49 thoughts on “Hawaii Fails To Make 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Popular Destination List”
Jim L
Just completed arrangements … Very difficult to find affordable room and car rental. Prices have risen far above reasonable levels with the reality being that the golden goose is being fatally throttled. A shame that Hawaii is being priced beyond the budget of the majority of frequent travellers .
Just left Maui. Will not return. Prices which were high are now super high everywhere. The amount charged to park a rental is high. We were told a number of times the Islands want their own people to have the islands back. Aloha spirit is down and in places we no longer felt welcome. From Canada we chose to fly to San Diego for the first part of our holiday. Yes, California is expensive but not out of line. We felt welcome, had great beach time palm trees and great weather. Had a wonderful week and felt appreciated. We will return. He mainland now has it in our opinion. Shorter, less expensive flight as well. Well done San Diego!
Well we just returned from Hawaii and after going there for over 20 years it’s sad to say we will no longer be returning when a loaf of bread is 10.00 a loaf and seeing in a store that they take the large Costco pack of paper towels and they were trying to charge 5.00 for a single roll is a shame. It was beyond gouging and we will never return nor will we tell anyone to visit. There are plenty of other beautiful places to visit that are not doing this to visitors.
While tourism is good for our local economy, it’s gotten out of control and and affects local residents. Too many investors buying up condos and turning them into rentals. Many of many of the locals can no longer afford to live here anymore you’re anymore. Unless you’ve been gifted a home from your parents, children must now move to the mainland to ever think about purchasing their own home. $50 additional charge comes in to play and that less people come here.
Hawaii may fall off the CN list, but not off the USA list. People will still want to go there, cost not withstanding. Maybe shorter visits, or just special occasions (weddings, etc.). But, as Europe and the Caribbean begin to be more available, I wouldn’t be surprised if the big shift west becomes a shift to the east, and people start going on those trips where they are welcomed, there dollar goes further (Bring money, Americans!) and there are perhaps less crowds. Inflation will still be a factor, but most people won’t be paying $400+ a night for rooms, and $80-$100/day for a rental car. Looks good to me!
I just cancelled a trip to the Big Island in January. I just could not find decent flights out of PHX and coming home. Also, just feel like a lot of other people in that we are being nickel and dimed to death. We will still go to Kauai in April-May because we have a timeshare there.
I do feel that after going since 1980 the people there no longer want us to visit their islands. I love Kauai but may start going to Mexico more as the flights are quick and definitely less expensive.
Mahalo
As someone looking forward to a February trip (and whose only other trip was about 20 years ago), I can honestly say that you could charge me $100 per person for an island fee and it wouldn’t change my plans not a n’ere nutta.
I can understand how this would (obviously) affect frequent visitors to Hawaii as more trips = more “fees.” But that sounds like a first-world problem. Most of us can’t scrounge enough vacation time to cover 16 hours on a plane more than once every few years. I’m sure those who have such free time would be able to find an extra $100 per trip.
We bring plastic waste and pests and disease. Seriously! So yeah, the opportunity to help offset my damage is welcomed.
Hawaii is for the rich traveler only. It is no longer for the blue-collar traveler who wants to get away for a 7-day island retreat. This past year, my HOA was bumped up $60/month, electricity has gone up, property taxes have increased, and the infamous Maui County 3% TAT, the Hawaii TAT of 10.25% for Maui, and the GET of 4.166% is absolutely insane. On a condo that I rent for peanuts: $150/night, I must charge an additional $26.13/night for the taxes. This does not include the cleaning fee. I am finding that guests no longer want to pay the abhorrent rates and I can’t blame them. When you add the cost of airfare, outrageous food prices along with an expected 15%-20% tip, it is no longer is affordable. I would prefer guests go to Mexico.
I’m in Maui now, for our fourth and unfortunately final visit to the islands. Why is it the end?
1) the aloha spirit is gone – example we just did the famous Road to Hana. What a disappointment relative to our last time on Maui 11 years ago. Either the State or the locals have shut down so many opportunities for beauty to be experienced. A pale comparison to the past.
2) Prices. The proposed $50 fee is frankly inconsequential. We felt so barraged by ridiculous pricing that we have to spend week 3 of 3 “sheltering in place”. Don’t get me started on the trend consistent on the mainland with pushing for tips at shops that have no business any longer doing so…
3) An unfortunate outcome perhaps of the above: the plight of the homeles
Hawaii is my soul healing place — the ocean water, the wildlife, the people, the food.
I admit that I gave considerable pause to planning my last trip because the residents are expressing dismay about the environmental impact of tourism. I respect the wishes of the people who call the islands home. Can the economy be self sufficient without tourism? Not in this lifetime but perhaps with future generations.
