Island fever is a very real concept. Limey might understand it to a certain extent, but since he can easily make it across the channel to mainland Europe, it isn’t the same type of island fever you get when you live in Hawaii.
Hawaii is separated by 2200 miles of open ocean from the U.S. mainland, and even greater distances from its Pacific Rim neighbors. It is among the most geographically remote areas on the planet and unlike many other places, you can’t just pop over to the next state to pick up weapons, drugs, or prostitutes.
Because travel to any destination from Hawaii requires either a month at sea or hours in the air, frequent trips off the island are cost prohibitive. If you’re on the mainland, you can always find cheap fares to and from various destinations, or drive to another state or country if you’re really antsy. This isn’t possible in Hawaii and a long drive usually ends with a quick drop from a high cliff if you’re intent on leaving the state.
Before I moved here I gave the idea of island fever serious consideration. I wondered, given my wanderlust, if I would fall victim to island fever. I haven’t yet, but there are times when I wish I could get off the island for a bit… during the past winter, when all my friends were snowboarding up in Tahoe enjoying among the most plentiful snowfalls in recent history, I was stuck on an island with the average ambient temperature is around 80 degrees. Aside from that, living here is great and I’m not too bothered by the remote geography.