I really enjoyed this. I spent about 5 months on Maui between 1997 and 2001. Afterwards I thought hard about buying rental property there and going to visit regularly.

Life changed in 2001 for me (not because of 9/11) and from where I live Hawaii is literally on the otehr side of the world. So I bought elsewhere and I have never even been back, but stayed in touch with some friends for many years thereafter.

20 years plus social media later, I've learned what life on the islands is like day-in day-out. I experienced everything you noted, if in smaller or larger portions.

I won't say I'm glad I didn't buy. Who knows how it would have worked out. I'm certainly sad I haven't been back. Your story was kind of an "alternate universe" view of what might have been for me. Thanks again.