“Hawaii is not a state of mind but a state of grace.” ….Paul Theroux
As a cluster of islands off the coast of California, therein lies the ultimate paradise and gateway to another dimension. Warmer waters of the Pacific, the Hawaiian islands are undoubtedly a traveler's romantic and soulful destination. Not only do recently engaged couples choose Hawaii as their honeymoon site, having a multitude of play, adventure, and exploration hours adds a luxurious dose of nature to the mix. Once you get past the lei stands at the airport, hustle and bustle of Waikiki and find your way to more remote locations, take a breath and let the peaceful calm settle in.
Soak in the land
As you first set foot on the sacred soil of any of the glorious surroundings of the islands, there's an initial feeling of welcoming and warmth. The air is like no other, the sky captures your heart, and the ocean's horizon stretches for eons. If you're one who loves to experience landscapes that are diverse, alongside the culture, make sure your itinerary starts in the great outdoors.
Soaking in the land of Hawaii is more than simply a beach stroll. Preparing your heart and soul for the transformation you'll undergo requires spontaneity, being fearless, and scaling back expectations to meet whatever crosses your path. A Hawaii trip isn't for the faint of heart. There's subtle messages to be had, and there's booming announcements made by Mother Nature.
Making the island you've chosen as your perfect getaway also needs a little bit of research. There are travel guides that document out-of-the-way places, small nooks and crannies within trails and beach areas only locals are privy to. Once you get the lay of the land through a mild search and maybe even friendly recommendations by others who've traveled to Hawaii, the rest of the trip is up to your openness.
Be ready for anything
I say this lightly, for the mere fact that Hawaii has everything, and I mean, everything. There isn't one stretch of land or road that goes unnoticed by a passerby. You might discover random hitchhikers thumbing it on the road, carrying their groceries or surfboards, or small duffle bags that hold all of their belongings. They might not even be merely locals, but those travelers and explorers who have ventured to Hawaii to transform their soul.
The awareness takes place over time. There might be tears involved, due to the energetic vortex that Hawaii emanates. There's obviously moments of taking photo after photo of sites so incredibly wondrous that you might decide to forget the camera and soak in the specialness for yourself. These are the instances when Hawaii begins to grip your soul.
Volcanoes, lush flora, roaming fauna, organically-looking people who've found the elixir of life, and of course, the warm and bluest sea. Hiking through the greenest jungles and body surfing the waves is almost akin to a religion. In fact, the locals refer to their land and their sea as ‘church.'
Your soul is calling
Imagine you wake up one breezy morning, hear nothing but waterfalls, a light rain, a rooster or two announcing the morning hours, and all you want to do is be one with the land. No agendas, no coordinated touristy plans, no processed foods, nothing that feels the same as when you initially arrived. These are the deep breath moments of your soul.
You've evolved into recognizing more than Hawaii being a place to vacation or honeymoon or wed, it's a land that sucks you in and holds on. Even after you're long gone from an extended stay on one of the islands, your soul never forgets the encounter. It's magic and unlike any other place you've been anywhere in the world.
There's a rich Hawaiian history that the Polynesians who originally settled there in early 400 C.E. began as fishermen and farmers. You'll still feel that vibration exuding from every corner of the islands. The people who reside in Hawaii are proud and purposeful. They revere in travelers coming to visit, yet they also appreciate those who sell their souls to the land.
Paradise found
Now that you've bought your one-way ticket to whichever island resonates more, your heart has already taken several leaps of faith into an environment that wants beauty to rule. How can you pass that up?
