I’m of two minds here. One talks about the enduring beauty of all the islands, that I’ve never tired of over 40 years of trips. The other however, talks of the legislative kleptocracy that seems to see visitors as nothing more than horseshoe crabs to be bled out.
So far beauty has won out, but I think more and more about shifting away from what was once multiple trips a year (when I lived on the west coast). We’re already down to every other year to match my timeshares which thankfully limit exposure to rental cost increases.
The real state- and county-level tax and fee increases are what I really object to. Rats. Ran out of character room…
Interesting article. I find it curious that you took a major dump on Maui, essentially telling folks not to go there. Instead, steering folks to Oahu (Waikiki and Honolulu). The cynical part me thinks you’ve been bought off to steer folks away from the other islands to Oahu. When we go to Hawaii, we go for relaxation and avoid the crowds. Waikiki and Honolulu don’t meet that criteria for us. We enjoy the Big Island and have going there for years. Sadly, our up coming spring trip will probably be our last. We love the staff where we stay, but the actions of a few and the Government taxation and fees are too much to overcome.
We have visited Kauai at least once a year for over 30 years, other than the year after Iniki and during covid. We’ve visited all of the other islands many times as well, but we’re choosing other destinations even though we own weeks of timeshare in Kauai. The costs to go for a two week vacation are astronomical and keep getting higher. We love the islands but they obviously don’t love us.
Going soon. Taxes certainly played a part in our planning, opting for no “packaged” stays because of the extra taxes applied. Overall cost seems the same as in years past for Oahu — flights were same or lower, hotels same in general after some deal finding effort. Restaurants we shall see… but I am always happy eating out of a paper plate, so, I suspect it will be fine.
Thank you for the article. We are from Arizona, wife & I have been gong to Hawaii for the last few years, spending huge money, paying the taxes & fees, supporting small local businesses, growers farmers, the locals, all while making us small, discreet, respective, supporting & incorporating Hawaiian culture, not intrusive, trying not to act like tourists. In January, we were again in Kauai for 2 weeks, planning to buy a place of our own for retirement & enjoyment, considering hiring some locals to refurbish potential properties, buy from local vendors… and now from all the news & happenings, we are putting a hold on it, and for the first time in years, considering now other locations feeling targeted that we are not wanted nor welcomed.
The most “hated” thing you can do and visit and buy something. “Don’t forget to go home” is a popular bumper sticker, and not just in Hawaii.
Separately, the tradesman on Kauai are busy-expense. Not easy to find anyone good with availability. We are replacing all the corroded-rusted out joist hangers under our home with stainless steel (house is 13.5 feet off the ground). Was finally able to get it done by hiring a local carpenter we already knew from other activities and who had a break in a job (and is being nice), and he still is expensive.
We’ve been to Hawaii twice (Oahu both times), having found some reasonably priced package deals on a travel site. We knew Hawaii is an expensive destination, with the distance from the mainland driving the higher prices, & we budgeted accordingly. But we found the place quite charming, & the people we met there were very friendly & welcoming.
There are many other destinations on our wish list, but we relished the chance to punch this ticket & I hope we can take another trip in the indeterminate future.
After deciding not to visit Hawaii until 2026, a friend talked me into going on Feb 6th. We stayed 10 days (Hale Koa) and while I was looking for those “mean locals”, I couldn’t find any. Besides prices being higher, I found the locals to be as warm and friendly as ever. So much so, we are taking our adult kids & spouses back in Dec for Christmas. Still not happy with the cost of rental cars, but hopefully by the end of the year prices will come down.
Not sure how many more times we will come back with all the pending new fees and taxes, but until it gets too much, we’ll be there, just not as often.
Thanks for the article saying goodbye to Hawaii.
Sadly I know that the department of (anti) tourism is a big part of the problem. We have Ohana that we can’t afford to visit because Josh Green wants to limit families traveling. Josh Green labeled us as “low end visitors” because with children we can’t afford hotels and he wants to reduce the less expensive options for families and increase hotel prices. We have to ask our Ohana to fly to the mainland to visit us now. The government tax of 18% is just too much. The bad vibes from the government asking for high end tourists only was the icing on the cake.
We are saying goodbye to Hawaii. The grounded 737, which we had booked way back in August, was the final straw. I was shocked at how much it cost for a condo type room, and car rental for 2 weeks! But, we leave loved Hawaii for 50 years, so many memories, even had 3 trips with my folks, long ago. They are both gone, now.
I have had bad reports from friends that have ventured over from Washington State. They aren’t ever returning.
I’m not saying Never,but I am returning to the BVI, beautiful beaches and way friendly locals! And affordable! Stupid not to go there! We know the islands , can’t wait to be there in 3 weeks.
So, Dear Hawaii, get your *** together! Be nice! Perhaps one day, we shall say Aloha.
Great article Guys. I didn’t see any decrease in activity in Waikiki when I was there last month either.
Thanks!
Hi Jay.
