Even as Hawaii visitor satisfaction remains near 90%, concerns are rapidly escalating. What does that mean to your Hawaii travel plans?
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200 thoughts on “Changed Visitor Habits Crush Hawaii Travel Outlook”
The lack of short-term rentals makes it difficult for families to afford to come to Hawaii. Being able to cook some of their meals is the difference between a staycation at home or a week in the Hawaiian islands. Hotels offer rooms only and I have read articles that say the hotels and resorts are not paying their fair share of taxes which would benefit the native population. Short-term rentals add tax money and encourage more money to be spent on the islands for food and essentials, as well as souvenirs and entertainment.
Come to Maui – plenty of short-term rentals here.
We’ve taken many vacations to the islands in the past and have always loved Hawaii. Unfortunately, we no longer plan to return due to the outrageous costs to travel there. We now look east and southeast of the US for travel. There are many destinations we’ve never explored and we find cost to travel there are by far, less than to Hawaii.
We used to go every year, family of 6. Prices have gone up so much we can’t afford to go anymore. We spend a fraction of the cost and can spend up to 10 days in other tropical locations. Restaurants, car rentals, hotels, airfare. My heart misses this magical place at times but I do not foresee another family vacation there for quite awhile.
It’s always interesting when people actually get what they ask for… and then act surprised! It’s painfully obvious to those of us who are frequent visitors that the inept leaders of Hawaii, plus a very small but vocal group of ‘locals’, have drawn a line in the sand which sends a clear message of “you are not wanted nor welcome here but if you do chose to ‘disobey’ our wishes, you will be overcharged and taxed to the max”. Maybe if the golden goose were smart enough to understand that while many people really care about and truly value the ‘spirit of aloha’, they are simply done with the blind arrogance, inept leadership and self serving vocal minority who wants to have its cake and eat it too – you got what you asked for… enjoy!
Not how I see it, my timeshare in Kauai is booked til winter, flights are nearly full, looks pretty busy to me
We’re looking forward to our annual trip, it will be in September. We really missed our visits during the pandemic and had a wonderful time upon our return last year. Apparently, others on this site have not enjoyed their time in Hawaii, that’s too bad because we’ve always found it a very easy place to vacation. It is not inexpensive but we always feel we get great quality for what we invest.
One trip per year is probably our limit as there are so many interesting places to travel worldwide that we are limited by time.
As a former Hawaii resident and a frequent visitor I can tell you that on my last visit in 2022 there was a noticeable shift in attitude towards tourists. Much less aloha and a lot more price gouging. Maybe that is why people are looking elsewhere for places to spends their vacation dollars. The people of Hawaii said we don’t want tourists well youresp what you sow…
No one factor is the cause imo, but Hawaii is getting what they sow. The elected officials have been admitting tourist and restricting access or making it more difficult. Hotels have increased to almost a 1000 a night in Kaanapali. Car rentals are crazy and flights are significantly higher. The govt has gotten what they wanted, and locals will suffer when layoffs occur. For those speaking of crime, with comments seeming to be Honolulu- you do know there are other areas and islands to visit, right??
Just had a friend visiting Maui and she paid $1500 for a week at the Westin because they want to sell timeshares …so she sat for a 3 hour presentation even though she lost her job and can obviously not buy!
I am surprised that the Westin didn’t Increase the cost of their stay, the Language and Terms and Conditions Section stipulate that there’s an Income Qualifier as well as Currently Being Employed to take advantage of the offer. The Penalties Include Increasing the Cost of the Stay to the Top Rate. Interesting that didn’t occur, however, Westin has been known to Send the Bill After returning home to Avoid Confrontations, I know of people that has happened to. Cheat the System and get “Rear Ended” Later!
the suckers that fall for that time share, You can go in town and by some ones at 80% less then what they paid.
They used to only offer the time shares sales pitch “deals” to single women or married couples with the wife present. They sell based on emotion, not on logic (obviously). My wife and I did score some great deals back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Grand Wailea was for $600 for a week (room big enough for family of 4) plus some resort $$, just for attending the time share pitch and leaving. I remember one at Ko Olina on Oahu in early 2000s. The sales guys acted like used car salesmen in aloha shirts. When we insisted “no think you” one of them told us he was retired police officer who had been shot three times in the back, and that “he did not take three bullets” for that. Sad.
