State visitor data, the TSA, and airlines concur with what we see on the ground. Neighbor island tourism is booming again.
44 thoughts on “Big Shift As Hawaii Tourism Boom Crushes Neighbor Islands +21%”
Comments are closed.
State visitor data, the TSA, and airlines concur with what we see on the ground. Neighbor island tourism is booming again.
Comments are closed.
Overtourism is killing Maui. Just disgusting.
I only just read this article even though it was printed/posted almost a year ago and find that those problems listed (staff shortages, modified hours of operations, long wait times, etc.) are prevalent still today! I’ve pretty much accepted these changes as the “new norm” and have modified my expectations but what I cannot accept is the extremely bad customer service one can receive from some of these businesses; very disappointing! ☹️
We live half time in Hawaii Island. In addition to much greater traffic volume we are seeing crowded beaches in places with no administrative oversight, very high parking fees that discourage people from parking in Kailua town, erratic hours and No Bathrooms. Even places like McDonalds have simply said drive-through only so there is no bathroom access. This is an artifact of covid that needs to be rectified.
Hi Kim B, I do understand the facts surrounding this issue,it’s Not easily solved as you make it sound. Many Residents have been renting their homes for short term rentals illegally, no intentions of selling or renting at reasonable rates. A Family Member bought his house in Kahala 20 years ago as a part time vacation home up to 3 months and a rental the balance. It’s totally unaffordable as a monthly or for a normal purchase. Laws have developed to where Renting has become Unaffordable for the owners doing it legally yet some still try. Ask Your Elected Officials where the money is going that could have helped with this problem, why You’re All suffering! Get Them to Answer Your Questions, Don’t let Them get back to You as They Won’t!
I just returned from a week in Maui and a week on Kauai. I was pleased that it wasn’t nearly as congested as I was expecting. The roads to Hana and Ha’ena were pleasant with no gridlock or major slowdowns. As east coasters we prefer to travel south into Central and South America to stay within a time zone or two, but we’d be happy to return again based on our experiences. I’m already missing the shave ice.
After reading this article I began thinking about what it said, an increase in the “Service Industry” of over 20% in one year. That Number should be Embraced, Fostered and Encouraged. There will seemingly always be neighsayer’s intent on causing dissent but maybe there’s also some of what is said that can be addressed. I have seen negative feelings that remind me of people who post about bad conditions in hotels and resorts although they’re Never been there. Everything with a Grain of Salt. I Enjoy Vacations on Oahu and hopefully will be back, time will tell if it’s possible or not.
We visited the big island in November 2021 and again in May 2022. There was a drastic deterioration in customer service noted in the airline, restaurants, hotel & car rental agency. It was so disappointing. We used the same airline, hotel & restaurants on both trips. The airplane had no WiFi or food for purchase. The restaurants (especially at the hotel) had limited hours i.e. less hours open in May than previous Nov. & less staff; which led to worse customer service. We were there 8 days & our linen was only changed once in May, whereas in Nov. we had a choice.
Interesting that Oahu is experiencing flat growth, currently, compared with other Island/Counties. It’s some consolation that the numbers haven’t dropped and the money is helping to stimulate the economy. Could this shift in Tourism be motivated by simple choice of discovery or the politics of Oahu? With November fastly approaching and probable confusion, and court proceedings looming, are people seeking refuge on other Islands? Will this become more of a fad or trend as time progresses? See it as a Good Thing at least for now!
Being in the hospitality business this is good news. With this uptick in mind let’s all try to be more thoughtful as everyone is in this together and a helping hand is always welcome!
We spent two weeks in Maui, just north of Lahaina, in February of this year. Beautiful weather, and lots and lots of whales and turtles made for a very pleasant vacation. But we won’t be going back anytime soon just because of the enormous increase in traffic and tourists. The north shore of Ohau, Kaui, and a return to the big island are on our radar to visit, but we are done with Maui. As respectful eco-tourists, we just don’t want to be lumped in with the increasing number disrespectful, loud, and careless folks who have spent zero amount of time understanding the history and culture of Hawaii and its indigenous people.
