122 thoughts on “Does Hawaii Want Tourists or Not? It’s Fickle.”
Xavier C.
It’s a shame because of its beauty, but with some many other places to visit why would I take my family to a place where we are welcome with “Caveats”…
Tasha B
As I read the comments, it seems that people are missing the point. Hawaiians don’t want tourists because their land is sacred. If left alone it can sustain the natives. They don’t need money which equals tourist destroying ecosystems. Privilege causes people to think it’s all about money and themselves.
2
Karl V.
Spend the extra money and go to the Cayman Islands !!! They are beautiful, the indigenous culture is largely in tact, and the people are beautiful human beings who are kind and welcoming to “TOURISTS” even obnoxious Americans and even worse Austrailians.
Derek M
This is ridiculous . I have been coming to Hawaii for over 17 years as a tourist and always am respectful of the islands . I landed a job in Honolulu in 2010 and moved out there from the mainland. The locals made it abundantly clear that Hoales aren’t welcome , even tho I was a resident . I left after 9 months due in large part to the constant racism and hate cast upon me be the locals . Best decision I ever made and you couldn’t pay me enough go move back .
10
Ian M
I grew up in Hawaii and now live on the Mainland. Its True that tourists should treat the island with respect and cultures of this great land!! Have pride when visiting and don’t be that disrespectful tourist. Love And Aloha to Da Locals.. Mahalo!!🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
1
jeff
Anybody notice where the CDC has FL and TX in an overwhelming majority of their States counties? In green…
Now do Hawaii….
1
Lopaka15
We returned from Hawaii this week and were treated wonderfully by residents. Although we did not counter any anti tourists, some residents may not want tourism. However,the impact of the lack of tourism during COVID is obvious and sad. Many small stores closed and as per some residents will probably never reopen. There is a lack of workers in many areas, as per employees. WE were fortunate and went to a great hotel with wonderful staff and great services. I have a number of friends on the Islands and enjoyed visiting them, and meeting new ones
Over tourism may cause some inconvenience , but it’s easy money for the State and they obviously need it. In my opinion to tell tourists to stay away is short sighted, and will kill their economy.
7
BENI
I know! You’re right, they all like to shop at the grocery stores, target walmart, home depot and Lowes etc.. they forget if people don’t come here, those stores would close.. cost to get good here would skyrocket.. No $$ no shopping.. LOL
2
Gary B
Thank goodness in our trips to Hawaii we have never encountered tourist hatred as you described. We have learned a lot about other cultures in our travels to other countries and in the US. People like Lilly are a sad sort and I hope I never encounter her. Kindness and respect to all based on how I am treated. We will return in one month to visit another beautiful island hopefully we are well received.
2
John B
Lily if it were not for the tourist who you tell to stay home and don’t come to Hawaii What would this do to the economy of Hawaii.Tourism is a lifeblood of Hawaii.How many jobs would be lost just in the Airline industry,Resturants,Adventure Tours,Rental Car and Resorts.
You are right in a number of ways, everyone would love to enjoy the beauty and Aloha spirt of Hawaii but when someone has something nice everyone wants a piece of it, it’s just human nature.
I’ve read where some very Big names are being allowed to purchase big parcels of land and wanting it just for themselves, what happened to the moratorium on buying land unless you were a Native Hawaiian, did it end because the native culture sold out for the Big money being offered?
9
Deb
Some lands are still leasehold, you can purchase land/homes/condo’s subject to the lease, (DON’T) other land is fee simple
K T
I live in Utah where our national parks are experiencing tourists in record numbers. I don’t ask them to leave however. I understand that if I don’t like living in a state with high tourism, I am free to move elsewhere. My husband and I vacation on the Big Island every year where we experience locals behaving badly. We spend thousands of dollars for airfare and lodging where the locals arrive on the weekends for their vacation that becomes one long drunken fest with loud music and foul language. This is not something we have seen once or twice, this is something we encounter every single year. Before you point a finger at someone else, you might want to take a closer look at yourself.
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Lee P.
You say you are free to move elsewhere if you don’t like the tourists visiting where you live. So, you are also free to vacation elsewhere if you don’t like how the locals act where you are vacationing. Good on you for being so free, but please consider how terrible it sounds to suggest that Koko “simply” move away from their ancestral native lands if they don’t like tourists coming to visit them.
12
Yvonne F.
Thank you beat of Hawaii, I did see this article before and I can relate to this blogger I to am from a beautiful Island (Puerto Rico) sad to say it is in bad shape. As for me and my husband we have come to Hawaii many times and have a trip planned in July after not being able to come for the past 2 years. We Love her island and we respect it we feel the Love of (Ohana) the Love of the land and the respect that is given to us. There is a magical feeling when you are there and you see the beauty of the island and when you see the dance that tells a story and the beauty of the colors. We get asked by our kids why do you keep going to Hawaii well it is because of all of the above so thank you for sharing your island with us.
3
Rod W
I think people may be making more of the behavior of tourists and residents.
