The state surveyed 4,000 recent visitors and the news portends big changes ahead.
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234 thoughts on “Decline In Hawaii Tourism Starts According To State”
The state surveyed 4,000 recent visitors and the news portends big changes ahead.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Hawaii has priced people out of paradise. Hotel prices are outrageous….no one cleans the rooms, you have to chase after towels, toilet paper and soap. You have to haul your trash out. The services that we received pre pandemic are gone and the people who delivered these services were not tired back…all for the sake of the $$$$. Of course the Fall prices will drop….they always have as that is off season. The state and travel services are to blame…..other places on the globe are less expensive. Hawaii you did his to yourself
Yes, it’s all of that and more!! Too crowded. Too expensive. Too many homeless. Too much price gauging. Hard to live on the islands, local people suffering. Tourists are needed but a big nuisance; their driving, attitudes, and so forth. Hawaii no ka oi. 🤙🏽
Hawai’i was not made for the cheap and disregarding entitled visitors. Mindful travel is needed – it is getting expensive everywhere. The high cost of Hawai’i tourism industry was created by the same culture of people that is was meant to serve – stop blaming the local people and communities – this toxicity was created by the ones who are complaining.
Yup funny how equity never seems to apply to those elitist that everyone serves.
So what are you saying, Hawaii is only for the rich? That’s not Aloha spirit, Bruddah. I have met plenty of very nice mainlanders who saved up for years to take their family here. And they are very respectful to the land. I have also seen the reckless wealthy who come here on a whim and do damage. I prefer the middle class who appreciate what they saved up for. They are better visitors.
We love the Big Island and have had timeshare units there for over a decade. However our most recent trip in May of this year really left us rethinking Hawaii. Food and gas were outrageous and $1200 for a weeks rental SUV was simply beyond belief. Many places have closed and for the first time we felt a bit unwelcome by locals. On Mother’s Day even the police set up a traffic trap at the bottom of a very steep hill in Hawi and wrote ticket after ticket to people for 10-15 miles over and hardly no other traffic anywhere to be seen. It just was no longer the Hawaii we came to love for all these years.,So while we are not selling our units just yet we may not return for a year or two.
Hawaii charges for every little thing now & the prices are crazy. You can’t go out to eat at a restaurant without booking 2 months in advance of your trip. 1 drink cost me $25 on my bill which shocked me at the Hula grill. Will never go there again. Car rentals too expensive. Food prices are exorbitant above before. Been traveling to Maui for 25 years now & will rethink future trips due to costs & all the added extra fees at hotels, restaurants & car rentals. Previous Amenities have been removed at many hotels/resorts & that’s what people want on vacation. Vacation is pamper/relaxing time with perks.
Prefer the way it was years ago. Welcome breakfast, complimentary happy hours and free activities at the resort that bring guests together.
The Old Hawaii is long gone
Funny how every generation says that. Listen to the song Waimanalo Blues by the truly great 1970’s group Country Comfort, same message. Hawaii will always be Hawaii, some will find what makes it special, some will just see what’s wrong
Places are closed hours are sporadic and cost are high. Still beautiful and will be back maybe not next year . Probably go to the Caribbean.
We have gone to Hawaii every year at least once and many times twice, in the last 23 years.
However we have not been back at all since the pandemic. The hoops you had to jump through were tiresome. Also we found costs had risen, in some cases by 35 to 40% for accomodations and food. You could not rent a car at all and if you could it was an increase of 300% to 400%. There were curfews. We have been going to Mexico instead twice a year in the last three years.
“Cost is the number one reason Hawaii visitors won’t be coming back” is the reason I am unable to return right now. It is my dream for my last visit to the islands to enjoy and retrace my Hawaiian steps from the 70’s. But, I just can not afford the car rentals, and room rates. I don’t care about the food costs as I can eat one meal a day and be satisfied, but absolutely pray that tourism slows down.The tempers cool, the land heals, the airlines re-hire, tsa lines shorten and I can experience one more time the real aloha flavor from first steps off the plane to turning the key to the condo.Just one more time please!
