Hawaii High Five-O

Diamond Head volcano crater

Did you know that Pearl Harbor is the 51st state of America? You might not believe it's a state but it was when the Japanese had finished with it! (Apologies, but there was no better time to pass that on than this! Thanks MC)


Church on the beach, with unusual congregation

Phileas came to Hawaii for a rest; a good thing since when he arrived he found a holiday. Hawaii's reputation precedes it: a lovely set of island, a gorgeous place if you care to look. Phileas didn't do any real searching so the impression was somewhere below the idyllic paradise. The secluded beaches, lava flows, lush rainforests, craggy green mountains and imposing volcanoes will remain on the photobook page for some time to come. Phileas' memory of Hawaii is really a memory of the gateway to Oahu, the gateway to Hawaii... and perfect weather.


Mrs Phileas' surfer dude

Apparently, Hawaii is in the USA. Thankfully it's sufficiently isolated, retaining enough of its own identity to cause you to forget. Comments about race and language would be too obvious, remarks about hula dance and costume well known. What makes Hawaii stand apart from the Union is really a unique getaway atmosphere; a colony of holiday makers, permanent or otherwise; relaxed and active, it's a fashion autarky where it's OK to wear ridiculous shirts. It is easy to attain a very real sense of involvement in the Waikiki Beach community as you walk on the street. Beachwear and a board should suffice. And afterall, if nobody sees you use the surfboard you can carry so well, who knows, you could be taken for a local!


Waikiki Beach

So, Phileas leaves the USA to go to another one. Another Union where churches may well sing the National Anthem (possibly wearing more than Speedos though) - God Bless America - and broadcast adverts promoting asthma products whose side-effects may cause a rise in asthma deaths... We'll see.