122 thoughts on “Does Hawaii Want Tourists or Not? It’s Fickle.”
Douglas E.
Last year as I was flying to Maui to stay at the Napili Kai, I was impressed and happy to see Hawaiian Airlines showing videos on the “does and don’t” during our stay. Although I have been coming for 61 years, it was refreshing and educational for those visitors that don’t know how to act or respect Hawaii and it’s people and beauty. Good Show Hawaiian Airlines! Thanks
Hi Guys. Over here in California, people are building ADU’s in their backyards to help with the housing crisis. Lumber has to be shipped there in order for this idea to happen there. Can the locals afford to to this with cost of permits, space etc. They would have their taxes raised also, I’m sure. Then they could make the money directly in renting to visitors. More Air B+B’s. Don’t know if this could work.A fine line we tread with ideas.
It’s a great idea, but unfortunately the government has imposed very strict requirements on short term rentals here and that’s not really an option for most people.
Our family loves visiting Hawaii for its beauty and we respect the people and the islands. It’s not fair to paint everyone with the same brush. Aloha to everyone
Thanks for this article. I have never heard of Lily but I have a feeling she is a very unhappy person.
We were on Oahu and the big island a year ago. Things were still in Covid mode but we masked up and tested. Most of the hospitality employees were kind and glad to see us. I think kindness begets kindness!
Tourism is Hawaii’s main industry as I am sure Lily knows.
Traveling to Mexico after Hawaii we noticed it was a more pleasant atmosphere than Hawaii. We didn’t feel like we were intruding and made to feel like we were naughty children! It is too bad since we are citizens of the United States of America!!
Lilly has no idea that if Eveyone moved off the island so would target,Walmart, lowes, longs drugs, macys, Walgreens and every big box store including Safeway, she lives in the dark – what I call her own “bubble” if she wants isolation – there is always Molokai and lanai –
I lived in Hawaii for 48 years, and for those residents that think we can do without Tourism don’t have a clue when it comes to the necessary economy to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. The economic support of Hawaii requires a strong Visitor Industry with additional support from the Military and Agriculture. Yes, we have a wonderful Hawaiian Culture and our people are welcoming for the most part, but these people that think we can survive without the visitor should lock themselves up in a cave and see how long they last! Please ask your readers to be realistic, and not put a bag over your heads so they end up closing out reality!
Aloha, we’ve visited almost every year for the last 10 years, and our visits started over 30 years ago. If anyone has seen a change in reception to tourism, it’s us. Yes, we’ve seen more and more opposition to tourism, mainly to stupid people who won’t follow the islands rules, but also a “it’s our and stay away” attitude. We’re not of the belief that we “own” Hawaii because it’s part of the US, we prefer to think we visit to enjoy the cultures and majesty of paradise. Yet, pressure has mounted for us to stay away, eventually we’ve ventured out and have found many other places that are way more welcoming, albeit out Yankee dollars, we don’t need hassles. Not to mention the rich haolies who think they own the place because they live there..
I first visited Oahu in 1990 when I lived on the “9th Island” and worked at The Cal (I fell in love with the Hawaiian people while working there). I’ve been back 4 more times between 2014-2018. Sadly, I will probably not go again. As much as I love the natural beauty and the people it’s just getting too expensive to go. And if I’m not wanted, that makes it even worse. It’s a sad reality I suppose. Perhaps The American West Indies will welcome us, and be less expensive….
We’ve been going to Kauai for the better part of 30 years. We’ve spent time while there and before reading about their history and culture, and have visited museums both in Kauai and on Oahu and Maui on previous trips. We always attend our favorite church on Kauai and try to support them as best we can.
Yes, we have a timeshare, but we’ve always been treated respectfully by those working there, and we treat them the same.
We do the same when we’ve gone to countries other than the US. Wherever you go, US or otherwise, why can’t you study where you are going and respect their customs and lifestyle ? It make it better for all.
No one anywhere likes tourist. But sooner or later everyone becomes a tourist when you visit a new area. Whomever came first usually doesn’t want others to come. It’s human nature to what it all for your self. Tourist can be jerks anytime and any where. Control them is the key.
Aloha Rob and Jeff. Just 1 question. On the survey you said 8 out of 10 on the tourism industry. So is that a high manner of dissatisfaction or satisfaction. Lily makes valid points, however no hotel stays is a blow for the economy. No taxes for the state from visitors staying there. What would you do then with empty hotels? Guess you could turn them into housing for those living there. She is being a bit harsh there concerning lodging. Mahalo.
