Whether it’s your first time, a repeat vacation or you’ve lived here for some amount of time — being away from Hawaii is never easy or fun.
For me, leaving Hawaii means giving up some of life’s simple pleasures, like walking barefoot on the beach, plumeria-scented trade winds, and gazing at the night sky in shorts and a t-shirt.
Leaving Hawaii also bring tears, longing, and a vow to return.
I’ve been away from Hawaii so many times that I’ve actually learned coping techniques! Here’s are my top 7:
Live aloha
Aloha is from Hawaii, but it’s also a universal concept for love, generosity, acceptance and wholeheartedness. Thankfully, aloha is alive in the world thanks to good people who practice it.
You, too, have the choice to live with aloha wherever you are 🙂
Don’t panic
Leaving Hawaii can actually feel painful because being here is all about the sensation and experience. By the time we step on the plane, our bodies and hearts “start freaking out” because we don’t want to leave the feeling of being comfortable.
The good news is that Hawaii is never going anywhere and not much changes, so it’s always here when you’re ready.
Connect with other people who love Hawaii
Thankfully, Hawaii is a desirable and popular place, and it won’t take you long at all to find someone who’s either lived here, been here or can’t wait to talk to you about it.
You can find several thriving communities of local Hawaiians in the US mainland including Las Vegas, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Alaska.
Manifest those people into your life!
Listen to music from Hawaii
Hawaiian music is a rich and varied genre, spanning from sacred hula chants to slack key virtuosos to contemporary “local music.” Find your Hawaii jams on Spotify, then kick back to the sounds of the Island, wherever you are in the world.
Here’s one of my personal favorites to get you started:
Eat local Hawaii cuisine
Okay, it’s no secret that poke and Hawaiian barbecue have made their way into mainstream America dining culture. Go for broke, and tell your friends!
Bonus: Keep your eyes peeled for Hawaii Pacific fusion restaurants, which can pop up in the best of places.
Insta-Hawaii
Hawaii is definitely all over Instagram, with 1000’s of beautiful and interesting posts being shared daily. Here are a couple to get you started:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Come back!
I’ve saved the best for last…why not just come back to Hawaii next chance you get?
After all, there are tons of flights here daily and it’s always in season!
And consider this: there is no word for goodbye in Hawaiian. We say a hui hou, which means “until we meet again.”
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Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui (chat with our in-house Concierge at extension 71).
Photo credits: Allie Smith, bassbro, Porapak Apichodilok, Mohamed Ajufaan, Levi Guzman, Drew Farwell
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.