In a world upended following Covid, just where is the Aloha in Hawaii?
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72 thoughts on “Aloha On The Endangered List: Hawaii Gone Wrong”
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In a world upended following Covid, just where is the Aloha in Hawaii?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
The Beat of Hawaii could report positive things, however you are choosing divisive comments, why? I’ve lived here for 11 years, and don’t feel all the uneasiness you’re promoting. No one complains about “transplants” anywhere in the US..whats up with that, Florida doesn’t hate their snow birds. everyones a transplant to some state. Retirement ages also bring transplants, who wants to fall on ice and snow?
In response to the comment who said haole means soulless white person and bless your pea pickin heart. Haole refers to white foreigners it is not derogatory unless you have struggles being around different nationalities. The only tourist who enjoy Hawaii is those who accept all races as their equal.
Again, fix the roads on Maui. Make Baldwin Beach one of the beaches where they charge tourists to enter. Make a toll road between Kaupakalua road and Kula electronically charged to rental cars and use the funds to do the Pa’ia bypass and create safe bike paths and passing lanes for the many “tourist trains” on Hana Highway.
These things would help my attitude. I’ve been here since the 80s and tourism has soured my love of Maui.
A lot of that comes from the state and county only focusing on tourism and not the residents.
Where does all the money go? We do Not see improvements on roads here in West Maui, can’t get in or out if there’s an accident on the highway, all I hear is the crying “give us your home” yet no one wants to work, the lotto for the new low-income apartment building, (its beautiful) didn’t even attract applicants, I have to laugh.. its sad tho gimme gimme gimme society – politicians are putting the money where? not in the schools, not in the roads..
Aloha!
Mahalo for your thoughts…you are on point.
I think we all thought that after Covid, life would be back to “normal” but it isn’t, not here, not anywhere. It feels different everywhere. I just hope that in time we will be able to get that wonderful feeling back.
I’ve been reading/following this blog for years in preparation for our move to Kauai which was very helpful. But I have to take the authors to task for this comment “ respectful of our culture.” I believe the authors are Haoles like me. Transplants from the Mainland. If I’m correct the authors should have said “ our adopted culture,” unless their parents were Hawaiian living on the Mainland. I’ve been told true Hawaiians take offense at Haoles who act Hawaiian. For example, even if you can, never ever try pronouncing Hawaiian slang words. Worst offense. Only offends the locals and makes you look stupid, which reinforces their perspective of Haoles. Learn their culture. Respect their culture. But remember it’s their culture. Aloha
Dear TomK,
Please stay wherever you are. You can phrase this comment however you want to, but I get offended whenever anyone includes the word “stupid” while being wordy.
As Tom Hanks character Forrest Gump says, Stupid is as stupid does.
BTW, I learned decades ago that Haole means souless white person.
Please don’t sling that word around recklessly.
As they say in the South,
Bless your little pea pickin heart.
I love Hawaii & Hawaiian people. They are the most friendly & gracious people. It breaks my heart that this is happening.
The $50 “entry fee” will lose in court. Can you imagine if every state introduced similar fees upon entry? It would wreck economic havoc, and if all the states can’t do it, the courts won’t allow Hawaii to do it. Besides, Hawaii tourists in so many ways already.
From what I’m reading Green, is encountering a no go from others within the Hawaiian government. They would prefer to put the tax in a room tax.
No More Room Taxes! We’re already up to 17.42% here on Maui, (that includes a 4.17% sales tax) and the 17.42% is also charged on the cleaning fee, then the cleaners get to pay another 4.17% sales tax on their cleaning fee.. its double dipping and all Maui/Hawaii does is smile, and waste the money somewhere.
Ww are seeing a lot of wear and tear here in Utah also. Visitors do not respect the trail systems and it shows. Beautiful landmarks are getting worn out. Arches Natl Park and Goblin Valley are 2 in particular. The beautiful sandstone looks like a herd of buffalo ran rough shod in every direction, trampling and destroying the landscape. The Park rangers are issuing tickets in record numbers and “No Parking” signs have been erected to try and mitigate the damage to what little grass remains on the roadsides. There are so many visitors to Arches that a reservation system had to be put into effect. There is now metered entry. Tourists are literally loving our beautiful state to death.
Up at lake Tahoe there are many visitors who leave their garbage on the beaches. This causes the black bears to come out and we get conflicts between bears and people. It reminds me of the beach,sharks and people in Hawaii.
