Where is Hawaii headed next following so much debate? We want to hear your vision for Hawaii tourism.
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170 thoughts on “Fading Allure of Hawaii? The Way Forward”
Where is Hawaii headed next following so much debate? We want to hear your vision for Hawaii tourism.
I have been visiting Hawaii since 1977. We visited January 2023. From our arrival at the airport at in Maui. We noticed the more welcome attitude toward visitors. Even with all the traffic congestion and the non-stop development we had a great visit LOL I must say the airfare was cheap but the price for 2 weeks and a condo maxed out our budget must be extremely tough to raise a family in Hawaii
Maui no ka ‘oí.
Wow,
I have been reading a lot of the posts here and am flabbergasted to the content. I lived on Maui in the mid 80s and yes saw the prices for rent and homes skyrocket. I was appalled at the time as I saw so many friends whose families had lived on Maui have to move. It was horrific for them leaving the island. Most tourists never will understand the hardship for the locals unless you have lived there and shared in seeing resources and the land be violated. That’s not to say that all tourists are bad either but even a few can harm.
If there was a simple answer I wish I knew but there isn’t. What tourists can do is understand that this is home to a lot of locals from the very beginning of their family. Just be respectful.
I’ve been to Hawaii many many times. I’m probably never coming back. I no longer feel welcome. I have stayed in hotel rooms at most of the major resorts, rented houses and condo’s from just two of us to extended family stays for 15- on all the islands. I always loved the Aloha spirit – be it at a Four Seasons or a air b and b off the beaten path. Last trip – February 2022 I felt like a cash cow. An unwelcome cash cow. It wasn’t the same experience at all. The ugly American at home in America.
Return the land to the Hawaii people
Best of Hawaii is away from the crowds, in nature and the smaller, older towns.
I totally agree. Living within the culture and among the holiness of the aina is one of my greatest joys in life.
Legalize weed & the state could generate millions. We went to various parks where upkeep, facilities, & staff were sorely lacking. What a shame! Bathooms we’re closed, non-existent staff, & crumbling facilities. Went to Beach 69 at Hapuna, only 1 urinal for a huge beach & full pkng. lot, for ej.
Thats my beef too, the terrible bathrooms part. Increasing taxes wont help though if funds get diverted elsewhere.
Only thing i can think of is Island is a county and here in Oregon counties are underfunded and the State has the money.
Are the various beaches state facilities or county? Everyone does people have to go somewhere either in a bathroom or behind the bushes.
I think we need to pay the locals better. It’s amazing how much more interested people are in local environmental activism when they’re well fed and not overtired from working 2 jobs. They might even afford trips to the botanical gardens and such. Similarly, the abandoned appliance on Farrington (or ka’awali’i gulch, for that matter) referenced above might have found a home at the free transfer station if someone had had the time to take it there.
I went to college as an exchange student on the big island. 1976 I’m sure it’s changed. I want to come back but will it make me sad ? Hope and pray they the people can keep growth in check. One day I hope to return not as a tourist but a friend of the island a traveler. Hold on to your history and culture.
Maybe for the better now there is 3 locations for Gypsea Gelato. Captain Cook, Kona, and Waikola. Also OBISI in Waikola.
Lost Kapaho to lava that was a bummer. Big Island got bigger.
I just spent over a week on Oahu and intentionally stayed on the north shore to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu.
Unfortunately, the traffic all over the island is ridiculous. I live in Houston, Texas and the traffic here isn’t as bad and that’s saying a lot!
Plus, lots of the locals are not very accommodating to tourists. I got a vibe from many locals at retail establishments that they just aren’t happy about all of the tourists invading their island.
I will not be visiting Oahu in the future but I will be visiting Hawai’i Island (Big Island). I have had a much better experience there!
With all due respect, Houston and Harris County (I grew up there and still visit frequently) has the worst gridlock traffic of any major metropolitan area in these United States. The comparison is absolutely invalid.
Hawaii will pay for its constant desire to push tourist away. Don’t come crying for people to come back when businesses start to shutter. Hotel costs are outrageous and anyone paying 500+ per night is not smartly spending their money in Hawaii when they really don’t want you there to begin with. Let’s all find new locations to vacation in.
We just Mauna Lani for $700@ night. I dont mind paying less but it was a 3 bedroom. If was three couples at nowheresville USA at a Best Western at $233 @ for each room would seem reasonable. Condo has large kitchen large lani, living room all better than a motel room and you are in Hawaii. Win win
Not if it’s handled properly. Fewer tourists who spend more would do the trick. BTW, I find it amusing that people who complain about Hawaii’s policies always predict that This is going to cause Hawaii tourism to die and it really . But, it just continues to grow. for example, Jan tourism was up 38% vs last Jan. and spending was up as well.
LOL, agreed. They sound like jilted lovers who are threatening to leave. “You’ll see, when I leave, you’re really gonna miss me and you’re gonna want me back, but it’s gonna be too late, I’m gonna find someone else, you’ll see, you’ll regret dumping me!” LOL…
Not only that, but they act as if they have some god given right to a Cheap Hawaii vacation. Then when it’s not cheap, they do the jilted lover bit.