Aloha! I know Hawaii is technically a state of the US, but its culture remains original and unique enough to be regarded separately from the US in my mind, so this column will focus on solely Hawaii. Hawaii is genuinely one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been; its nature, people, and lifestyle are gold. The connection that runs between their native people, the earth, and their traditions is truly so special. The term “island time” may seem like an exaggeration of life there, because how could it really be so special in the eyes of people who haven’t experienced it, but island culture is beautifully real.

As Hawaii has 750 miles of coastline, water sports are an integral part of the lifestyle there. Diving, surfing, and sailing are popular there, as well as rafting and paddleboarding. Fun fact: Hawaii is the original birthplace of surfing and paddleboarding! They have many famous surf beaches, such as Waikīkī and Hoʻokipa Beach, where the waves are as perfect as the scenery. Surfing has a rich history: it is a native Hawaiian tradition but was discouraged by Western missionaries in the 1800s along with hula (Hawaiian dance that tells stories.) It made a comeback in the 1900s and has been cherished ever since. Today, the islands as a whole are considered the world’s surfing capital, and host many surfing competitions such as the Jaws Challenge and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Hawaiian people also love land sports: popular ones include golf, marathons, and volleyball. Hawaii hosts a variety of celebrated PGA tournaments, such as the Sony Open and Lotte Championship, and famous women’s golfer Michelle Wie West is native to Hawaii. The IRONMAN Triathlon has been held in Kona (a city on the Big Island) before and runners flock to the Maui, Honolulu, and Kauaʻi marathons. Hawaii’s diverse terrain also makes for perfect mountain sport activities, such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking; I actually had the chance to go zip-lining there and it was surreal, getting to be in the heart of the forests and flying over the trees.

What’s beautiful about Hawaii is how deeply rooted their lifestyle and traditions are. Even their food has connections with their heritage, such as the nutrient-rich poi, a dish that holds great ceremonial importance there. Their diet emphasizes fresh, locally sourced food like fish, taro, fruits, and vegetables. Sometimes all these come together to make poke, another Hawaiian staple (I adore poke.) Hawaiians apply this same ethos to their active lives, embracing being in the outdoors and participating in sports regularly. This combination makes Hawaii a generally very active and vibrant territory…as if I needed any more reasons to love it there.