[Chuckster]

Seen from the perspective of one who first visited the islands in 1967, Hawaii is just not worth going back to:

I Have been on all the islands except for Ni’ihau, including Kaho’olawe. Company I worked for with headquarters on Oahu had operations on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island in Kona and Hilo. Visited the Big Island dozens of times on business and just to get away or visit friends, sometimes for as long as several weeks. I have driven the Saddle Road in everything from a 5 ton 6X6 to a XLCH. Sailed my boat into Kawaihae, then to Manele Bay and on to Ala Wai, Nawiliwili and Hanalei.

After a couple of laps we sailed North and found a small island in Southeast Alaska. Very refreshing.

[jobim]

Living on the Big Island is, as you have experienced, different that living in Honolulu.

You're a seafarer, Chuckster. Sounds like you have made some splendid trips, and found a
nice getaway. I sailed with 4 other guys from Hilo to Ala Wai, with a stop in Lahaina,
in a 29 ft trimaran, encountering 25 knot winds and 21 ft seas in the Ali Nui Haha Channel.
But you've probably experienced much more than this. That one trip satisfied my desire to sail.