Just spent 4 days on Oahu and 7 on Maui. Yes, things are more expensive now, but what isn’t? Every worker we encountered was delightful. Our inter island flight was cancelled but that was our mistake for booking thru a third party. Book those directly with Hawaiian airlines. Pearl Harbor is having some issues with getting passengers over to the Arizona Memorial. We were told that it was issues with the dock so they are limiting tickets over. They will fix it and we will try again. Our rental car was old but hey, it’s vacation. The rental car companies are doing the best they can with the inventory they have. We’re having new car supply issues on the mainland too. Be patient, be kind and live aloha. That’s why you go there. Mahalo
And your covid rates are high. No surprise there no masks and lots of tourists guess money is more important than infections.
Hotels suck. Way Over priced & lousy service. Makes no sence for our large extended family vacations. If the State cant increase the short term vacation supply we will stop visiting Hawaii.
You hit a nerve.Ouch.! Truth is that it realy is far too Over-tourismed.But so is Disneyland. We who’ve lived generations, or at least a few years ahead of the loomarketing of Hawaii’s Aloha Friday song & AlohaRealty stampede can’t easily find a tiny 7’x 20′ “studio” rental stateside on a golf course, ski lodge,or fishing trip w/o feeling offended at uber-priced rentals stateside. Yikes.! Who could leave all of this.? Move here before the “dreamers” show up with multi-level condo’s..flushing 1000’s more toilets into Sea.
If we are have more tourists then we know what to do with why are we funding the Hawaii tourism authority to do marketing at a cost of $60 Million???
Also if a large part of that is to operate the convention center it better pay for itself not cost additional tax dollars to operate it. We already have enough things losing money in Hawaii.
Hi Steven H, I believe that you’re on point with Funding for the Convention Center, they “should be” self-sustainable short of the initial start-up costs. With Covid stopping so much restarting the Center may take some initial funding again and then be self reliant. The Tourism Bureaus $60 MM per year is well spent attempting to draw Tourists from around the world, for every dollar spent the return is unbelievably high. Print and Internet Advertising isn’t cheap, let’s not forget the translation into other languages properly. Without those dollar’s you would still see Tourists but potentially declining numbers and revenue, businesses closing forever. A chain reaction. Take care.
i’ve been to Big Island many times. Always been my favorite. As a tourist, be cool, don’t be loud or show up with mainland expectations. Having said that, I have noticed that the worst offenders of this are new transplants. They display the worst form if entitlement: get off my beach.
I’ve never once had a problem with an ethnic Hawaiian.
Aloha, thanks you for the interesting article. Maybe this is obvious or wrong, but rents have gone up so much, I don’t think young people from the mainland can work in Hawaii and make ends meet. I believe a lot of twenty-somethings would come over, get a restaurant job, get a cheap place to live and go back home when they were ready to move on. It just doesn’t seem to me that it’s happening anymore. MAybe that’s part of the shortage.
Mahalo
Lanell
Hi Lanell.
Thanks for your input on that. Yes, rents are stratospheric.
Aloha.
Always a wonderful visit, even with the crowds! Be patient and enjoy the lovely surroundings and natural beauty.
Hawaii is overtouristed at the expense of locals. We spend millions on bringing more tourists we don’t need. Hawaii and especially Maui need infrastructure for locals. There’s a severe housing shortage, food and gas are expensive, we have limited facilities. We’re fed up.
Be aware that aloha is not going to be here for you if you bring an attitude of self entitlement. Don’t trespass, don’t block the Hana Highway, tip the people serving you, don’t expect things to be quick like on the mainland.
Mahalo
Well said Kimo H.To sum it up Respect!!I look forward to returning and experience the Aloha not found on the mainland very much anymore.
Happens to every place nice and there doesn’t seem any way to limit access other than to have enough people have such an unpleasant experience that they swear never to return
We have been coming to Maui for the past twenty years. Had a reservation for December but we cancelled it. We came during the pandemic and supported the businesses on Maui. But we have been priced out. Hopefully one day we can come back.