We spent 2 weeks in May 2022 on the Big Island. Prices were double from our last trip in 2019. We love Hawaii but cannot afford the lodging and car rental rates. So disappointing
We are booked for our 8th trip in the last 10 years to the Big Island in 2023. It may be our last-sadly. We love Hawaii, but cost-$35 for two hours public parking in Kona- really? Car rentals doubled. And a lot of what is mentioned above, some of it reasonably unavoidable, but $700 for a standard room Waikaloa hotel? What was most disappointing in our February 2022 trip was a sense of the loss of aloha in the Hawaiians who seemed stressed- maybe understandably-and less congenial tourists. Maybe a year of recovery will help. We feel fortunate for all the time we’ve had in Hawaii.
Living on the west coast, I will return to Hawaii. If I lived on the east coast, I would go to Caribbean/Bahamas/USVI/PR instead. Hawaii accomodations, book a condo, no hotels or high end resorts. Only one fine dining, rest food trucks or cook myself. Will continue adventures and excursions, but may not do as many. Car rental the entire time is a must. Hawaii is not a location I can visit yearly, but rather every 2-4 years.
I am totally opposed to resort fees or any other additional charges for which one cannot opt out. We’ve stayed at Outrigger properties many times because they have not charged resort fees, but now I see they’re also doing it at the former Sheraton outside of Kona. I suggest the state pass a law requiring all of these ridiculous add-ons be included in the basic rate. Until they do, I will look for hotels without them or stay in condos. Thanks for letting me vent.
I think your analysis is right-on. We had a lovely visit in March but spent a small fortune. It will be a long time before our family returns to Hawaii simply because that same amount of money could buy a luxury vacation practically anywhere in the world.
Living here and working as a tour guide has been a challenge. Many locals do not understand that tourism brings in about 95% of our 75 billion annual income. It doesn’t matter what people do locals will always complain. Unfortunately Racism, violence, and intolerance are part of Hawaiian history. If you come to HI and explore Hana take a guide and avoid the drama.
We love Hawaii, and had planned to return this fall. However, we decided to go to Cozumel where we can dive and everything else is half the cost. We will be coming back. Just not sure when.
I have loved Hawaii since the first time I came over on the Lurline in 1961. My parents had been once before & wanted me to see the beauty & culture of the islands. We visited all parts of Hawaii, Maui & Kauai to experience the different climates & landscapes. It was then we found a little place called the “Hotel Hana Maui”. This little girl found her dream come true! Early morning rides with the paniolos, learning to hula & play instruments by the pool & bodysurfing at Hamoa. The people, kind & beautiful! I am now 70 years old & have returned to the islands nearly every year. Last time we drove to Hana was about 10 years ago…I prefer my memories of that little place. I will be back to the islands I love so much very soon…
My father traveled on the Lurline in 1943 to work as a civilian on the ships and subs instruments in Pearl Harbor. Did not realize it was still being used in 1961…
A Hawaiian vacation should not be cheap. Visitors don’t seem to understand that living here is expensive and becoming more so. Vacationing here will continue to get costlier as well.
I agree! I have been coming to Maui for 42+ years now and I have been gobsmacked by the prices this time. I will be looking elsewhere in the future as I feel as though we can no longer afford to come here.
I’ve been going to Hawaii since 1982 I was unable to go for 2 years to the covid. I just went and as much as I love the islands I was very disappointed by the Locals Attitude. I have always had positive experiences in the many many times i have been there. not this time. I was not made to feel welcome this time. I co-own a condo in maui & I’ve always felt blessed. ButI’m seriously considering selling. I felt like I was being taken advantage of and Definitely not welcomed. It maybe time to find somewhere where we are accepted. there are other Destinations that are just as beautiful.
