It is sad to read all of the nasty, hotheaded, vindictive, comments on this page by what appear to be entitled and tone deaf tourists. In my opinion, they represent exactly the type of people that are not needed in the State of Hawaii.
It is sad that there are nasty, hotheaded, vindictive, comments on this page. I hate seeing talk of this kind anywhere. We are all connected. It would be so much better to step with kindness. All love to you, to everyone on this site.
This is absolutely ridiculous. My wife and I got married on the beach in Kauai. We have much respect for the island and it’s people. But I read more and more that visitors are not welcome. I’m getting the message loud and clear. I refuse to visit anywhere that doesn’t want me. We’ll take our tourist dollars elsewhere.
I wish them good luck with all of this. People will continue to travel to Hawaii and go to the places they want to visit. I’m using that list to look for places I didn’t know about and haven’t visited to use for future trips. This whole situation is absurd. I have a timeshare so will continue to travel there but no extra trips and I feel like I am the kind of tourist you want on your island.
Speaking of spelling errors, it’s Hanakapiai – not Hanakapaai.
And not to put too fine a point on it, but “North Shore – From Hanalei Bridge to Kee Beach” already includes Hanalei Bay, Kee Beach and Haena. Same with Kalalau trail includes Hanakapiai.
Might as well make it easier and just ask people to not visit Hawaii.
Beyond the issue of whether tourists can or should be discouraged from visiting these areas, I kind of wonder what they expect PR people to market in their place? Seems like a hard sell to get people to fly all the way to Hawaii just to go to Costco or Sam’s Club.
This is utter nonsense! More than that, it’s pointless to assume that by not photographing Hanalei or Waikiki that somehow it will halt the decades of visitors to these popular spots. They can write whatever they want, it won’t change anything. This is just childish petulance by the legislature and HTA to make a point I guess. Their arrogance is breathtaking.
Well, if there was any doubt about tourists no longer being welcome, these lists pretty much seal the deal. I am also guessing they want to put all the businesses along Alii Dr., Keauhou Bay, and snorkel cruises to Kealakekua Bay out of business as well. They also have lots of nerve thinking they can tell folks not to come to a National Park. Just where do they think the money to support all these businesses and the national parks comes from? When was the last time you saw a bunch or locals at Volcano’s National Park or shopping along Alii Dr. or going on a snorkel cruise in Kealakekua Bay? Hawaii is run by total idiots. One of these days the voters are going to learn, but it might already be too late.
Good,Good,AND Great!
Hawaii has always been underwater with visitors. And worse, in-migration. The more Hawaii can be kept to the local the better it will be.
Hawaii is getting crazier and crazier every time I read about it. Costa RIca and Grand Cayman is getting my money this year. I’m not spending my $20k in Hawaii.
People come to see us in Volcano & guess what? We take them to see the majesty of our Park & teach them respect. I’m surprised they didn’t include Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl, Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum on Oahu.
You are absolutely right. How will anyone ever learn about the history and culture of this magical state if they don’t (or cant) visit these beautiful places. I would much rather go to Haleiwa Joe’s on North Shore of Oahu than go to an overpriced restaurant in Waikiki. Oh, I forgot, Waikiki is on the hit list also.
Mahalo for this. As far as I know, the Waipio Valley on the Big Island has been closed to visitors indefinitely for about a year now due to rock slides (or danger of them) on the only road in and out of the valley. There’s no date when visitors will be allowed back in there. We’ve been there several times and rode the horses on the valley tour (last time was in 2017). The WOH Ranch that runs one of the tours even relocated their horses to their ranch and had to redo their tour. Going to be difficult to visit that valley when you’re unable to get past the lookout point at the top. And good luck asking people to stay away from Volcanos National Park. It’s a federal park.
I never wanted to visit Hawaii, but I scheduled 3 months there in 2016 because my sister needed medical treatment. She died 3 days before our trip. I postponed it, but then went for the two of us. At first, I didn’t know what I was doing there. My sister was dead, and nothing about the land seemed familiar.
Halfway into the stay, I realized I was falling in love—with the aina, the way of life and with the people.
Now, I feel like Hawaii is part of me. I purchased land so that I can come more often.
So my question is, how can I—an outsider, who also loves the island—ingratiate myself so locals might be less likely to resent my being there?