We always Love our Hawaiian experience, no matter the circumstances. Always treat the place and people you are visiting as you would want to be treated in your own home or at your job.
Things aren’t that great on the Mainland either! Shortage of workers are in all states small and large towns. Don’t assume that you are the only tourists location and that only Hawaii likes good manners from tourists. I see rude people everywhere … even where they live! Please remember that we are all first Americans when we come as tourists to any place and behave appropriately. I am embarrassed by anyone who cannot be polite when in a public place and see it where ever we vacation/visit. We all want to enjoy this beautiful land we are allowed to live on.
Hi Kimo, hopefully you’re doing well. The Needed Infrastructure is something that should be addressed to Your Politicians, they do like being re-elected. That’s why you should pressure them, they supposedly work for us. Too many problems exist due to politics, no one wants to do what they should. Look at the Homeless! As for the Tourism, without Robust Tourism Businesses Will Fail putting countless people out of jobs. It’s a Domino Effect that will Effect many more than you realize. Your concerns are entirely valid and addressing them at the Fedreal/State/City Levels is Needed. Good Luck moving forward.
Hi Kimo H, no matter where the Vacation Tourists go at least some of the locals feel the same as what people are posting. The Balance typically have found a business opportunity that takes advantage of the Tourism Dollars and hope to make money. This is the time that smaller family businesses can survive. The lack of everything is driving inflation, prices and Without workers it will continue to worsen. All of this can be traced back to a Lack of Leadership in our States and Country. Plenty of Blame to go around but Most of it rests at the Top. We Need to do Better.
As a lifetime resident and service worker on the big island here’s my perspective.
We need to limit the amount of visitors to all islands.This would lesson the negative environmental impacts and help to facilitate a more quality experience for visitors and we who call this home.
Hi Tracey G, you’ve painted an interesting picture with very broad strokes. Do You have a plan to Limit and Reduce Tourism that would include no economic harm, closures and layoffs, to businesses and would effectively maintain funding for the Counties? Are you possibly suggesting that only the Wealthy should be allowed or possibly a Lottery System, maybe a counter for each Island! Not causing trouble, just trying to understand the “How” of the situation. Raising Prices, People Will Save More to Cover It! Viability and Sustainability Is a Must.
What about those of us outside the tourism industry who have to put up with the attitude of the tourists? Hopefully the native Hawaiian award will help educate them
Hi Erika. Every person who lives near a Tourism Destination can relate to what you have described. The real problem is that when some purposely exaggerate their interactions. Undoubtedly there are a few tourists that are rude, feel privileged, etc. but Most are Not! Regardless of their “Status” at home if they can’t be nice on Vacation then they should have stayed at home. That applies to Every Agitator whether Homegrown or Tourist. I too get Agitated by the very few that I have encountered while vacationing on Oahu 8 times. No Reason for It!
Thanks for keeping us up to date on changes and good information. I think the biggest change for us on our April visit was the continuing need for getting reservations for restaurants weeks ahead of arrival. In the past-pre COVID- we could show up and be seated in a reasonable amount of time, but not now. Another thing we’ve noted on recent trips is that staffing levels are still pretty low, and as a result, a resort that used to have manicured grounds now looks in need of care. That’s something we’ve never seen before on our numerous trips to HI. When I talked to management they all stressed problems in hiring sufficient staff to do the job.
Hi Lee.
Thanks for that feedback, and over 100 comments! That sounds about right, and is as we see, and others report.
Aloha.
We love Hawaii. My husband was stationed there at Hickam about 20 years ago. We spent Christmas there last year and plan to be back this year for the holidays. Glad to see the economy picking back up. Until December, aloha
You definitely read the article through rose colored glasses 😂.
The economy has not “picked up”…it’s burst!!
None of the neighboring islands are able to fill the needs of the ridiculous amount of tourism they are now faced with.
If people read all the comments posted by those that live here you will see WD are not grateful for all of your presence. We don’t need nor want bigger numbers we have all we can handle.
