As Hawaii grapples with evolving dynamics of its tourism industry, a combination of high costs, local sentiment, pending legislation and economic challenges are clearly causing some to rethink their future Hawaii travel plans. But we were surprised to receive this perspective from one Southwest Hawaii flight attendant, who shared with us their candid feelings about flying to Hawaii now. It was revealing and did not in any way concern the airline or their Hawaii visitor passengers.
After this article was published, Beat of Hawaii was contacted by another (confirmed) Southwest Flight Attendant in this regard. Please read on for those details.
This Southwest flight attendant’s perspective.
A Southwest airlines flight attendant that flies in the Hawaii market recently shared with Beat of Hawaii their frustrations, echoing sentiments that are becoming more common among both industry professionals and visitors.
“I used to love my layovers in the islands. Now I avoid flying the Hawaii route because even for one night’s layover, I drop $50 easy just to eat a mediocre food court meal. I lose money flying here. Not to mention the Hawaiians are rude, and clearly don’t want you here. They have a huge problem because they hate the tourists yet their entire economy and infrastructure are based on tourism. Sorry Hawaii, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. There are too many other beautiful and affordable places in this world. Europe and Asia being two continents that can give Hawaii a massive run for their money and are far more welcoming!!! Don’t go to Hawaii; it isn’t worth it.”
Southwest Airlines flight attendant.
How the high cost of layovers works for Hawaii flight attendants.
Southwest Airlines typically pays a per diem rate for Hawaii layovers of around $2.15 per hour, which equates to about $51.60 for a full 24-hour layover period. However, these rates can vary based on union agreements, company policies, and changes over time.
While this per diem is intended to cover meals and incidental expenses, in high-cost destinations like Hawaii, flight attendants might find the allowance insufficient to cover their expenses, leading to out-of-pocket costs. This quickly adds up, especially for those staying multiple nights per month.
In contrast, most mainland cities, where food costs are generally lower, allow flight attendants to manage their expenses more comfortably within the provided per diem allowance.
Even fast food in Hawaii costs far more than on the mainland.
There’s truth to that. For example, a meal at Burger King in Hawaii costs at least 34% more than the national average and 15% more than California, the second-most expensive state. Hawaii’s geographic isolation contributes to these inflated prices, and based on our experience, the real costs often exceed these percentage estimates.
For airline flight crews, visitors and residents alike, high costs in Hawaii are an issue.
Rising costs aren’t just a burden for flight attendants. They are a huge issue for Hawaii residents. Visitors, too, are feeling the pinch as it seems only the state itself is late in recognizing that such high costs are detrimental to essential tourism.
Another Southwest flight attendant’s point of view couldn’t be more different.
After this article was published we heard from another person who we can confirm is also long-term Southwest Flight attendant:
As a 31 yr FA w/ SWA and fly the Hawaii routes weekly, I am disappointed with the opinion of the FA who was complaining about flying to Hawaii. This is one persons opinion and not the majority of those of us who choose to fly & live all things Hawaii. I am no concerned that those who travel to Hawaii and those Hawaiians we come in contact with weekly will think this is how we all feel.
Southwest Airlines flight attendant
The local population’s frustration with the influx of tourists is palpable, too.
That can, in turn, creates a less welcoming atmosphere for visitors, obviously including this flight attendant. This sentiment, combined with the high cost of living in and traveling to and from Hawaii, is prompting many to consider alternative destinations that offer similar beauty and hospitality without such a hefty price tag. Beat of Hawaii will hit the road again in August to check out and report back on other tropical destinations that visitors report are a better value.
Your comments help guide us.
Visitor comments on recent Beat of Hawaii posts also reveal a growing frustration with the current state of tourism in the islands. Many travelers note the high costs of food and accommodation, with some saying they spent far more than anticipated on basic necessities.
Ian: “After 14 years of going to Kauai (spent 2.5 months on my last visit), I am now going to Costa Rica for $125/night.”
Martha: “I’ve tried to reserve in Ko Olina in Honolulu but prices are ridiculous.”
