Epoch Times Blog

O’ahu, Hawaii, April 17-22

The first thing you notice when walking in Hawai’i is that there is no need to move very quickly. In fact, it seems strange and out of place to hurry here. The trade winds of the south pacific ocean blow gently through the palm trees, white clouds skid by in blueness overhead, aromatic scents of flowers float past, and it becomes obvious there is no need to hurry. If you have never heard the phrase “island time”, this is it.

Island time goes beyond not being in a hurry. It is a mentality reflected in the people and the way of life of the people of Hawai’i. Although many people here are hard workers for the sake of making ends meet, it is common to encounter those who find it equally important to live life as human beings were intended to live. More gently, more in connection with the natural environment and with other human beings. This makes it normal, even common, to get up at 6 a.m. to go surfing before going to work. Or planning a barbecue with friends as the biggest event of the week. Or hanging out with loved ones in a park outside a concert venue with a picnic, just to catch the sounds of a sold-out concert.

The gentleness of island time gives people the space to breathe and look around them at the beauty of nature, the faces of other people, and to notice the rhythm of life.  You will often hear conversations in Hawai’i about striking the right balance between work and play, family life and financial obligations, personal goals and personal relationships. This sense of responsibility to oneself and others often centers around people who are considering not only what they want out of life, but what they want to give to life, too.