Heyyyy, Lunatics!
Today I am sharing what makes Puerto Rico and Hawai’i similar, since so many people “seem to know”, and what makes them different – especially since I have visited and experienced it. What brought on this little sarcastic rant? Well… I was on Instagram the other day and watched reel by @mochileandopr where he talked about ways to get a flight from anywhere in the US to either Hawaii or Japan.
I quickly went into the comments for the good, bad and the ugly because you know, I wanted to see what else came up. The feedback was not bad, but what caught my eye was that one person – you know, “Negative Nellie” – who said that they had gone to Bora Bora or somewhere in the South Pacific. They said they didn’t enjoy it, it was overpriced and quite honestly it was not worth it because it was like being in Puerto Rico. I really wish I had taken a screenshot – now I can’t find it! They should have stayed in Puerto Rico, then…
Anywayyyy… that, my dears, is why I’m writing this post.
Comments like those will sway people away from taking a chance on traveling, right? And although there are very big similarities between Hawaii and Puerto Rico, there are also quite a few clear differences. I will dive in a little because the last thing I want to spoil the experience for someone who wants to go. Especially because I have stopped taking a chance on trying something I wanted to do because of someone else’s experience. I have regretted it.
And yes, I have had a couple of bad experiences, particularly dealing with racism in Scotland, but that should not make people stop chasing their dreams of visiting Scotland in the future.
So, let’s dig a little bit with the obvious, which are the similarities.
Things that Puerto Rico and Hawai’i may have in common
1. Tropical Weather – sun, wind… yaaaasss!
2. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, forests, state parks and landscape.
3. SURFING! Rincón, Puerto Rico? Come on! North Shores in O’Ahu? You bet!
4. A rich history full of values, customs, norms and beliefs – both so beautiful!
5. Religion – both are very heavy on Christianity
6. Large cities and smaller towns (like any US state would)
7. International airports – LMM and HNL!
8. Several islands, which make each an archipelago
9. Big hospitals and medical centers
10. Big, renowned universities
11. Highways, open roads and dirt roads
12. Homelessness
13. Gentrification, not to be confused with a diversity of residents
I have to give you the good, the bad and the ugly.
The last point, #13, may sound a little unclear. Not to get political, but both Puerto Rico and Hawai’i have been in a tug of war against the US Federal government in attempts to keep reach respective land in the hands of native Puerto Ricans and Hawaiians. The majority of residents in Puerto Rico are native Puerto Ricans, and recently, there has been an aggressive uptik of foreign investors buying land. You know, to create rental income. However, we have always had people from other countries calling Puerto Rico home. There is a huge population of Chinese, Peruvians and Dominicans living on the island for decades… and the same is true for Hawai’i when it comes to investors appropriating land, and having a diversity of local residents.
In summary, similarities are many, and I can keep going… but let’s jump to what makes things different.
Things where Puerto Rico and Hawai’i are different
1. Language – Puerto Rico’s native language is Spanish; Hawaiian is the native language in Hawai’i – but in both, you will be able to speak English. However, there are several other languages spoken in Hawai’i including Japanese, Korean, and Filipino. Not so much in Puerto Rico… pure Spanish. And English.
2. Puerto Rico’s culture is highly influenced by combining the Native Taino, African and Spaniard heritage with everything else sprinkled in between! Hawai’ian culture is more influence by the Pacific Islander, Polynesian, and Japanese cultures, with other things folded in – because we all know, the US took over both. Again, I am trying to keep it light and away from politics…
3. Food – this was *whoa* for me! So, in Puerto Rico, the main staple for most of our meals is rice, but PERNIL (roast pork recipe via Sysco Foodie) is king! For Hawai’ians, rice is also a staple for many meals, but I found that POKE (a dish made of raw tuna with other ingredients – check recipe via OnoliciousHawaii.com for more info. By the roast pork IS eaten in Hawai’i and is as delicious as our pernil, but I believe Poke is king! – or queen!?
4. Ethnicities – yes, yes. Puerto Rico’s ethnicities are more “Latino” driven while, like I mentioned earlier, Hawai’i is more Asian/Pacific Islander – all are beautiful on both archipelagos! I mean, all!
5. Volcanos!! Nope, there aren’t any in Puerto Rico. Hawai’i… well, yes, please! I cannot stop saying how Big Island stole my heart from the minute I landed. It was just majestic. It really was…
6. Economy – I have been to Puerto Rico several times, some years up to 4 times since 2012. I have seen prices on things go up gradually over the years from gasoline, to hotel stays, to groceries. In Hawai’i?? Oh, I was really, really taken aback by the cost of things. I had to take photos! I mean, after the first two days on the island, I definitely scaled back on the extra shopping. I am not just talking about souvenirs… it was everything from dining out to gasoline at $5.00 a gallon! For me, the experience was worth it, but I cannot see how can people living on minimum wage with a family to support financially can make it through.
I am sure there are other ways to compare and contrast both Puerto Rico and Hawai’i. For me, my birth home will always be Puerto Rico, but my rebirthing place will be Big Island in Hawai’i and I will gladly be back to visit both very soon. Does it sound like I am biased though? What do you think?
Will you ever adventure out to visit? Or Japan? Or Indonesia? I know I will!
I am sure there are other ways to compare and contrast both Puerto Rico and Hawai’i. For me, my birth home will always be Puerto Rico, but my rebirthing place will be Big Island in Hawai’i and I will gladly be back to visit both very soon. Does it sound like I am biased though? What do you think?
Will you ever adventure out to visit? Or Japan? Or Indonesia? I know I will!
