How I found paradise and lost it

From Seoul I took a plane halfway across the Pacific ocean to arrive on the islands of Hawaii. My days in Waikiki where dominated by two major experiences: Lack of funding and surfing. Coming from Asia and half a year of cheap sleeping, eating and loads of adventures I was shocked by the cost of daily living on Hawaii. Almost everything on the island is imported and thus another 30 percent adds to the already high prices. Even the cheapest place to sleep was on par with the highest prices I had paid in Myanmar with almost 40 US Dollars a night.

From Asia to the United States

So I staid very low key. Did some groceries myself and changed the mode from eating out to preparing my own food and breakfast. A welcome change after spending every cent on outside food since a long time. Oahu is the “gathering place” of the islands. The area around Honolulu has a very good public transportation system. As these days were high season prices for rental cars skyrocketed into the hundred dollar region for a compact car. So renting a car was out of reach as well.

Surfing to the rescue

So I made a decision. I would spend my time with something very cheap once you are over the initial investment. I would learn surfing. The same principle as for cars applied to rental boards. These were quite expensive with 30 US dollars a day to rent a board I discovered Craigslist. A place to find private classified ads. I bought a beginner board for 75 US dollars and off I went. The first day I literally schlepped myself back onto the shore. I’ve never done something more exhausting as paddling out onto the sea. Trying to push me up onto the board after hectically paddling into it. And all of this a dozen times. Many times unsuccessfully.

But after a few days of this physical exercise my body started to adapt. My muscles were still sore in the evening. But not as much as in the beginning. I will never forget the feeling of waves rolling over me while I was sitting on the dinner table after a long day out on the water. It was rocking me back and forward even though the floor under me was concrete again.

The paradise

The region was discovered by some lengthy walks and a few climbs atop a viewpoint in the back of the city. The nature on the island is truly stunning. And combined with the beautiful beaches, the color of the water and the ever changing weather it is a truly unique place. When I did eat outside of the hosteling international kitchen I often had Ahi Poke Bowl. A regional specialty dish consisting of raw sushi grade tuna, rice and avocado. Such a great contrast to a lot of carbo hydrate sucking swimming and surfing.

And how I lost it

Coming to Hawaii is a thing I would recommend to everyone looking into a journey to another place and culture. But bring a lot of cash. If I would have done this trip as a individual travel I would have been prepared much better. If you can spend all your money during three or four weeks it will make this island group so much more special. You can see live volcanoes, some of the most beautiful waterfalls, go diving in crystal clear water and whatnot.

I made up an itinerary to visit Kawai and Big Island, with flights and rental cars without food that would have been another 3.000 US dollars only. As I plan to stay away for another half year and have plans not to live off from toast and ketchup alone I skipped this part of the travel for another time in my live. I would want to come back to this place. Plan ahead and find a good place to live well in advance. Rent a car when it is still cheap and profit from the other possibilities that a well planned schedule holds.

I lost it because I decided to do so.