Global news outlets raise big concerns for Hawaii visitors.
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456 thoughts on “Hawaii Public Relations Nightmare as Media Frenzy Fuels Unrest”
Global news outlets raise big concerns for Hawaii visitors.
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What people from the mainland are not realizing is that the Hawaiian islands have limited medical resources. If the virus gets there and spreads like it has let’s say in New York, then what? It would be a disaster for them.
My husband was born on Kauai, my in laws are still there. It is very hard for us to not hop on a plane a go see them, but at this time, we cannot be selfish. We have to think about them and the residents of the islands. This too shall pass, and when it does, tourists will be welcomed with open arms just as we have been in the past.
Wow.
I used to believe all the people of Hawaii truly respected their lands and that they were proud to share them. I am now concerned I might have been wrong. I have always been made to feel welcome in Hawaii (Kihei, Maui forever!) but can see how this might only have been a ruse.
I’ll be back. But I’ll be back when I can avoid any locals I’m finding to be vindictive and not accommodating. It’s tough to rely on people and then disrespect those very people you rely upon. If you can’t get over your frustration with this, move or do something which doesn’t require money from tourists.
Sitting on your behind and complaining about a lack of money while attacking the very source of your income is, pardon the obvious, stupid.
If you were around when the islands were captured 500 years ago, I get it. But for the last 100, we all know where the money comes from.
Don’t act like you own any part of the earth. You don’t and you never did. That’s what I tell the surfers off the coast of Southern California every year they complain about tourists every summer.
Guys sitting on surfboards, who work in restaurants and hotels and complain about tourists just infuriate me.
Hawaii is similar.
If it made sense to build airplanes (or anything else that could be sold at a reasonable profit) Hawaii would be the first choice for doing so. It’s not.
Get a clue.
We’ve been visiting for the last 15-years and never had a bad experience with a local, quite tbe opposite. We love Hawaii.
That being said,I am bothered by the stories and comments by locals and Hawaiian politicians in variuous media.
We will be looking at other tropical destinations going forward. Who wants to go where they’re not welcome?
Aloha,
As relatively seasoned Hawaii visitors, we were hoping for a trip this summer. I am not able to make any plans, however, waiting on this to play out. If things open up in time for us to get to Hawaii in July, we will be the first on the plane. We would be happy to spend our stimulus money in Hawaii. I am wondering if things will be more expensive or less when things do open up, flights, rental cars, restaurants, etc. Watching Hawaii suffer through this has been really sad. Looking forward to getting things back to some kind of normal. Thank you for your updates. Just waiting to hear some positive news to start vacation shopping again.
Hi Tammy.
Thank you. When travel resumes we definitely expect prices to be low to begin. Thereafter, it will depend on just how things go.
Aloha.
When you watch the news, you hear about how the Asian countries “shut down” everything to isolate the spread. Now, you hear about some of the states demanding to reopen. The reopen states are experiencing a resurgence of this while the Asian countries haven’t reported more out breaks.
I understand that Hawaii has limited resources and must contain this as much as possible. After all, it would take more time to get essential supplies to the islands than on the mainland; let alone medical staff, hospital beds; and ventilators.
I think that once testing, and maybe a vac cine, are more readily available,
everyone will have to be more patient, after all, the death toll can devastate a community very quickly. Just ask all the native Americans when they got exposed to small pox; or the Taino people when Columbus landed in the Caribbean. IMHO.
We visit Kauai every year. Our trip is not scheduled until mid-November. I’m hoping by then everything will be safe for all. We look forward to each visit and more so this year as we always shop and eat locally and want nothing more than to contribute to the local economy. We hope that we are greeted with the same “Aloha” which is just a part of what we love about Kauai and choose to return each year instead of spending our vacation elsewhere. As TJ said, we are not all bad.
For some of us with accommodation reservations early next Summer, aside from looking at Hawaii news, is there a way to be put on an email list to receive updates of the quar antine status in sufficient time to cancel or reschedule reservations? My one owner in Hilo is being very good with keeping in touch with me, but we will also be in Kauai and would like info for there as well. Thank you so much.
Hi Sharon.