My wife and I arrived in Maui a few days ago. Yes, we are paying additional fees. In today’s environment additional fees are being added everywhere in the world. We will continue to travel to the Hawaiian Islands. During our stay we have felt welcomed. We have not had any unpleasant experiences. We have already made reservations for next year’s trip to Hawaii.
I think the pandemic, by definition world wide, has effected everyone, locals and tourists alike. In America, the combination of covid quarantine or not, mask or not, has just worn people down. It’s been hard times and I think everyone has a story or two from then. So, at a time when it is the hardest to be kind and show Aloha it is the most needed by those around you.
Mahalo! It is sad that some visitors do not have any regard to the aesthetics of visiting the Hawaiian islands; in this case Maui. We may not be the perfect Maui visitor but we do try. We buy groceries from local markets. We eat at local eateries. We visit beautiful spots on the island, trying to learn. We’ve volunteered on some occasions & hope to do so in the future. We also celebrated our 20th wedding anniv. using a local pastor on a quiet beach, by ourselves. We’ve never had a bad experience while visiting Maui, & I pray the negativity towards visitors doesn’t grow stronger. We do enjoy visiting & hope to visit more in the future. Aloha!
Hi and thanks for the article. I LOVE Kauai. It’s my spirit home, I think. I come from Oregon to visit as often as I can. I believe you get what you give. I am so grateful to be there every time and approach all experiences with that gratitude. A smile and some patience go a long way. I don’t cram my days full of tours and attractions. I’m judicious with my money and try to get the best deal I can, but do not complain about the prices. I let locals, trying to get to work, make their left turn in front of me. I chat up the store clerks. I ask for advice. Why not be nice? It’s a privilege to be there. The smell and feel of the Kauai air is all I need.
Aloha, guys! We just returned from a two week trip to your beautiful state, spending one week on each of two islands. This was easily our 25th trip to Hawaii; we’ve lost count. We also spend significant time in Mexico, wintering there for three months every year. After faithfully reading your blog, I was a bit concerned about the experience we’d have in Hawaii. But I’m happy to report that it worked its magic on us once again. We had an amazing time. Honestly, I think your blog is a bit harsh on the topic of relations between residents and visitors. Be kind, interested, generous, respectful, and just plain friendly and you will receive the same in return.
Mahalo for your informative posts, Susan
Aloha Susan. And mahalo for your comments. I’m a local Haole on Kauai and I agree with. I think everyone needs to ratchet down the complaints and harsh comments. No where on earth compares with Hawaii- the weather, beaches, the people and the culture and you’re in the US
We visited Kauai Oct. 18-27. This was our 6th time to Kauai. We love the island and the culture. But this visit was the worst time on the island. While this was typically a time when there were fewer visitors, we experienced heavy issues trying to book reservations at restaurants. I have to say that our previous visits were great, this time was the worst. A lot of shops we visited showed Aloha, but there was a fair amount of indifference else where. This is probably our last time. I am sure there are many that do not care, but our money will be spent at other locations other than Hawaii.
Aloha John. I’m a local Haole. Trust me the locals aren’t happy about restaurants either. It’s a problem statewide. The restaurant owners can’t find staff to work. And worse if someone tests positive, the restaurant shuts down. This also affects the shops where store owners over work employees because they can’t find staff either. Sorry you didn’t enjoy your stay.
Wow just Wow TOMK
Now you’re the self appointed ambAssador on this page?
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for being so kind and respectful to everyone.
I apologize for my intolerance for individuals that use this platform to self-promote themselves.
This sets us back decades in less than 750 characters.
Much Aloha and blessings always.
Rant over and out
🌺🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks very much for everything!
Have a great weekend.
Aloha.
Rob, Jeff, Collin
I just returned yesterday from 2 weeks in Hawaii…Big Island, Kauai and Oahu.
Hawaii and the people of Hawaii are as beautiful and full of Aloha as always.
If you treat the islands and the people with respect and kindness it will be returned.
The people of Hawaii are the kindest in the world.
The pricing and fees are getting way out of control. I am very fortunate that I booked all my flights with my miles.
The taxes, ‘additional fees’ and resort fees are out of control. It is close to $100 a day just in these ‘additional’ fees.
Hawaii is my favorite place in the world, but being retired I’m not sure how often I will be able to return.
The people of Hawaii are the Aloha spirit and it is still very much there.
You get back what you give.
Covid ruined Hawaii. As someone who used to live there, we felt like the Covid policies took all the Aloha out of Hawaii. We lived on Big Island for 10 years, but moved this year due to this. There were a lot of reasons, but if I had to sum up why we left in a few words, it would be exactly that: Aloha is gone.