2) I’m curious as to what Hawaii hopes to gain. I’m sure visitors would be delighted to learn about the history and culture of HI. people need to explore these places to appreciate what HI has to offer. It’s land and people are magical. Does HI want tourism or not? How can folks from the mainland get to know the true HI if all they see is commercialism everywhere. Why not create areas to explore that don’t have 20 souvenir shops.And these small towns have so much to offer. They are wonderful places to visit. Hi is making itself so inaccessible to all but the rich. So will you take away beautiful locations as well? Got to be a happy medium here. What does HI want their visitors to see and do while there? Or have you decided you don’t want us
Hawaii is not able to sustain 30m visitors a year. It would be great if tourists would educate themselves about The Islands. However if you look at the attendance for places like Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum, their numbers are down. People would much rather “play” at the beaches, parks, attractions etc.
A major factor in overtourism are the “invasions” of neighborhoods which has put a real bad taste in resident’s mouths. Being woken up at 4am by tourist noise and busses is not cool.
I’m sorry you are being woken up at 4am because of tourists. I would not like that either. Perhaps a compromise would be to deal with the perpetrators one by one, instead of a broad sweep? I would never think of disturbing my neighbors anywhere, much less in a place that is not my main home. Surely, there is a noise ordinance that can fine those bus drivers for making noise after curfew. All love to you.
I was just in Waikiki. Spent a boat load cash. Purity, cleanliness come on. Do something about homeless people on the sidewalk. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you and watch what you wish for!
This is a joke. I am going to visit all of these sites and encourage my friends and family to do the same, just to spite the HTA. This is the United States of America. You can’t tell people what to do. These extremists need to realize that they don’t own the Hawaiian islands.
This is pretty terrible news for people who love the islands.
And I’ve seen the same situation when I tried buying land in Colorado— the locals and those who became locals —don’t want anyone else there.
That said, Hawaii is a very different culture than the mainland. Perhaps if we could learn how to be more lovable we might be wanted in Hawaii?
If I were native Hawaiian, I would have a negative reaction to your “F-em” comments. I find I am more successful at influencing others around to my way of thinking if I step with kindness in word and deed.
Great. You are planning to go visit sites that are closed, not just ‘not recommended’? And you wonder why we need these things? Because too many tourists have this attitude. The Stairs are closed because it is unsafe. Waipio Valley is unsafe. Don’t ask us to have our people come rescue you if you need it.
But still what about the attitude if the people who just want to be there and learn, and take in all the beauty with no intent in disrespect or harm, or unmannered. We should get a chance to enjoy another land and culture as you would want. But its sad all the way around. I hope my experience will be a good one and i can do whatever i can to help.
Extremeists? How are they extreme? Because they love the aina which is where they live? Your attitude says a lot about your regard for other people. I guarantee if you visit Hawaii, unless you change your “tune” you won’t have a good time. The people I grew up with had so much aloha (look up the real meaning) but everything has a limit. The residents live in one of the most expensive places in the world. Housing, endless taxes, govt failings, etc. So… do Hawaii and their people a favor and visit another place. Aloha.
Lived most of my life in Santa Cruz CA – which was overrun by tourists every weekend. I can’t think of a single person there with the hubris to claim that our historic Mission culture was somehow more important than the wider community, or that locals deserved to be insulated from housing prices, or that we could try to prevent tourists from visiting our beaches.
(Society definitely has a problem with income distribution – many houses in my neighborhood were the rarely visited vacation properties of rich Silicon Valley executives. But “building walls” to reduce the symptoms is not a real solution. It is “fighting over scraps”)
Of all the listed hotspots, I’m only familiar with about 12. Of those 12, I absolutely agree that urgent limitation of visitor volume is needed.
The locals come first. The state needs to take care of and consider the impact of rampant tourism on the local population. It’s that simple. Nobody owes anyone a Hawaiian holiday vacation.
I) I’m so angry, this may take 2 comment slots. This is unbelievable. Think about what ruined Hanauma Bay. 1000s of visitors per day, bussed in from the big hotels in and around Waikiki. Who’s fault is that? Nothing but greed. No one cared when the tour buses were raking in the $. I lived on Oahu, I tried so many times to get from Hauula to Hanauma Bay. By 8am the place was packed. Jam packed Couldn’t even park on shoulder of road. So locals couldn’t get in if they wanted. I think someone should figure out what HI wants. Sacred lands Should be off limits. So make sure they’re clearly marked as such. But they’re singling out some of the most beautiful locales on the island. Haleiwa? A beautiful little town. What will all the businesses do?