Not sure if this is exactly what you are asking for but the state has an email list for this.
Aloha.
Good grief, where to start! We own a home and do business on Oahu part time. Prior to our home purchase a year ago, we visited and worked on the islands about 6 weeks out of the year! I have watched aghast as the powers that be have literally shut down the state economy! The random and haphazard “loosening” of restrictions has been unfair and miserably communicated! For instance, when they “decided” to allow golf courses to open, it was announced on a Thursday, that they could reopen on the following Tuesday. What, does a golf course that has been starved of revenue for six long weeks need a day to unlock the doors, a day to turn on the lights, a day to boot the computers, and a day to unlock the cart barn?! That is absurd! why not immediately, especially with a weekend of good weather and thousands of customers dying (not literally) to get out and play a round! What foolishness when you can go to walmart, but not to _____(fill in business name here) It is so very understandable that everyone wants to be “safe”, but where do you end the “safety” restrictions. Should we skip driving, swimming, surfing, bike riding, and social interaction forever to save lives?
Tourist to the Islands are guests, in every respect. Like any guest, some are better than others, but for the most part tourist come to the islands, spend (leave) their money, and go home! Just like a good guest at your Hale, the come, bring (leave) something, mind their manners, and go home! I have sent letters to my state senator, representative, Governor Ige, and the tourism authority, with responses from my state senator and BOT only. My senator sent a video of the retired president of the company that puts on the triple crown of surfing each year, talking about how nice it is to be able to go up and down the North shore without “turtle traffic” etc. But honestly, how would he feel if he were still in charge of the triple crown and it was all canceled for 2021. (this is not a far fetched scenario) And talk about hypocrisy, what congests the north shore more than the surf competitions! And what about the surfers, shop and restaurant owners, and employees of the event sponsors, etc. who will lose out on millions of dollars to feed their families, hire employees, buy things, both local and foreign et al. Why not a common sense approach to allowing tourist to come back as welcome guest. Test upon arrival with the passenger footing the bill, if positive, return home with the passenger footing the bill. If tested negative, quarantine for two days, and re test. if positive, go home, if negative, send the results in to the state and spend away and be a good guest. You could require a test to be taken once a week, or whatever time frame is deemed “proof” that the vi rus wont be spread by the tourist. Those are just a few ideas, but make it easier for tourist to come to the islands under certain conditions other than a draconian 14 day quar antine! It is easy to understand why many of us feel like the state really doesn’t want us there. That is a shame. Lighten up these restrictions NOW Hawaii, or there really wont be a whole lot there to protect in the wake of economic ruin for years to come! Aloha!
Hi Dan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I, for one, disagree with all the negativity long-time Hawaii tourists are giving Hawaii. Apparently, they are not taking a good, hard look in their own “mainland” backyard! Are they able to go to Yosemite or Yellowstone right now? How about the Grand Canyon or tour our nation’s Capitol? What is wrong with people? Every tourist spot is being hit hard right now, not just Hawaii.
I think it’s rude and uncalled for to blame this on Hawaii and its residents. It’s not their fault. It’s this tiny little vi rus! Please, people, stop being so ignorant!
I intend to be back as soon as appropriate, not only for myself, but for others as well. Have we allowed this to turn us into mean-hearted humans? I’m sorry, I won’t allow it to change me! I think of others before I think of myself, it’s called compassion!
The blame is not on the residents, look at arrogant elitist govt officials with a tiny infection rate refusing to develop a plan instead of herd immunity while protecting the vulnerable
The State will get what they wish for: destroyed tourism, economy and residents‘ financial health
Let’s see. Grand Canyon opened with limited access as of Friday (May 15). Yellowstone is opening tomorrow (May 18). Yosemite will be opening under a phased approach shortly.
Where is Hawaii’s reopening plan? When will we stop hearing reports about people given tickets for walking on the beach or hotels “tattling” on visitors who dare to cross their hotel door threshold.
The thing that I am not seeing about Hawaii is a plan to move past the lockdown. Other places (including tourist places) have one. Why does Hawaii continue to shoot themselves in the foot and not understand that they are shooting themselves in the foot by not moving forward with opening things up.