I couldn’t agree more, David. I went to a couple of timeshare presentations in he past and they definitely reminded me of car sales people. They tell you they can’t go any lower, but then the Manager is called in …I must admit that they went to low at some point that I looked at my husband and wondered if we should consider it (as you said, ones you do your calculation, it makes no sense). Very happy I bought a fee simple condo in Maui instead which I now use full time.
Ernie, my friend had a job when she got the package at the Westin. Since you have to make reservations several months in advance, she didn’t lie when she reserved. In fact, even though she told them that she didn’t have a job right now, they offered her the same package again (I assume that would only apply if she had a job again). Either way, she didn’t accept their offer because there were many issues during her stay, the worst being roaches in her room (the day she arrived until she left!).
I think a lot of the problem is the lack of short-term rental properties that used to be available at reasonable prices which were much better than the hotels. A family of four could have a reasonably priced vacation being able to prepare meals in a kitchen
that’s because the resorts are selling people their timeshares
Many of the privately owned condos were gobbled up by corporate dollars when the HOA dues skyrocketed ($1000+) and they were told they couldn’t rent short term during covid shutdown. A friend almost lost his to HOA foreclosure but refinancing saved him. Sad that 80 year old almost lost his paradise
Fewer short term rentals isn’t affecting hotel occupancy, other than potentially increasing it. Hotel occupancy is decreasing, so that’s not it.
I would love to return to Hawaii but the answer right now is a hard No! There are many factors. First Hawaii has put a target on tourists with talk of visitors fees and such. It’s not welcoming. Who wants to go where their not wanted. Or get charged extra for this and that. All these fees are out of Control. I can go most other destinations without being pick pocketed by businesses or the state. Then the cost of hotels and rental cars is a secondary factor and finally the airline mess with delays. flights being diverted and such. Too many factors are definitely keeping me from returning. Until they get their crap together, this girl is just going to stay on the mainland. I work too hard to chance a vacation nightmare with my hard earned $
I have a question about the tourist and hotel industry. Why does the Japanese tourist leave just 2 dollars tip in the room for house maids. Don’t they know that the house maids have the hardest jobs in the hotel business.
When you go to Japan the tip is already included with your bill. Some should let the Japan tour industry that you tip on the service that you receive.
Crime and homelessness. That’s why I don’t go anymore.
Why is it a surprise that tourism is down when the locals and agencies are so negative toward visitors?
Well, Cancun was developed as a resort area that would attract a massive flow of tourists from the United States. For me personally, one of the worst places I have ever been to. Drunk people everywhere and you can count the locals on one hand …you might as well stay in Florida.
I go to Cancun 2 or 3 times a year and never see “drunk people”, but I don’t go to night clubs, and for sure don’t go during spring break. In my opinion, the service I get there is the best in the world, they appreciate the tourists.
Reading this makes rethink my Hawaii travel plans.Cant stand the elitism and arrogance of their tourism industry. Will make plans for somewhereelse this summer and beyond. Bye Hawaii, I hope others who read this will stop traviling to Hawaii so you now feel the sting that your greediness has caused others.
Actually, I have yet to meet a native Hawaiian that is “greedy”. The greediness comes from Resorts that established themselves here from the mainland (most having employees from the mainland!).
Everyday locals trying to make ends meet do not set prices. Corporate greed, politicians are to blame for the rape of Hawaii. I am from Hawaii, born and raised, local girl. Read the books “Land and Power in Hawaii” and “Taking Hawaii”, nothing has changed.
Remember Airbnb’s hosted by locals? Priced affordable for normal families and locals coming home to visit. The hotel industry and Hawaii government has reaped what it has sowed.
There was was a reasonable solution that was thwarted and I am crying no tears for the greedy hotels. Rooms or onsite hosts have been regulated out of the market, oh and the homeless problem and affordable rentals still not solved.