To start, 2019-2022, do not seem like harbinger years, given Fall 2020, the Political upheaval and Covid Pandemic. Broken down, in the West, Hawaii aside from it’s own beaches offers a change of scenery, consistant dining fare, language and historically safety across the spectrum. The East Coast has the same, beaches, but the Caribbean, Bermuda also offer an exotic feeling at much lower pricing, but not the long, long flight. The great ‘Middle’, that is where the opportunity is. Key West is an anomaly, but it benefitted from Masks, Lockdowns, Margaritaville and access. Paris, Prices and Dollar valuation, Lisbon ditto and for retirement. Then there is the “it’s been done”, as Diner’s Fenwick, once opined. A new generation, awaits!
Aloha! We are currently wrapping up a 3 week visit on Maui. I’m sad to say this will probably be our last.
The main reason for not returning are the hordes of people! Tourists everywhere clogging roads, restaurants, beaches and sidewalks. It is too much. The island infrastructure simply cannot handle it. It shouldn’t take 1.5 hours to get from OGG to Napili or Waimea. Every restaurant always filled to capacity. For the 1st time I can feel and understand the Hawaiian resentment. It must have been paradise here, during covid.
I’m 100% for tourist limits. Tourist limits should be the same as occupancy numbers for a building or stadium. I don’t know what that number is. I just know it’s way too much now!
I feel sorry for residents!
With all due respect to the editors of this excellent website, but I think you’ve conflated lack of growth with decline. The American Express article is merely pointing out that other world destinations are showing higher numbers versus Hawaii. That does not equate to a drop or “downturn” in Hawaii visitors. Huge difference.
As far as I’m concerned, Hawaii cannot and never could sustain unlimited growth. That would be insanity. There has to be an equilibrium. Maybe that has been reached. A few less visitors would be preferable.
We had planned a trip in April but once we did the math on everything and factored in other factors we are now looking elsewhere. We can go to the Caribbean for half the price and it is almost as good. Hawaiians should be careful what they wish for.
Why all the hub-bub? Hawaii is getting exactly what it intended. Hawaiians want alternative ways prosper. I guess the tourists are listening and responding. Be careful what you wish for…
Prior to the Pandemic, we would travel to Hawaii twice a year for two to three weeks each time.
During the Pandemic, we traveled to mainland destinations and found the cost and convenience a plus. No, not as beautiful, but we have to consider other factors when traveling. In 2018 and 2019 we experienced some Hawaii residents that were not happy we were there – that does have an impact on our desire to come back. We’ll likely travel back to Hawaii again, but it will likely be once every few years going forward. That frequency will ultimately be determined by our overall experience when we do come back.
I used to go to Hawaii regularly from New York. Spent four Christmases there also. I even play Hawaiian music on my radio every Friday in my psychology office and make my poor patients listen to the place I hoped to retire. But the accommodation costs will probably keep me away from there unless something changes. Inflation is one thing, but Hawaii has overdone it. With New York taxes, I can even afford the fee to live there, but 400-500 a night to sleep for a vacation. I can’t in good conscious do that. So Hawaii will have to do without me as sad as it seems to me. I really felt the Aloha experience. Should have bought years ago.
I love Santa Fe and may even retire there. But —please— be careful what you wish for! Here in Kona we used to be like Santa Fe — authentic, creative, comtemplative, non commercial, artistic — only a few years ago. Now our little village is rapidly turning into California suburbia, highway jumble, noise 24×7, homelessness, drugs, aggressive people. We have tried to work with local government to improve things, to no avail.
Just wondering if Hawaii is the only place in the world where a fee is charged for ecology etc? For 2 years we have had a captive American market and now Americans can go most anywhere so that might be part of a drop in visitors? Woodstock VT? Not new York or LA or new Orleans, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Orlando or 10 other American jewels? We were worried people wouldn’t visit during quarantine and they came back, and n droves. Kaua’i needs the world and the world needs Kaua’i, I’ve seen it from my visitor’s interaction.
You’re correct on that last part needing Kaua’i. But what’s not needed? Insane prices for basic accommodation with fees on fees, bad attitudes, and money grabs by grocery chains, restaurants, and govt taxes. Yes it’s enough to eventually turn the tide against the magic that is Kaua’i.
Aloha, we are traveling to Maui in a couple of weeks with the sad agreement that this is our last trip. We have been coming to the islands for about 25 years, but with the costs and issues it has become way to expensive and we refuse to pay additional to go to the beach. We will continue to travel to warm areas with good beaches but substantially less expensive. We love Hawaii but just can’t afford it any longer. Good luck to all.