I just want to comment that my experience with local Hawaiian residents has always been very good. We bought our vacation home in 2004 on the Big Island and have spent about 4 months a year on island. In between times we dream of our island home and the many friends we have on island.
We left at the end of March because of the airline cancellations and unhappily do not know when we can return. Airline schedules more than anything else are a big contributor to the crisis. If I have a choice between a road trip on the mainland in my own car or a airline trip, I’m much more comfortable with the road trip. Furthermore, my non-stop flight no longer exists on my airline of choice compounding my exposure to this.
If Hawaii wants to recoup it’s economy and reintroduce tourism, the airlines are a major barrier at the present time.
As soon as that is solved, I will be back.
Very disappointed in Hawaii’s view of tourists. This is a PR nightmare for Hawaii. Future ads for Hawaii should show smiling people saying “We welcome you back.”
Both sides, the mainland and Island populations, may be a little thin-skinned now and could be taking media reports, social media comments, message boards, etc. too seriously. Over reactions during these times is certainly not unexpected. But just give everything time to settle down and before you know it tourism to the Islands will be back to normal.
Hi Shawn.
Thanks for this and all your other comments.
Aloha.
Very good point about the disconnect between people pointing fingers and reality….myself included when I do it!
We need to be sharing ideas and perspectives right now, none of us has the answers individually. Personally I think the country
is more together as people then social media and cable news would have us believe.
We spend a lot of the winter in Hawaii every year. Homeowners and part time residents, but visitors by the current labeling.
I have met many wonderful residents, but also felt and seen prejudice against visitors for years.
Lately though, the level has gone off the rails! Borderline hatred would be a little strong, but close. Anywhere else in our great nation, this would be completely unacceptable. To us, it feels like a form of racism!
I am a resident of Oahu who enjoys our way of life. The island is a precious resource that has suffered the last several decades of millions of visitors. We truly do enjoy the visitors, but we really need a reset button on how visitors treat the island. The beaches are our pride and joy, yet we watch many families leave their trash and cigarette butts on the beach when they leave. Only to contaminate our ocean when the tide comes in. Our trails In our mountains are pristine, but are heavily traveled and in much need of repair. Not to mention the trash left behind. We love our Island . The words Malama and Kuliana are Hawaiian words you may not be aware of as a mainlander. But it is to care for land, and the privilege and responsibilities of that care. We honor the mana (land) because it provides for us. Food, water and life.
In a mainland society this rule is not taught, as it is here. The children learn in school these laws of respect. Respect, another word for the people of Hawaii . We are taught Aloha. A word for love, hello and goodbye. I respect you and it is mutual. You respect me and mine. We share, we love, we brings gifts to each other, we barter. Leo’s for homemade bread. Handmade gifts when visiting a neighbor or friend.
This is the lifestyle we love and share.
Hawaiii was fortunate to not suffer the harsh effects of this, like many areas on the mainland. We have had very little exposure to the vi rus, because we shut down early . We are scared to open up to visitors simply because, we know that any visitor has traveled thru various airports and sat on crowded airplanes, busses and other forms of transportation to get here, and it’s frightening to think that just 1 person could carry this deadly vi rus to our non-immune people. It is still out there, and there is no cure or vac cine. We cannot go back to what life was like before there is a vac cine. Instead of being angry, at us or Hawaii in general, please please have a little Aloha.
Try to be kind and think of both sides. We are just trying to protect our people and maintain the island Aloha in the meantime.
Much love and Aloha, Lori RN
Hi Lori.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Lori,
I am from Monterey Bay Area, California and completely understand what you are saying. I feel the same way, which is why I consider myself a considerate Hawaii visitor. However, not everyone that lives in my are is as considerate. Monterey Bay is a Marine Sanctuary and not even the residents living here are considerate!
It doesn’t matter where you go, there is good and bad everywhere. I’ve even seen Hawaiians who were very inconsiderate while I was there. Not everyone thinks like us.
♥️♥️♥️
NO ONE is above the law, whether you’re a local resident or tourist, anyone who VIOLATES that state’s law DESERVES whatever the penalties are.
What part of the current rules do these violators not understand?!