I won’t even repeat how many decades we’ve been coming to Hawaii. We don’t find Hawaiians more or less friendly than other places. We come to Hawaii, mostly, to enjoy the weather, the beach, the music, and to get away from our too-busy lives – we just want to relax.
Those in the hospitality industry do what they do all over the planet, try to be nice, have a smile, and offer different recommendations, hoping you will be generous and return. That’s enough for us.
12
Catherine S.
Lily’s not the only way asking tourists to stay away: euronews.com/travel/2022/05/03/hawaiian-overtourism-residents-beg-tourists-to-stop-visiting-amid-post-pandemic-boom
2
John B.
In 1971 my wife and I honeymooned in Hawaii for 2 weeks. We felt sure we wanted to move to the islands but which one? In 1974 we visited 4 islands in 4 weeks. We met as many locals and natives as possible and decided that the islands should not be invaded by mainlanders so now we have visited many times, oh the memories.
The saddest thing to us is that so many mainlanders have decided to move pushing the locals out of affordable housing. All the construction is for the over wealthy. You don’t have to stay in a palace to enjoy the sheer beauty of the islands and the friendliness of the Hawaiian people.
As your Larry Rivera (Uncle Larry to us) says, “Aloha begins with you” and it rubs off onto all who wish to receive it!
6
Margaret P
Facts matter! Quoting the TikTok: “A lot of tourists treat our land like it’s some theme park”. Where is the data supporting “a lot of tourists”? Then “Tourists will try to go near and touch monk seals”. There was one highly-publicized incident in the last few months. You can’t generalize one incident to **all** tourists. There are many visitors who are the exact opposite of what is portrayed in the TikTok. I deal personally with many visitors from all over the world, who come to Kauai for the cultural experience, to learn about the natural environment, and to try loco moco and other delightful Hawaiian traditional foods. One such visitor said she loved being an “Untourist”.
18
Cathy C.
Even assuming perfectly behaved tourists, the sheer numbers are unsustainable and must be reduced substantially. Taking Kauai, where we are part-year residents, the landfill is overflowing, an intractable problem and slow-motion catastrophe — all because of millions of tourists and their unrecyclable waste. The waters around Kauai are often contaminated due to sewage from those millions of tourists. And of course, they are not perfectly behaved, there are constant episodes of molesting wildlife; I just had to chase off a tourist who had disturbed a juvenile seal and chased her into the water.
7
Ed D.
Cathy C., they are the exception, not the rule. If Hawaii has to regulate the number of tourists that visit annually, you will have a lot of angry tourists that will not even attempt to come back. Even though it is beautiful in Hawaii, there are many place to visit that are also beautiful that won’t whine about tourists the way I see people are on this blog! Just be thankful you have a thriving tourist industry that allows you to live a good life!
13
Diane R
I lived in Hana, Maui in the early 1990s where I immersed myself in Hawaiian culture, lived off the grid, and wished I was Hawaiian. Now I am a visitor to Maui and Kona, but I do not feel like a visitor because I feel in my heart that I belong. I learn more about the culture and practice hula which I am learning in the Seattle area.
There are many people like me. The aloha spirit calls to visitors you know. Help them live it.
8
L M
Aloha it’s not just tourist that leave trash, glass beat up not working vehicles of all sorts everywhere and especially on other peoples property I think Lily you need to absorb the whole picture and address everyone no exceptions, Mahalo and Aloha
16
Mike J
BOH;
Not sure anyone mentioned it already but what about “cheap” airfare to Hawaii?
Don’t really want to sound “elitist” but maybe “cheap” airfare leads to “cheap” tourism and all that entails, bad attitudes, bad haircuts etc..
5
Curtis C.
Yeah instead of vax cards, check those tourists out at the airports for “bad haircuts”. Send ’em back to the mainland. I think Mike J. is the one with the “bad attitude”.
3
J.T.
I don’t think that visitors are the ones vandalizing, dumping trash and abandoned cars on the side of the road. Maybe Lili should do something productive like push to open up a cultural center to help protect our culture or be a guide and teach tourists about our environment/culture instead of venting on Tiktok. The visitor industry is what the state depends on for most of their revenue. Without tourists, our economy will sink even further.
22
steve
Are tourists the ones who kill Monk Seals on Molokai? Never see much ourage over that, but dear God don’t take a selfie too close to one as a young femal tourist.
9
Xavier S
Richard C…..you seemed to have missed the theme of this article completely and just becasue you are married to a Native American, does not give you any advantages to speak about Hawaii or anything in relation to it the way you are, Sir!
You ought to re read the article carefully and understand its content.
Thanks!
Xavier
1
Richard C
Lily says tourist stay home has 86k follows or Bots on TikToc.
Lily says Hawaiian’s ok to violate short term rental law.
Lily says Hawaiian’s good tourist bad.
Tourist to close to Monk seals and Turtles, but ok for Hawaiians to kill.
I got the just of the article.
