Hawaii: Home Sweet Home

I love the reactions and questions I get when I tell people I am from Hawaii.

Most would have heard about it or know where it is but a good portion thinks it's an island country. Some are confused because I'm Asian and that I don't look anything like a Hawaiian. Some assumes I am what a Hawaiian looks like. Others think everyone still lives in a grass hut or wears hula skirts on a daily basis (I kid you not). And the lists goes on. But my favorites so far would be "Oh, so you're American?" with a confused look and "Do you surf?".

I'm an adrenaline junkie and loves the outdoor but surfing isn't my cuppa tea. I enjoy watching the big swells on the north shore in the winter months coupled with a blazing sunset over the Pacific but I enjoy jumping off planes more.

Or swinging onto the edge of the world a few thousand feet above ground.

Or sitting on the edge of a cliff perched above some of the most majestic views on earth.

I love hiking and I love the mountains (in case you didn't pick that up by now, lol). And there is no shortage of that in Hawaii. After graduating from Uni, I spent a lot of time hiking in the Koolau and Waianae summits. I met a great bunch of like-minded people who later became great friends through hiking. We'd do a hike or two every weekend on the island of Oahu. We'd also go on backpacking trips to the other islands - Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. I miss home. I miss Hawaii. I miss adventuring with my friends as well as my family.

To most people, Hawaii is a dream holiday destination. I am glad I get to call it home. There is a popular Hawaii hashtag and it goes #luckywelivehawaii. Very lucky indeed. Although I have been living a nomadic life since 2013 and have called Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia home, Hawaii will always have a special place in my heart.