Discovering Hawai

A marathon journey

I set out to spend a week in Hawaii to attend our company’s largest event, full of training, recognition and success stories. A reminder of how remarkable personal and financial success can be achieved by ordinary people. The trip itself was a marathon: a total of 30 hours, including 20 hours in the air and 10 hours in airports. My journey took me from Casablanca to Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to San Francisco, and finally from San Francisco to Honolulu. By the time I arrived, I was exhausted but full of anticipation for the days ahead

A luxurious place

Hawaii is a U.S. state made up of eight main islands, Oahu being the primary tourist destination and the most populated. Waikiki, a busy tourist district on the south of Oahu, filled with hotels, shops, and tall buildings. We were staying there at the Royal Hawaiian: A very ancient and luxurious hotel painted surprising with the same pinkish red that Marrakesh are painted with. We were warmly welcomed with leis: huge necklaces filled with flowers or shells. I remember very well how with my friends we started our days: Just After praying Fajr -at dawn- we step out the hotel garden which is next to the beach to witness beautiful sunrises on chaise lounges. We were among the first people to enter the restaurant for breakfast. I remember very well my morning routine:: fresh cuts of pineapple, scrambled eggs, freshly baked muffin and yogurt

Heartfelt interactions

Native Hawaiians are some of the warmest people I’ve met, always smiling and eager to greet even strangers on the street. The welcoming spirit of the islanders was evident as soon as I arrived. One of the highlights of my trip was the interactions I had as a bearded Muslim man. A police officer and two other locals, for example, complimented me on my beard, with one even asking, “How can I get a beard like yours?” The openness and acceptance I experienced here were truly touching and made me feel right at home. I was also fortunate to make a new friend named Jamaa, originally from Somalia, who spontaneously greeted me with: “Assalamu Alaykum” after crossing me on the street. I guess it’s uncommon to meet a Muslim in Waikiki that’s why I think when he saw my appearance he thought maybe I was Muslim. Though I wasn’t dressed in a particular way so I guess it’s a spiritual thing.

Peace and natural beauty

Jamaa graciously gave me a complimentary tour around the island in his taxi, showing me beautiful sites that I otherwise would have missed. It was unforgettable for me and I will always be thankful for that. The sense of peace on the island is unmistakable. Hawaii’s tropical climate, lush green forests, sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters create a natural paradise that you’d expect to see only in movies or documentaries. The locals relaxed attitude seems to harmonize with the serenity of the surroundings which invites you to slow down and savor every moment. Visiting the north shore in particular was just a bliss, away from the crowdy south, where nature just I’ll never forget an amazing picture I took on a huge grass field with mountains behind and the coast in front of me. You don’t want to miss this place in your next trip here

A memorable farewell

On my last day, as I headed back to the airport, I had an interaction that would stay with me for a long time. My taxi driver, upon learning I was Muslim, expressed disappointment in how the Muslim community no longer leads the world as it once did. He then refused to accept extra money for the fare, saying, “We should be role models!” This gesture of kindness and respect was a beautiful reminder of the shared humanity we all carry, regardless of background. It was a perfect way to close a journey filled with meaningful connections, a deeper appreciation of cultural values, and a true taste of Hawaii’s unique spirit

Behold the photo album