By the way on BI last week witnessed locals or Hawaiians who knows anymore net fishing in restricted turtle area. Signage everywhere stating so, but didn’t make a difference to these 2 individuals.
10
Ed D.
Richard C., Lily is a selfish, self-centered, blowhard! No more, no less!
8
Dale G
Thanks for the info – outstanding as usual. I’ve had a second home on both Maui and now Kauai for over thirty years. For the past ten years I’ve found Kauai wonderful – much friendlier than Maui! Unfortunately, since the pandemic of the past two and one-half years it seems that the entire state has now monetized everything throughout the islands. Simple things like credit/debit card “convenience fees” which is another way of skirting the issue with both Visa and Mastercard. I am surprised that there aren’t $1 pay as you “go” locks on public restroom stalls! $5 to go to a beach. I could go on and on but if the state is attempting to assuage the losses of the past two years with fees – Good Luck. There ARE other nice places.
9
Marianne R
My family has visited the islands of Hawaii several times…8. All but Lanai. Molokai was very unfriendly. All others were awesome. We always had utmost respect when we visited as that’s what one must do. We loved our trips, and have awesome memories. You have to respect where you are, otherwise you should stay home. Treat people snd places respectively.
2
Leith W.
She says “if tourists do come, they should avoid hotels and vacation rentals, as they are largely non-resident owned. She concludes that it’s better to stay with someone who already lives here in Hawaii, and suggests learning the Hawaiian language and patronizing locally owned businesses and restaurants, especially those that are Native Hawaiian-owned.” Learn the language? Avoid hotels ? Stay only with someone u know ?Ridiculous statements!! How many ppl learn the language of the places they vacation ? None that I know. She’s ignorant of facts. Oahu has made staying in places other than hotels impossible now with the rule u must stay for 90 days in a non-hotel. Who has 90 days vacation time? It’s getting more & more ridiculous to go to HI
10
Randall R
Who started the Hawaiian tourist industry? I think it was started by the Hawaiian government to exploit tourists. They sold the Hawaiian residents a bill of goods to reduce their local taxes and provide a modern culture, with all the great benefits a modern society enjoys.
The county governments allow more and more building of resorts, they keep modernizing airports to allow more tourists. When we first stated visiting 27 years ago, all tourist had to fly to Honolulu and then transfer to each county. Oahu and Maui just kept expanding and fueling the demand.
If you want to slow down the influx of tourists, just limit the number of terminals and gates. You can also go back to requiring all visitors to arrive in Honolulu.
4
Dennis U.
My family just returned from a 6-day visit to Maui, and had an amazing time. We snorkeled, hiked, and attended a luau, and experienced things my children will never forget. It had been 12 years since our last visit, and the biggest changes we saw were at restaurants (could not get a table anywhere, but we got local takeout and were glad we did!) and while driving around (the abandoned/burned out cars with anti-police language). Overall, Hawaii is still paradise, and like the rest of our world should be treated with respect. Same goes for people – treat others with kindness and respect, you get it in return. Act like an intitled jerk, and you get the same. Hoping we can come back soon!
3
xavier S
This is a very touchy subject to talk about. Me, personally, I dislike tourism and I started disliking tourism while growing up on Long Island, when in the summer time, we had the influx of tourists coming to Long Island for the beaches, our history and more during the summer months! It was horrible! Places like the Hamptoms were hit the hardest.
The problem with tourism is tacky, uneducated people who think that because they are on vacation, they are entitled to be dirty, disrespectful, rude, demanding among other nasty qualities. But what they need to realize is that, when you are a visitor, you should be on your best behavior……treat others as you would want to be treated and respect your sorroundings.
Bon chance
4
Rod W
“The problem with tourism is tacky, uneducated people who think that because they are on vacation, they are entitled to be dirty, disrespectful, rude, demanding among other nasty qualities.”
Your statement is found in the dictionary under “stereotype.”
Of course, you were nice enough to say you dislike tourism. I’m guessing you have been a tourist at least once in your life, so you must dislike yourself. Can’t blame you.
5
Roy H
There are just people in this world who are just destructive and messy. I know, I have been cleaning up after them for a good long while now. I don’t think less tourism is going to cure the problem. That education needs to start very early in life.
Aloha Guys
6
Keith B
After viewing several documentaries on the history of the Hawaii, my heart went out to the native people of Hawaii. I still have alot to learn. I too am thinking in regards to visiting the Islands on a vacation, but am weighing out if I should or refrain. I respect the culture and would love the opportunity to demosntrate it should I arrive. But at the sametime, the people of Hawaii need their breathing space as well. So I am on the fence about it. Still deciding.
2
Mark D
Be happy that there are paying tourists visiting the island. Be unhappy if numerous night flights arrive from the Texas border filled will migrants looking to take jobs from native Hawaiians or just looking for US government and state handouts.
