In Hawaii there is a concept called the 'Aloha Spirit', but it does not simply mean kindness or hospitality towards tourists. In traditional Hawaiian culture 'aloha' represents a genuine way of life based on mutual respect, harmony with nature and connection with the community. It is considered so important that the State of Hawaii has officially incorporated it into local legislation as an ethical principle that should guide people's behaviour in public life.
Hawaii is one of the most remarkable places in the United States, both geographically and culturally. Located in the middle of the Pacific, it is the most isolated archipelago in the world. Despite its distance from everything, it attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to the combination of volcanic landscapes, ocean, tropical climate and a strong cultural identity.
In March 2025, following Davide's graduation in Chicago, we decided to celebrate with a trip across three islands: Big Island, Oahu and Kauai. Each one showed us a different side of Hawaii, far removed from the idea of a simple beach destination.
One of the most striking things about Hawaii is the variety of its landscapes. Within just a few kilometres you move from rainforests to stretches of black lava, from tropical beaches to mountains wrapped in mist.
The islands are volcanic in origin and some are still geologically active. Big Island, for example, continues to grow thanks to the lava flows of the Kīlauea volcano, one of the most active in the world.
The climate also changes rapidly depending on the area: sunshine on the coast, rain inland, strong winds on the mountains and humidity in the tropical forests. This constant variation is what makes Hawaii far more diverse than the classic postcard image suggests.
Our first stop was Big Island, the largest island in the archipelago.
Here we chose to use Couchsurfing, a platform that allows you to stay with local people. It is a way of travelling that in recent years has given us experiences far more authentic than traditional hotels.
We were hosted by a former journalist who lived in a house deep in the rainforest, just a few kilometres from the active volcanic areas. The dominant sensation on the island is the constant relationship with nature: dense vegetation, roads surrounded by solidified lava and landscapes that seem to still be taking shape.
One of the most fascinating moments was hiking in the volcanic zones of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Walking across expanses of black lava, with the ground still warm in places and the smoking crater in the distance, gives you the genuine feeling of being in a geologically living environment.
Big Island is also famous for Kona Coffee, considered one of the finest coffees in the world. It is grown on the volcanic slopes thanks to a very particular microclimate: sunshine in the morning, clouds in the afternoon and mineral-rich soil. Visiting the plantations makes you understand how directly the land influences the quality of the product.
From a cultural perspective, Big Island illustrates well the complexity of modern Hawaii. The local population is born from the meeting of Polynesian tradition and the various waves of immigration that arrived over time, primarily from Japan, the Philippines, Portugal and the continental United States. This mix is reflected in the food, daily habits and overall atmosphere of the island.
After Big Island we moved on to Oahu, the most populated island and home to Honolulu.
Here too we stayed through Couchsurfing, this time with a young Ukrainian couple with whom we shared several days of beaches, hiking and local life.
Oahu is probably the island that best represents the contrast between city and nature. Honolulu is modern, full of skyscrapers, bars, surf shops and busy beaches like Waikiki Beach. At the same time you only need to move a short distance from the urban centre to find yourself among green mountains, wild coastlines and panoramic roads looking out over the ocean.
During our stay we also went skydiving. Jumping over Oahu allows you to see volcanoes, beaches and the ocean that completely surrounds the island from above. It was without doubt one of the most intense experiences of the trip.
The final part of the trip was in Kauai, known as the 'Garden Island' for its extremely dense vegetation and deeply green landscapes.
Here we rented a van and drove around the island without a rigid itinerary. Kauai has a slower atmosphere than the other islands: fewer cities, less mass tourism and far more untouched nature.
The most impressive part was the Na Pali Coast, a coastline formed by enormous volcanic cliffs that drop directly into the ocean. There are no roads crossing this area and many points can only be reached by hiking, boat or helicopter.
The walks along the coast reveal some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii: sheer green walls above the sea, isolated beaches and crystal-clear water.
The food tells the story of Hawaii and its cultural influences just as well as anything else.
The dish we ate most often was poke. In Hawaii it is very different from the more commercial versions found elsewhere. Traditionally it consists of raw fish cut into cubes and simply seasoned, often served with white rice.
We also tried loco moco, one of the islands' signature dishes: rice, a burger patty, a fried egg and gravy. Born in the 1940s in Hilo as an affordable and filling meal, it is today considered a classic Hawaiian comfort food.
Another thing that struck us was the local barbecue, often prepared at small food trucks or roadside stands, with meat cooked slowly directly over the grill.
Hawaii is not just beaches and resorts. It is a place where nature, volcanic activity, cultural influences and a particular way of life all share the same space.
Travelling between the islands we encountered very different environments: modern cities, tropical forests, active volcanoes, local villages and completely wild coastlines.
The most interesting part of the trip was probably this variety itself. In just a few days you move from a large city like Honolulu to areas where the landscape feels almost untouched.
It is a place that leaves a mark, above all for the very direct relationship with nature and for the slower rhythm at which daily life seems to move.