I think for folks in the east coast and Midwest, Mexico and Caribbean makes a lot more sense for the beach vacay scene. We visited Oahu while we were living in Japan as it was the closer than flying to Cali. I felt the same as you about being on US soil, stocking up on shopping and eating from the usual franchise restaurants, something we were missing in Tokyo. The island is touristy but there are pretty parts to it. I’ve been wanting to visit the other island but just can’t justify the travel time and the jet lag from the east coast. It’s been 15 years now. You are wise to have visited as a young couple.