The violators all put others at risk and especially where the islands don’t have all the access like the mainland with regards to the TP, wipes etc which takes longer to get there and more expensive to ship.
I’m a native Californian and visit the islands annually with family members and friends.
For ALL those that claim they will stop going to Hawaii then I say good for you, stay out, they will be many others who will still visit the islands when this all gets better.
I think however those that write down these threatening type words, they’ll be back one day but if not, it won’t be our loss but rather theirs. Aloha!
Hi David.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I have missed Hawaii for 3 years and have been trying to plan a trip back until recently… now I am reconsidering. Do the locals not really want us? That makes me very sad. I wish there was an all-inclusive resort on one of the islands. That way we wouldn’t have to leave the resort. But realistically, I would need assurances that beaches, restaurants and hotels (including their amenities) were open and functioning well for me to feel comfortable coming back.
I hope someone answers u because I was thinking the same thing. Just cancelled our trip which was supposed to b in 2 weeks. Hope to book next year!
To be honest, no the locals do not like tourists. But they also do not really care for mainland haole’s who live here. Some do not like the fact that Hawaii is part of the US.
We have found out a lot in the last year over TMT about who is wanted and who isn’t. Aloha is Pau.
Aloha, My husband and I aren’t one of the rich who expects to be waited on hand and foot and who are rude and demanding. We are very respectful and kind to others. With kind words and awe for Hawaii sharing their beauty with us. We were last in Hawaii in 2018 for our 50th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of it (except for all the rain). We would be there again in a minute but we had to save for 8 years to be able to come in 2018. We are retired and will both be 72 this year, so it’s not very easy to save the money for such an expensive trip. I can understand where the locals are coming from and how they feel. They are kind of caught between a rock and a hard place – needing the tourism because they need the income, but not wanting the tourism because of what it is doing to their islands. I do understand and I would be happy to come back if we can save enough to do that! We loved Hawaii and it is our dream to visit again. Thank you for all your have done and God Bless you for all you are going through now. I pray that you will see prosperous and healthy times ahead!
Hi Pam.
Thanks.
Aloha.
we will NEVER return to Hawaii, it will be the Bahamas for us when we need fun and sun. You all locked down a state for SEVENTEEN deaths? That response is insane. And then the police follow people around and arrest them? The Gestapo did that during World War II No thank you
Hawaii’s low infections and deaths numbers ARE the result of the mandatory visitor quarantine and us locals taking the stay at home order seriously. We are both lucky and unfortunates that we are so remote and isolated, we have succeeded better than almost every other state to manage this. It is not that Hawaii is anti tourism, but the sentiment here is why rush to open the gates to the world in what seems to be still reeling. The debate on how to balance the economic needs versus safety is ongoing and I hope a win win plan can be implemented when the time is right. Is it time now to open up? Most locals would say no. How are infected visitors detected? Before boarding or disembarking? Is that too late? We gave laws that are designed to protect all, now is not the time to disregard those for a chance to vacation here. How many visitors of the 200plus a day we see are going to actually stay in their room for 14 days never stepping out? That’s we so many questions that need to be answered. I think we have a great opportunity now to dial in a solution That is respectful to the business, the residents’-health, and the health of the environment ( reefs are reviving, fish and marine mammals returning,) but for now at this point in time those visitors who are seen as flouting the laws and risking the health of all Just for a cheap vacation- are not welcomed or invited. This is where the negative sentiments are coming from. Aloha
Hi David.
Thanks.
Aloha.
We only had seventeen deaths BECAUSE. we locked down the state.
Right!
