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 From the EditorI took my first and only trip to Hawaii about nine years ago, for this magazine, in fact. The assignment called for me to play, and write about, a number of top-rated golf courses on Oahu and the Big Island. Believe me, it was a tough job, a lot like working in a coal mine — minus the danger, black dust, and hard physical labor. And my wife still has not let me forget that I left her behind. To this day, whenever Hawaii comes up in conversation, my better half gives me that "You so owe me" death glare. It's not as if I had planted myself on Waikiki Beach for four glorious days with a mai tai in hand, soaking up the rays and scenery to the relaxing rhythm of the sea. Far from it. I had to play 36 holes of golf a day and take notes. It was hot. I lost a lot of golf balls. I needed those massages afterward. And none of it made my wife feel any better. I should have known. For many women, a Hawaiian vacation is the ultimate dream indulgence. What sensible husband would travel from Boston to Hawaii, one of the most romantic and beautiful places on earth, alone? See that guy above, in the pink shirt and tie? Him. But I was working! So, when I asked adventure writer Brion O'Connor if he'd like to fly to Kauai for a piece on Waimea Canyon for this issue, I didn't expect him to drop the phone and run around the house screaming, "I'm going to Hawaii!" He needed to break the news to the missus first. Needless to say, he owes her now. "What made it even worse," Brion told me, "is that Kauai is known as a honeymoon paradise. I felt like a real oddball traveling solo." He did, however, return with a great story — and a few aches and pains — from his time hiking Waimea Canyon. Although many visitors prefer to "explore" the 10-mile-long natural wonder from a helicopter, Brion made the physically challenging descent into the canyon with the aid of an experienced local hiker. (I wanted to make sure he earned his money.) Check out "Inland Paradise," here, to learn why Brion will not soon forget his time in Waimea Canyon. Of course,
it's a safe bet his wife won't let him forget.. Ken
Beaulieu, Editor Contributor Bio Freelance writer Brion O'Connor has traveled for Continental to numerous destinations, including Switzerland and Scotland, but the opportunity to visit Kauai to hike the Waimea Canyon was a dream assignment. "Being from the northeast, I've always been fascinated by the broad expanse of the Pacific Ocean," he says. "The island offers such remarkable diversity, from plant life to wildlife to the weather. It won't be long before I return, with my family in tow." During his 20-year career as a travel writer, O'Connor has also worked with ESPN the Magazine, Men's Journal, Sports Illustrated, Yankee, and the Boston Globe, among other publications.
We welcome letters from our readers: Letters about this magazine should be sent to the Editor, Continental magazine, 99 Bedford Street, Floor 5, Boston, MA 02111, or e-mailed to continental@pohlyco.com. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address, when possible. We reserve the right to edit letters for space and clarity.
Photograph: Joel Benjamin (Beaulieu) |
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