Las Vegas has become the premier out-of-state vacation destination for many Hawaiian residents, with its vibrant lights and diverse attractions making it an appealing escape from island life.
Known fondly as the ninth Hawaiian island, Las Vegas attracts those seeking an exhilarating break from paradise. From the block-length breakfast buffets to the bustling casinos, the city has everything to provide a sensory adventure for Hawaiian travelers.
Year after year, Las Vegas hosts over 40 million visitors, and a significant number of those travelers are natives of Hawaii. Approximately 12% of the tourists come from foreign countries, with nearby Mexico and Canada leading the list.
For ease of travel, the route from Milwaukee to Las Vegas is well-served, with multiple weekly flights available from Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) via carriers like Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Just a short cab ride from the airport will take visitors right to the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Gambling, often referred to as ‘gaming,’ remains a major draw in Las Vegas, which takes its name from the Spanish word for ‘the meadows,’ reflecting its historical significance as an oasis in the arid Nevada desert. Most hotels double as resorts and casinos, ensuring ample opportunities for gaming enthusiasts of all levels. However, it’s essential for visitors to gamble responsibly and never wager more than one can afford to lose.
Beyond gaming, Las Vegas has evolved into a gourmet dining capital, with lavish meals often replacing the traditional all-you-can-eat buffets. Diners can indulge in exquisite cuisine at standout establishments such as Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, recognized with three Michelin stars, serving elegant dishes like truffled langoustine ravioli and foie gras-stuffed quail.
Other culinary highlights include é by José Andrés in the Cosmopolitan, showcasing avant-garde Spanish molecular gastronomy with an extravagant tasting menu priced at $275, and Cut by Wolfgang Puck at The Palazzo, heralded as one of the city’s finest steakhouses. Reservations for these renowned restaurants are strongly recommended, as are preparations for a potentially strict dress code and higher price points.
Las Vegas is also a hub for entertainment, with live music and comedy taking center stage. Fans of classic acts can catch performances by legendary artists such as Englebert Humperdinck and Donny Osmond at various venues throughout the city.
The Sphere, a $2.3 billion entertainment venue that took five years to construct, stands out as a new focal point for both locals and tourists alike. This innovative structure features an 18,600-seat auditorium uniquely designed to showcase live and recorded performances on its wall and ceiling, exploiting its spherical shape for immersive experiences. This fall, legendary rock band The Eagles kicks off a 12-performance residency from September 5 through November 8 at this remarkable venue.
Las Vegas has historically been a home to many cultural icons, witnessing the rise of the Rat Pack in the 1950s and 1960s and playing a significant role in the later success of Elvis Presley. Among the city’s storied connections is the late Liberace, a West Allis native and flamboyant entertainer who became a fixture in Las Vegas. His extravagant lifestyle and collections were once showcased at The Liberace Museum, although the museum has since closed.
Today, portions of Liberace’s impressive collection—including automobiles and ornate pianos—are displayed in several locations around Las Vegas, such as the Liberace Garage and Thriller Villa, the former home of the renowned Michael Jackson.
In a vibrant city like Las Vegas, the legacy of entertainers like Liberace continues to sparkle, proving that the spirit of performance and entertainment remains alive in every corner.
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