Wow! What city do you live in? Please tell me a city in the US that has less crime than Honolulu! One of the reasons I live in Hawaii is low crime. I lived in Washington, DC (the Nations Capital!) for 35 years and after spending most of my winters in Maui, I moved here permanently. We used to make a stop in San Francisco, but it’s too depressing now with all the drug addicts and homeless people. Always wanted to visit Portland, Oregon and Seattle but hear that those cities have high crime now …and don’t tell me you now go to Mexico instead of Hawaii (ha, ha!)
I have traveled the world, and the only place I ever had anything stolen from me was on the beach in Honolulu in the late 1990s. I am also certain that there are many cities in the USA with a crime rate less than Honolulu.
Certainly Do and have yet to feel unsafe, your perception is tainted by the choices that you have made. Honolulu is Attempting to finally deal with the Crime that is eroding the area and confidence of people. It’s not going too well.
I was in Waikiki with my boy-friend in February and felt totally safe. We try to go for a few days almost every year (from Maui) and enjoyed being tourists at the Outrigger on the beach!
Just my opinion. Just judging from watching visitors from last year to present, most US visitors are generally of the middle class and tend not to spend extravagantly. Watch McDonalds long long lines. Friends who have small shops in Waikiki have noted the tourists only spend small amounts. International tourists minus the Chinese are not the big spenders. Chinese who love to spend big money have felt not welcome to Hawaii in past years. So they are traveling elsewhere.
Hawaii has Managed to Repulse Many!
Hawaii is becoming a casualty of its own propaganda. The cost to benefit ratio for a vacation here is not worth it. Better value at many other island destinations. Instead of taking steps to draw tourists the collective arrogance to bleed them dry is what is sending them elsewhere. I live here and see it everyday. Hard times ahead.
So you live here, but don’t see the “value” for others to come here? Have you been to some or the other islands (I have, since my ex tried to convince me there are other places like Hawaii)
Appears that he didn’t do that well of a job or you’re too jaded to admit defeat. 🤔 Either way he is, was, and always will be correct with what he said.
For my wife and me the issue isn’t the cost but rather the very high crime level in Hawaiʻi these days. We lived in Honolulu during the 1990s, and the situation was significantly better then (though, still a problem). Hawaiʻi is now definitely on our “don’t go” list.
2020 and 2021 I went the Kauai over 20 times. Before that I would go 4 to 6 times a year. Went there in my honeymoon. Went last month. Over Covad, rates from west coat were less than $200 each way. Now they are rarely $229 each way but up to $500 each way. Southwest has deals tho. My hotel standard, the Hilton would be $259 up to $450. Now $450 up to $700. The condo complex i am in went from $300 to $650. Hamburger standard is $20 from $15. Add beers for another $9-$12 each. Luckily booze is still cheap at longs. My wife is in Mexico now vacationing. Meal cost is $20 including drinks. The people there smile. The vibe on kauai is that it’s almost like a prison and visitors are eating all the good food and then leaving.
Hum … I wonder why so many people want to move “from” Mexico to the US (including to Hawaii). Actually, there are more immigrants from Mexico in Maui than I thought ….met quite a few of them in Maui and they are still smiling ….
We visited last July. While there we could see the need for tourism at an economic level, but we also could see the toll it takes on residents and their quality of life. From what little I know, there needs to be more input from residents related to tourism and a unified approach where all stakeholders voices are heard and goals and desires are incorporated into a master visitor/outreach/lodging/business plan. There is no simple answer but a long-term sustainable plan that first meets resident needs has to be developed.
There is much more at risk than tourist dollars. Those who have ancestral lands here need to be at the head of the table.
These comments indicate that some you might not be understanding an important point….Hawaiians put less importance on money than you might think. It is an extremely remote island, where access to goods, services, labor, etc. is limited. This has made Hawaii care less about material things. They get their quality of life through nature and simpler pursuits.
All of this is to say that the fact that Hawaii’s main source of income might drop by 30% or even 50% is not of dire concern to those that don’t rely on tourism. For those whose livelihoods do rely on tourism…well, they will probably have to migrate out of Hawaii, which isn’t a new concept. There has been an excessively large out-migration of Hawaiians for years.