10
Kim M
I’ve been to Hawaii 4 times, to all the islands. I agree completely with Lily. Hawaii, though a state, is special. It’s being overrun with tourists and imo people moving there and driving up property values. Non-Hawaiian businesses own almost everything. Hawaiians are being priced and pushed out of their own land. I hate to say it, but perhaps tourism and non-Hawaiian businesses should be limited. Paradise is being destroyed.
Kim
GP
So all I hear is that tourism is a problem. I’d love to see how Hawaii gets on without it? Don’t worry Hawaiians I’m not coming back anymore! You went from my favorite place to visit to nowhere on the radar ever again. And goodness, how are they have messed up Kauai! My favorite spots were on the North Shore and now they have this shuttle and other nonsense making it completely user unfriendly and quite expensive as well? Perfect example of what I’m talking about -they want all that money from visitors But were the problem?
11
Joan C
I’ve been here since the late 80s. Quality of life here has deteriorated as tourism has exploded. Expand the road system. Put in the Pa’ia bypass, have passing lanes and viewing areas so that residential and commercial traffic flow isn’t obstructed by the tourist “road trains,” bring in stores for shopping that residents need not fast food to feed the tourists! Put in bike lanes that are separate from the roads. These things help our quality of life and that will help the attitude of the residents. We are always considered last.
7
deb
quality of life, more stores and bike lanes just for tourists? You think that residents won’t enjoy a bike ride and will be able to support stores? you’re living in a bubble
Rod W
Joan,
Population of Hawaii in 1985 was approx 1.04 million, today it’s 1.42 million. So, a nearly 40% growth in population – maybe that’s why there’s so much traffic on the roads – locals. There are approx 190,000 tourists in Hawaii on any given day – half of the numbers associated with added residents.
Embrace us tourists – most of us come to take a break from our daily lives, we don’t come to destroy the the Islands.
1
Carol M.
With how shortages are rapidly happening everywhere along with food & gas costs, there will be no food to put in those stores. And it will not be because of tourism. Here on the mainland, farmers, vegetable & fruit, cattle, chickens are all being whittled down little by little.Just saying,this isn’t even our world. Hard times coming and not because of tourists!! Bigger problems ahead for the world, not just Hawaii!
Richard C
Hawaii is an American state no different than Texas, New York or California.
My wife a native American could go on TikTok tell tourist not to vacation in California and easily get 86K plus followers.
An 86 year old Hawaiian customer of ours told us Hawaiians trashed and trespassed Hawaii long before the crush of tourism. Used mopes to entangle spiny lobsters to the point of extinction.
That Hawaiians were responsible for sea turtle decline. Its Hawaiians who hunted sea turtles for meat and their eggs, plus killed harp seals who stole their catch not tourist.
Don’t get me started about native Hawaiian meth problem another non-tourist issue.
Hawaiians it’s 2022 there’s no going back to the time before Cook.
18
PhilV
Just returned from a week in Waikiki, I felt welcomed with open arms, don’t understand what all the fuss is about
8
Maleko
I saw Lily’s rants and was totally disgusted. There was no internet when I was growing up there but if we had done anything like that we would have gotten more than a mere lecture from our parents. How old is she and where are her parents? I hope to god, she was not brought up to act like she does. No class at all.
13
WillG
I’m from San Diego and I’ve been visiting Hawaii for a few years now, particularly Oahu due to work, but also pleasure. I’ve always found it very simple no matter where I’ve went, if you show respect to others, they’ll show it back. It’s just unfortunate that our society as a whole has seen a significant decline in general common courtesy and consideration for others and their environment. I can empathize with those that view the tourism negatively, because unfortunately, most people are inconsiderate these days…that’s just the sad truth. Despite that fact, I still aspire to live in Hawaii some day, and until I actually do, will respect the people and the land all the same.
21
Keith B
WillG, I believe you identified the crux of the issue. People are less curteous, less tolerant, and less neighborly then in the past. That is why, you should do fine over in the Islands. That is why you will standout as refreshingly different than most self entitled poeple. Get involved in the culture, yes the Islands have their natural beauty, but for me, (I have never been there), the most beautiful aspect of Hawaii is the people and their culture. No matter where we travel overseas- my wife and I have always had a pleasant experience with the people who live there. Like you we learn to live by the Golden Rule. We show the initiative by treating others as we would like to be treated in return. That rule is Universal. It works everywhere!
4
Xavier S
WilyG
This is the way people should act…which is the normal but apparently, it is not for many!
Disrespect is a Huge problem in the world now, but a lot of it here in the USA!
Xavier
2
Karen M.
I live in Colorado. We have the same problem here, a constant stream of tourist,they cause extra traffic, litter & disrespect our wildlife too. Some come to enjoy all that’s offered & others are just idiots. That’s the problem. There are idiots everywhere! I’m not one of the idiots. I’ve volunteered many hours with a turtle conservancy, never litter & tip at least 20% everywhere I go. It’s kind of the price you pay for living in a beautiful place-everyone wants a piece of it. Based on what I have read from Hawaii, I can’t say I feel very welcome there. I hope people don’t feel that way about Colorado!