Doug: “We have flights booked for February to Maui. Rates for hotels and resorts are insane. The Courtyard by Marriott Kahului Airport hotel was over $800 a night after taxes/fees. I’m waiting for deals on short-term rentals in Waikiki… Worst case scenario is we cancel the entire thing as the flights are fully refundable.”
Jenn: “As a Floridian who loves Hawaii and would visit again, all I see everywhere are comments… about not wanting tourism and complaining that tourists are ruining Hawaii. Couple this with the extremely high prices on travel and it makes for an unpleasant prospect. We are choosing to travel within the continental US and next year, to Japan. I hope Hawaii is more hospitable to tourists in the future.”
Andrew: “The Aloha spirit got nasty and we voted with our feet. You told us to go away and we did. We discovered much cheaper and better places and we will never return to Hawaii to be extorted again with astronomical hotel and food prices. So suck it up and stop complaining. You shot yourselves in the foot and now you are whining. Stop it, you brought it upon yourselves.”
Jack: “Arizona has amazing winter weather, especially the basin. Full sun every day with temps in the 70s, good restaurants, and, importantly — affordable weekly and monthly rentals everywhere… Hawaii has excellent winter weather too, but, the commenters here have identified the problems.”
Jeffrey: “Canadians are not going to travel to Hawaii when they are told they are not welcome. We are going to California and Mexico instead, where the locals are happy to have our business.”
Sandi: “Agree with you on rates, as even with the lower tourism, the rates do not adjust and just get higher. I am so losing my Aloha that was inborn from age 14… People are increasingly afraid of booking Maui, worried that the government will take their rental away from them… It just costs too much to spend a so-called Aloha trip and be unsure. And finally, negative social media posts.”
Casey: “Had a big family trip planned… once Hawaii made it clear we weren’t welcome, we’ve been vacationing happily elsewhere. We fly from the NW down to Florida now instead and have had several great trips.”
RMoeller: “After visiting 2-3 times a year for 15+ years, it’s been made very clear we’re not welcome. Been to the Caribbean 3 times in the past year. Found our new place.”
Melissa: “I have been traveling to HI annually since 1998.. Honestly, I don’t feel safe going there… I have stayed away for 2 years… I can’t be the only long-term Hawaii traveler that feels that way.”
Curtis: “We canceled our March vacation in Maui… Hawaii doesn’t seem to realize that there are a lot of other options out there.”
Randy: “I canceled nights on Maui for more time on Oahu and, given the continuing drama on Maui, am glad I did. One week on Kauai and then another on the BI before heading home, all at short-term rentals, as hotel pricing is absurd. If prices don’t decline significantly in the future, this will likely be my last visit to Hawaii. It’s a big world.”
DJ: “Opting for Tahiti instead… Hotel prices are more than double what they were not that long ago. We love the islands, but not enough to spend $12,000 for a week. The anti-tourist sentiment combined with the hotelier’s strategy of less reservations at higher prices are essentially the last nails in the coffin for us. The Caribbean, Mexico, and French Polynesia are better options.”
Deborah: “Just got back from a beautiful cruise to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Curacao, and Aruba. Not going to spend my money on Maui ever again. Tourists know when they are not welcome. We went there for many years, and now we will be giving our money to other countries and places that appreciate us.”
Jay: “Hawaii has priced itself out of the tourist market. With expensive flights, hotels, resort fees, food, beverages, parking, and other garbage fees. Much cheaper to go elsewhere with all-inclusive food and drinks.”
John: “$650 per night plus tax at the Sheraton Waikiki, no thanks!”
Clint: “I used to go twice a year, but after our trip in May (where it was over $1,000 a night), we are choosing other destinations like Costa Rica, Belize, and even the Bahamas.”
Johannes: “Yes, the messaging has been awful… We love you, we hate you, everybody come, everybody stay away, list goes on. Forget the tourist agency, hire someone to get out a consistent message. In spite of all this, I’ll be there…”
These varied perspectives highlight the complex dynamics at play and the challenges Hawaii faces in balancing tourism with both high costs and local sentiment.
Hawaii’s tourism remains stuck at a crossroads.