While they’re at it, why not discontinue air travel to the islands? We get it; you do not want tourists. To be fair though, Hawaiian residents may not visit California or Nevada, okay? Turn about is fair play.
Why is is that those who have never built a vibrant economy are so adept at tearing one down?
How long before “the Authority” to just skips to the chase and does not let persons into the State without the proper ESG score and financial purity restitution (tax) payments?
Instead of being so focused on perceived negative tourist parasitism, perhaps an understanding of a commensalism-symbiosis between tourist and resident interests would be more beneficial.
I would say you’ve got to be kidding me however I’ve read enough from BOH as of late that I believe there are pockets of people who want no one to visit the islands, ever. To continue to read these how these people feel really disturbs me.
HTA’s Ma’ema’e does not disappoint. Rather than manage, it appears to point and say, This is mine, this is mine, and that too. We need common sense management, not sovereignty.
As far as Kaua’i goes I agree with Queen’s bath but Waimea Canyon state park? Our main problem in Kauai is we are trying to squeeze a bunch of locals and visitors alike on paved over cane roads. The Wailua falls parking and road approaching is a joke. We need updated infrastructure in so many places, including the airport here on Kauai. Don’t think we don’t want more tourist but I am tired of taking 45 minutes to go the grocery store instead of 20.
We just returned from Kauai and we stayed in Poipu Beach area. The whole area is marketed for tourism. Every other shop is a souvenir stand and all the restaurants are exorbitantly overpriced. And Old Koloa Town, nothing but a tourist trap. When we went to Waimea Canyon, there was nothing but tourist buses in the parking lot. So, if HTA isn’t promoting these places, is it just word of mouth? I doubt it…
I’ve lived in Hawai’i off and on since I was a kid when it was a Territory and I still have property and a residence in what truly used to be “Paradise”. As such, I cannot believe the arrogance and ignorance demonstrated on a daily basis by the State Legislature and HTA.
Collectively, “they” have destroyed the sugar, pineapple, and fishing industries over the decades and now “they” are working to kill the last Golden Goose the Islands possess — namely the tourist industry. Who is gonna’ pay the bills?
IMO, it’s way past time for Kānaka Maoli and Kamaʻāina to come together and vote the bums out of office — most of whom are “imports” — and return Hawai’i to that graceful oasis in the middle of the Pacific she once represented …
The list is just outrageous. Some of those spots have plenty of room for everyone. Looks to be one sided for sure.
A couple of spots sure they don’t need more activities but for the most part visit the rest.
Sounds like Hawaiian “Entitlement”
And who did they take the islands from??
I’d imagine the resorts in Waikiki are not all that concerned. Waikiki is practically an entity unto itself, and has its own image and marketing, but I wonder how Matsumoto Shave Ice or the folks at Punalu’u Bakery feel about it. Or the Division of State Parks or the NPS, whose purposes, in part, are the enjoyment of the parks for all. I support managing tourism so those of us that live in Hawaii don’t get the feeling of being overrun from time to time, and maybe HTA has served its purpose and should be redefined, but suggesting people don’t go to public places is ridiculous, and, in my mind, disqualifying for the HTA contract.
Aloha Rob and Jeff. I would like to hear your personal views on this new guide. It pretty much sounds to me like no one should come over at all. What.. just stay in your hotel/condo? I can agree with some spots on the list, but for the most part, most of these spots on Kauai are the spots that are to Be seen for their breathtaking beauty. They are going about this approach all wrong in my opinion. Basically they just want to close all spots down to visitors. Ok, no one will come over anymore if they can’t see the “real Hawaii”. It’s really going downhill for everyone over there with these people putting out all these rules.
We can’t say we weren’t surprised by some of the mentioned locations. On the other hand, there’s obviously well-meaning intention behind this, including cultural sensitivity, safety, environmental impact and overcrowding that is getting obfuscated. This also gets caught up in the vast mess of the state legislature, HTA, HVCB and NHHA. We’re hopeful that some good will come out of it.
We appreciate your asking and moved the answer directly into the body of the article.