Aloha Jennifer. I couldn’t disagree more. Yes COVID definitely impacted the islands with very strict rules. But when you have 6 respirators in an ICU I completely understand. We moved to Kauai in Augusta. And everyone, especially the locals, have been unbelievably helpful and demonstrating Aloha everyday. Trust me the Mainland is a mess and only getting worse. No way we’re going back.
Some puzzling comments here. Yeah, do not like the empty shelves at our local Big Save when the condo visitors check in for the week. No frozen pizza and ice cream, etc. Almost funny. But, if we listened to politicized “local” opinions we would donate our house (we have no mainland properties anymore) and skulk off on the next flight back (wherever “back” is?) in “shame” at wanting to live out our lives here….
I saw many tourists today enjoying themselves on the trail to Makauwahi Cave. Kauai in full on Technicolor. Liked seeing the joy on their faces because that was us in 2013. Now we’re a bit jaded, have an ocean view and barely stare at it.
All too familiar. We live near a popular hike down a steep ravine to tide pools. Several people get washed out to sea, and there are expensive and risky rescues. The trail and the parking lot are closed during wave season. The trail is gated and chained shut. The parking lot is roped off. Nevertheless, hardly a day goes by when a tourist doesn’t stop me and ask how to get down there. Whether the official trail is closed or not, scores of people walk down a fairly sketchy path across private property that is clearly posted “No Trespassing.” It’s a mess and no one is talking about a solution.
We just got back from Kaua’i. It is a beautiful island and we were welcomed by the people who live there. We were suppose to go on this trip last year, but respected the Governor’s words, please to not come to Hawaii due to the COVID-19 epidemic. I have read a lot about the people of Malaki and this is also their view on tourist as this article. It makes me sad that tourist are not being kind to the environment and the natural wonders of the beautiful islands. Tourism is the economy of the Islands.
This is such an interesting subject. While Hawaii relies on tourism, it also relies on the idea the tourists want to be residents. Real estate sales to visitors is a big part of the economy. While there remain left overs from the sugar cane plantations, most of the issue of the first inhabitants have fled elsewhere. Is what we are talking about actually former tourists who have become residents hating tourists? So interesting…
It’s sad to hear visitors disrespect the island culture. But it is not limited to just Hawaii. I live in NY, been visiting HA since the 80s. The tourists that visit NY disrespect my state also. Times have changed, people have changed too. Hopefully respect finds it’s way back.
Aloha, I agree. I saw where tourists were being just awful in Italy, so shocking. I think entitled feeling people are everywhere these days.
While we have encountered some animosity from locals, we have also met some locals who invited into their house and treated us like old friends based on common interests even though we live 3,000 miles apart…
As long as you respect the culture, let the islands change you, don’t try to make the islands what you have in your mind….Learn what it means to live pono..whether in Hawaii or anywhere…
We are long time visitors from CA to Maui and Kauai as we brought time shares, with $$$$$ annual maintenance fees. I have always found locals share Aloha, but we are respectful to them too.
Yes, there are too many tourists sometimes, especially at Kalapaki Beach when the cruise ship docks. In fact there is a new “battle” going on as a local vender is now setting up beach chairs and umbrellas taking up a good part of the beach. There may too much tourism, but as local companies keep adding to that tourism for profit – they are causing some of the overcrowding and not always with Aloha. Just my opinion, I don’t have a good answer, but we will continue to share Aloha when we are on island.
Aloha to you!
There’s bad players on both sides of this equation entitled tourist is no worse than entitled resident.
I believe Aloha spirit comes from individuals visiting the islands who take time to voluntary at Hawaiian food banks, animal shelters, cultural centers etc.
Yet these same individuals are the ones for the most part are being priced out from visiting the islands.
Here’s another thought instead of just charging a $50.00 visitor fee maybe also offer a visitor an opportunity to attend a cultural lecture or voluntary activity, so that both resident & tourist benefit from their experience on the islands.
My wife and I visited Hawaii for the first time 10 years ago. I was skeptical of visiting. Why? Because I thought it was too commercialized. We’ve now been to the Islands 8 out of 10 years, all during the holiday season. We missed the last 2 years due to the pandemic, but are now back on track to visit again this holiday season. Obviously we’ve greatly enjoyed every trip. However, after reading this segment I’m a little concerned. Visitor fees, park fees, beach fees, residents not wanting tourists… sounds like that’s not very Aloha. It’s my understanding that tourism is the life blood of the Islands, and it’s unfortunate that too many visitors are not respectful of that. That fact throws shade on all people visiting Hawaii.
