip to Hawaii, perhaps you won’t find a better adventure guide than President Barack Obama, who grew up in this idyllic place considered a multicultural space that without a doubt served as influence in the president’s personality. Even First Lady Michelle Obama has said: “You can’t understand Obama until you have understood Hawaii,” reaffirming that the roots of the head of state will always be with that state. 

   The first destination is the beach. Two of Obama’s favorites are Sandy Beach and Halona Blowhole, the last one being very close to where his mom’s ashes were scattered. The president grew up enjoying picnics with a spectacular front view of Puu Ualakaa State Park, close to his house, just like Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. When it comes to pastimes, golf occupies one of the first places in his agenda. Obama has played at the Olomana Golf Links and Luana Hills Country Club. In a tour like the president’s, it is also imperative to include the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl, one of the most distinguished national cemeteries for the armed forces and the resting place for his grandfather.  Prepare to dress casually and have a good time. It is recommended only to bring light jackets for the evening and semi-casual dresses for the restaurants and the night life.  Forget the suit and ties; they are not common in Hawaii. Good food is always a must in this adventure. When it comes to eating out, one of the restaurants you can’t miss is the Kapahulu on the outskirts of Waikiki. It is known that the president usually orders a traditional dish from the Rainbow Drive-In as well as the restaurant Zippy in Oahu. In his most recent visit, Obama and his daughters also completed the menu with a local version of ice cream cone from Island Snow in Kailua.  Matsumoto Shave Ice, on the north coast, is another famous store. You can also include Waiola Shave Ice in Kapahulu. 

Facts about Hawaii, Hawaii: 

State’s name:    Hawaii 

State’s nickname:   The Aloha State

Capital:  Honolulu 

Languages:   English and Hawaiian 

Duke Kahanamoku, the Father of Modern Surfing, grew up in Waikiki in Oahu

Things you must do on your first trip: 

Enjoy the wonderful scenery it offers, from many different places to the coasts of Kauai.Visit in Oahu the remains of the USS Arizona and USS Missouri commemorative monuments from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ride a mule on the Kalaupapa peninsula in Molokai Make a complete a tour in Lanai to discover incredible landscapes and observe the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii’s Big Island.