Are “Kamaaina” Discounts Discriminatory Towards Hawaii Visitors?

What goes through your mind when you see Kamaʻāina savings? A sudden glee or a punch in the gut because of how much your trip cost.

Continue reading

Leave a Comment

Comment policy:
* No profanity, rudeness, personal attacks, or bullying.
* Hawaii focused only. General comments won't be published.
* No links or UPPER CASE text. English please.
* No duplicate posts or using multiple names.
* Use a real first name, last initial.
* Comments edited/published/responded to at our discretion.
* Beat of Hawaii has no relationship with our commentors.
* 750 character limit.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

102 thoughts on “Are “Kamaaina” Discounts Discriminatory Towards Hawaii Visitors?”

  1. Kama’aina discounts are a common practice in Hawaii and are not discriminatory towards visitors. These discounts are a way for businesses to show appreciation for the local community and to encourage residents to support them. Visitors to Hawaii still have access to a wide range of discounts and deals through various tourism programs and promotional offers. It’s important to remember that these discounts are voluntary and not mandatory for businesses, and ultimately it’s up to each individual business to decide whether or not to offer them.

    1
  2. Thank you for raising the question of whether kama’aina discounts in Hawaii are discriminatory towards visitors. It’s an interesting and nuanced topic that warrants thoughtful consideration.

    Kama’aina discounts, which offer reduced rates or special benefits to Hawaii residents, are deeply rooted in the culture and history of the islands. They aim to acknowledge and honor the local community that has a distinct connection to the land and its traditions. These discounts are often seen as a way to support local businesses and foster a sense of solidarity among residents.

    While it’s understandable that visitors may feel excluded from such discounts, it’s essential to recognize that they are intended to address the unique circumstances and cha

  3. Kama’aina discounts are often offered to residents of Hawaii as a way to show appreciation for their support and patronage of local businesses. However, there has been some debate about whether these discounts are discriminatory towards visitors to the state.

    It is important to note that kama’aina discounts are entirely voluntary on the part of businesses, and visitors to Hawaii are not entitled to receive them. The decision to offer these discounts is typically based on a desire to build goodwill and loyalty among the local community, rather than a desire to exclude visitors.

    Furthermore, visitors to Hawaii are still able to take advantage of other discounts and promotions that may be offered by businesses, such as those for seniors, mil

    2
  4. Come on people! Why do visitors think they have the right or are “owed” the right to visit Hawaii. I am not rich. I have saved years for my wife and I to go to Maui for our 50th anniversary, which is coming up soon, and I have no problem with the discounts and preferential treatment for those who live there. If anyone visiting Hawaii lived in a place back home where it was difficult to park or even have access to their own parks and beaches, I would think they would have a major fit. Imagine wanting to go to a local beach, local park or restaurant and not being able to get in because of the mass of tourists. Imagine the driving nightmare when trying to go to work or really anywhere because of those same tourists. Have some respect!!

    8
  5. What mainlanders do not think about: I live on the Big Island. If I need an appointment with a specialist, I have to fly to Oahu, rent a car and sometimes even stay in a hotel just to see a doctor. Why should I have to pay $700-$1000 for a night in a hotel to see a doctor. I already have to pay around $120RT Airfare and then maybe $60 for a rental car. It is a beautiful place to live but much harder to live here logistically and financially and it is not just the inflated prices but the cost of doing things people on the mainland take for granted.

    5
  6. I work in healthcare and have lived here for the past 3 years, first on Big Island and now on Oahu. There are many tourists that strain the healthcare system here and resources are extremely limited. It is difficult to recruit and retain healthcare workers here because of the high cost of living. There are negative effects from tourism on the environment, and overcrowding at places that locals love too. There are many things I would not have the resources to enjoy if there weren’t kamaaina rates, and when I would visit before I moved here, I thought kamaaina rates were a lovely thing for locals! I think visitors complaining about this sound terribly selfish, find some aloha.

    7
  7. Kama’aina discriminates residents from tourists which is a good thing. Tourists, proportionately cause far more negative impacts to the vulnerable aina than residents. Hawaii is not disneyland. real people live here in an economically challenging environment for most, unless you’re a rich person who comes here, buys property and inflates the price of everything for everyone. in the best of worlds, there’d be a sliding scale where each pays according to her ability. no one gets left out,no one goes without.

    3
  8. I have no problem leaving the Kamaʻāina discounts just as they are. My only issue is that we live on Oahu 5-6 months a year and pay taxes but since we are not able to change our Driver’s License from Florida to Hawaii due to our Florida Homested Exemption….we are unable to take advantage of these discounts because we do not have a state license. Hubby was born here and is a UH Grad, ex HPD…so it’s not we are investors.

    3
  9. I don’t understand why Kamaʻāina discounts are even an issue. I live in Venice Beach, CA. Restaurants will offer a 10% discount with DL proof. Disneyland will run a seasonal, local discount as well for anyone born in CA. If I’m visiting somewhere that offers locals a deal, I don’t think anything of it. Good for them!

    12
  10. The discounts wont counteract the $2,000 a year the union backed Jones act cost the average Hawaiian resident, but every little bit helps! Oh and then there are the sky high taxes (which every one pays), but i digress!

    5

Scroll to Top