Hawaiian Paradise

In 1976 I worked in a meat plant to supplement my college tuition. During a lunch break I heard one of the butchers talking about his recent trip to Hawaii. He beamed with energy and was smiling from ear to ear. I noticed how healthy and happy he looked.

“So what’s it like there?” I inquired.

“Cory, Hawaii is literally a paradise on earth. The weather is beautiful, the local people are friendly, the food is delicious, the music is great and of course there’s the wind and the waves, the palm trees, the ocean and the beaches and best of all, those lovely Wahines dressed in bikinis!”

I phoned a travel agent immediately. I had enough money, now I needed some time off. I asked my boss and he said no.

“Sorry Cory, I can’t give you any time off. We’re too busy and we need you here.”

But it was too late.

The seed of desire was planted and had taken root in the soil of my mind. Hawaii was calling. I booked a return flight to Honolulu on Monday and left Friday morning for the long weekend. I was 18. I’ll never forget looking down at Oahu for the first time as we began our descent. There was Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Diamond Head, Hawaii’s most famous landmark! As I strolled off the plane I was immediately hit by a heatwave of warm tropical air filled with the enchanting fragrance of beautiful Hawaiian flowers. I heard Hawaiian music, saw palm trees swaying in the wind and could feel the rays of the Hawaiian sun beating down on my cold Canadian skin.

I was in Hawaii, but it felt like heaven. Then I got Lei’d. I was in heaven.

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst

Hang loose brah!

Stay well and live free!

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