And you won’t have any more deaths, if you keep the state locked down. But good luck to all the people who rely on brothers and sisters from at least the other states. Forget the world, what about just the states? We have all the same problems in all other states but quar antine is just warranted for high risk states like New York. And we certainly don’t think our state is ours alone. That’s ridiculous! We all have the same President like it or not, because we are the same country. This to me feels like the prejudice And racism in the Deep South that mostly is gone. Discrimination is against the law. Not only that, but it’s wrong. I actually grew up in Hawaii. I’ve been excited to introduce my family to all the beauty and aloha I’ve been telling them through the years. It will be embarrassing if we in fact are discriminated and harassed and not treated with aloha for our rescheduled trip from this week to this October. If the perspective and attitudes do not get better toward “visitor”s before then, we likely will not be back. There are so many other places on this earth worthy of our attention, time, and money. But I am keeping the faith for now. Pull it together Hawaii, make a game plan, get over yourselves, ask for and appreciate tourists, and you will be fine.💜🏖
It’s quickly reaching the point in Hawaii where ‘tourist bans’, ‘quar antines’ and ‘foreigner bans’ [aka ‘mainlander bans’] are just quick,easy,and ‘cheap’ (at least to government) panaceas … with the added plus is that it appeals to more xenophobic elements in the islander population—especially when people are scared. At first it was understandable to help stop infections and save lives…. but as weeks turn into months, more inventive(and effective) solutions need to be found. Testing and not ‘wall building’ Is probably going to lead to more satisfactory long term solutions to the public health and economic crisis is Hawaii. This is harder though. Hawaiians need to push your politicians to come up with something other than bans,quar antines and arrests.
These comments make me feel so bad for the locals and tourists alike. We lived on Maui in the early 90’s and our children were born there. We try to go ‘home’ every couple of years and look forward to a time again to visit when all beaches and businesses reopen. The sad reality is those employed by the tourist industry need to show some extra aloha to rebuild the welcoming spirit. These last few years the prices and crowds even bring a criticism or two from this true believer that there is no better place on earth to visit. Would love a new and improved experience based lessons learned while on this ‘break’. More trolleys on Maui so less rental cars would be a step in the right direction. More reasonably priced restaurants for locals as well as tourists. More brief ‘free’ hula shows like at Whalers, Hyatt, etc. to showcase the culture. The craft fair at the civic center is missed! Mahalo!
Hi Jan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
If the islands decided they needed the quar antine, so be it. My complaint and yes, even anger, is charging the vacationer cancellation fees, over $100 for nothing and no refunds but future credits for the airfare. That’s a lot of money for nothing.
We’d much rather be vacationing on Maui but the vi rus and then the Hawaiian quar antine have made this impossible.
I don’t think that the tourist should be fleeced and I’ll sure remember this when planning our next vacation!
I’m a more recent visitor to Hawaii, making our first family visit in October 2016. Our trip was fantastic, and we have such good memories. I’m certainly open to another visit to Hawaii. Being seniors, we aren’t after big adventures. We are happy to sit and read in the lanai. If we had isolate for 14 days, I would certainly not rent a car for that period. I think it is too early to get riled up about visitor requirements as they will likely change as conditions change and we learn more about this. So I’m not going to overreact.
My personal opinion is that outdoor activities, walking, running, swimming, picnics, are much less risky than going to indoor restaurants.
This virus is making it tough on everyone, not just in Hawaii. Of probably more concern than Hawaii’s visitor restrictions, is how much disposable income people will have for big vacations. We cancelled a Disney World trip this spring as too risky, and then the park closed.
Looking forward to seeing you folks in the future in better times!
I will wait until the islands heal. And as soon as they are ready for visitors, and not a moment before, I will be there. Because there is nowhere else I would rather be than the islands, where I respect and love the people and the land
I will wait
I will be patient
I will embrace Aloha once again as soon as the islands are ready for me.
Part of the uncertainty is the airlines haven’t gotten their act together in the slightest. Some people did not have good experiences getting refunds/vouchers. There is really no other way to visit. We will rebook our trip when things settle but the current attitude of the air carriers need to improve ALOT cause the trust isn’t there. Every one
Is taking a hit but Hawaii more than most. Our tiny part is to buy local coffee to be sent to us at home. ❤️🌺to Betsy L. Best vacations are in Hawaii
What will it take for us to return? For us, the COV VID concern is the key, not Hawaii, per se. We live on the East Coast, and had to cancel a June visit this year. We’re hoping to reschedule for a year from now, but right now, the fear of spending 10 hours in enclosed jets is much worse than spending time in the islands. Hawaii has always been our happy place, and we want to continue to support residents there with our tourism dollars if the conditions allow. I don’t anticipate the recession will hurt our ability to travel, but there are no givens in this world. And ideally, conditions will allow distancing to have been relaxed, because the stress of wearing masks and worrying about this is not the reason we visit Hawaii. The biggest fear from here is fear of the unknown. And there’s just too much unknown to do anything but hope for the better…. Aloha and stay safe!