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Curtis C.
As usual, BOH hits it out of the park with their great travel columns. You guys are always very balanced in your approach to this delicate subject. Here on the Central Coast of California, we are experiencing a high volume of tourists, especially since the state opened up Hearst Castle for tours. Please come. We welcome you with open arms. It’s not Hawaii, but pretty darn close.
5
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Curtis.
Good to hear from you. Thank you for your nice words and for so many comments over more than 5 years!
Aloha.
1
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It’s a shame because of its beauty, but with some many other places to visit why would I take my family to a place where we are welcome with “Caveats”…
As I read the comments, it seems that people are missing the point. Hawaiians don’t want tourists because their land is sacred. If left alone it can sustain the natives. They don’t need money which equals tourist destroying ecosystems. Privilege causes people to think it’s all about money and themselves.
Spend the extra money and go to the Cayman Islands !!! They are beautiful, the indigenous culture is largely in tact, and the people are beautiful human beings who are kind and welcoming to “TOURISTS” even obnoxious Americans and even worse Austrailians.
This is ridiculous . I have been coming to Hawaii for over 17 years as a tourist and always am respectful of the islands . I landed a job in Honolulu in 2010 and moved out there from the mainland. The locals made it abundantly clear that Hoales aren’t welcome , even tho I was a resident . I left after 9 months due in large part to the constant racism and hate cast upon me be the locals . Best decision I ever made and you couldn’t pay me enough go move back .
I grew up in Hawaii and now live on the Mainland. Its True that tourists should treat the island with respect and cultures of this great land!! Have pride when visiting and don’t be that disrespectful tourist. Love And Aloha to Da Locals.. Mahalo!!🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
Anybody notice where the CDC has FL and TX in an overwhelming majority of their States counties? In green…
Now do Hawaii….
We returned from Hawaii this week and were treated wonderfully by residents. Although we did not counter any anti tourists, some residents may not want tourism. However,the impact of the lack of tourism during COVID is obvious and sad. Many small stores closed and as per some residents will probably never reopen. There is a lack of workers in many areas, as per employees. WE were fortunate and went to a great hotel with wonderful staff and great services. I have a number of friends on the Islands and enjoyed visiting them, and meeting new ones
Over tourism may cause some inconvenience , but it’s easy money for the State and they obviously need it. In my opinion to tell tourists to stay away is short sighted, and will kill their economy.
I know! You’re right, they all like to shop at the grocery stores, target walmart, home depot and Lowes etc.. they forget if people don’t come here, those stores would close.. cost to get good here would skyrocket.. No $$ no shopping.. LOL
Thank goodness in our trips to Hawaii we have never encountered tourist hatred as you described. We have learned a lot about other cultures in our travels to other countries and in the US. People like Lilly are a sad sort and I hope I never encounter her. Kindness and respect to all based on how I am treated. We will return in one month to visit another beautiful island hopefully we are well received.
Lily if it were not for the tourist who you tell to stay home and don’t come to Hawaii What would this do to the economy of Hawaii.Tourism is a lifeblood of Hawaii.How many jobs would be lost just in the Airline industry,Resturants,Adventure Tours,Rental Car and Resorts.
You are right in a number of ways, everyone would love to enjoy the beauty and Aloha spirt of Hawaii but when someone has something nice everyone wants a piece of it, it’s just human nature.
I’ve read where some very Big names are being allowed to purchase big parcels of land and wanting it just for themselves, what happened to the moratorium on buying land unless you were a Native Hawaiian, did it end because the native culture sold out for the Big money being offered?
Some lands are still leasehold, you can purchase land/homes/condo’s subject to the lease, (DON’T) other land is fee simple
I live in Utah where our national parks are experiencing tourists in record numbers. I don’t ask them to leave however. I understand that if I don’t like living in a state with high tourism, I am free to move elsewhere. My husband and I vacation on the Big Island every year where we experience locals behaving badly. We spend thousands of dollars for airfare and lodging where the locals arrive on the weekends for their vacation that becomes one long drunken fest with loud music and foul language. This is not something we have seen once or twice, this is something we encounter every single year. Before you point a finger at someone else, you might want to take a closer look at yourself.
You say you are free to move elsewhere if you don’t like the tourists visiting where you live. So, you are also free to vacation elsewhere if you don’t like how the locals act where you are vacationing. Good on you for being so free, but please consider how terrible it sounds to suggest that Koko “simply” move away from their ancestral native lands if they don’t like tourists coming to visit them.
Thank you beat of Hawaii, I did see this article before and I can relate to this blogger I to am from a beautiful Island (Puerto Rico) sad to say it is in bad shape. As for me and my husband we have come to Hawaii many times and have a trip planned in July after not being able to come for the past 2 years. We Love her island and we respect it we feel the Love of (Ohana) the Love of the land and the respect that is given to us. There is a magical feeling when you are there and you see the beauty of the island and when you see the dance that tells a story and the beauty of the colors. We get asked by our kids why do you keep going to Hawaii well it is because of all of the above so thank you for sharing your island with us.
