Contrary to the widely-held belief, not everyone in Hawai'i loves Las Vegas.

Yes, yes. Shock. Blasphemy.

Many people in Hawai'i love Las Vegas. It might even be correct to say that most people in Hawai'i love Las Vegas. But there is a quiet minority that doesn't see what all the fuss is about. Of course, they keep that to themselves. Who wants to be the only guy in the room admitting indifference when everyone else is whooping and hollering "Vegas, baby!" at the mere sight of a slot machine on TV or a UNLV football schedule? The social pressure is too strong.

But secretly, this is what they think of it:

For starters, Las Vegas is hot. Not Lahaina in August hot. It's oven-roasted dry hot. If there's wind blowing, even the wind is hot. After the sun goes down, it's still hot. The heat radiates from the sidewalks and buildings even at 2 in the morning. It's all part of the massive plan to keep people inside the casinos gambling their money away in air-conditioned comfort.

When it's not too hot, it's pretty cold. Desert climate is so extreme compared to Hawai'i's reliably temperate days and nights. And either way, hot or cold, the air is so dry you can feel your contact lenses wrinkling on your eyeballs.

Las Vegas is noisy. It's not a quiet, tranquil get-away from the clanging and banging of the city. It's more clanging and banging, more bright lights, more cigarette smoke and crowds of people surging like a tide that must be skillfully navigated. If you're not someone who can find comfort in cacophony, the whole scene is overwhelming.

Most of all, what's the fun of losing money? It takes five minutes to lose $20 in a quarter slot machine. Sure there's always the chance to win, but the chances are better that your pocket will be emptied. How is that fun?

The lure of Las Vegas is strong and its attributes are many: the childlike state of hopeful joy that comes with playing games; the chance, always dangling just ahead, of winning big and getting rich; an escape, albeit temporary, from the routine and responsibilities of everyday life; the bountiful and inexpensive buffets; the drinking, eating, shopping with friends. For many people, Las Vegas is the backdrop of joyful times like wedding memories, class reunions, the last trip the family took with Grandma. My friend calls it "the happiest place on Earth" with a look of utter reverence shining in his eyes.

But it's not unanimous, despite what you might hear. There are a few who would rather stay home. They just don't dare say that out loud.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172.