The state must address the high costs and perceived anti-visitor sentiment to maintain its appeal as a top travel destination. For flight attendants and visitors alike, the choice to travel to Hawaii is becoming increasingly complex. As other destinations on the mainland, in Europe and in the Asia/Pacific region present more affordable and welcoming alternatives, Hawaii will need to find a balance between supporting its economy and providing a hospitable environment for all who visit.
In the meantime, travelers and airline staff continue to weigh their options, with some seeking out destinations that offer the best value and experience. Hawaii’s natural beauty remains unparalleled, but addressing these pressing issues is crucial to preserving its status as a beloved destination.
We want to hear from flight crews and we know you are out there. Thanks!
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Unless you eat at 5 star resorts and the best restaurants, you will get additude. Even the high end resorts had service people giving customers additude shortly after reopening.
Face the fact that Hawaii residents and politicians do not know what they want. But the Need tourism dollars to keep the taxes down. If tourism stops. They will all need to move because of taxes. Maybe its time to stop going.
“Face the fact that Hawaii residents and politicians do not know what they want.”
I don’t go to your state and tell you about what is wrong with the way your state votes, and the decisions its residents make. I always love when people tell us that we do not know what we want. You don’t live here, but you profess to be able to diagnose us. Is that because maybe what we choose is not what you would choose for us so that you can visit here and still have things like you want them at home?
Maybe, like most of the US right now, we have divided wants, some want more tourism, some want less. And like the divided nation, we cannot find mutual ground.
Diana, I suspect that over time, you will find mutual ground and even then locals won’t be happy. The governor and absentee Maui mayor can try to appease a vocal minority that think they can return to the 1800’s, but they won’t like the results.
Well said Diana, what’s going on in Hawaii is hardly unique…..all over the world people are tired of the entitled, opinionated, disrespectful, wear their politics on their sleeve or just plain rude travelers. That SWA FA is a piece of work, can’t imagine a crewmember needing to publicly bash a layover location like that. That’s just weird…..Bid trips elsewhere! No wonder SWA has the reputation they have.
Most people coming to Hawaii that I encounter seem to be having a great time…..perhaps the people getting attitude are the ones giving it.
In response to the Southwest flight attendant carping about the cost of food in Hawaii. I am a flight attendant for another airline and while something’s in Hawaii might be expensive, you need to be savvy. I can think of reasonable choices I found for good food options. I wonder where she is eating. Hawaii is not the only expensive layover location in the US. I still find it easy enough to eat for $15 or less even in Hawaii. Crew also has the option of bringing their own good and pocketing per diem. The Southwest FA needs to get off get cross.
Just returned from 12 days on Maui. Took dry goods with me (Southwest free checked bag) and spent about $200 on additional groceries, for 3 people. Ate out only once, on an expense account and that was just half price happy hour appetizers. I get that people want to eat out, but that’s a huge, luxury, part of vacations.
weve always done it this way.. and havent stayed in a hotel in 20 years because condos with kitchens means you can eat out once a day. and even in your condo you can get great poke from the supermarkets. havent been in a few years (and will miss lahaina dearly) but like most issues, they get amplified on both sides
Just returned from Oahu 7/26/24 with my elder daughter for a mother daughter getaway. Hawaii is very expensive. We spent 5 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The resort fees are a joke spent 383.00 which included 88.00 for an early checkin fee. We do not get anything in return for these fees. The total with the fees for food and drink costs us 1600.00 for 6 days. This does not even include the hotel room and flight costs which can top 5000 for just 6 days. We rented a local car for the last day at 100 and gas was 4.87 a gallon. We couldn’t have a car for the time we were there since they charge 76.00 a day for parking. I do love Hawaii have been there over 10 times but spend alot of hard earned money just because I do miss the beaches and beautiful scenery. I just wish it could become more price friendly.
How could the Airlined allow their employee to have such a Negative attitude publicly! As a Hawaii resident I love SA because they do see our financial strain and offer us the best prices that allow us to travel more Interisland and visit other family members… T)hat attendant needs to realize that us residents pay those prices to live here daily with aldi high property prices and low pay wages whilst they are on just a stop and go basis. I hope this small comment can help a poi t of view perspective.