In search of visitors who find Hawaii “worth investing in terms of a vacation.”
84 thoughts on “Hawaii Plans Conservation/Use Fees, Reservations Required, Capacity Limits, Education”
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In search of visitors who find Hawaii “worth investing in terms of a vacation.”
Comments are closed.
Please do not go excessive with these fees. There are many of us that can afford to come and we do spend money. But the more fees we pay, less money goes to the merchants and local businesses. And charging for the beach is tantamount to greed. People come here for the beaches. I see your need for conservation but do not overburden your tourists or you may lose many of us.
More affluent visitors don’t really feel compelled to align to your goal for conservationism. They are use to setting their own rules. Mature Midwestern middle class visitors are more aligned. Research what group of visitors flaunted your laws/rules. Also include some of your locals who don’t follow rules/laws.
Tourists are not the only ones who travel to Hawaii. Many native Polynesians who have been priced out of living on the islands travel to Hawaii to visit family members and ancestral grounds. Charging high fees for anyone who comes to the islands hurts the descendants of those whose land was already taken from them once. Affordable accommodations and access to the land is necessary for those of us on the mainland trying to maintain family and cultural ties to Hawaii.
Fees and taxes are all the state can develop. What will happen when they effectively kill the tourists industry. The state has no manufacturing base. Are the kamainas going to develop a taste for grass? Good luck
Indeed.
Does Hawaii offer:
International business/communication hub;
Major research/technology/education centers;
International financial center;
Trans-Pacific shipping hub;
Natural resource export;
Manufacturing?
Absent these and other things, restrictive tourism that is facing world-wide competition, global economic influences, non-competitive pricing, disjointed government, no growth initiatives, and decaying infrastructure may not be a firm path to sustaining economic growth.
Additional fees may reduce the number of tourists but that doesn’t mean the ones that visit will be responsible tourists or spread wealth.
Very little of the money spent will go back into Hawaii’s economy and the majority of it will end up leaving the island.The government will only waste the new income from those fees.
I would like to see an analysis of how each dollar spent is divided by govt, businesses, and residents.
Hawaii is rapidly doing its best to price itself out of my consideration. My wife commented today that we ought to consider moving here. I didn’t say anything, but my reasons against the move keep growing. Your gun laws are already nuts (and, as far as I am concerned, unconstitutional). She doesn’t want to move further from the grandkids, and yet she wants to move here? And now you propose new fees that would make a marginally affordable location even more expensive? Are you nuts? Sorry.
We have lots of laws that are just nuts! They won’t even let us walk down the street with an open container, and forget about driving with one. Plus, centipedes, traffic, and occasional cloudy/rainy days. I don’t think you’ll like it here and respect your decision to go somewhere else. Maybe Florida?
This isn’t just a Hawaii issue I’ve read the same comments about high cost travel to Disney properties, California resort areas, National Parks or any hot spot vacation area in America.
The days of $100.00 a night beach side condo stays are over.
Last November I booked a stay at a very nice resort on BI for this May, which has since tripled in price, but again today I found a killer deal for Maui for this October.
There’s deals to Hawaii if you know where and how to find them.
HI is delutional if it thinks that it can survive w/o the mass budget tourists. As it can’t compete with the world leading service and accommidations found in Bora Bora, Fiji, etc. Even in the top end HI resorts you have to get your own beach towels, beach chair, etc. In Bora you touch 9 and yoala you get a fully setup beach chair down to the Champagne. Having stayed in both it’s not even close Bora wins/
If they lose the budget travelers it will never make up that lost revenue.
We don’t need cheap tourists at all – it doesn’t help Hawai’i. We may lose a few kiosks in Waikiki and Ala Moana but that’s fine. The big spending tourists are what we need to focus on. This affordable tourist industry attracts a lot of low quality tourists and the money generated from these McDollar menu tourists doesn’t make up for the strain on our natural resources.
First, they aren’t “cheap.” Many save for years to take a special vacation. And, then they spend it in Hawaii.
Second, Hawaii has a tourism economy – you have nothing else to offer for building a vibrant economy (the military has limits as well).
Third, a tourism economy requires a mix of tourists: the wealthy, the middle class, and those who save for years to come.
Hawaii seems to take much for granted when it comes to the military. While once a strategic defense necessity, such has been essentially erased by the technologies of transportation and weapons.
Cost to the military, as reflected in Hawaii’s comparatively high cost of living to military personnel and with facilities operations/maintenance, enhance Hawaii’s exposure to a Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) action.
With Sen Inouye’s passing, Hawaii lost its defense champion.
Heyward,
I don’t think there have been any base closures under BRAC since 2006. Are you aware of any on the horizon? Actually, given the history of Pearl Harbor, I can’t imagine any closures in Hawaii. Do you think it’s a real possibility?