I think people may be making more of the behavior of tourists and residents.
I won’t even repeat how many decades we’ve been coming to Hawaii. We don’t find Hawaiians more or less friendly than other places. We come to Hawaii, mostly, to enjoy the weather, the beach, the music, and to get away from our too-busy lives – we just want to relax.
Those in the hospitality industry do what they do all over the planet, try to be nice, have a smile, and offer different recommendations, hoping you will be generous and return. That’s enough for us.
Lily’s not the only way asking tourists to stay away: euronews.com/travel/2022/05/03/hawaiian-overtourism-residents-beg-tourists-to-stop-visiting-amid-post-pandemic-boom
In 1971 my wife and I honeymooned in Hawaii for 2 weeks. We felt sure we wanted to move to the islands but which one? In 1974 we visited 4 islands in 4 weeks. We met as many locals and natives as possible and decided that the islands should not be invaded by mainlanders so now we have visited many times, oh the memories.
The saddest thing to us is that so many mainlanders have decided to move pushing the locals out of affordable housing. All the construction is for the over wealthy. You don’t have to stay in a palace to enjoy the sheer beauty of the islands and the friendliness of the Hawaiian people.
As your Larry Rivera (Uncle Larry to us) says, “Aloha begins with you” and it rubs off onto all who wish to receive it!
Facts matter! Quoting the TikTok: “A lot of tourists treat our land like it’s some theme park”. Where is the data supporting “a lot of tourists”? Then “Tourists will try to go near and touch monk seals”. There was one highly-publicized incident in the last few months. You can’t generalize one incident to **all** tourists. There are many visitors who are the exact opposite of what is portrayed in the TikTok. I deal personally with many visitors from all over the world, who come to Kauai for the cultural experience, to learn about the natural environment, and to try loco moco and other delightful Hawaiian traditional foods. One such visitor said she loved being an “Untourist”.
Even assuming perfectly behaved tourists, the sheer numbers are unsustainable and must be reduced substantially. Taking Kauai, where we are part-year residents, the landfill is overflowing, an intractable problem and slow-motion catastrophe — all because of millions of tourists and their unrecyclable waste. The waters around Kauai are often contaminated due to sewage from those millions of tourists. And of course, they are not perfectly behaved, there are constant episodes of molesting wildlife; I just had to chase off a tourist who had disturbed a juvenile seal and chased her into the water.
Cathy C., they are the exception, not the rule. If Hawaii has to regulate the number of tourists that visit annually, you will have a lot of angry tourists that will not even attempt to come back. Even though it is beautiful in Hawaii, there are many place to visit that are also beautiful that won’t whine about tourists the way I see people are on this blog! Just be thankful you have a thriving tourist industry that allows you to live a good life!
I lived in Hana, Maui in the early 1990s where I immersed myself in Hawaiian culture, lived off the grid, and wished I was Hawaiian. Now I am a visitor to Maui and Kona, but I do not feel like a visitor because I feel in my heart that I belong. I learn more about the culture and practice hula which I am learning in the Seattle area.
There are many people like me. The aloha spirit calls to visitors you know. Help them live it.
Aloha it’s not just tourist that leave trash, glass beat up not working vehicles of all sorts everywhere and especially on other peoples property I think Lily you need to absorb the whole picture and address everyone no exceptions, Mahalo and Aloha
BOH;
Not sure anyone mentioned it already but what about “cheap” airfare to Hawaii?
Don’t really want to sound “elitist” but maybe “cheap” airfare leads to “cheap” tourism and all that entails, bad attitudes, bad haircuts etc..
Yeah instead of vax cards, check those tourists out at the airports for “bad haircuts”. Send ’em back to the mainland. I think Mike J. is the one with the “bad attitude”.
I don’t think that visitors are the ones vandalizing, dumping trash and abandoned cars on the side of the road. Maybe Lili should do something productive like push to open up a cultural center to help protect our culture or be a guide and teach tourists about our environment/culture instead of venting on Tiktok. The visitor industry is what the state depends on for most of their revenue. Without tourists, our economy will sink even further.
Are tourists the ones who kill Monk Seals on Molokai? Never see much ourage over that, but dear God don’t take a selfie too close to one as a young femal tourist.
Richard C…..you seemed to have missed the theme of this article completely and just becasue you are married to a Native American, does not give you any advantages to speak about Hawaii or anything in relation to it the way you are, Sir!
You ought to re read the article carefully and understand its content.
Thanks!
Xavier
Lily says tourist stay home has 86k follows or Bots on TikToc.
Lily says Hawaiian’s ok to violate short term rental law.
Lily says Hawaiian’s good tourist bad.
Tourist to close to Monk seals and Turtles, but ok for Hawaiians to kill.
I got the just of the article.