Another thought….
With tourist price-gouging increasing, it does seem only the very affluent will be traveling to Hawaii. Of course, that would successfully lower the number of visitors and have the least impact on proceeds from tourism.
However, I’ve often found that those in the middle-class are far more appreciative of beautiful places and kind people. Trying to lessen the number of visitors via price hikes may be counterproductive if respect for the people and culture is the desired result. Surely there’s a better way to address Hawaii’s concerns.
(I mean no disrespect to any of the millionaires reading this.)
The point the authors make is very valid. After 18 months or so without the usual overflow of tourists, Kauai residents now understand that it is important to protect our unique quality of life. And we have finally been able to successfully communicated to our government and local business community that it is not acceptable to encourage unlimited tourism. As the cost of a Hawaiian vacation increases (significantly) we understand that some families will choose other lower cost and attractive vacation destinations such as Florida and Mexico which are much better suited to handle large influx of visitors. Kauai’s economy will easily adjust to this new reality and it will be win/win for everyone.
Hawaii was always a lttle backward, not unlike petticoat junction.
I think a lot of tourists suffer
From self loathing. Check out this southpark episode
southpark.cc.com/episodes/hrno4n/south-park-going-native-season-16-ep-11
We have been to the islands more times than we can count (upward of 40), Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, including visits during COVID. We have always felt welcomed and treated with courtesy and kindness. We have even struck up conversations with locals who start out hesitant and end with some great connections. We have also seen much damage, trash and mistreatment of the islands from locals, more than we have experienced with visitors. Some visitors in our experience who do not following signs, directions, etc, are not American’s but international travelers. We feel if you treat the islands like your own home, all will be well. We hope to continue our travels to the Islands, but the costs, taxes, fees, may become too much! Aloha!
I would venture to say that the “visitors” who act entitled are most likely the more well-to-do people who act that way no matter where they are. The typical visitor who saves for a long time for a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii is probably less likely to act entitled. With the outrageous cost of lodging, rental cars, fees and taxes that are being imposed and proposed, Hawaii is likely to see more of those well-to-do visitors who act entitled because they are the only ones who can afford it. What normal visitor can afford $15,000 a week for a hut at the Kona Village? Making Hawaii a place only the elite can afford to visit will not do anything to help the growing rift between locals and tourists, but it could definitely make it worse.
Sometimes when one saves up for a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience the expectations can be incredibly, impossibly high.
Travel to anywhere is going to have its ups and downs. Nothing is going to be perfect, no matter how much you’ve busted your budget.
I think belligerent travelers come in all stripes.
I have been traveling to Maui for over 30 years. I feel that at is my home away from home I would never treat my home badly. I have never felt unwelcome. It seems since Covid there is a movement of entitlement that says I am entitled to do what I want screw everyone else. We see it at home also.be clear it’s not the majority of tourists it’s the minority and they are getting all the attention
I am a visitor for 3 months, as my wife is a traveling medical person, I feel for the local residents that have to put up with all the over populated tourism , although it helps alot financially. It is a tuff balancing act.
The thing about this is, I don’t understand why the discontent here on the Islands, and not so much in other tourist-dependent places.
My friends just got back from Puerto Vallarta, and spent time with me comparing their experience and the locals aloha to what visitors have been encountering here.
Puerto Vallarta is an upscale, tourist location, in a beautiful environment that deserves protection, just like here. And yet, there are no lectures on how to treat the beaches, coral, forests, etc., and the locals are absolutely overjoyed to see the visitors. My friends said you could see the joy on their faces. Not once did they encounter an unkind word, a scowl, an impatient gesture, a sharp tone. Why there, and not here? Is it cultural?
We have a timeshare on the Big Island & have visited Hawaii around 16+ times over the last 20 years. We respect the land, the people & try not to leave a footprint. We are not entitled. We’ve mostly had good experiences, save for the time we went horseback riding long before Covid & the guy there told me how much he really couldn’t stand tourists, although he was (professionally) nice to us. But this year, due to what I’ve been reading & car rental prices, etc., we used our points & went to Cabo. Like Patg said, everyone there seemed thrilled to see us & we had a wonderful experience. The hospitality was amazing.
It’s very sad, because I’ve always felt a pull towards Hawaii & it’s my happy place. I always wanted to retire here. But now?