Hawaii has the same issues as most big cities worldwide. I see the issue maybe that Hawaiian politicians and those in the decision-making positions are not thinking like a business person. That is, give your visitors/customers what they want. Waikiki which is the district which generates the most cash flow for the entire state has three major problems in my opinion, 1. rising crime rates. 2. homelessness everywhere . 3. There is no late nightlife venues. They refuse to issue permits for new night clubs and or bars till 4am. If one is trying to attract business at an international level. And certainly trying to track business from the Asian region then your competing cities are all outpacing and out doing Honolulu/Waikiki tenfold. Thanks
Funny how quickly we go from “Too many people like us, what do we do?” to “Not enough people like us, what do we do?” Although I agree with everything you are saying, you are speaking as if Hawaii doesn’t have enough tourists, and explaining the reasons why. Just yesterday, we were discussing Hawaii having too many tourists, because everyone likes it too much. The tides certainly turn suddenly.
A healthy mix of tourists and residents is what we need, and it will always be a matter of opinion how much is too much and how little is too little.
I love Maui. I have been 7 times since 2016. I felt like that’s where I belonged. My husband and I was there in March. Sadly I don’t know when or if I will return. We will be going to Virgin Island’s. I hope things turn around in Hawaii because it is a magical place. Mahol
You’ll love the USVI…best water anywhere.
I just moved to Oahu from the mainland. It’s my first time in Hawaii, so my experiences are limited. Right off the bat, the locals were super nice, and the opposite of what I’d heard prior to coming over. The only thing I think that would substantially detract from tourism is the amount of homeless people, and a great majority of those are in desperate need of mental Healthcare. You definitely don’t feel safe around a lot of them. Otherwise, I really love it here.
Prices are way too high!!!!!!
We love the islands! But there are some challenges that can’t be over looked. Cabs,Buses,Trolleys,Lyft,Ubers.Not one was dependable. I could not afford the $165.00 for a rental car.
Hawaii prices are ridiculously expensive to the point that the state is not only hurting tourism but its own locals as well. This state could attract rather than repel if it truly offered deals that were worth it instead of being so money hungry that locals and visitors are driven away.
Resort Fees..Parking Fees Hotel Prices.. is going to kill Hawaii tourism !! Better cut back ASAP ..
Rental cars, airfare and hotels are too expensive
The tourists are finally saying enough is enough! This place is too expensive! Tourists are overcharged and overtaxed by hotels! Parking are expensive and I can go on and on!
Thank you I hope to visit there someday I keep trying it hasn’t happened yet soon I hope I am a senior maybe you have information on senior travel groups
Hi Deborah.
We have no such information. Sorry.
Aloha.
We have been Island visitors for 35 years. Post pandemic we were stunned at the crowds and witnesses questionable visitor attitude. We loved seeing our island friends and making new ones, but the lack of services and steep price increases have us, for the first time ever, thinking of alternatives and giving the islands a break.
Raising prices to reduce tourism is exactly what Hawaiis plan is.
Be careful what you ask for. You are biting the only hand that feeds you!
I will not be returning to Hawaii changing the minimum rental dates from 30 to 90 days. I have been coming to Hawaii every July for years. Next year we heading to Costa
Yes, agreed. This law of 30-90 real smacked me hard. As it is such a long flight for us that 30 days was perfect. I do understand and witnessed tourists that do not respect or care for the rentals in the neighborhoods of locals and with their HOA, it was not fair to put up with certain renters. But, myself, am very respectable, quiet, clean, and loved the 30 day rental that is no more. I can’t afford to come over anyway right now, but if I could go to my old 30 day condo to rent, it would make it more desirable. Things have changed so much. It is so darn sad for me.
Tim M, thanks for the information 👍 The wait for the Court is long and hopefully will be in favor of the property owners who are going to be hurt. These Arbitrary Rules should be put in a garbage can with the people that came up with them. They accomplish nothing that is of concern fot Islanders. Maybe some people should take the County to court, answers to where the money went would be interesting.
In the big island the #one question is where are the good reasonable restaurants. Besides the expensive hotels. And people complain on the service.