“the fact that Hawaii’s main source of income might drop by 30% or even 50% is not of dire concern to those that don’t rely on tourism”
Most (not all) of “those that don’t rely on tourism” instead rely of government checks – either as employees or on some sort of assistance. Those government checks rely heavily on tourism. So do the prices for those scarce goods and services. Costco would close (at least on Kauai) without all the tourist business they get. Walmart prices will go up, because their shipping costs go up if no tourism demand to make it worthwhile for the barges. This happened during the 2020 tourism shut down.
Completely agree with you, but the people who don’t rely on tourism don’t know this, especially the ones on some sort of assistance, or the ones in other non-tourist industries on the islands.
The government (city and county councils, mayor, governor, etc.) are totally aware, but they are between a rock and a hard place. These non-tourism folks vote in this state. A lot of the tourist businesses you are referring to don’t vote in this state. The government must appease these loud voices or they will be voted out.
Luckily, I don’t go to Costco and don’t even know how much of their profit stays on island
PatG, it never fails to amaze me that many Native Hawaiians don’t rely on money, until it’s reduced or cut off entirely. The sudden loss of Assistance of whatever type has an Amazing Effect on everything, bartering when you have Nothing doesn’t work too well. Living on an island with nothing but Tourism to rely on funding everyone’s lifestyle has drawbacks when tourists don’t feel appreciated and go elsewhere. Hawaii has chosen a path, now learn how to live with Much Less and appreciate it!
Let’s hope Hawaiians don’t have to leave the islands just because tourism drops. Hawaii needs to become more self-sufficient and I am happy that Agriculture is coming back to Maui. Let’s bring more solar and wind energy, too! I heard that the new Mayor in Maui will stop all new construction of resorts! Mahalo!
Where did you hear that? If you are talking about the hotel moratorium, that’s over and done with, and hotels are allowed to build without caps.
That’s too bad. I was hopeful that the New Mayor would push that bill through. We really don’t need more resorts in Kaanapali …still waiting for that hospital to be built on the West side of Maui.
The County Council was able ban the building of new accommodations in every single zoning area on Maui Except hotel zoning. Hotels have a very strong lobby and are hard to stop.
This should not be a surprise at all!!
Hawaii’s “Gouge the Tourista” message has been loud and clear. We don’t want you. Well this new Hawaii tourism marketing campaign has been a great success in getting just what they wanted.
Coming from a former resident from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Miss the Frank Fasi style of leadership.
I lived on Maui for six years. COVID hit and tourism stopped. Did the hate and anger toward haoles ever surface. My wife didn’t experience it as I did but man did I get some hateful looks every day. The Hawaiian Sovereignity Movement was everywhere. Flags flown from pickup trucks and gatherings in the parks. Very angry people. Twice I thought I was going to be beaten. I’m in my seventies. Maui is mini Calif. Street people and drug addicts everywhere and nothing you own is safe. We sold out and moved to a state where we feel safe and are free. Beautiful? Absolutely but there are other places just as beautiful if not more so. I will never return. Mahalo, Mike
Was planning on a Hawaii trip until I found hotels were $500 plus per night. Going to Tahiti instead. Only 3 hours further and better deals.
I must admit that Tahiti is on my list for vacationing from Hawaii …but it’s almost 6 hours from Maui, so where could you possibly live that would only add 3 hours?
You are right !
Exorbeant increase In hotel and fees. Especially and also car rentals has stopped me Family friends from going to hawaii this summer.
Used to go every year for 25 years , felt welcome . No more , happy to go where people are friendly . Hope they starve .
Thanks a heck of a reaction to a place/people that you profess to have enjoyed once upon a time.
I have a hard time understanding the animus toward others that seems to be the norm in BOH comments.
So after coming for 25 years, you now hope they “starve” because you are no longer coming? And you can’t see why certain people are no longer welcome?
Agree with all of your report. One thing that is hard to point out or prove is the sentiment of locals towards tourists . When i read the local newspapers theres always mention of how tourists are not respecting the land, the people .. Its a love hate relationship that bubbles and transpires .
