Comparing Scandinavia to the Hawaiian Islands is Weird, But I'm doing it Anyway

www.kimguymontravel.com

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: comparing Scandinavia to Hawaii is like comparing a Viking longship to a pineapple pizza—utterly bonkers, yet weirdly works. I had this epiphany after I did my Hawaii training and became a Hawaii Destination Expert. It struck me how different the islands are - just like the countries of Scandinavia. You truly need to either find the one that "vibes" with you or visit more than one to say you've gotten the full experience. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland are as different from each other as Oahu’s bustling Waikiki, Maui’s chill beaches, the Big Island’s lava-spewing chaos, Kauai’s jungle vibes, and Lanai’s “I’m too fancy for you” seclusion. And who better to navigate this bizarre mash-up of snowy fjords and tropical luaus than a travel advisor who is a specialist in BOTH. I specialize in both Scandinavia’s icy wonders and Hawaii’s sunny shores. Weird, huh? But, I love both places so much. In the meantime, buckle up, because this is gonna be a wild ride.

Denmark: The Hygge Hipster Haven

Picture Denmark as Oahu’s cool cousin who traded surfboards for bikes and coconuts for coffee. It’s flat as a pancake, with beaches that scream “dip your toes, not your soul.” Copenhagen’s got that urban buzz—Tivoli Gardens is like Disneyland on a Danish pastry high, and “hygge” (that cozy, candlelit vibe) is basically Hawaii’s “aloha” but with more scarves and fewer waves. No towering peaks here, just castles, canals, and Viking vibes for city slickers who want chill without the frostbite. Perfect for travelers who think “adventure” means a brewery tour or a frosty dip in the canal. The water in these 2 photos have VASTLY different temperatures even in the Summer. Yet, locals are happy to play in both!

Sweden: The Mellow Forested Maui

Sweden’s the Maui of the Nordics—laid-back, green, and so relaxed it’s practically napping. Forget Norway’s in-your-face fjords; Sweden’s got lakes, forests, and archipelagos that whisper, “Come chill, bro.” Stockholm’s island-hopping scene features moose instead of whales. It’s less touristy, with a “live and let live” attitude—think foraging berries or midnight skinny-dipping under the sun (yes, it’s light all summer). If your travel vibe is yoga-retreat-meets-forest-party, Sweden’s your jam.

Norway: The Fancy Fjord Party

Norway’s Lanai—remote, posh in a “look at my epic scenery” way, and basically nature’s red carpet. Geirangerfjord’s waterfalls and Lofoten’s spiky peaks are like a Hollywood blockbuster for your eyes. Oslo and Bergen are slick urban bases, but the real magic is kayaking through fjords or hiking cliffs that make you feel like a Viking conqueror. It’s pricy and packed in summer, but if you want to feel like you’re starring in a fantasy epic while sipping coffee in a fjord-view cabin, Norway’s your luxe escape.

Finland: The Sauna-Soaked Zen Zone

Finland’s Kauai—wild, green, and all about that “unplug and recharge” life. With 180,000 lakes (yep, count ’em) and forests thicker than your cousin's beard, it’s a wellness wonderland. Helsinki’s quirky markets are fun, but Lapland’s where it’s at: glass igloos for aurora-gazing, reindeer rides, and saunas so hot they feel like Kauai on a Summer day. No crazy peaks or geysers here—just peaceful vibes like berry-picking or ice-fishing. If your dream trip involves chilling harder than a polar bear on a glacier, Finland’s calling you in the same way Kauai does.

Iceland: The Volcanic Adrenaline Junkie

Iceland’s the Big Island’s fiery twin, but swap lava flows for geysers that burp like they’re at a Viking feast. Reykjavik’s colorful streets and geothermal hot tubs are cute, but the Ring Road’s where it’s at: black-sand beaches, volcanoes that grumble like grumpy trolls, and ice caves that scream “post me on Instagram!” It’s rugged, the weather’s a drama queen, and it’s not cheap, but if you’re the type who’d high-five a volcano while chasing the Northern Lights, Iceland’s your thrill ride. It even SNOWS on the Big Island once in a while!

Why This Weird Comparison Works

Look, comparing Scandinavia’s frosty fjords to Hawaii’s balmy beaches is like comparing reindeer to rainbows—nuts, but stick with me. Just as Oahu’s city buzz, Maui’s zen, the Big Island’s fire, Kauai’s wild, and Lanai’s luxe cater to different vibes, the Nordic countries are a smorgasbord of travel flavors. Denmark’s cozy cities, Sweden’s chill forests, Norway’s epic fjords, Finland’s sauna serenity, and Iceland’s otherworldly edge each demand a tailored plan that I can create with you!

I specialize in both Scandinavia’s icy adventures and Hawaii’s tropical dreams. Whether you’re craving a Nordic cruise under the aurora or a Hawaiian luau under the stars, I can craft custom itineraries that match your vibe—budget, luxury, or that weird “I want to hike a glacier and sip a mai tai” combo. I can handle all the logistics—seasonal quirks, particular vibes, hidden gems—so you don’t end up lost in a fjord or a pineapple field. Check out www.kimguymon.com and let's find your perfect vacation vibe whether it's Scandinavia or Hawaii - or both!