Just for fun, have you ever put together a local bucket list of things you’d like to see, do, attend, play, visit, eat, etc.? Certainly the uncertainty of the economy these days is causing some folks to hold back on purchases, which might even include that planned family summer trip. But one should never lose the hope, goal, or passionate zeal to satisfy wants and needs, especially in a place that offers so many options.
Like the Merrie Monarch Festival… I was blessed to return in person last month after a seven-year absence. The splendor, smells, beauty, colors, tradition, storylines, cultural pride- the stunning emotions that this event creates, including the ever-smiling Hawai`i Island folks in Hilo and all over the place, is life-reaffirming. If this one’s not on your bucket list… perhaps reconsider.
How about a “simple” trip to one of those places you know about anecdotally, but you’ve never been? You know, the one your mom told you about, or your friend’s cousin’s daughter went to visit? Hana? Punalu`u Beach? The Byodo-In Temple? Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden or The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden? A sunset on Kailua Beach, Upcountry Maui or Kauai’s South Shore? The list is endless.
Throw in restaurants or even simple foodstuffs you’ve never tried, and you can combine some interesting culinary bucket list items. Squid luau? ‘Ulu fried rice? A stuffed Zippy’s Mochizada? A sapodilla/zapota (chico) from a Waimanalo nursery or the weekly KCC Farmer’s Market? Now that one changed my life…
We’re lucky. Though we live in the most remote, inhabited place on earth, we have lots of unique, exotic, and/or amazing things to experience locally. If only we would… So a summertime plan for those of you (rightfully) experiencing some angst over financial market conditions, prices, and your own retirement or daily portfolio might include looking at previously ignored, local opportunities. Create a great time, eat/do great things, meet great people.
Decades ago, during an actual recession, local businesses joined forces to promote a “have a kama`aina summer!” campaign. And it worked- mentally, spiritually, physically, and fiscally. Rather than focus on woe, some people said, “oohhhh” and made the best of tough times in our backyard.
Just a thought that might allow you to check off some wanna-do boxes or create a mini-bucket list if you cannot make 2025 grand plans. It might even start a wonderful, new family tradition.
Think about it…