Hi John.
Thanks.
Aloha.
We were ticketed and booked to vacation in Kapalua, Maui starting 5/25, a wonderful Christmas gift from our two kids. An easy trip from the West Coast, one we have taken many times. Only three reservations needed -one for the flight, one for the condo through a real estate company and a car rental. We held out, hoping things would resolve, but Hawaii decided to quar antine, a decision that we respect. Obviously, the trip as planned was off, with nothing to do or places to go, we started to cancel the three reservations. Hawaiian Air won’t refund our money and instead is only offering us a rebook on a future trip. We ask ourselves, will this be over by then, will we still be healthy, will Hawaii still be travel worthy? The real estate company cancelled our accommodation but held out over $100 from our deposit to cover their expenses- we get absolutely nothing for that money. Only the rental company cancelled the car reservation without any trouble or expense.
I don’t feel that we were being treated fairly, and this does little to make me feel like I want to return. Hawaii is nice yet awfully expensive. We have traveled extensively over the years and know that there are plenty of other wonderful places to visit, places that value and respect their clientele. This time, we were have been ripped off, with no consideration that money is as tight here as it is in Hawaii- they are not alone in this downturn. This is not how you treat a guest you expect to return.
Aloha, sadly, may be gone for good.
we have a trip planned for march 2021 only if deemed safe. will let our condo owner tell us. of course we will be back. and yes sad for the islanders and the toll it is taking. hopefully things WILL get better.
Hawaii’s economic survival is currently based almost exclusively around the visitor and visitor related industries. Please Think Carefully About Every Action. The consequences of your behaviors today will reverberate for decades .
What it will take for me to return to Hawaii is knowing when I can re book my trip and be sure that things aren’t going to be cancelled again. The end of the month is near and they delay travel again till the end of June. Then will it be July…August…etc. I want to book but will they let me back in?
We have family there and some island investments, so we will come later in the year. My husband’s family is from Oahu, and our son lives there. It is like our second home, so it would take a lot to keep us away. On the other hand, members of our family work two jobs in the hospitality business to make ends meet because of the high cost of living there. I worry about them, if you don’t get business up and running again.
Unfortunately, what is happening to Hawaii and the tourist industry, has been coming for a long time. My wife and I lived in Hawaii for many years and her family has been there for more than 60 years. It wasn’t until around 2000 that we began to feel a real problem developing; and most of the comments we were hearing were coming from kama’aina, not the tourists. We hoped it was simply a phase, but it wasn’t. What little contact we had with the tourists always found they had tremendous praise for the islands; but not so much for the costs, the way they had been treated by more than just a few, and how they were made to feel guilty for just being there.
We had to go to the mainland for a few years due to business and when we came back home to the islands last year wow – what a difference. Hannibal Tavares, a good friend would be turning over in his grave could he have seen what has happened to his Maui!
The writer who pointed our that there is no Aloha anymore was right on target. What the politicians, the business industry and a vocal minority of people from Hawaii have allowed to happen is a disgrace. Needless to say, we didn’t stay in Hawaii; and I know many others who have very deep roots in the islands have left as well. Don’t blame the vi rus – it simply allowed the ‘scab’ to be ripped off for all to see. The now emerging ‘police state’ in Hawaii is nothing new, it was just hidden so well, nobody cared to notice. My wife and I, our family and so many of our friends absolutely love Hawaii more than anything – but don’t be fooled – this ‘problem’ that everyone is talking about is real. It won’t be fixed by the tourists; it can only be fixed by the people of Hawaii and let’s all hope that it’s not to late.