Same in FL.. the upbeat vibe and appreciation that 118 million visitors brought kept smiles everyone’s face there.
I disagree that Civid affected every place negatively. FL set records. And was more than happy to do it just by all.the signs on businesses thanking the Governor.
Sad to hear this. My husband & I honeymooned in Maui last May. It was wonderful & we greatly appreciated the locals we met. We made sure to tip well, were polite & respectful, & abided by all rules & requests. We did meet some who clearly resented our presence. However, we also met several wonderful hospitality workers & locals who seemed happy to engage in conversation. In particular, we had an Uber driver who shared intriguing stories about his life & culture on our ride back from a Luau. We also experienced the Aloha spirit when my husband lost his wallet in a parking lot & later learned it was returned, intact, to the market. Some may say that honesty is the norm, but coming from CA, that was a true blessing! Much respect & thanks!
You make your bed with the devil, be prepared to suffer the consequences. Covid merely switched devils for Hawaii (tourism vs the US federal government).
Greed. The worst smelling cologne.
We elected not to come to Hawaii this year because of our respect for the local’s feelings. The best way we could show malama this year was by not visiting.
We miss the people, your land, and your culture horribly, but we don’t want to contribute to an already dreadful situation.
Aloha. Some day we hope to return.
Sometimes when one saves up for a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience the expectations can be incredibly, impossibly high.
Travel to anywhere is going to have its ups and downs. Nothing is going to be perfect, no matter how much you’ve busted your budget.
I think belligerent travelers come in all stripes.
We’ve owned a couple condos on the north shore of Kauai for five years, which we rent out when we aren’t using them. The feedback we get from our guests is consistent: they love Kauai, they have wonderful vacations, and we’ve never heard them complain about “the locals.” When we are in Kauai, we feel Aloha all the time – whether it is at the beach, hiking, working with locals to get work done on our properties, going to the Princeville Foodland for groceries or eating at restaurants.
We never experience these reported problems between tourists and locals. I’m not sure if we’ve been exceptionally lucky, or maybe the problems are a lot less common on Kauai’s north shore?
We have experienced Kauai on two separate vacations and out of all the islands Kauai is the only one that left us never wanting to return. Why? We visited the Menehune Ditch and my wife parked just off the edge of the narrow road and got out to take a quick photo. A local in a bright red truck came barreling at us from the opposite direction coming down the primitive road. Apparently, he felt we were cramping his style as he did not slow down. My wife jumped back in to move the car, but couldn’t as he angled right beside us blocking her in. He proceeded to roll down his window and curse my wife up one side and down the other. Once finished, he drove off, leaving her in tears. Kauai? No thank you.
I feel that this continuous vilifying of visitors to Hawaii will cause more visitors to not come back. I’d be interested if the writers of the article have any statistics, but of the 100+ weeks we’ve vacationed in Hawaii over 40 years it’s extremely rare that I’ve seen what you’re describing: “visitors stopping in inappropriate places, illegal turns, and u-turns, being overly demanding, and those who get disrespectfully close for photos, and do not respect boundaries that are there to protect wildlife, among other things.” We have a service business on the mainland & there is a small percentage of guests who treat staff poorly, maybe 1 to 2%. If I publicly dramatized the 1 to 2%, I’d likely lose my good guests over time. Not very effective.
I agree Aloha goes both ways. Local born live in CA and their attitude towards HI and Covid and sense of entitlement is unspeakable. I always bite my tongue and reply can my Covid infected cousin come to your grandma’s house and hang out? If tourist wants to visit check your attitude and sense of entitlement before disembarking.
Hawaii and it’s people are a true paradise. We appreciate that they want to protect and preserve their islands and way of life. We hope all these issues can be resolved for the good of Hawaii. Lack of respect and entitlement is a growing disease though out our world today. We Love our times in the Islands and will always treasure all it has to offer. Hope to see you soon.
I cannot say that the Aloha is gone per say. I visited Maui pre COVID. I would say that 95% of the locals were all very inviting and friendly (we drove all over the island and went to local beaches and parks). The beauty of the island leaves you speechless, it truly is magical…. All of that said I will probably never go back. The overall cost to stay there, rent a car, pay for daily food is unreasonably high in my opinion. The hospitality taxes are just too high. Having Hawaii be your yearly trip is just not realistic for the average household. Glad I was able to see it once. If I want to see amazing beaches and great weather, I will probably just stick with going to Mexico and getting a house on or near the beach…..