I think the ‘well-meaning’ aspect of these recommendations is buried beneath the clear ‘Stay away from Hawaii’ message.
Very sad that they cannot come up with a more constructive and positive approach to the perceived ‘tourist problem.’
Aloha,
This is one the dumbest things I’ve ever seen!!!
Nothings going to change when it comes to social media and click bait, the more the state says “No” the more society will defy and continue tagging and sharing these sights regardless of the states travel organization claiming they don’t glorify them in their own way!!!
All this just adds to the bad reputation mainlander see of Hawaii even if it’s a false perception or not…
Thanks gentlemen for the informative article. As a resident I cannot say I disagree that residents too often get forgotten about. We live here and pay a lot of taxes. There needs to be a balance that I think the tourism authority is trying to find.
I fear that noting these sensitive and/or over visited areas will have the opposite effect. knowing the names, those who could care less about cultural or eco sensitives now have a roadmap for thir tagging bucket list Fees and enforcement would be the only solution
I’ll bet the businesses and merchants of Old Koloa town would love for this to happen. I don’t think so. Did anybody ask them?
It is sad to read all of the nasty, hotheaded, vindictive, comments on this page by what appear to be entitled and tone deaf tourists. In my opinion, they represent exactly the type of people that are not needed in the State of Hawaii.
Tone deaf is calling people with whom you disagree; nasty, hotheaded, vindictive, and not needed in Hawaii.
It is sad that there are nasty, hotheaded, vindictive, comments on this page. I hate seeing talk of this kind anywhere. We are all connected. It would be so much better to step with kindness. All love to you, to everyone on this site.
This is absolutely ridiculous. My wife and I got married on the beach in Kauai. We have much respect for the island and it’s people. But I read more and more that visitors are not welcome. I’m getting the message loud and clear. I refuse to visit anywhere that doesn’t want me. We’ll take our tourist dollars elsewhere.
I wish them good luck with all of this. People will continue to travel to Hawaii and go to the places they want to visit. I’m using that list to look for places I didn’t know about and haven’t visited to use for future trips. This whole situation is absurd. I have a timeshare so will continue to travel there but no extra trips and I feel like I am the kind of tourist you want on your island.
Speaking of spelling errors, it’s Hanakapiai – not Hanakapaai.
And not to put too fine a point on it, but “North Shore – From Hanalei Bridge to Kee Beach” already includes Hanalei Bay, Kee Beach and Haena. Same with Kalalau trail includes Hanakapiai.
Might as well make it easier and just ask people to not visit Hawaii.
What beach can you suggest to visit that is close to waikiki beach? Where ill be staying is a few blocks from waikiki beach.
Beyond the issue of whether tourists can or should be discouraged from visiting these areas, I kind of wonder what they expect PR people to market in their place? Seems like a hard sell to get people to fly all the way to Hawaii just to go to Costco or Sam’s Club.
This is utter nonsense! More than that, it’s pointless to assume that by not photographing Hanalei or Waikiki that somehow it will halt the decades of visitors to these popular spots. They can write whatever they want, it won’t change anything. This is just childish petulance by the legislature and HTA to make a point I guess. Their arrogance is breathtaking.
The legislature is under pressure by wealthy new residents to limit tourists so they can have the best places to themselves.
This is so true. That, and the Hotel Lobby pulling a number. All love to you.
I’d think the “hotel lobby” wouldn’t be in favor of people not visiting Waikiki.
Well, if there was any doubt about tourists no longer being welcome, these lists pretty much seal the deal. I am also guessing they want to put all the businesses along Alii Dr., Keauhou Bay, and snorkel cruises to Kealakekua Bay out of business as well. They also have lots of nerve thinking they can tell folks not to come to a National Park. Just where do they think the money to support all these businesses and the national parks comes from? When was the last time you saw a bunch or locals at Volcano’s National Park or shopping along Alii Dr. or going on a snorkel cruise in Kealakekua Bay? Hawaii is run by total idiots. One of these days the voters are going to learn, but it might already be too late.
Good,Good,AND Great!
Hawaii has always been underwater with visitors. And worse, in-migration. The more Hawaii can be kept to the local the better it will be.
And how will locals survive with tourism? They gave into that being their main source of income and now it’s too late to go backwards.