Hi Ben,
My family and I have a trip planned to Kauai for mid-November. We planned it with the full knowledge that we may have to cancel, and while we don’t want to do that, we will if that is what is in the best interests of everyone involved. I get angry when I see people breaking the rules, because to me, they’re just extending the length of time we need socially isolate. Thanks,
Eve
We completely understand Hawaii’s inability to accept visitors at this time and patiently await our next trip back to the beautiful islands. We visit every year with our last trip being February of this year, just before this hit. We would have no issue with precautions such as temperature and virus checks if necessary. Hopefully, we will be able to visit again next January/February and feel just as welcome as we ever have. We pray for a speedy recovery to the devastation this has caused to the economy and people of Hawaii!
Over the years my wife and I have made numerous visits to Hawaii, usually accompanied by our children and more recently our grandchildren. We’ve had memorable experiences, spent many tens of thousands of dollars, and always felt welcome. We’re now thinking that Hawaii’s aloha image is based much more on marketing than reality, and like others we’re reconsidering the trip we had planned for next year.
I am looking forward to returning to Maui just as soon as I can and there is no quar antine!
I agree with all of the comments from TJ and Colleen, I too am an avid fan of Ohau and especially Ko Olena My wife and I travel to the island 2 to 3 times a year, but we are finding the same things Taxes, food, hotel or condo rentals are now becoming so expensive, maybe it is time to find another paradise. We are from Canada and to covert to USD is very expensive right now.
Aloha
Hi Ken.
Thanks.
Aloha.
First, I like what you guys do. Thanks for providing updated information daily. I read your blog religiously.
What will it take for me to return to Hawaii? The leadership on the islands needs to step and develop a plan for reopening. There doesn’t appear to be one or a sense of urgency to develop one. I thought that the mayor of Kauai would be more aggressive to reopen Kauai but then he surprised me by extending the order until the end of June just last week. The inertia that is gripping Hawaii from the lack of good leadership by the governor and the mayors is suggesting that tourism in Hawaii for 2020 could be dead. Until the governor and the mayors start articulating a plan for reopening the hospitality industry, no one should plan a trip to Hawaii. We had a trip scheduled for mid-June which we have begun to cancel because the visitor quar antine was extended on Kauai. We have a trip for September also scheduled but we are considering other options based on a lack of confidence that the leadership in the islands will recognize that the Hawaiian economy has to restart and visitor dollars are essential to the resumption of the economy. We spend about 30 days a year in Hawaii over the course of three trips. This year we were able to travel to Maui in February. That trip could be it for 2020. We live in California and have never been to Yosemite. Why? I would rather be in Hawaii. This year and next year that will probably change. We could be doing some serious road trips with the dollars we would normally spend in Hawaii.
Hi WR.
Thanks very much!
Aloha.
I love Hawaii! I’ve been four times and am always trying to figure out a way to get back before my plane ever leaves the island at the end of my vacation. But reading comments from a lot of locals has made me question my love affair with our 50th state. I don’t want to spend my money or time where I am not wanted or disliked. There are too many other options. I live the Orlando so I am familiar with tourists. But I am glad they are here. They are an integral part of our economy and the good far outweighs the bad.
Kristin, I couldn’t agree more. I live in Orlando, too, and ours is largely a tourist-related service economy. We will be happy when visitors return!
As for you and me, to go to Hawaii from Orlando is not a small deal. I would hope when and if we return (and that is seriously up for debate) that we would feel as welcome to as we have in the past.
Mahalo for all your wonderful coverage and thoughtful columns.
Hi Vicki.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thank you for this discussion, it’s our family’s concern exactly as our reunion was rescheduled from March 2020 to April 2021. Some in our group are asking if we’ll be welcomed or should we consider staying on the mainland instead. We’ve seen so much negativity in our local California news about Hawaii visitor arrests e.t.c, and I certainly understand the concern with your limited resources. I keep reading your discussions and the local’s postings to get a feel for the current vibe towards mainland tourists. But I must admit from our side, that we are a little concerned currently that there may be some anti-tourist sentiment brewing, and we’re hoping that’s not a majority. We’ll keep watching. Stay safe everyone, wishing all the very best. Thank you.
Hi Judith.
Thank you.
Aloha.
