As different generations redefine the very meaning of travel, Hawaii is becoming a battleground of contrasting travel philosophies. From Baby Boomers and Gen X seeking budget-friendly alternatives to luxury stays to younger generations embracing this new counter-culture trend known as “raw dogging,” Hawaii’s appeal is without question being reshaped in surprising new ways.
Hawaii: The dream destination with too high of a cost.
Hawaii still represents the ultimate getaway for many Baby Boomers and Gen X travelers, where lifelong paradisaical travel dreams come true. Yet, the high costs associated with Hawaii travel have prompted many to flee to more budget-friendly options. While Hawaii remains an iconic destination, some Boomers and Gen Xers have turned their attention to other affordable locales, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific.
Despite these travel alternatives, the allure of Hawaii endures. For those committed to visiting, strategies such as planning ahead, using points and miles, and opting for more budget-friendly vacations on Oahu can make the trip feasible without overspending.
The counter-culture response: Raw Dogging Hawaii.
In stark contrast to the traditional travel approach, a new travel trend among younger generations is gaining traction and social media notoriety: “raw dogging” flights to Hawaii.
This trend, largely popularized on TikTok, involves forgoing all of the in-flight comforts—no movies, music, snacks, bathroom or sleep—and embracing a minimalist and “raw” travel experience. For these travelers, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about rejecting the perceived excesses of modern travel and seeking a more authentic, unfiltered connection with their journey—in this case, Hawaii.
While older generations may shake their heads at this trend, dismissing it as extreme or unnecessary, for many younger travelers, it represents both a broader counter-culture movement and a necessity. It’s both a rebellion against experiences of the past, replacing them with something more introspective for many younger travelers and stripped down. And a way to embrace minimalist and budget-friendly Hawaii travel.
The intersection of luxury and minimalism in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s unique appeal lies in its ability to attempt to cater to both ends of this generational spectrum. For some, the islands are a place to indulge in island luxury, while for others, Hawaii is a place to experience nature and culture in its most unadorned forms. This intersection of luxury and minimalism is becoming increasingly visible in how different generations choose to experience Hawaii.
Boomers and Gen X travelers may opt for a comfortable stay with planned excursions and amenities. In contrast, younger travelers might backpack across the islands, sleep in budget accommodations, or even camp under the stars.
Last week we were approached by two young women for advice at Hanalei Bay. The two, in their early 20’s, were using their rental car for sleeping on Kauai, as a way to have a vacation and save money. They talked with us about finding a safe place to park their car overnight. It struck us as a very different approach to travel. And we talked to them about their personal safety.
Beat of Hawaii editors
The raw dogging trend and car camping trends might not be for everyone. Still, these appear to reflect a growing desire among younger generations to redefine meaningful travel in Hawaii and elsewhere.
Generational impact on the future of Hawaii tourism.
As these generational divides continue to shape diverse travel preferences, the future of tourism in Hawaii will likely reflect these evolving trends. The state may need to adapt to cater to luxury travelers and those seeking these more minimalist experiences. This could lead to diverse offerings, spanning high-end resorts to rustic, off-the-beaten-path means and experiences that appeal to the “raw doggers.”
Hawaii’s enduring beauty and cultural richness ensure that it will remain a coveted destination. However, how visitors experience the islands quickly evolves, driven by generational preferences and the broader cultural shifts these choices represent.
Hawaii is at another crossroads, where these generational divides define what it means to visit the islands. Whether it’s the comfort-seeking boomers and Gen Xers or the raw-dogging younger generations, Hawaii continues to captivate. As these trends converge, the future of Hawaii travel seems set to be one of diversity—where luxury and minimalism coexist.
Please share your thoughts on evolving and generational trends in Hawaii travel.
I think the “discrepancy” between generational preferences is less about differences between generations. When Gen X and boomers were in their 20’s, they slept in airports, their cars, and under the stars, both out of economic necessity and a desire for an authentic experience. The desire/need for this experience is nothing new. I suspect that the generation seeking these experiences now will seek different experiences as they age. In any case, Hawaii tourism needs to be sensitive to these divergent preferences and try to accommodate them. Focusing solely on luxury alienates a very large portion of the tourism market.
Well said. We were once all young, but not all in the “luxury” class.
Just because somebody is young or older & backpacking does not mean that they are going to be trashy, illiterate, disrespectful, etc. Just because someone is driving around in a big rental SUV & staying at the Hyatt for $1,000 a night does not mean that they are going to pick up their own trash or be respectful towards our cultural ways, etc. You are being very judgmental.
I am almost 75 years old, own a beautiful home & property on the south shore where I have lived for over 40 years, & walk at least four or five times a week for several miles enjoying our beautiful nature and weather while also picking up trash & recycling along the side of the road (which comes from tourists, both old & young, & locals as well.) I’ve traveled all over the world my entire life backpacking, staying in hostels, being a couchsurfer, driving around in old vans or motorhomes, & doing quite a bit of volunteering in many countries while I was at it. It’s a fantastic way to really experience a locale!
Kudos to you, Yvonne. Our lives sound interestingly similar, only my trash picking is done at Kahili-Quarry Beach, where I find both micro and macro plastics, most of it appearing to be thrown from fishing boats. I wish more residents and visitors would roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Please keep up the good work, and keep on truckin’…
We need to police polluters and education so that the culprits understand what consequences their actions have.