Hawaii is getting crazier and crazier every time I read about it. Costa RIca and Grand Cayman is getting my money this year. I’m not spending my $20k in Hawaii.
People come to see us in Volcano & guess what? We take them to see the majesty of our Park & teach them respect. I’m surprised they didn’t include Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl, Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum on Oahu.
You are absolutely right. How will anyone ever learn about the history and culture of this magical state if they don’t (or cant) visit these beautiful places. I would much rather go to Haleiwa Joe’s on North Shore of Oahu than go to an overpriced restaurant in Waikiki. Oh, I forgot, Waikiki is on the hit list also.
Mahalo for this. As far as I know, the Waipio Valley on the Big Island has been closed to visitors indefinitely for about a year now due to rock slides (or danger of them) on the only road in and out of the valley. There’s no date when visitors will be allowed back in there. We’ve been there several times and rode the horses on the valley tour (last time was in 2017). The WOH Ranch that runs one of the tours even relocated their horses to their ranch and had to redo their tour. Going to be difficult to visit that valley when you’re unable to get past the lookout point at the top. And good luck asking people to stay away from Volcanos National Park. It’s a federal park.
Mahalo for your efforts.
I never wanted to visit Hawaii, but I scheduled 3 months there in 2016 because my sister needed medical treatment. She died 3 days before our trip. I postponed it, but then went for the two of us. At first, I didn’t know what I was doing there. My sister was dead, and nothing about the land seemed familiar.
Halfway into the stay, I realized I was falling in love—with the aina, the way of life and with the people.
Now, I feel like Hawaii is part of me. I purchased land so that I can come more often.
So my question is, how can I—an outsider, who also loves the island—ingratiate myself so locals might be less likely to resent my being there?
Hi Gloria.
Great question, thanks. We’ll step aside for others to lend a further hand here.
Aloha.
Aloha, and all love to you. To everyone on this site. Now more than ever is the time to be gentle and kind.
2) I’m curious as to what Hawaii hopes to gain. I’m sure visitors would be delighted to learn about the history and culture of HI. people need to explore these places to appreciate what HI has to offer. It’s land and people are magical. Does HI want tourism or not? How can folks from the mainland get to know the true HI if all they see is commercialism everywhere. Why not create areas to explore that don’t have 20 souvenir shops.And these small towns have so much to offer. They are wonderful places to visit. Hi is making itself so inaccessible to all but the rich. So will you take away beautiful locations as well? Got to be a happy medium here. What does HI want their visitors to see and do while there? Or have you decided you don’t want us
Hawaii is not able to sustain 30m visitors a year. It would be great if tourists would educate themselves about The Islands. However if you look at the attendance for places like Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum, their numbers are down. People would much rather “play” at the beaches, parks, attractions etc.
A major factor in overtourism are the “invasions” of neighborhoods which has put a real bad taste in resident’s mouths. Being woken up at 4am by tourist noise and busses is not cool.
I’m sorry you are being woken up at 4am because of tourists. I would not like that either. Perhaps a compromise would be to deal with the perpetrators one by one, instead of a broad sweep? I would never think of disturbing my neighbors anywhere, much less in a place that is not my main home. Surely, there is a noise ordinance that can fine those bus drivers for making noise after curfew. All love to you.
I was just in Waikiki. Spent a boat load cash. Purity, cleanliness come on. Do something about homeless people on the sidewalk. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you and watch what you wish for!
This is a joke. I am going to visit all of these sites and encourage my friends and family to do the same, just to spite the HTA. This is the United States of America. You can’t tell people what to do. These extremists need to realize that they don’t own the Hawaiian islands.
This is pretty terrible news for people who love the islands.
And I’ve seen the same situation when I tried buying land in Colorado— the locals and those who became locals —don’t want anyone else there.
That said, Hawaii is a very different culture than the mainland. Perhaps if we could learn how to be more lovable we might be wanted in Hawaii?
If I were native Hawaiian, I would have a negative reaction to your “F-em” comments. I find I am more successful at influencing others around to my way of thinking if I step with kindness in word and deed.
Great. You are planning to go visit sites that are closed, not just ‘not recommended’? And you wonder why we need these things? Because too many tourists have this attitude. The Stairs are closed because it is unsafe. Waipio Valley is unsafe. Don’t ask us to have our people come rescue you if you need it.