Mahalo
Just completed arrangements … Very difficult to find affordable room and car rental. Prices have risen far above reasonable levels with the reality being that the golden goose is being fatally throttled. A shame that Hawaii is being priced beyond the budget of the majority of frequent travellers .
Just left Maui. Will not return. Prices which were high are now super high everywhere. The amount charged to park a rental is high. We were told a number of times the Islands want their own people to have the islands back. Aloha spirit is down and in places we no longer felt welcome. From Canada we chose to fly to San Diego for the first part of our holiday. Yes, California is expensive but not out of line. We felt welcome, had great beach time palm trees and great weather. Had a wonderful week and felt appreciated. We will return. He mainland now has it in our opinion. Shorter, less expensive flight as well. Well done San Diego!
Well we just returned from Hawaii and after going there for over 20 years it’s sad to say we will no longer be returning when a loaf of bread is 10.00 a loaf and seeing in a store that they take the large Costco pack of paper towels and they were trying to charge 5.00 for a single roll is a shame. It was beyond gouging and we will never return nor will we tell anyone to visit. There are plenty of other beautiful places to visit that are not doing this to visitors.
While tourism is good for our local economy, it’s gotten out of control and and affects local residents. Too many investors buying up condos and turning them into rentals. Many of many of the locals can no longer afford to live here anymore you’re anymore. Unless you’ve been gifted a home from your parents, children must now move to the mainland to ever think about purchasing their own home. $50 additional charge comes in to play and that less people come here.
Hawaii may fall off the CN list, but not off the USA list. People will still want to go there, cost not withstanding. Maybe shorter visits, or just special occasions (weddings, etc.). But, as Europe and the Caribbean begin to be more available, I wouldn’t be surprised if the big shift west becomes a shift to the east, and people start going on those trips where they are welcomed, there dollar goes further (Bring money, Americans!) and there are perhaps less crowds. Inflation will still be a factor, but most people won’t be paying $400+ a night for rooms, and $80-$100/day for a rental car. Looks good to me!
I just cancelled a trip to the Big Island in January. I just could not find decent flights out of PHX and coming home. Also, just feel like a lot of other people in that we are being nickel and dimed to death. We will still go to Kauai in April-May because we have a timeshare there.
I do feel that after going since 1980 the people there no longer want us to visit their islands. I love Kauai but may start going to Mexico more as the flights are quick and definitely less expensive.
Mahalo
As someone looking forward to a February trip (and whose only other trip was about 20 years ago), I can honestly say that you could charge me $100 per person for an island fee and it wouldn’t change my plans not a n’ere nutta.
I can understand how this would (obviously) affect frequent visitors to Hawaii as more trips = more “fees.” But that sounds like a first-world problem. Most of us can’t scrounge enough vacation time to cover 16 hours on a plane more than once every few years. I’m sure those who have such free time would be able to find an extra $100 per trip.
We bring plastic waste and pests and disease. Seriously! So yeah, the opportunity to help offset my damage is welcomed.
Hawaii is for the rich traveler only. It is no longer for the blue-collar traveler who wants to get away for a 7-day island retreat. This past year, my HOA was bumped up $60/month, electricity has gone up, property taxes have increased, and the infamous Maui County 3% TAT, the Hawaii TAT of 10.25% for Maui, and the GET of 4.166% is absolutely insane. On a condo that I rent for peanuts: $150/night, I must charge an additional $26.13/night for the taxes. This does not include the cleaning fee. I am finding that guests no longer want to pay the abhorrent rates and I can’t blame them. When you add the cost of airfare, outrageous food prices along with an expected 15%-20% tip, it is no longer is affordable. I would prefer guests go to Mexico.
I’m in Maui now, for our fourth and unfortunately final visit to the islands. Why is it the end?
1) the aloha spirit is gone – example we just did the famous Road to Hana. What a disappointment relative to our last time on Maui 11 years ago. Either the State or the locals have shut down so many opportunities for beauty to be experienced. A pale comparison to the past.
2) Prices. The proposed $50 fee is frankly inconsequential. We felt so barraged by ridiculous pricing that we have to spend week 3 of 3 “sheltering in place”. Don’t get me started on the trend consistent on the mainland with pushing for tips at shops that have no business any longer doing so…
3) An unfortunate outcome perhaps of the above: the plight of the homeles
Hawaii is my soul healing place — the ocean water, the wildlife, the people, the food.
I admit that I gave considerable pause to planning my last trip because the residents are expressing dismay about the environmental impact of tourism. I respect the wishes of the people who call the islands home. Can the economy be self sufficient without tourism? Not in this lifetime but perhaps with future generations.
