When asked what their dream vacation would be, roughly 90% of Americans respond that Hawaii is the place for them. As a former crew member aboard one of the larger cruise ships that tour the island, I can tell you first hand; It’s not worth it.
Before I go any further allow me to say that Hawaii is a lovely state. If you’re wealthy, or if you have the excess money then go ahead and give the Aloha state a visit. Just don’t plan on taking your pets with you. There’s a six month quarantine.
For the average Joe to make this pilgrimage to the volcanic isles, one might have to save up their whole life. The economy class plane ticket alone can cost as much as $900. You have all of the normal tourism expenses, but since Hawaii is considered to be exotic you can expect to pay two to four times as much. Things like car rental, and hotel expenses can become outrageous.
If its so expensive, you must be getting something amazing in return right? Not always. The only two things that the islands offer you (that can’t be found elsewhere for way cheaper) are the volcanoes, and the black sand beaches. Black sand beaches are nice, but are they really worth the hike in price? The volcanoes are pretty cool to look at, but they smell horrible. Given the chance to see one again I’d prefer a picture. That bad smell is sulfur…you’re breathing in sulfur. I’m not sure about the health ramifications associated with breathing sulfur, but I can’t imagine its good.
So what should you take away from this little Factiod? Go ahead and save up for Hawai’i, but then go on vacation somewhere else. Florida offers lovely beaches and beautiful sunsets, Colorado, and Arizona offer you more natural beauty, and Vegas is more fun (even if you don’t like gambling). My suggestion is that you call up friends or family that moved into other states and ask them about their favorite local attractions. You may end up finding something better than an over rated island. In fact…I’m sure you will.
