Hawaii wholeheartedly embraced the only native son ever to make a bid for the presidency, backing Barack Obama by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

“Hawaii has turned out the largest margin in the country” for Obama, said Andy Winer, the campaign’s Hawaii coordinator. “The people of Hawaii poured their hearts out for Barack.” With nearly all the votes counted, 72 percent of the Hawaii electorate chose Obama, and nearly 27 percent picked McCain.

Casting his ballot at Lincoln Elementary School, Mark Pei, a former Aloha Airlines pilot, said he liked Obama’s local roots, but was moved more by his ability to galvanize people and raise their sights.

“He’s a local guy, but more importantly than that I believe in his character and his inspiration for the country,” said Pei, 39. “He’s inspired a lot of young people, the next generation.”

Obama was born in Honolulu and spent 14 years of his childhood here. Late last month, he came home to say his final goodbyes to his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who died late Sunday night in the Punahou-area apartment that was the family homestead.

Despite his popularity here, some Hawaii voters weren’t persuaded.

“I’ve voted for so many presidents, it doesn’t matter what party, it’s the issues,” said Florence Rodrigues, a retiree who supported John McCain. “For me, if the country changes too much, it’s not good, there’s too much confusion. Experience in life counts a lot for me. I don’t think that Obama has a lot.”