For decades Hawaii has been a respite for those seeking a little rest and relaxation, a place to escape and rejuvenate in the golden sun and healing, warm waters of the tropics. With only a short five hour flight from Hollywood, Hawaii has also served as the perfect getaway for celebrities needing a pause from a fast pace and the paparazzi. Though supermarkets may still manage to feature candid shots of famous stars sunning on secluded beaches, islanders are much less star struck than the media. Not only does the natural beauty of Hawaii bring well-known actors, artists and musicians to the islands, its laid back lifestyle and the aloha of the locals allows for celebrities to truly enjoy their time without all the fanfare.
One of Hawaii’s most recent visitors is also one of the world’s most famous people – President-elect Barack Obama. Spotted during his December 2008 Kailua vacation sporting shorts and flip flops, it did not go unnoticed by the press that Obama was truly enjoying himself, island-style. Everyone deserves to have a place to unwind and it appears that the soon-to-be United States president knows how to do it in paradise.
By in large, Hawaiians understand this and they offer casual space for anyone to relax. For Hawaii residents it is not uncommon to be shopping at the local grocery store and see a star of the big screen buying bananas in their board shorts. They may receive a nod, a smile or maybe a shaka. But for the most part, locals respect visitors on vacation, famous or not.
Besides, many celebrities are part of the community, at least as part-time residents owning a vacation home in Hawaii. They spend time at the beaches with their families and attend community events. Some have used their status to help further local causes. One recent example is the benefit concert at Kauai’s KCC Performing Arts Center for the island’s Kula Elementary School, where musician and island resident Donovan Frankenreiter will be performing to raise money for its scholarship fund (Ukulele player extraordinaire, Jake Shimabukuro will also be a part of this concert.)
Not all celebrities feel philanthropic, especially if they are on vacation. For those desiring the royal treatment, Hawaii’s more up-scale areas offer all of the amenities and pristine views fit for kings and queens. While some elite visitors stay at high-end resorts, others opt for more low-profile accommodations, often renting one of the posh Wailea villas on the island of Maui or one of the Kona vacation rentals on the Big Island’s southwest side. Still other famous people looking for an even more anonymous escape may choose to chill out on the island of Kauai where they often blend in with the locals on the lush North shore.
Hawaii is a famous location for a multitude of movies, as well, and often actors are found mingling among the islanders while shooting a film on their Hawaii set. Oahu is a prime location for films as well as television series. Kauai has also been the backdrop for numerous movies over the past 70 years, with an entire tour company on the island dedicated to guiding visitors through the actual Kauai locations where famous movies were filmed.
The list could be long detailing all of the well-known people that have made the islands their premier vacation hideaway. But were I to divulge the names I wouldn’t really be showing the aloha spirit celebrities have come to appreciate here in Hawaii. I think I’ll leave it to the magazines to tell you who is tanning where. For now, their secret’s safe with me.