Up to Aloha Code
I visited Hawaii numerous times before I moved to the Big Island almost 20 years ago. I have read zillions of articles and letters about Hawaii, but the best one I have ever read was the article by Amanda Jones ("The Aloha Code," July/August 2008). Her article clearly explained the soul of Hawaii. It should be a must-read for all visitors to our islands. -- John S. Rabi, Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Thank you for the article by Amanda Jones. We recently returned from a weeklong stay on Molokai and so enjoyed the laid-back, warm and generous native Hawaiians who reside on this island. It was refreshing to be where we did not encounter the stereotypical ugly American, often boisterous and boasting, who tries to impose his own culture on Hawaiians. In the past, this arrogance and the actions of a few people have made us ashamed to be haoles. Your article was a wonderful reminder to all that patience and the ability to listen and observe are key to learning about a culture and its people. -- Robert Brooke, via e-mail

"The Aloha Code" was one great article. I have been to Maui, Oahu and Kauai, but not the Big Island. I felt like I was there with Amanda Jones' skillful writing. I enjoyed it very much. -- Patrick Budd, Roanoke, Virginia

Go Crazy for the Island Life
I am a recent college graduate, and I have always had the dream of owning a small beach bar somewhere in the Caribbean. I recently picked up your magazine with "The Ten Best Islands to Call Home" (July/August 2008). I am now sold that my dream can come true -- despite everyone around me thinking I have really lost it this time. Thank you, Mr. Patricelli, for your inspiring editor's note. I now feel like I'm not the only one who actually thinks it can be done. -- Stephanie Theobald, via e-mail

Online Poll Results
What island secret do you most want to uncover?
36 percent of readers chose this answer: A lava-tube hike to a remote waterfall on Maui.

Call the Movers
Thank you for the thought-provoking "From the Editor" section in the July/ August 2008 issue ("Could You?"). We've been considering a move to Guam recently. With a wife and four kids, it's easy to see the negative sides of moving, but something is calling to us. Maybe it's the slower pace of life, the cultural diversity or the appreciation for the small things; I'm not sure. Thanks for the input. -- Jay Cleary, Columbia, South Carolina

More Detailed Listings?
I have been receiving ISLANDS for a few months, and July/August 2008 is by far the most interesting issue I've read. I love the cover article, "The Ten Greatest Islands to Call Home." The only thing that this article could have offered is more information on the occupations available in these places. We don't all need to be rich to live a happy life, but we still have to make a living to survive. -- Amy Sherlock, via e-mail

Editor's note: Good point, Amy. We'll keep that in mind when we compile next year's list. In the meantime, check out the expat forum on traveltalk.islands.com. You may be able to connect with someone who has just the information you're looking for.

A Must-Read in Paradise
My husband and I love to read your magazine and get information on new islands to explore. Our latest adventure was to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. I am always in need of a good beach read, so here is a picture of me (right) in Cane Garden Bay with my ISLANDS magazine! Thanks for keeping us informed for our explorations. -- Vicki Shivers, Tega Cay, South Carolina

Have a photo of ISLANDS from the road? Send it to feedback@islands.com.

Correction
In the September/October 2008 issue, the table of contents on page 6 should have listed the author of Live the Life "Fijian Fairy Tale" as ISLANDS contributor David Lansing.

"What's Next" Winner
The moss-covered cliffs pictured in the July/August 2008 issue ("Looking Up to the First Explorers") reminded Joan Szabados of Eastsound, Washington, of her 2007 trip to the Marquesas Islands. Her memory proved accurate: Joan Szabados was selected from readers who correctly identified the photo as the island of Nuku Hiva. She wins a prize package courtesy of ISLANDS. To enter this issue's contest, see what's in store for our December issue by identifying the photo on page 128, or click here.

Greetings From Hampton Island Preserve
ISLANDS photo editor Lori Barbely recently returned from this private community off the southern coast of Georgia with these tips:

• Soar above 12 miles of rivers and tidal saltwater marshes in the preserve's own seaplane.
• Gather round the campfire for a Low Country oyster roast and s'mores.
• Soothe your soul in the Herbal Treatment Spa.
• Nosh on a meal made from organic ingredients collected during a guided tasting tour with Farm Manager Cory Mosser.
• Sip the island's own blend of green tea -- iced or hot -- flavored with stevia, lemon grass and peppermint from Harvest Lake Farm.
• Squeal with delight as you pet Kermit, the pot-bellied pig, at the interpretive center.
• Cast your reel into one of the island's stocked ponds and pull up bass, catfish or rainbow trout.
• Relive it at home: The preserve will ship baskets of organic vegetables and herbs
  so you can indulge in Hampton Island's pace-slowing flavors anytime you'd like.
• Learn more at hamptonisland.com.

Send the ISLANDS editors an e-mail at feedback@islands.com to comment on anything in the magazine or online.