As Hawaii grapples with high vacation costs, travelers are turning to Europe’s more budget-friendly destinations. How this shift is reshaping tourism dynamics and what it means for the Aloha State.
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64 thoughts on “From Aloha to Arrivederci: Are Europe’s Open Tourist Arms Closing Doors in Hawaii?”
We love Hawaii as we live in southern California and it’s an easy fight. However, Maui is off of our list for the next 5 years as a result of the fire. However, we will visit the other islands.
As a resident looking around at the state of everything on Maui, I don’t understand why anybody would want to visit here. I really don’t understand why anybody would want to visit the state any longer. It’s generally unpleasant, run down, and way too expensive for what you get. I’m counting down the days until I can move away from this rock. The juice ain’t worth the squeeze anymore even with owning my own house with a historically low interest rate.
I was born and raised in Hawaii in the 1950s and ’60s I also worked in the hospitality industry there. I no longer live in Hawaii; leaving in the ’80s . the cost of living is too expensive, I have not been back to the Aina for over 30 years. now. I’ve worked in almost all of the major Waikiki, Hilo, and Wailea resorts, having started my culinary apprenticeship at HHVH. and working my way up to Executive Chef. working two and three jobs isn’t much of a life if you married and have children. I now live in the “9th. island” and am a retired culinary educator, and own my own home. I still have friends and family on Oahu but have seen the “aloha spirit” die and the cost of everything becomes unmanageable for so many of us who still love our “Aina” but can no longer afford to live there or visit. there are too many other, beautiful beaches and cultural and historic places that are much more affordable the my homeland, so sorry to say.
Josh Green, Blangiardi and company only protect the overpriced hotels and the. Comments above should tell them a thing or two. They have been killing the STR, Their arrogance has killed tourists but they let homeless take over . Bravo
This is now my second comment since it is my second week on Maui.
Not one negative comment on the contrary everyone is thankful we are here supporting their economy.
I cannot argue about the trip being expensive but we were prepared to spend money.
We love coming here and will continue to come annually to Maui.
They speak English which is my biggest obstacle in going to foreign countries.
We are currently in Europe. Also we go to the BI every year. Almost everywhere people speak English. We use Google translate to read menus. Easy. Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland. Average price per night $225. Cheaper in Luxembourg and Germany.
Even in Switzerland we can have pizza, salad, and beer forv2 for 50 f. Prices in Hawaii higher than Switzerland and then other countries way less. June beautiful wild flowers, waterfalls mild temperatures and uncrowned. We hiked and ebiked. If like to ebike there are bike paths everywhere. Ebike rental 30 e per day.
Here’s a secret Luxembourg was fabulous.
Well, with less STR’s to choose from, a reduction in the number of visitors seems appropriate. However, the government always gets their cut. It will be interesting to see how the State and Counties will tax us, to make up for the lost revenue. They won’t take it from voters (as they will get voted out of office), so this means additional taxes for on the remaining STR’s, hotels and visitors. (Maybe less so on the hotels since they lobby and contribute to politicians.) How will this all shake out?