By the way on BI last week witnessed locals or Hawaiians who knows anymore net fishing in restricted turtle area. Signage everywhere stating so, but didn’t make a difference to these 2 individuals.
Richard C., Lily is a selfish, self-centered, blowhard! No more, no less!
Thanks for the info – outstanding as usual. I’ve had a second home on both Maui and now Kauai for over thirty years. For the past ten years I’ve found Kauai wonderful – much friendlier than Maui! Unfortunately, since the pandemic of the past two and one-half years it seems that the entire state has now monetized everything throughout the islands. Simple things like credit/debit card “convenience fees” which is another way of skirting the issue with both Visa and Mastercard. I am surprised that there aren’t $1 pay as you “go” locks on public restroom stalls! $5 to go to a beach. I could go on and on but if the state is attempting to assuage the losses of the past two years with fees – Good Luck. There ARE other nice places.
My family has visited the islands of Hawaii several times…8. All but Lanai. Molokai was very unfriendly. All others were awesome. We always had utmost respect when we visited as that’s what one must do. We loved our trips, and have awesome memories. You have to respect where you are, otherwise you should stay home. Treat people snd places respectively.
She says “if tourists do come, they should avoid hotels and vacation rentals, as they are largely non-resident owned. She concludes that it’s better to stay with someone who already lives here in Hawaii, and suggests learning the Hawaiian language and patronizing locally owned businesses and restaurants, especially those that are Native Hawaiian-owned.” Learn the language? Avoid hotels ? Stay only with someone u know ?Ridiculous statements!! How many ppl learn the language of the places they vacation ? None that I know. She’s ignorant of facts. Oahu has made staying in places other than hotels impossible now with the rule u must stay for 90 days in a non-hotel. Who has 90 days vacation time? It’s getting more & more ridiculous to go to HI
Who started the Hawaiian tourist industry? I think it was started by the Hawaiian government to exploit tourists. They sold the Hawaiian residents a bill of goods to reduce their local taxes and provide a modern culture, with all the great benefits a modern society enjoys.
The county governments allow more and more building of resorts, they keep modernizing airports to allow more tourists. When we first stated visiting 27 years ago, all tourist had to fly to Honolulu and then transfer to each county. Oahu and Maui just kept expanding and fueling the demand.
If you want to slow down the influx of tourists, just limit the number of terminals and gates. You can also go back to requiring all visitors to arrive in Honolulu.
My family just returned from a 6-day visit to Maui, and had an amazing time. We snorkeled, hiked, and attended a luau, and experienced things my children will never forget. It had been 12 years since our last visit, and the biggest changes we saw were at restaurants (could not get a table anywhere, but we got local takeout and were glad we did!) and while driving around (the abandoned/burned out cars with anti-police language). Overall, Hawaii is still paradise, and like the rest of our world should be treated with respect. Same goes for people – treat others with kindness and respect, you get it in return. Act like an intitled jerk, and you get the same. Hoping we can come back soon!
This is a very touchy subject to talk about. Me, personally, I dislike tourism and I started disliking tourism while growing up on Long Island, when in the summer time, we had the influx of tourists coming to Long Island for the beaches, our history and more during the summer months! It was horrible! Places like the Hamptoms were hit the hardest.
The problem with tourism is tacky, uneducated people who think that because they are on vacation, they are entitled to be dirty, disrespectful, rude, demanding among other nasty qualities. But what they need to realize is that, when you are a visitor, you should be on your best behavior……treat others as you would want to be treated and respect your sorroundings.
Bon chance
“The problem with tourism is tacky, uneducated people who think that because they are on vacation, they are entitled to be dirty, disrespectful, rude, demanding among other nasty qualities.”
Your statement is found in the dictionary under “stereotype.”
Of course, you were nice enough to say you dislike tourism. I’m guessing you have been a tourist at least once in your life, so you must dislike yourself. Can’t blame you.
There are just people in this world who are just destructive and messy. I know, I have been cleaning up after them for a good long while now. I don’t think less tourism is going to cure the problem. That education needs to start very early in life.
Aloha Guys
After viewing several documentaries on the history of the Hawaii, my heart went out to the native people of Hawaii. I still have alot to learn. I too am thinking in regards to visiting the Islands on a vacation, but am weighing out if I should or refrain. I respect the culture and would love the opportunity to demosntrate it should I arrive. But at the sametime, the people of Hawaii need their breathing space as well. So I am on the fence about it. Still deciding.
Be happy that there are paying tourists visiting the island. Be unhappy if numerous night flights arrive from the Texas border filled will migrants looking to take jobs from native Hawaiians or just looking for US government and state handouts.
I’ve been to Hawaii 4 times, to all the islands. I agree completely with Lily. Hawaii, though a state, is special. It’s being overrun with tourists and imo people moving there and driving up property values. Non-Hawaiian businesses own almost everything. Hawaiians are being priced and pushed out of their own land. I hate to say it, but perhaps tourism and non-Hawaiian businesses should be limited. Paradise is being destroyed.
