Vern Hawkins watched his father perform as an announcer and dance bandleader at radio stations when he was growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, so it seemed natural for the younger Hawkins to get into the same line of work at a young age. He had parts in live radio drama, and in junior high school he co-hosted a radio program interviewing children.

During the Korean War Vern spent two years with the Army's Far East Network in Japan as a radio announcer and DJ. After his discharge from the Army he worked his way through college at radio stations in Southern California, then moved to television as booth announcer and news anchor in 1960 at KVOA-TV in Tucson.

He returned to California in 1961, working as news anchor, reporter, film editor, newsfilm photographer, assignment editor and news director. In 1965, Vern set up Contra Costa County's first TV bureau for KCRA and covered the Bay Area from there for 10 years. During that time he reported extensively on special assignments in dozens of countries. His favorite series was filmed on board the last voyage of the Queen Mary and its arrival in Long Beach in 1967.

His interest in travel writing has taken him to 80 countries. His photos and articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers throughout the U.S. and in foreign publications. He has also contributed to Fodors' travel guides. Along with traveling, his personal interests include gardening and fine dining.

He was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Bay Area chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1993. He is also the past president of the Contra Costa Press Club. He has a grown daughter who is a longtime resident of Rome.