This is correct, but it has settled status regarding an acceptable holiday destination. I.e. while Russia is far closer, very few Japanese have had friends visit there on holiday. Hawaii on the otherhand is in "routine" holiday status, with an established Japanese-catering industry there.
Also while Russia is close, I don't think there is anything particularly interesting there, that is the Eastern Siberia.
That's what they want you to think. KAL007 didn't down itself. They have/had military posts out there (and on Kamchatka).
Hawaii is far and expensive, but has the special trait of having many Japanese speaking residents and being Japan friendly in general.