Kim
So all I hear is that tourism is a problem. I’d love to see how Hawaii gets on without it? Don’t worry Hawaiians I’m not coming back anymore! You went from my favorite place to visit to nowhere on the radar ever again. And goodness, how are they have messed up Kauai! My favorite spots were on the North Shore and now they have this shuttle and other nonsense making it completely user unfriendly and quite expensive as well? Perfect example of what I’m talking about -they want all that money from visitors But were the problem?
I’ve been here since the late 80s. Quality of life here has deteriorated as tourism has exploded. Expand the road system. Put in the Pa’ia bypass, have passing lanes and viewing areas so that residential and commercial traffic flow isn’t obstructed by the tourist “road trains,” bring in stores for shopping that residents need not fast food to feed the tourists! Put in bike lanes that are separate from the roads. These things help our quality of life and that will help the attitude of the residents. We are always considered last.
quality of life, more stores and bike lanes just for tourists? You think that residents won’t enjoy a bike ride and will be able to support stores? you’re living in a bubble
Joan,
Population of Hawaii in 1985 was approx 1.04 million, today it’s 1.42 million. So, a nearly 40% growth in population – maybe that’s why there’s so much traffic on the roads – locals. There are approx 190,000 tourists in Hawaii on any given day – half of the numbers associated with added residents.
Embrace us tourists – most of us come to take a break from our daily lives, we don’t come to destroy the the Islands.
With how shortages are rapidly happening everywhere along with food & gas costs, there will be no food to put in those stores. And it will not be because of tourism. Here on the mainland, farmers, vegetable & fruit, cattle, chickens are all being whittled down little by little.Just saying,this isn’t even our world. Hard times coming and not because of tourists!! Bigger problems ahead for the world, not just Hawaii!
Hawaii is an American state no different than Texas, New York or California.
My wife a native American could go on TikTok tell tourist not to vacation in California and easily get 86K plus followers.
An 86 year old Hawaiian customer of ours told us Hawaiians trashed and trespassed Hawaii long before the crush of tourism. Used mopes to entangle spiny lobsters to the point of extinction.
That Hawaiians were responsible for sea turtle decline. Its Hawaiians who hunted sea turtles for meat and their eggs, plus killed harp seals who stole their catch not tourist.
Don’t get me started about native Hawaiian meth problem another non-tourist issue.
Hawaiians it’s 2022 there’s no going back to the time before Cook.
Just returned from a week in Waikiki, I felt welcomed with open arms, don’t understand what all the fuss is about
I saw Lily’s rants and was totally disgusted. There was no internet when I was growing up there but if we had done anything like that we would have gotten more than a mere lecture from our parents. How old is she and where are her parents? I hope to god, she was not brought up to act like she does. No class at all.
I’m from San Diego and I’ve been visiting Hawaii for a few years now, particularly Oahu due to work, but also pleasure. I’ve always found it very simple no matter where I’ve went, if you show respect to others, they’ll show it back. It’s just unfortunate that our society as a whole has seen a significant decline in general common courtesy and consideration for others and their environment. I can empathize with those that view the tourism negatively, because unfortunately, most people are inconsiderate these days…that’s just the sad truth. Despite that fact, I still aspire to live in Hawaii some day, and until I actually do, will respect the people and the land all the same.
WillG, I believe you identified the crux of the issue. People are less curteous, less tolerant, and less neighborly then in the past. That is why, you should do fine over in the Islands. That is why you will standout as refreshingly different than most self entitled poeple. Get involved in the culture, yes the Islands have their natural beauty, but for me, (I have never been there), the most beautiful aspect of Hawaii is the people and their culture. No matter where we travel overseas- my wife and I have always had a pleasant experience with the people who live there. Like you we learn to live by the Golden Rule. We show the initiative by treating others as we would like to be treated in return. That rule is Universal. It works everywhere!
WilyG
This is the way people should act…which is the normal but apparently, it is not for many!
Disrespect is a Huge problem in the world now, but a lot of it here in the USA!
Xavier
I live in Colorado. We have the same problem here, a constant stream of tourist,they cause extra traffic, litter & disrespect our wildlife too. Some come to enjoy all that’s offered & others are just idiots. That’s the problem. There are idiots everywhere! I’m not one of the idiots. I’ve volunteered many hours with a turtle conservancy, never litter & tip at least 20% everywhere I go. It’s kind of the price you pay for living in a beautiful place-everyone wants a piece of it. Based on what I have read from Hawaii, I can’t say I feel very welcome there. I hope people don’t feel that way about Colorado!
As usual, BOH hits it out of the park with their great travel columns. You guys are always very balanced in your approach to this delicate subject. Here on the Central Coast of California, we are experiencing a high volume of tourists, especially since the state opened up Hearst Castle for tours. Please come. We welcome you with open arms. It’s not Hawaii, but pretty darn close.
Hi Curtis.
Good to hear from you. Thank you for your nice words and for so many comments over more than 5 years!
Aloha.