If this keeps up I see the only solution bring continue to raise prices once people get here on rental cars and accommodation so we can have sustainable numbers.
Yes I’m ready for the negative comments, but these numbers are out of hand. Any other solutions besides destroying more of the islands with more buildings/cars?
Hi Chris S, assuredly there are “some people” that feel like you about Tourists and then the Majority that accept the Economics of the Situation. The money generated by Tourists is what Fuels your Economy and more Tourists means more money to be spent. Unfortunately Hawaii as a whole doesn’t have another Industry that can replace or supplement your Economy when Tourism is Reduced, until it exists Treating Tourists Well and accepting their numbers is paramount to Everything. Have a wonderful day.
Increased tourism on other islands likely related to restrictive rules for AirBnB, Vrbo, etc. rentals. 37 days before arrival our house rental was cancelled as owner decided to sell the home. The other islands currently have much less restrictive rules.
Hi Glenda, understanding that the Increases in already astronomical rents and real estate, not to forget hotels, it’s a shame that people are Forced to spend so much of their pay for a roof over their head. What will make things worse in November, if allowed to proceed, is the ludicrous and penal 90 day rental property rule. Realistically those in charge shouldn’t restrict, rather encourage, the Private Rental Industry. The Fee garnered could benefit the County/City in many ways. If there is a “Problem” property a 3 Strike Law could shut it down! Many places are suffering because of the Hotel/Resort pressure tactics, why else would these laws exist? Oahu is an ideal destination with wonderful people, why punish an industry that’s beneficial
It’s not beneficial when there are no affordable homes for residents to buy. Maui’s prices are astronomical, and housing inventory is unbelievably low. Until houses are taken out of the short term rental business so people who are Hawaii residents can buy them, or at minimum rent them, there is a real problem.
Two observations. First we were on Kauai May 1-15. You didn’t mention that restaurants, bars & hotels are still suffering from COVID staff shortages. Staff get sick, test positive, then other staff associated with them also test positive and BAM! The facility has to close. A couple told us they had 6pm dinner reservations at Merrimen’s & got a call saying the restaurant closed due to staff shortage because of COVID. Next “crowded beaches” depends on perspective. You have to experience literally every inch of an East Coast beach covered “towel touching towel” to say “crowded beach”. We always laugh at so-called crowded beaches in Hawaii. Your beaches are awesome
We have been coming to Maui for 30 years . Yes, tourists provide good and bad. Where would there be jobs without tourist?
There are no more sugar jobs, no more jobs at port exporting sugar products. There are no more pineapple fields!
Yes there are coffee farms, how many people work there.
Tell me how the economy would function without tourists.they pay airport taxes, hotel taxes, eat in restaurants, buy trinkets and t shirts! They rent the cars, rent the surfboard,snorkels,boat trips! Well you get the picture.
Next time you are complaining, take a look at your paycheck and consider how much is directly or indirectly tied to tourists, and then try to find a job in Hawaii that has no input from tourism!
Our family of 4 visited the Big Island for the first time last week and it was truly amazing! We spent equal amounts of time just relaxing, taking walks, at the beach and doing pre-arranged excursions with virtually zero problems. The people were wonderful, we enjoyed the slowerpace of island life and we didn’t want to leave. The aloha was beautiful. We will be back! Was it expensive? Yes but we planned ahead and did some things to defray costs like eating out a little less and cooking some meals. Our one complaint was that two days in we discovered that our rental car was overridden with bugs crawling everywhere which was definitely disturbing. Otherwise it was a great trip.
Tom K, my wife and I for the First time out of 8 vacations on Oahu didn’t use the beaches. While driving around the Island we passed many beaches and not one had more than 20 people. If this is Overcrowding I shall reserve my comments. There were close to 85 people at the Food Trucks where we stopped to eat, those times were where we experienced the Largest Crowds except for Walmart. We did stay away from Waikiki and Honolulu for the most part. Had an Amazing time as Always and No Problems, Kindness and Respect are typically rewarded with the same!