by Chris Factor

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 24, 2008

The truth about Hawaii is it was the best place to grow up. The culture, the people, the weather, and the food are unique and will always be special to me. I only wish my children could enjoy it the way I did growing up. Annual trips are just a snapshot of island living; but it is enough for me and maybe for others who are not ready to adjust to island living from the Midwest.

The Minnesota connection to Hawaii is the memories of my childhood in the quiet town of Waialua. At the foothills of Mt. Kaala, the tallest mountain on the Waianae Range, is the quiet sugar plantation town of Waialua. Once covered by acres of sugar cane fields, the town has slowly evolved and the Waialua Sugar Mill now house shops and home to the North Shore Soap Factory. The neighboring town of Haleiwa, where surfing is king and artists tout their talents, is the place 'rainbow shaved ice' and 'Japanese bon dance' reign.

When living in Minnesota hit the more than half my life mark, annual visits to the islands to see family, friends, and satisfy my cravings for local foods became mandatory. The crowd and traffic of the islands is always a disappointment; but the hospitality, scenery, and food make up for it.

Yes, the below zero weather in January in the Minnesota is a drastic change with the trade winds and temperature of 78 degrees that feels more like 100 degrees. T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops are the norm traveling around the islands. A drop in temp to 65 degrees may add a sweatshirt to the outfit while the shivering locals are bundled up from head to foot.

If we left Minneapolis in the morning on a non-stop flight, there is still plenty of time after we arrive on Oahu and to take a quick drive around the north and windward side of the islands. Upon landing at the Honolulu airport in the middle of the afternoon, the walk from the gate to the luggage claim area in the open lanai is a wonderful reminder of the trade winds blowing your hair around and the smell of fresh flowers.

The sound of the locals' conversation in pidgin; as I realize that I can pick it up and still speak pidgin with a slight Midwest accent thrown in. This helps when picking up a rental car because I can barter for a deal at a 'Kamaaina' rate. The anticipated excitement as our luggages are packed in the trunk. We head down the freeway and go through the tunnel (new one)in the Koolau Range to the 'wow moment' as we exit the tunnel on the windward side. I hold my breath as I take in the beautiful majestic green mountains

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