Thanks. It sounds like you had a good time there as well.
Aloha.
I’m of two minds here. One talks about the enduring beauty of all the islands, that I’ve never tired of over 40 years of trips. The other however, talks of the legislative kleptocracy that seems to see visitors as nothing more than horseshoe crabs to be bled out.
So far beauty has won out, but I think more and more about shifting away from what was once multiple trips a year (when I lived on the west coast). We’re already down to every other year to match my timeshares which thankfully limit exposure to rental cost increases.
The real state- and county-level tax and fee increases are what I really object to. Rats. Ran out of character room…
Interesting article. I find it curious that you took a major dump on Maui, essentially telling folks not to go there. Instead, steering folks to Oahu (Waikiki and Honolulu). The cynical part me thinks you’ve been bought off to steer folks away from the other islands to Oahu. When we go to Hawaii, we go for relaxation and avoid the crowds. Waikiki and Honolulu don’t meet that criteria for us. We enjoy the Big Island and have going there for years. Sadly, our up coming spring trip will probably be our last. We love the staff where we stay, but the actions of a few and the Government taxation and fees are too much to overcome.
We have visited Kauai at least once a year for over 30 years, other than the year after Iniki and during covid. We’ve visited all of the other islands many times as well, but we’re choosing other destinations even though we own weeks of timeshare in Kauai. The costs to go for a two week vacation are astronomical and keep getting higher. We love the islands but they obviously don’t love us.
Going soon. Taxes certainly played a part in our planning, opting for no “packaged” stays because of the extra taxes applied. Overall cost seems the same as in years past for Oahu — flights were same or lower, hotels same in general after some deal finding effort. Restaurants we shall see… but I am always happy eating out of a paper plate, so, I suspect it will be fine.
Thank you for the article. We are from Arizona, wife & I have been gong to Hawaii for the last few years, spending huge money, paying the taxes & fees, supporting small local businesses, growers farmers, the locals, all while making us small, discreet, respective, supporting & incorporating Hawaiian culture, not intrusive, trying not to act like tourists. In January, we were again in Kauai for 2 weeks, planning to buy a place of our own for retirement & enjoyment, considering hiring some locals to refurbish potential properties, buy from local vendors… and now from all the news & happenings, we are putting a hold on it, and for the first time in years, considering now other locations feeling targeted that we are not wanted nor welcomed.
The most “hated” thing you can do and visit and buy something. “Don’t forget to go home” is a popular bumper sticker, and not just in Hawaii.
Separately, the tradesman on Kauai are busy-expense. Not easy to find anyone good with availability. We are replacing all the corroded-rusted out joist hangers under our home with stainless steel (house is 13.5 feet off the ground). Was finally able to get it done by hiring a local carpenter we already knew from other activities and who had a break in a job (and is being nice), and he still is expensive.
Those are some sad thoughts.
We’ve been to Hawaii twice (Oahu both times), having found some reasonably priced package deals on a travel site. We knew Hawaii is an expensive destination, with the distance from the mainland driving the higher prices, & we budgeted accordingly. But we found the place quite charming, & the people we met there were very friendly & welcoming.
There are many other destinations on our wish list, but we relished the chance to punch this ticket & I hope we can take another trip in the indeterminate future.
After deciding not to visit Hawaii until 2026, a friend talked me into going on Feb 6th. We stayed 10 days (Hale Koa) and while I was looking for those “mean locals”, I couldn’t find any. Besides prices being higher, I found the locals to be as warm and friendly as ever. So much so, we are taking our adult kids & spouses back in Dec for Christmas. Still not happy with the cost of rental cars, but hopefully by the end of the year prices will come down.
Not sure how many more times we will come back with all the pending new fees and taxes, but until it gets too much, we’ll be there, just not as often.
Thanks for the article saying goodbye to Hawaii.
Sadly I know that the department of (anti) tourism is a big part of the problem. We have Ohana that we can’t afford to visit because Josh Green wants to limit families traveling. Josh Green labeled us as “low end visitors” because with children we can’t afford hotels and he wants to reduce the less expensive options for families and increase hotel prices. We have to ask our Ohana to fly to the mainland to visit us now. The government tax of 18% is just too much. The bad vibes from the government asking for high end tourists only was the icing on the cake.
We are saying goodbye to Hawaii. The grounded 737, which we had booked way back in August, was the final straw. I was shocked at how much it cost for a condo type room, and car rental for 2 weeks! But, we leave loved Hawaii for 50 years, so many memories, even had 3 trips with my folks, long ago. They are both gone, now.
I have had bad reports from friends that have ventured over from Washington State. They aren’t ever returning.
I’m not saying Never,but I am returning to the BVI, beautiful beaches and way friendly locals! And affordable! Stupid not to go there! We know the islands , can’t wait to be there in 3 weeks.
So, Dear Hawaii, get your *** together! Be nice! Perhaps one day, we shall say Aloha.
Warm Regards,
Susan