Susse Wold ends four decades of wintering in Hawaii

An 87-year-old Danish actor has ended four decades of wintering in a rented apartment on Hawaii, walking away from a tradition anchored by soaring lease costs and the sheer strain of long-haul travel.

Closing a Chapter on the Volcanic Island

Susse Wold revealed the change in her travel habits to HER&NU while attending a book reception for Benjamin Koppels book Håbets klang. The decision marks the close of a chapter that began forty years ago when she established a second home on the Pacific island.

She shared the annual pilgrimage with her late husband, Bent Mejding, who passed away in 2024. But rising lease renewals and the distance of the journey ultimately forced a shift in her lifestyle, rendering the rented apartment arrangement no longer feasible after numerous years.

Four Decades of Vows and Milestones

Hawaii holds profound personal milestones for the actor far beyond simple winter getaways. Wold and Mejding married on the island in 1983, maintaining a strict tradition of returning to renew their vows at the exact same location every ten years.

Those decades spent in the Pacific also fostered a deep community of personal and artistic relationships. Wold leaves behind numerous friends in the region as she sets the routine aside.

Nostalgia Amid Rising Practical Hurdles

Reflecting on the conclusion of her travels, Wold expressed a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. She noted that while stepping away feels poignant, everything has its proper season.

She remains thankful for experiencing the island during a vastly different era. Wold acknowledged that the region has undergone significant transformations over the last forty years, even though her own view of the destination remained distinct from mainland American culture right up to her final season there.