HWaii is getting too pricey. Other more affordable options look better.
100% Agree Hawaiians dispise mainlanders…
The last trip I took will remain the last…the liberal agenda has ruined the islands. Overrun in homeless, rude locals, Sky high prices that make you feel like you’re being taken advantage of, and all the Covid hysteria that was out of hand for visitors… too many other choices that are more welcoming.
You showed all your cards with “liberal agenda.” Go enjoy your conservative locales. They’re all yours.
Casie, Eric, you both showed your cards. It is the reason everything is such a mess, far right, far left and no one will be happy!
I absolutely love Hawaii. We have visited Hawaii at least once a year for several decades and have friends there. However, the pandemic has brought out a side of Hawaii that is not all that welcoming. That kills what makes Hawaii so special.
The overreaction to Covid and unwelcome attitude towards visitors has made this family of 7 look elsewhere for travel too! Lots of other choices in the world that are just as beautiful, have unique local cultures that are more welcoming and interested in sharing their history.
Casey, Hawaii’s response saved a lot of lives and prevented tremendous suffering. In fact many businesses not just survived but innovated and prospered since 2019. Obviously not all but that’s always the case in the business world. You can recover from a couple bad business years, you cannot recover from dying or losing a loved one.
To your second point a lot of people on here are posting they had a wonderful time and great interactions with the locals. That’s the norm from my experience. Like anywhere, you get what you give.
It’s the visitors as well as locals
Pat G, I was vacationing in Oahu for 18 days, last time I looked Construction was Booming, sorry if it doesn’t happen in Your backyard.
There is a moratorium on building any more hotels or short-term rentals on Maui. That is a fact. Any hotel or short-term rental being built now was already approved when the moratorium was passed. If on Maui, the construction you are seeing are either not accommodations, or were already in the pipeline.
Hello Pat G, depending upon the pressure and any subsequent agreement made By them You are more than likely Wrong, remember that just saying so doesn’t mean anything. The procedure is quite simple. “Do You want Permits in the next Century or in the Next few weeks?” Amazing how quickly negotiations can be done. So, despite any neighsayer’s Negative Input Construction will advance in that specific area of interest. Progress is never enough nor quick for those waiting.
I am not wrong. There is currently a moratorium for permitting new accommodations on Maui. You are saying it’s probably BS and the government doesn’t really mean it. Okay…
In the past year my family and I have visited Hawaii 4 times . We always feel welcome and we love Hawaii for that reason . We try to be good guests while contributing to Hawaii’s economy . We also make regular donations to Hawaii’s food banks. We feel that it is our way of giving back for the wonderful hospitality. We feel blessed to be able to enjoy these beautiful islands. We appreciate it and never take it for granted . Prices are much higher than usual but if you want to enjoy paradise you have to pay for it !
That’s great for you, but many others have felt unwelcome, starting with the overkill Covid hysteria for visitors over the last few years.
So much hate in the world today. What happened?? How could so many actually ‘dislike’ this person’s positive response?? Hate will shorten your lives. You have time to change.
This is good news. A lower visitor count means less damage to or pressure on Hawai’i’s resources, infrastructure, environment, and cultures. The problem is that for decades Hawai’i has relied on tourism to fund resources, infrastructure, environment, and cultures. This puts us in a damned if we do, damned if we don’t situation. It’s more important now than ever to consider what sort of future Hawai’i locals want for Hawai’i. Thought, effort, and resources put into Hawai’i’s future rather than its status quo will help all of our families to be able to stay in the place we love.
I don’t know Robbos. Remember with less tourism comes less hours for hotel and restaurant workers, rental car and airline/airport workers, and potentially the thousands of local construction workers. And the Airbnb law changes only discourage potential visitors from coming at all. It doesn’t “force” them into accomodations they don’t want. Who gets a 90 or even 30 day vacation these days? Legitimate local investors took out mortgages and are defaulting because of the law change.