Hawaii is a State quite unlike any other in the US. It is more than the physical distance or that it is divided into a group of islands. Most people probably think of the ocean, sand, palm trees, luaus, surfers, tropical forests, volcanoes and Pearl Harbor. While it certainly has all of those things, for me the biggest difference is the pace of life and the emphasis on preserving both their islands and their history. Tourism is probably their biggest industry. It certainly is on Maui. Yet the people fight against any new roads or the widening of existing roads. They do not like the big hotels or condos and do not want more even though for many this is their only source of income. I think Hawaii is a place that holds on to a state of mind. The sunrise and sunset are more important than hurrying dinner for tourists. The welfare of the whales comes before any tourists desire to satisfy their curiosity by getting close or making noises that would disrupt them. It is a state filled with generous people and a wealth of beautiful and interesting treasures to see. I dare you to stay a week without finding that you have relaxed.

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