My company began doing work on overseas bases in 2002 and got hit hard by BRAC, we lost nearly half our overseas work in Europe.
Visitors are soon to be taxed 20% for their accommodations and that money will go into a black hole. The intent is good but the execution historically has been less than expected. For example, the light rail on Oahu for which there is an additional 1/2% monthly tax that was supposed to expire but continues with no results.
Charging fees shall decrease some classes of travelers and increase your bottom line per visitor. Those coming will have more money to spend and at the same time hotels shall suffer from the loss of overall visitors. Do it and see how you will suffer over the short and long term.
It’s become obvious over the last several years pre-covid that Hawaii has needed to make some drastic changes to how tourism is handled. The islands just cannot sustain these numbers of visitors.
A visit to Hawaii is vastly different from a visit to Mexico, though we enjoy both for different reasons. We look forward to visiting Hawaii in the not too distant future and hope that the measures she is undertaking bring the changes intended.
This makes me very sad. I’ve been trying to get to HI for my 50th birthday now for 5 years. COVID and other situations have prevented it. I have researched and read up on HI history). I desperately wanted to see the beauty, experience “aloha” and spend my money in the US. All that being said I’m finding it harder and harder to make this a Bucket List destination any more. It’s sounding so not worth it.
I’m trying to understand, if the objective is to reduce number of visitors, then put a quota in place (monthly? quarterly? annual?) At least people can understand the logic of standing in line. If there’s a line at the movie theater, and if you’re near the end of line, you may not get in if they run out of seats. You try next time. How HI would implement a process like that fairly, I haven’t a clue, but this concept of pricing out everyone except rich people, is punitive.
Hawaii may well enter into a self-inflicted death spiral of its tourism industry and with it the foundation supporting the Hawaiian economy.
Tourism is fast becoming an economically elastic product.
On the large scale economic timeline Hawaii is fast approaching the point of diminishing returns. Increasing cost equals fewer visitors necessitating increased cost until tourism services and facilities must contract.
Betting the proverbial farm on the wealthy seems a bold move.
We have been coming to the islands almost every other year, since 1979. This is our chosen and only vacation destination. We love the islands and want to keep coming, however after being here this year (2022) and unable to reach some destinations due to limited permits/availability, and also listening to the news about Hawaii wanting fewer visitors, spending more money- can you just say greed. We are now, sadly, thinking about other destinations that may be more, shall we say, aloha in spirit.
Aloha, we are on the island of Kauai now, and have been visiting for 25 years. The beaches in Poipu are half empty, similar to the 2008 era.
The world is a beautiful place and Hawaii has no shortage of amazing people, sites and food. If Hawaii doesn’t want to be a pert of the world they should just destroy all the airports, and harbors.
If I remember right, the greedy politicians are mainly to blame, they enjoy their power and get rich off the developers taking advantage of the beauty.
I think this new direction is very important and absolutely necessary. I connect very deeply to the land and the sea and the culture in Hawai’i. My wife dances Hula and her Kumu Hula lives on O’ahu now. I used to write book reviews for the Hawai’i Island Journal on Hawai’i for four years. Hawai’i is an intensely spiritual place for me. But I remember Hawai’i from the 1980’s, and I mourn for the way it was, even that recently.
Amen Bill.
First visit was as a young boy in 1972. Came every year until fortunate enough to buy a home in Maui many years after. It is still amazing but no longer magical.
Working in the tourism industry 38 years here, this goes against all hospitality ethics especially the Aloha Spirit.
Maybe all the folks that moved here in the last 3 years and the ones who are buying in bulk to illegally vacation rent should go home? Look at that 1st. We have worked hard to be here & like sharing the Aloha Spirit! We are being pushed out by cash suitcases from newbies! The Richierich are getting their way and the working bee are out! Who gonna serve u? Warmest Aloha sad to see
We have been visiting Kauai every year for the past 15 years, staying in the same unit in Poipu. Two years ago, our last visit there, we paid $220/night. The owner of the unit just sold, and the new owner is asking north of $400/night. A comparable unit on the same grounds is going for $700/night! It is very clear that property owners want to turn Kauai into an elitist playground. Rep Sean Quinlan must be ecstatic. They have definitely priced me out of the market.
By virtue of distance Hawaii is already an expensive destination. What will more fees result in?…more failed rail projects? How much more frustrated with government will citizens have to become before the crony corruption subsided?
Looks like I’ve booked my last trip to the islands.
I worked extremely hard to get there too. I could have gone to the Caribbean for a lot less. I’m not in any way ignorant of the culture, in fact we were taught some of it in school in Scotland. I researched a lot myself.
Good luck trying the cash grab on the rich, there’s a reason they are that way. I’m sure you’ll work it out.