But still what about the attitude if the people who just want to be there and learn, and take in all the beauty with no intent in disrespect or harm, or unmannered. We should get a chance to enjoy another land and culture as you would want. But its sad all the way around. I hope my experience will be a good one and i can do whatever i can to help.
Extremeists? How are they extreme? Because they love the aina which is where they live? Your attitude says a lot about your regard for other people. I guarantee if you visit Hawaii, unless you change your “tune” you won’t have a good time. The people I grew up with had so much aloha (look up the real meaning) but everything has a limit. The residents live in one of the most expensive places in the world. Housing, endless taxes, govt failings, etc. So… do Hawaii and their people a favor and visit another place. Aloha.
By that measure, I recommend you not visit California and if you you are here, you return your property to its pre-contact condition, and leave.
So basically don’t visit?
Lived most of my life in Santa Cruz CA – which was overrun by tourists every weekend. I can’t think of a single person there with the hubris to claim that our historic Mission culture was somehow more important than the wider community, or that locals deserved to be insulated from housing prices, or that we could try to prevent tourists from visiting our beaches.
(Society definitely has a problem with income distribution – many houses in my neighborhood were the rarely visited vacation properties of rich Silicon Valley executives. But “building walls” to reduce the symptoms is not a real solution. It is “fighting over scraps”)
Of all the listed hotspots, I’m only familiar with about 12. Of those 12, I absolutely agree that urgent limitation of visitor volume is needed.
The locals come first. The state needs to take care of and consider the impact of rampant tourism on the local population. It’s that simple. Nobody owes anyone a Hawaiian holiday vacation.
Functions as a list of Exactly what TO See. Thanks for planning my next trip HTA ! I did not know about some of these places, now I do. 😉
I) I’m so angry, this may take 2 comment slots. This is unbelievable. Think about what ruined Hanauma Bay. 1000s of visitors per day, bussed in from the big hotels in and around Waikiki. Who’s fault is that? Nothing but greed. No one cared when the tour buses were raking in the $. I lived on Oahu, I tried so many times to get from Hauula to Hanauma Bay. By 8am the place was packed. Jam packed Couldn’t even park on shoulder of road. So locals couldn’t get in if they wanted. I think someone should figure out what HI wants. Sacred lands Should be off limits. So make sure they’re clearly marked as such. But they’re singling out some of the most beautiful locales on the island. Haleiwa? A beautiful little town. What will all the businesses do?
This is pretty laughable. Totally everywhere you would want to go and take pictures. LOL! Points gun at foot and shoots…
While they’re at it, why not discontinue air travel to the islands? We get it; you do not want tourists. To be fair though, Hawaiian residents may not visit California or Nevada, okay? Turn about is fair play.
Why is is that those who have never built a vibrant economy are so adept at tearing one down?
How long before “the Authority” to just skips to the chase and does not let persons into the State without the proper ESG score and financial purity restitution (tax) payments?
Instead of being so focused on perceived negative tourist parasitism, perhaps an understanding of a commensalism-symbiosis between tourist and resident interests would be more beneficial.
I would say you’ve got to be kidding me however I’ve read enough from BOH as of late that I believe there are pockets of people who want no one to visit the islands, ever. To continue to read these how these people feel really disturbs me.
HTA’s Ma’ema’e does not disappoint. Rather than manage, it appears to point and say, This is mine, this is mine, and that too. We need common sense management, not sovereignty.
As far as Kaua’i goes I agree with Queen’s bath but Waimea Canyon state park? Our main problem in Kauai is we are trying to squeeze a bunch of locals and visitors alike on paved over cane roads. The Wailua falls parking and road approaching is a joke. We need updated infrastructure in so many places, including the airport here on Kauai. Don’t think we don’t want more tourist but I am tired of taking 45 minutes to go the grocery store instead of 20.
So basically, vacation somewhere else.
Simply put, those people are just nuts.
On Maui right now and this article just gave me more places to visit!
Aloha BOH!
We just returned from Kauai and we stayed in Poipu Beach area. The whole area is marketed for tourism. Every other shop is a souvenir stand and all the restaurants are exorbitantly overpriced. And Old Koloa Town, nothing but a tourist trap. When we went to Waimea Canyon, there was nothing but tourist buses in the parking lot. So, if HTA isn’t promoting these places, is it just word of mouth? I doubt it…
I’ve lived in Hawai’i off and on since I was a kid when it was a Territory and I still have property and a residence in what truly used to be “Paradise”. As such, I cannot believe the arrogance and ignorance demonstrated on a daily basis by the State Legislature and HTA.