To start, 2019-2022, do not seem like harbinger years, given Fall 2020, the Political upheaval and Covid Pandemic. Broken down, in the West, Hawaii aside from it’s own beaches offers a change of scenery, consistant dining fare, language and historically safety across the spectrum. The East Coast has the same, beaches, but the Caribbean, Bermuda also offer an exotic feeling at much lower pricing, but not the long, long flight. The great ‘Middle’, that is where the opportunity is. Key West is an anomaly, but it benefitted from Masks, Lockdowns, Margaritaville and access. Paris, Prices and Dollar valuation, Lisbon ditto and for retirement. Then there is the “it’s been done”, as Diner’s Fenwick, once opined. A new generation, awaits!
Aloha! We are currently wrapping up a 3 week visit on Maui. I’m sad to say this will probably be our last.
The main reason for not returning are the hordes of people! Tourists everywhere clogging roads, restaurants, beaches and sidewalks. It is too much. The island infrastructure simply cannot handle it. It shouldn’t take 1.5 hours to get from OGG to Napili or Waimea. Every restaurant always filled to capacity. For the 1st time I can feel and understand the Hawaiian resentment. It must have been paradise here, during covid.
I’m 100% for tourist limits. Tourist limits should be the same as occupancy numbers for a building or stadium. I don’t know what that number is. I just know it’s way too much now!
I feel sorry for residents!
With all due respect to the editors of this excellent website, but I think you’ve conflated lack of growth with decline. The American Express article is merely pointing out that other world destinations are showing higher numbers versus Hawaii. That does not equate to a drop or “downturn” in Hawaii visitors. Huge difference.
As far as I’m concerned, Hawaii cannot and never could sustain unlimited growth. That would be insanity. There has to be an equilibrium. Maybe that has been reached. A few less visitors would be preferable.
We had planned a trip in April but once we did the math on everything and factored in other factors we are now looking elsewhere. We can go to the Caribbean for half the price and it is almost as good. Hawaiians should be careful what they wish for.
that should make them happy.
Why all the hub-bub? Hawaii is getting exactly what it intended. Hawaiians want alternative ways prosper. I guess the tourists are listening and responding. Be careful what you wish for…
Prior to the Pandemic, we would travel to Hawaii twice a year for two to three weeks each time.
During the Pandemic, we traveled to mainland destinations and found the cost and convenience a plus. No, not as beautiful, but we have to consider other factors when traveling. In 2018 and 2019 we experienced some Hawaii residents that were not happy we were there – that does have an impact on our desire to come back. We’ll likely travel back to Hawaii again, but it will likely be once every few years going forward. That frequency will ultimately be determined by our overall experience when we do come back.
I used to go to Hawaii regularly from New York. Spent four Christmases there also. I even play Hawaiian music on my radio every Friday in my psychology office and make my poor patients listen to the place I hoped to retire. But the accommodation costs will probably keep me away from there unless something changes. Inflation is one thing, but Hawaii has overdone it. With New York taxes, I can even afford the fee to live there, but 400-500 a night to sleep for a vacation. I can’t in good conscious do that. So Hawaii will have to do without me as sad as it seems to me. I really felt the Aloha experience. Should have bought years ago.
Come to Santa Fe. The door is wide open and that includes Hawaiians.
The Island kids we talked to at the stores and restaurants want to come here to SF but can’t afford the airfare. It works both ways.
I love Santa Fe and may even retire there. But —please— be careful what you wish for! Here in Kona we used to be like Santa Fe — authentic, creative, comtemplative, non commercial, artistic — only a few years ago. Now our little village is rapidly turning into California suburbia, highway jumble, noise 24×7, homelessness, drugs, aggressive people. We have tried to work with local government to improve things, to no avail.
Just wondering if Hawaii is the only place in the world where a fee is charged for ecology etc? For 2 years we have had a captive American market and now Americans can go most anywhere so that might be part of a drop in visitors? Woodstock VT? Not new York or LA or new Orleans, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Orlando or 10 other American jewels? We were worried people wouldn’t visit during quarantine and they came back, and n droves. Kaua’i needs the world and the world needs Kaua’i, I’ve seen it from my visitor’s interaction.
You’re correct on that last part needing Kaua’i. But what’s not needed? Insane prices for basic accommodation with fees on fees, bad attitudes, and money grabs by grocery chains, restaurants, and govt taxes. Yes it’s enough to eventually turn the tide against the magic that is Kaua’i.
Aloha, we are traveling to Maui in a couple of weeks with the sad agreement that this is our last trip. We have been coming to the islands for about 25 years, but with the costs and issues it has become way to expensive and we refuse to pay additional to go to the beach. We will continue to travel to warm areas with good beaches but substantially less expensive. We love Hawaii but just can’t afford it any longer. Good luck to all.
Mahalo