Alternatives To Saying “Goodbye Hawaii.” Can You Hold On?

When we wrote about the exodus of longtime Hawaii visitors recently, it sparked much introspection, concern, and comments for those of us in the Hawaii travel community. And one thing that showed us is that you care about Hawaii even if you contemplate taking a pause.

When we use Google data to evaluate traffic on Hawaii keywords around hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, we note that not as many people are searching for those as was once true. Our takeaway from that is that 1) returning visitors are probably less likely to be in those numbers because they already have favorite places in mind. But 2) if search numbers are down, it likely signifies that new or prospective visitors are not thinking about Hawaii vacations as much as before.

When long-time visitors and BOH community participants, say goodbye to Hawaii, it sheds important light on the evolving landscape of Hawaiian tourism. In spite of obstacles, we’re finding new and enjoyable ways to be in Hawaii tourism, and you may find them too.

Accommodation cost is Hawaii’s #1 visitor problem.

Even for us planning a trip from Kauai to Maui, we are still taken aback by ridiculous hotel and vacation rental rates. Those caused us to at least temporarily make an abrupt change in plans. Instead opting for Honolulu, as many others have, we found accommodation costs, for one, are far more reasonable.

Following hotel and vacation rental prices themselves, our 18% Hawaii hotel/vacation rental taxes are mentioned more than other expenses. Those are followed by food, the proposed visitor tax on arrival, and other trip costs, including Hawaii car rentals.

The #2 is concern about local sentiment towards tourists.

Some have already been disheartened by what they perceive are negative feelings towards visitors and have redirected travel plans to the continental US, Europe, Mexico, and other beautiful destinations. Among some, there is even the belief that there is hostility in Hawaii, which is driving them to destinations offering perhaps a warmer reception.

BOH editors spent last week in Waikiki and found that everything is much the same as before. Visitors are clearly welcome. The only difference we noted was that after 10 pm, Kalakaua Avenue did not seem as busy as years gone by. But people were obviously having a great time. Restaurants and shops were busy, and a cultural event from long ago, the Kodak Hula Show, returned perhaps stronger than ever, at the Waikiki Shell Auditorium. It is now the Kilohana Hula Show and it is still free of all cost. There was a definite feeling of welcome and aloha for all there too.

Real and imagined decline in aloha, plus high costs, send visitors to seek refuge in alternatives.

For some, including Japanese and Canadian visitors, there are other issues at play beyond what is in the front of mainland residents’ minds. That may cause them to pause, and many are taking their own domestic vacations rather than venturing trans-Pacific to Hawaii.

Regular commenter Sandi echoes concerns about everything. She called out inflated rates, dwindling hospitality, and governmental uncertainty, eroding her once-strong, multi-decade affinity for Hawaii. Many others shared similar sentiments, opting for alternative locales after feeling unwelcome.

Jay and Clint emphasize Hawaii’s affordability challenges, with escalating expenses deterring their normal return visits. John and others balk at exorbitant hotel rates, questioning the value proposition of Hawaiian vacations.

The declining trend in Maui search interest is tell-tale.

In looking to Google to see what visitors are looking for, we found that searches for Maui resorts (a key search term), for example, have long been in decline. That, while interest in Oahu resorts shows a much more engaged potential.

Add to that inconsistent messaging from Hawaii and its marketing partners.

As these departures signal a shift in tourist preferences, readers reflect on Hawaii’s inconsistent messaging and fluctuating appeal. That includes Hawaii’s preference for European and Japanese visitors compared with those from the US, and the use of odd marketing terms like wanting “mindful visitors.”

Despite the turmoil, some readers, like Johannes, remain steadfast in their commitment to Hawaii, nonetheless highlighting the need for cohesive communication and strategic tourism initiatives.

Here’s what you said that resonated with others

Debbie: We have been going to Hawaii… for the last 18 years. It was the first time we weren’t already planning our trip to come back. Some of the restaurants were three times the cost as they were before the pandemic. I love Hawaii but the Caribbean is a lot closer… and cheaper. It makes me sad.

Gary: We’ve been to Hawaii 37 times… We’ve watched as prices have crept up and up. Our last trip in December was perhaps our last trip over there. Prices… jumped up to a ridiculous level (with) high prices for a condo, rental car & $20/hr parking. Upscale prices for very average restaurants. There are other nice places to vacation, like Cook Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia etc. where prices are still reasonable. Sorry Hawaii.

Alexander: Hawaii was always our go to vacation destination for the past 25 years. We averaged 2-3 times a year with our kids, family members, friends, and now our grandkids. Unfortunately, (2023) was our Last visit. We recently fell in love with Costa Rica, beautiful beaches, reasonable priced hotels (even the 4 and 5 star resorts) warm water, and most of all…….very welcoming people. Since we are beach people, we are going to explore some of the less crowded Caribbean islands sad.

Dee: Future trips we will go to the French Polynesians, New Zealand instead where the beaches are more beautiful and people are friendly. With the same cost of Hawaii we could visit Italy, Greece and Austria in the same vacation.

Mike: We’ve been going to Hawaii for years. Have no intention of returning. The voices heard from Hawaii residents have been heard loud and clear and they’re saying “stay away.”

You can read 350 more comments in the recent article, Longtime Hawaii Visitors Bid Farewell.

Here’s what we’re doing differently.

We are opting out of Maui for now. Sad but true. We keep wanting to return there again to report on the ground about changes there. But the cost of accommodations is through the roof. $400+ for places that we know, dislike and wouldn’t want to stay at, period. $700+ for reasonable (not luxury) accommodations. And well north of $1,000 night for anything really nice.

We’re choosing far more reasonably priced Oahu instead. In addition to room rates that, in our own experiences are 1/3 to 1/2 of what we would need to spend on Maui, other expenses are lower across the board. Those include restaurants, of which you’ll find the best quality and greatest variety in Honolulu.

Now it’s up to you. Will you find ways to return to Hawaii, or are you moving on for now?

BOH photo at Waikiki Beach, February 2024.