The Hawaiians relish all of this. We all have to remember that the goal here is to return to sovereignty and leave the US behind. This is no secret and I really can’t blame them. All you have to do is read what numerous local social media sites produce. The interesting part of this is that, it’s not going to happen. So, in the efforts to make this happen, usage fees, travel taxes and any other $$$$ that can be imagined will continue to increase thus pricing many out of the market.
I am probably in the minority but I think the time has come where programs like this have to be put in place. The islands can not “expand” like mainland can with growth.
Less people at a premium will allow us residents and tourists to cohabitate with less inconvenience for both. Too heavy a footprint being put on Hawaii now.
Happy Valentines Day guys.
Hi Chris.
Thanks and back at you. Thanks too for more than 50 comments.
Aloha.
I’m not opposed to fees for parking at the beach, entry into state parks, etc.; however, Hawaii residents should not be exempt. When I visit a state or national park on the mainland, I have to pay just like everyone else. The same goes for parking at the beach.
2019=$2.1 Billion. How was it managed? HI wants to impose a “degenerative tourism fees”, fees attached to airfare, fees for beach access, beach parking + more they’re dreaming up. Just got back from Big Island, how about cleaning up abandoned cars and trash (type not typical of tourists like washers), and doing something about the ecologically damaging and threatening goats. NOT caused by tourists. Guarantee you will not improve life on the islands being elitist.
They lack the funds and the personnel to do what you suggest. Fees might increase the likelihood the abandoned vehicles and other needed services would be provided.
Whenever Quinlin says “we don’t want to do high volume, low spending tourism”, that means to me that he only wants rich people.
Our crony corrupt state government is only interested in the additional fees. The airlines and hotels will of course still drive the volume tourism in their own business interests.
It is an economic fact that there are racial disparities in income. In 2020 median household income was $94,000 for Asians, $74,000 for Caucasians, $55,000 for Hispanics and $45,000 for Blacks. Proposals designed to prevent lower income tourists are inherently racist. Did no one learn the lessons of the 2020 social justice protests?
Find a good airfare & hotel rate and just come and have a good time. Aloha!
The is Hawaiis go to move. No actual thinking involved just raise taxes and fees that’s all I heard in the so called YouTube think tanks in pandemic. One person wanted to raise the hotel taxes to 75 percent. Way to go. Seems to me whe you have Zuckerberg, Ellison and beZos there maybe you ask them for some advice? A little diversification but sadly will never happen. It’ll be the old go to. This is comical at this point amazing how many fees they can come up with. What happens next pandemic?
I sincerely hope that this isn’t a plan thats put into action ! So many people would never be able to afford to visit and would surely miss the beauty and peace that Hawaii offers. Maybe Hawaii could find a more lucrative export to help them increase their funding ?
Sounds like the Gov. and mayors are trying to have their cake and eat it too. They don’t want visitors but they can’t survive without them, so they want to make up for the decisions they made that killed the local economy by taxing the unwanted visitors in to oblivion. Well, visiting here is a choice and most people have limits as to how much abuse to take in the name of a nice vacation (no matter how much money they have). Be careful what you wish for Hawaii.
Get real Galapagos islands are completely different than Hawaii. Price people out with fees etc and all you’re going to get are the Bezos and Zuckerberg ….. Not the familys. Bye bye …
I think when one looks at aerial pictures of Waikiki and other beaches around the islands not to mention did anyone see that recent photo of our Maunawili falls before it closed? Did you see how many people were packed into one place? It’s disgusting and money should not override protecting our natural environment because once you destroy it there is no going back. Does money matter that much?
Ke’e Beach is basically empty every day now with other locations not requiring reservations overrun.
Sounds to me that Hawaii only wants the rich to visit their islands. What about a family of four that save for years to get the “Aloha” experience . Kauai is already charging $10 a car plus $5 a person (even for a 2 year old ) to see the Waimea Canyon.
Aloha…. I just wanted to bring up a side issue, but an important one. We are in HI as ‘snowbirds’ but pay a very significant amount of money in RE and other taxes…staying for months. We are respectful and careful in hour sharing of the beauty and features of Hawaii. Because we are not ‘official’ residents, even now, we still have to pay extra to use some facilities, hopefully htere would be provisions for this. We are not transient tourists really… Thanks
I’m not an expert but would assume snowbirds will be treated as tourists. You are not local. I’d guess HI drivers license, stickers on non rental cars and such will be needed to avoid the fees.
Again, just a guess.
Chris S
Use of the parks, beaches etc by locals and tourists cause normal, minimal damage per visit. But only the tourists will be expected to pay. So, the folks that use and damage it year-round will pay nothing. That’s b/s.
Rod
As I said in my statement above I was just hypothesizing. I’m not saying what I think is fair or right.
Aloha
To add to my previous comment, we (now) would more likely support the higher fees, lower density concept up to the point where we get priced out. But, we pretty much know what we want to see and do. Plus, as we are very interested in the native Hawaiian Ecosystems (terrestrial and aquatic) we support more money to protect, restore, and manage them.
