I wish I had known Hawaii many years ago...especially Oahu/Honolulu. I stay with friends in Kaaawa (on the NE Coast) when I go there...and I don't think it has changed much in all the years (40) they have lived there...and Oahu is the most densely populated city in the USA....can you imagine that? More people per square foot! But they stillhave lovely gardens and places to visit.
One of the things I love about NZ is that it is still so civilized!!! Cloth napkins always! and a clean public bathroom in every town! YES!!!!!