Driving Triad Goes To Hawaii | North Carolina VS Hawaii Living

​Aloha Adventures: Exploring the Magic of Hawaii with Joel Sandman​

Ever dreamt of a Hawaiian getaway? Joel Sandman recently took us on a virtual tour of his incredible trip to the Aloha State, highlighting everything from unique culinary delights to breathtaking wildlife encounters and diverse landscapes. If you've been wondering what makes Hawaii so special, or even contemplating a visit, his insights are truly inspiring.

A Culinary Journey: From Food Trucks to Shave Ice

One of the first things that struck Joel was Hawaii's vibrant food scene, particularly in Kauai, where consistent warm weather fosters a thriving food truck culture and open-air dining [00:43]. He raved about the fantastic Kahlua pork and, of course, the iconic "Shave Ice" (emphasis on not shaved ice!). This light and refreshing dessert is a must-try, especially with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream [01:34].

Incredible Marine Encounters

Hawaii's waters are teeming with life, and Joel had some unforgettable encounters:

Spinner Dolphins: While kayaking in Kona, he and his wife were circled by a pod of incredibly social spinner dolphins, an up-close experience that truly highlighted their playful nature [02:08].

Manta Rays: A night tour at the Outrigger Resort in Kona offered a mesmerizing sight: giant manta rays, some reaching an astounding 16 feet tip-to-tip and weighing 1500 pounds, feeding on phytoplankton attracted by LED lights [000:02:27].

Galapagos Sharks: For the more adventurous, a shark encounter on Oahu involved being in a cage in the water with Galapagos sharks swimming all around – a truly exhilarating experience [02:50].

Islands of Contrasts: Climate and Landscape

What fascinated Joel most was the incredible diversity of climates within a single Hawaiian island [03:21]. Imagine this: the interior of Kauai receives a staggering 500 inches of rain annually, making it one of the wettest places on Earth, while less than an hour away, the North End is a desert with less than 10 inches of rain! Similarly, on the Big Island, you can go from 80-degree weather in Hilo to a chilly 50 degrees at Volcanoes National Park within a 45-minute drive, with year-round snow on Mauna Kea's 14,000-foot summit [03:56].

Volcanoes National Park itself was described as an "incredible experience," with walks through craters feeling like a "post-apocalyptic world" due to the unique lava-formed landscape [03:56].

The Laid-Back Island Vibe

Hawaii generally operates on a relaxed "island time," a welcome change from the faster pace of many Southern US cities [04:51]. Joel shared his favorites among the islands:

Kauai: His top pick, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and even tubing through irrigation aquifers [05:17].

Kona (Big Island): More touristy and resort-focused [05:36].

Hilo (Big Island): Appears to be where more locals reside [05:41].

Waikiki (Oahu): The bustling city area, reminiscent of Miami Beach with its high-rises and condos [05:46].

A visit to Pearl Harbor on Oahu is also highly recommended, described as a "very somber experience" that fosters deep appreciation for the sacrifices made there [05:56].

Real Estate in Paradise

For those curious about living in Hawaii, Joel offered some real estate insights [06:34]. Kauai and the Big Island primarily feature single-family homes, often modest in size on small lots. Prices can range from $700,000-$800,000 for a 1,000 sq ft home, all the way up to $18-$20 million or more for larger homes with expansive views [07:05]. Waikiki on Oahu is the place for high-rise condos and townhomes [07:17].

Plan Your Hawaiian Escape!

Joel enthusiastically encourages everyone to visit Hawaii, even if you don't consider yourself a "beach person." The stunning scenery and unique experiences, from volcanic landscapes to incredible marine life, make it a truly unforgettable destination [07:34].

Ready to plan your own Hawaiian adventure?