On the other hand a roundtrip from LAX to Costa Rica was only 700 dollars and hotel and a nice ish resort is 100 dollars a day incl. breakfast for the period of May 22 so all my friends were going there instead .
It’s Amazing how tourists are to blame for all of the woes in Hawaii. If more honest people would pay attention to what is occurring there would be a real concensus that Most of the problems blamed on tourists are actually perpetrated by Residents of Hawaii.
I’d consider the source of the newspaper articles. You mentioned “local newspapers”. If the “local” sentiment is against tourists, the “local writer” of that newspaper is likely parroting the angst against tourists and/or shares that same feeling, thus the reporting. This is rampant in all journalism these days. Journalism isn’t like it used to be, with many journalists unable to be unbiased in their reporting, as they should be.
Great articles. Thank you. We have visited Maui 9 times, last three times for 4 weeks. As of this moment, air, hotel and condo rates too high for us to return in ’24.
Sadly, Maui is no longer my Happy Place. After vacationing almost there every year for over 30 years, I will not be back. I will instead be taking multiple vacations this year to Baja where the beaches are free, my dollars go much further and the locals are very friendly. Aloha Maui & thanks for the memories!
Mexico is the last place I would go, Way to much crime.
Mexico is very much like anywhere else, including Hawaii, the Crime is in certain areas and that’s where you Don’t Go!
It always amazes me that people don’t “google” it. Mexico “clearly” has more crime than Hawaii …not that it matters to me. I have been and don’t need to return there.
We’ve been visiting Hawaii regularly since about 1980. It has always been an expensive experience. Where did all these people stay before covid? The only thing that was less expensive than the mainland was car rentals, which were oddly inexpensive.
Many parts of the world are experiencing inflation, it is not limited to Hawaii.
I actually think it’s great that Americans are traveling more widely, it could open a lot of myopic eyes.
You are getting the fruit you sowed during covid. You treated people like trash. Limit access and preach about Hawaiian life style and culture. I want to go to the beach be left alone and not get my pockets picked. My son is leaving so I won’t be coming back after 10 years of coming I won’t be back.
I lived on both Hawaii island and Kauai. These are islands that used to belong to the indigenous Hawaiians so if you are irritated that Hawaiians do not want you on their land, who can complain. Itd be like people who take over your house and then your backyard as well. Those from elsewhere are often called Haole which can mean a white person…but if you see the other meaning it could mean a white person “is without breath.” Be happy, be genial, smile and laugh always. I was once called a local haole. I laughed and giggled. Honor those who should own the land.
You made a good point there. That’s the truth.
I left Hawaii years ago after a divorce and could not support myself as a single parent. I was born and raised and still have family residing in Hawaii. Fortunately I acquired a job with the airlines that allowed me to travel home whenever I wanted. However, now having to pay for parking at the beaches I grew up in and all the additional fees, not being able to find an Air BnB and everything being over priced, all I can say is that it isn’t the Hawaii I grew up in. 8 years ago we rented a big beach house for a family reunion. It cost $600/night, today that same house is a whopping $6,000/night! Hm, price of paradise…but who will suffer in the end? Kamaaina or tourist?
Car rental booked 3 months ahead for Kauai was @$100 a day for mid May. Missed connection caused me to rebook for one less day! Rate was only $50 per day
We lived in Hawaii for close to 2 years. We even built a home there. Our family took the time to learn and protect the islands. We took advantage of tourist snd “local” locations during our time there, always with respect for culture and history. I have always wanted to go back but I am unwilling to do so for several reasons. The prices are ridiculous. The attitude towards tourists is unpleasant. I don’t want to be restricted from visiting places that I loved to visit when I lived there. We could not afford to continue to live there once we retired. Now we choose not to visit under current circumstances.
I have been going to Hawaii since 1979 every year for a month, love staying in the hotels,
They are so high for a single. It seem the average price is $300-400 a night.
I do not know what will happen with my yearly trip. And I usually go in sept when the crowd leave.
