Something a bit subtle about the islands is the apparent time period you will find when you arrive. Each island has the feel of a different decade of time. If as most retires you have bit of age on you, you will appreciate this subtlety. As you would guess, Oahu feels very modern (no more than 10 years behind, say, LA). Maui (at least last time I was there) was reminiscent of the 1980's. Before Hurricane Iniki, I would have said Kauai might have represented the 1970's. Since being rebuilt, I'm guessing it is more modern. The Big Island struck me as life in the 1950's - especially in the town of Hilo. I would guess that Molokai would be the 1940's feel (though I have been neither to the island nor to the decade.)