Collectively, “they” have destroyed the sugar, pineapple, and fishing industries over the decades and now “they” are working to kill the last Golden Goose the Islands possess — namely the tourist industry. Who is gonna’ pay the bills?
IMO, it’s way past time for Kānaka Maoli and Kamaʻāina to come together and vote the bums out of office — most of whom are “imports” — and return Hawai’i to that graceful oasis in the middle of the Pacific she once represented …
The list is just outrageous. Some of those spots have plenty of room for everyone. Looks to be one sided for sure.
A couple of spots sure they don’t need more activities but for the most part visit the rest.
Sounds like Hawaiian “Entitlement”
And who did they take the islands from??
Thank you for the informative article. They don’t encourage people to go to
Waikiki? That’s hilarious! Where, on Oahu, do they want people to visit?
So odd!
Mahalo
Lanell
Hi Lannell.
That’s one that most surprised us as well. Thanks for nearly 100 comments to date!
Aloha.
nowhere…
A little early for April Fools Jokes, isn’t it?
If I promise to clean beach restrooms for six days, may I put a foot in the ocean on the seventh?
Terrifying that anyone could think like this in the USA in 2023.
The beach rest rooms are under a long term study. They are not allowed to be cleaned. (At least that’s my take!)
Couldn’t agree more. The beach restrooms on every island we have been to are disgusting and a disgrace.
ALoha Guys-I guess I will stay in my condo when I visit Kauai in April unless its on the list too?
thanks
I’d imagine the resorts in Waikiki are not all that concerned. Waikiki is practically an entity unto itself, and has its own image and marketing, but I wonder how Matsumoto Shave Ice or the folks at Punalu’u Bakery feel about it. Or the Division of State Parks or the NPS, whose purposes, in part, are the enjoyment of the parks for all. I support managing tourism so those of us that live in Hawaii don’t get the feeling of being overrun from time to time, and maybe HTA has served its purpose and should be redefined, but suggesting people don’t go to public places is ridiculous, and, in my mind, disqualifying for the HTA contract.
Aloha Rob and Jeff. I would like to hear your personal views on this new guide. It pretty much sounds to me like no one should come over at all. What.. just stay in your hotel/condo? I can agree with some spots on the list, but for the most part, most of these spots on Kauai are the spots that are to Be seen for their breathtaking beauty. They are going about this approach all wrong in my opinion. Basically they just want to close all spots down to visitors. Ok, no one will come over anymore if they can’t see the “real Hawaii”. It’s really going downhill for everyone over there with these people putting out all these rules.
Hi Debra.
We can’t say we weren’t surprised by some of the mentioned locations. On the other hand, there’s obviously well-meaning intention behind this, including cultural sensitivity, safety, environmental impact and overcrowding that is getting obfuscated. This also gets caught up in the vast mess of the state legislature, HTA, HVCB and NHHA. We’re hopeful that some good will come out of it.
We appreciate your asking and moved the answer directly into the body of the article.
Aloha.
Aloha.
I think the ‘well-meaning’ aspect of these recommendations is buried beneath the clear ‘Stay away from Hawaii’ message.
Very sad that they cannot come up with a more constructive and positive approach to the perceived ‘tourist problem.’
Aloha,
This is one the dumbest things I’ve ever seen!!!
Nothings going to change when it comes to social media and click bait, the more the state says “No” the more society will defy and continue tagging and sharing these sights regardless of the states travel organization claiming they don’t glorify them in their own way!!!
All this just adds to the bad reputation mainlander see of Hawaii even if it’s a false perception or not…
Thanks gentlemen for the informative article. As a resident I cannot say I disagree that residents too often get forgotten about. We live here and pay a lot of taxes. There needs to be a balance that I think the tourism authority is trying to find.
It’s your choice to live in the Islands, yes??
I fear that noting these sensitive and/or over visited areas will have the opposite effect. knowing the names, those who could care less about cultural or eco sensitives now have a roadmap for thir tagging bucket list Fees and enforcement would be the only solution