I love the islands…
Repeat, as well as 1st time, Vacationers have been warning that they Won’t Be Back. Many Hawaiians Cheered! It’s interesting that 30% reduction would be met with such Anxiety, wait until the redux is 50% and Hawaiians loose their hair, Bald Hawaiians! 😳 I can fly to Ireland, stay for a Week, Good Hotels, a Rental Car, some guided tours and All for $849 per person, did I mention Breakfast? Europe and other Amazing Destinations are Reasonable unlike Hawaii, and they’re Welcoming unlike Hawaii. If I want to be Abused I know where to go, personally I choose to Enjoy my Vacations. Is Hawaii getting more political by the moment?
What does politics have to do with it?
Barbara if you, or anyone else, hasn’t realized how much Politics effects Everything, especially in Hawaii, then I understand why things are as bad as they are in Hawaii. Why don’t they see what’s in front of their faces, that they alone have caused, and make lasting changes that will Benefit themselves into the future!
Yes, and I love blue …just like blue skies and the blue ocean! Ireland is way too cold for me. I grew up in Germany and moved to the South of France when I was 18. Now living happily in Maui!
I have been visiting Hawaii regularly for the past 25 years but will be changing that going forward as the post pandemic price gouging, way above inflation, has gotten out of hand. Tourism is the islands primary industry accounts for $18B in revenue but Hawaii does not have a lock on paradise and people will find alternative destinations where their dollar will go allot further. Hawaii is pricing themselves out of the tourism market and they don’t have any secondary industry to fall back on.
2017, and 2014 Maui was my dream place, my ultimate happy place, but when I went in 2022, Wow! What a drastic change! From the friendliness, well more Non friendliness of the people to the prices, it was certainly no longer the place in my dreams! You couldn’t even take a drive and make stops at parks or beaches anymore without paying an arm and a leg, and having a prior reservation!!! You could really feel a hatred too coming from the locals that clearly did NOT want you there at their beaches. It was really so, so sad. I know I will never go back.
Everything is Blissful, Everyone can live like their Ancestors, no need for outsiders. Money isn’t needed, live off of the land, the land that Everyone will be fighting over. This is what many believe and are fighting for, maybe it would be possible if 90% of the population of Hawaii were to be gone, but they’re Not.
I think the biggest issue Hawaii faces is the almost triple cost increases for airfares. We live in NJ and own property airfares have increased so much we have decreased our visits in half. Ridiculous it cost much less to fly to Asia and Europe than to fly to Hawaii.
Looks good on you Hawaii for ripping people off the last couple of years. I spent winter 2023 in Costa Rica for $120/night for the condo (2 bedrooms) and $50/day car. Next I’m trying Aruba. Anywhere but Hawaii until the prices come down.
You arent wrong, Hawaii has become greedy and outpriced mainland inflation by a mile..the air bnb movement has pushed working class off island leaving the rest of us a bit bitter and over worked leading to not so “pleasant” experiences for travelers spending thousands to come here. from a service perspective visitors with “revenge travel” mentality and ltd workers post covid has coupled with inflation to cause quite the cluster. If it continues you will have an island of millionaires with no one to serve them.. aloha
But hasn’t that been their Ultimate Solution, Goal, and Master Plan as of late? Only the Rich and Wealthy should come to Hawaii has been the Mantra, that’s beside the No Tourists at all Movement. I’d enjoy seeing the Results of that after Year One!
Well the rich elite will still come because they can afford to.
Even the rich and elite don’t like to be ripped off! And let’s not forget these are the same people buying up the land so I don’t see this as a winning situation
Aloha! I was unclear what “revenge travel” meant?
We know two families that traveled to Hawaii w/ extended family at least 1x a year pre-pandemic & my husband and I have been a half dozen times over a couple decades.
We all watched how tourism was handled during & post pandemic and, as a result, have decided to travel elsewhere. Neither of them have plans to return. In fact one couple just returned from their first ever international trip to the Dominican Republic & are already planning their return trip there.
So, perhaps that’s what revenge travel means?
While never say never comes to mind, I’m not seeing the three of us families returning in the near future.
We’ll keep following along with BOH to see how things unfold.
We are able to fly to Cancun in 2 hours, and they really value my business and have beautiful beaches and water. Even better diving. Lest anyone comment on safety, I have never felt unsafe as long as I used the same common sense I would use in any city, Honolulu included