As an example, we have safaried in Tanzania and Botswana. Tanzania is more of the “high volume, low cost” while Botswana is “High cost, low volume”. The safari experiences are very different and I would recommend both, especially if you are going to go just once. Repeat trips, especially to the same general area, are likely better at low densities. For Hawaii, we have travelled there beginning in the mid-60s and are now know how to avoid crowds.
Aloha
Thanks for keeping us updated on all that Hawaii has planned to make us feel unwanted. As a solidly middle class person, I am glad we saved and managed to take our family of 6 to Hawaii to experience the beauty and culture before the state decided our bank account balance is all that defines our worth. I thought the time of things being reserved only for the rich had passed our society by. I certainly hope this exclusionary attitude does not take root elsewhere in the country.
Have you ever gone to a National or State Park? You have to pay to enter a National park and most state parks. I look at this Hawaii proposal as something along those lines.
Well said. So only the super rich should be allowed to visit Hawaii? Well, if that’s what they want, then I don’t think that any Hawaiians that aren’t super rich should be allowed to come to the mainland to vacation. The road goes both ways.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds too hard. I’d say it’s pretty damn expensive to vacation in Hawaii, even for “low spending” tourists. I’ve been visiting for over 30 years and everything has gotten ridiculously expensive in the past five years. Plus, hotels and rental cars charge extra transient taxes and fees that are very high. Adding extra fees for “tourists” will make many reconsider travel to the islands…even those tourists that are willing and able to spend big bucks. Mexico = mo bettah!
Lots of people on this forum threaten they will go to Mexico but everyday when I walk the beach I can see very few actually have.
If you have been visiting 30 years I think you can agree it’s not the same Hawaii you knew then and few changes are for the better. My feelings at least.
You’re right on target. If you’re not able to spend at the level they want, you may not be welcome. I temper very well the 1st time I visited Kauai and couldn’t wait to go back. We’ve literally spend tens of thousands of dollars on our trips to Kauai and always felt the Aloha Spirit, but since Covid we’re getting the feeling that we are as welcome as we once were. We’ll be there again for a month in May and again for 6 weeks in 2023, but that may be our last trip to the Island we call home.
As Hawaii becomes a playground for the rich, I hope the State tears down and replaces all the ramshackle houses between the airport and Waikiki. It’s almost like visiting a 3rd world country in those areas.
I sure hope the people and the govt don’t think those need-to-be-replaced homes are the fault of tourism.
Those are people’s homes… not state property to tear down. Not all of us in Hawaii are wealthy.
Charley T,
I know that. I was raised in a disgusting tenement in the South Bronx. I escaped by joining the Marines and starting over.
I’m thinking imminent domain where the State condemns them but moves the folks into better housing while the community housing is re-built.
What about native’s who are returning to visit family? I choose not to burden my ohana by staying at a local hotel and renting a car since most of them still have at least one job if not two. If too many fees are added I may not be able to afford to visit my ohana without asking to stay with them etc.
We have traveled to Waikiki for decades. Last May was the latest just after everything opening up from COVID. We were shocked to see the disrespect the many tourists were doing to the island. These are sacred islands that should be respected. Trashie tourists were drinking alcohol in the waters and on the beaches. Cigarette smoking was taking place on the beaches and in the water. Fowl language and blasting music disturbed the peaceful tranquility. If a few fees keep this disrespectful kind out
If you lived here you know our insatiable levels of government crony corruption. The fees will be spent on projects for the well connected… who will in turn make campaign contributions.
With all the talk of inclusion and equity, the islands are creating a situation where only the wealthiest people can visit the islands. I’m all for taking care of the land and respecting the Hawaiian people and their way of living life, but as a former resident, I’m sad that only the rich will be able to come.
Amen Deb, Amen!
We own 4 weeks of timeshare and come to Kauai twice a year. If they punish us too much with all these fees we will let it go and vacation elsewhere like the Virgin Islands. If they get carried away with fees many people will go elsewhere. Probably what they want, but then where will they get their tax income? I just hope they are prudent.
Carl, been coming to Hawaii since 1965 (not every year) and had a timeshare on Waikiki for 20-25 years. Came every year except 2020.
The fees are bearable, but it’s the extra stuff. $25 to enter Huanama Bay is steep. But I stopped going when they required reservations and repeat viewings of the film. Once is enough.
$25 entry for non-residents – that pisses me off.
Bottom line, the fees won’t make a difference in the sustainability of the land, only the unsustainability of the politicians.
Who will take your timeshare under that scenario?
In July of last year, we “sold” our 2-bedroom, 2-bath timeshare in Waikiki to my wife’s niece for $2, test $2.
She comes to Hawaii a couple of times a year and will get good use, My health is becoming a problem when we travel so we decided it was time to step away.