Hawaii food prices now rank as the highest in the nation, even above New York City. Visitors tell us the shock of $8 milk and $10 cereal has them rethinking meals and even future trips. Residents say survival means strategies like Costco runs, loyalty cards, and farmers markets.
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We just finished 2 1/2 weeks in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Big Island). We saw and experienced many things we enjoyed but were struck by the very high prices and the lack of service culture. Routinely we paid more than locals because local are embers of food clubs and we couldn’t buy in bulk (as we would at home). And while we met may well-intentioned and friendly people, the times we encountered unhelpful and rude locals was too much. It was good to visit Hawai’i and experience the unique things it offers (volcanoes, wild animals, varied scenery, lovely weather), but we won’t back. Too many other places in the US and world that are also interesting but are easier and more fun to visit.
The message it being sent loud and clear to many visitors that you are certainly less welcome than before. We have been visiting Maui for 25 years and both the attitude and cost has changed dramatically. Now a green tax is being added. You also don’t have to far to see the lack of progress over two plus years in Lahaina to realize those managing both the project and money are lost. Probably our last year visiting.
Never again. My family and I were in Maui a month ago now and what a disappointment. A disappointment because we have visited Maui many times and Its a place where time seems to stand still. The moment you arrive at the OGG airport its always the same. A beautiful breezy day, you can hear palms trees miles away from the wind and everything looks the same as it did the last time we were there. However, the one thing that seems to staidly change is the amount of money we seem to spend and go through while we are in Maui. I want you readers to keep in mind we are not out there going to high end restaurants or golf courses we are there to spend time as a family and enjoy the beaches and just taking a much needed break. Come back to Maui the locals say we are ready to welcome all you visitors back to the island we need help building back our economy. At who’s cost and expense not the locals and not Maui County that’s for sure. It’s us visitors who are taking the hit and an outrageous hit
It’s really not that bad
I’ve been coming to Hawaii for 38 years and I’m not going to stop over fees and higher prices. Tourists go to Florida theme parks and on cruises and spend just as much if not more. There’s ways to save money and be able to visit and see your Ohana without breaking the bank. You just have to use a bit of common sense.
Yes, food prices were surprising. We’ve been visiting the Islands regularly for the past 30 years. We took a long break during & after Covid. Went last June for 11 days for the first time in 8 years. Wow, groceries and restaurants broke our budget! Dinner for 2 at a medium value restautant ( 2 entrees & 1 Alcoholic drink) plus tax & tip $100. Only went out once to a higher end restaurant $200. McDonalds breakfasts for 2 over $20. We actaully decided to really cheap out for a couple of days & purchased ABC store Sandwiches (which were surprisingly good) $8.99 each??
I remember food costing more in the islands but this was off the charts. And I come from California where everything is high. I can’t even imagine how the locals survive.
And people ask how can you live here? 1/2can of spam, rice, and egg. And let’s not forget Vienna sausage, Seaweed and 7/11. Food good and cheap. If you go to grocery stores you pay $150.00 every 3 days. No to much money. We stick to ramen and local aunties selling fresh produce on side of road cheap yeah because they know you one local and know you by name along with your family. But only locals get good prices.
Safeway is really expensive compared to most all other grocery stores, we’ve lived here in Kona for 3 hrs now, rarely go to Safeway…it’s a tourist trap
Yes, Safeways here in California are way more expensive than other supermarkets as well.