If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Updated 9:21 AM HST 11/14/24

(Before I start answering this prompt, I am behind on getting back at some friends—forgive me—I apologize. Hopefully tonight, I can make it up to you. Thank you for your kind understanding! Aloha. . .)

Hawaii is my heart’s home, my sanctuary. There is no place in the world I’d rather be than here, in the land where my roots run deep. God brought me to this special place, and every day I am grateful for it. To those who haven’t experienced the spirit of the Aloha State, it might just seem like another paradise, but it’s more than that—it’s a place of profound beauty, culture, and history that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Hawaii’s landscapes are a testament to the creative forces of nature. This volcanic chain of islands is a geological marvel, directly formed from the earth’s mantle as a “hot spot” of volcanic activity. To the south, two underwater islands lie hidden beneath the waves, a reminder of Hawaii’s continuous transformation. And that water—oh, it’s the purest I’ve ever tasted. Thanks to the ingenious aquifer system built by native Hawaiians long ago, Hawaii boasts some of the cleanest, freshest water in the world, flowing from deep underground and sustaining all life here.

In addition, Hawaii is home to many endemic birds, plants, and flowers. Even underwater, we have corals here, which you cannot find anywhere.

Living in Hawaii means thriving. Health-wise, people here have a longer life expectancy than in most places, averaging in the high 80s to low 90s. Some may say that Hawaii is expensive, and there’s no denying that the price of living here is high. Being in the middle of the Pacific, almost everything has to be shipped in. But with the health benefits and the best weather in the world—a warm, gentle climate tempered by the ocean—it’s worth every penny.

Hawaii holds my heart in every way. I remember a time when I went through a rough patch, maybe a midlife crisis. In that season, I briefly entertained the thought of moving to another state or even to a nearby country. It’s not something I regret exactly, but looking back, it was a fleeting dream born from a temporary place of restlessness. At my core, I knew Hawaii was home, and nowhere else could ever take its place.

When I think about what it means to live here, it’s about more than the beauty, the health, or the clean air and water. Hawaii is a place of deep, enduring love and community. It’s where I’m meant to be—no matter where life leads me, I know Hawaii will always be my heart’s true home.