Last year as I was flying to Maui to stay at the Napili Kai, I was impressed and happy to see Hawaiian Airlines showing videos on the “does and don’t” during our stay. Although I have been coming for 61 years, it was refreshing and educational for those visitors that don’t know how to act or respect Hawaii and it’s people and beauty. Good Show Hawaiian Airlines! Thanks
I can’t understand why all carriers don’t show the video. There are many other airlines.
Hi Guys. Over here in California, people are building ADU’s in their backyards to help with the housing crisis. Lumber has to be shipped there in order for this idea to happen there. Can the locals afford to to this with cost of permits, space etc. They would have their taxes raised also, I’m sure. Then they could make the money directly in renting to visitors. More Air B+B’s. Don’t know if this could work.A fine line we tread with ideas.
It’s a great idea, but unfortunately the government has imposed very strict requirements on short term rentals here and that’s not really an option for most people.
Our family loves visiting Hawaii for its beauty and we respect the people and the islands. It’s not fair to paint everyone with the same brush. Aloha to everyone
Thanks for this article. I have never heard of Lily but I have a feeling she is a very unhappy person.
We were on Oahu and the big island a year ago. Things were still in Covid mode but we masked up and tested. Most of the hospitality employees were kind and glad to see us. I think kindness begets kindness!
Tourism is Hawaii’s main industry as I am sure Lily knows.
Traveling to Mexico after Hawaii we noticed it was a more pleasant atmosphere than Hawaii. We didn’t feel like we were intruding and made to feel like we were naughty children! It is too bad since we are citizens of the United States of America!!
Lilly has no idea that if Eveyone moved off the island so would target,Walmart, lowes, longs drugs, macys, Walgreens and every big box store including Safeway, she lives in the dark – what I call her own “bubble” if she wants isolation – there is always Molokai and lanai –
I lived in Hawaii for 48 years, and for those residents that think we can do without Tourism don’t have a clue when it comes to the necessary economy to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. The economic support of Hawaii requires a strong Visitor Industry with additional support from the Military and Agriculture. Yes, we have a wonderful Hawaiian Culture and our people are welcoming for the most part, but these people that think we can survive without the visitor should lock themselves up in a cave and see how long they last! Please ask your readers to be realistic, and not put a bag over your heads so they end up closing out reality!
Aloha, we’ve visited almost every year for the last 10 years, and our visits started over 30 years ago. If anyone has seen a change in reception to tourism, it’s us. Yes, we’ve seen more and more opposition to tourism, mainly to stupid people who won’t follow the islands rules, but also a “it’s our and stay away” attitude. We’re not of the belief that we “own” Hawaii because it’s part of the US, we prefer to think we visit to enjoy the cultures and majesty of paradise. Yet, pressure has mounted for us to stay away, eventually we’ve ventured out and have found many other places that are way more welcoming, albeit out Yankee dollars, we don’t need hassles. Not to mention the rich haolies who think they own the place because they live there..
I first visited Oahu in 1990 when I lived on the “9th Island” and worked at The Cal (I fell in love with the Hawaiian people while working there). I’ve been back 4 more times between 2014-2018. Sadly, I will probably not go again. As much as I love the natural beauty and the people it’s just getting too expensive to go. And if I’m not wanted, that makes it even worse. It’s a sad reality I suppose. Perhaps The American West Indies will welcome us, and be less expensive….
We’ve been going to Kauai for the better part of 30 years. We’ve spent time while there and before reading about their history and culture, and have visited museums both in Kauai and on Oahu and Maui on previous trips. We always attend our favorite church on Kauai and try to support them as best we can.
Yes, we have a timeshare, but we’ve always been treated respectfully by those working there, and we treat them the same.
We do the same when we’ve gone to countries other than the US. Wherever you go, US or otherwise, why can’t you study where you are going and respect their customs and lifestyle ? It make it better for all.
No one anywhere likes tourist. But sooner or later everyone becomes a tourist when you visit a new area. Whomever came first usually doesn’t want others to come. It’s human nature to what it all for your self. Tourist can be jerks anytime and any where. Control them is the key.
Aloha Rob and Jeff. Just 1 question. On the survey you said 8 out of 10 on the tourism industry. So is that a high manner of dissatisfaction or satisfaction. Lily makes valid points, however no hotel stays is a blow for the economy. No taxes for the state from visitors staying there. What would you do then with empty hotels? Guess you could turn them into housing for those living there. She is being a bit harsh there concerning lodging. Mahalo.
Hi Debra.
It was a high level of satisfaction.
Aloha.