72 thoughts on “Aloha On The Endangered List: Hawaii Gone Wrong”
Linda K.
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.
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
🌺🌺
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.
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.