We have a son and daughter-in-law with two grandchildren who were born on Kauai, so we are not likely to stop coming to visit with them and the many friends we have made over the last twenty years. However, the trip from the eastern US (which was always a challenge) has become more and more difficult as we have grown into our 70s and late 70s. In our discussions we ask ourselves if we would come for two monthly periods each year if the “kids” were not here, and the answer is probably not. The answer probably never, as we have other things to see and other warm climates closer to home and cheaper. But the Aloha spirit has always been a major factor in making Hawaii shine, and I do not think that the spirit has weakened in any but the minority of negativists who exist in any group. The Aloha spirit is what makes Hawaii a place to go in spite of a long hard journey and some additional expense, and the majority of Hawaii citizens must and will strive to keep that spirit alive.
As a very frequent visitor (32 times in 20 years) and as a follower of social media, I have seen a definite increase in the we versus us mentality. The “this is ours, not yours.” I feel that when I travel to Hawaii, I’m respectful. I don’t trash the island as many posters think visitors do. We spend a lot of money to get to Hawaii, spend even more to stay there, and we support local tour companies on a daily basis while we are there. We support local restaurants as well. There are many places to travel in this world, and honestly many cheaper and beautiful places. We choose to come to Hawaii because of the feeling we get when we get there. We can finally exhale. But it’s starting to shift and the feeling of being targeted for being a visitor is becoming more palpable. I don’t know how to tell you to fix It. You can’t change the way some people speak on social media… but I can tell you….that is one area that needs to be resolved. I don’t want to be in a place where I’m not wanted. I also don’t want to spend money in places that only want my money but don’t want me. It’s a big challenge, but I’m hoping it turns around and I’m really glad that someone is taking notice of the future problem that will occur when enough people decide to go elsewhere. Of note, I live in an area where our population doubles in the winter. I would never think about protesting at our airports for those visitors to go home. Anyhow. My two cents! Aloha, Lisa
Hi Lisa.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I’m scheduled to attend the Kauai Writer’s Conference in November. Hoping it’s not canceled, but also hoping that this goes away this summer and doesn’t come back. Massachusetts is about the 3rd or 4th highest state out of the 50.
I went last year and enjoyed myself. I had gone to NY writer’s conference and both sites lived up to their what’s been said about them. New York was alive and exciting. The city felt like the opening of the Mary Tyler show. 🙂 The hotel was in the center. Times Square was nearby and not a square :). Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall. That was the day after the conference.
Hawaii was peaceful, relaxing and calm. It was lovely. The Marriott was perfect and the first day I was lost. The resort is big. I’m bad at reading directions. The gift shop is near the hotel. I took the long way round. Every morning before the conference, I picked up my water and a delicious packaged pastry. The last day I bought my souvenirs. Lots of nice t-shirts, hats, ornaments, Hawaiian gifts.
The buffet was delicious. It was included for breakfast and lunch. The hotel restaurant and the locals had delicious food for supper. Hoping to go and that it’s safe. Pre pan demic, I got serious colds from shaking hands at church.
Hawaii isn’t the only place having to adjust to the loss of tourists. In Europe there have been similar complaints from residents in the past about too many tourists and now there are none. Barcelona, Amsterdam and Venice are all now tourist free. And the locals are finding that their cities are now ghost towns.
I just hope that when things do start to get back to normal, a new balance can be found as there is an obvious need for tourism, but perhaps other industries can develop to offer other sources of employment so it is no longer all or nothing.
Lockdown, gives you time for perspective and I hope that I don’t have to go back to the 9 to 5 rat race. And many other people are finding that too. I suspect this will also translate into our vacation plans.
I visited Oahu and Molokai last October so understand the two extremes of those islands. Seeing the large numbers of tourists around Honolulu means that you can understand the local perspective of their being too many tourists (while being one myself). But equally I can see the benefits that having tourists around was able to add to the local economy of somewhere like Molokai. It’s about striking that balance, and I think it would be a shame if we rushed straight back to where we were instead of using this opportunity to make things better for the future.
I do hope that I’ll be able to visit in the future. However, I suspect that this year I won’t be leaving my slightly larger island on the edge of the Atlantic (Great Britain) where we’re having similar debates about the loss of the tourist (while wondering why we didn’t stop people entering as the virus took hold).
Personally I’ve been following your updates with great interest as I think Hawaii is actually part of the poster boy collection of places who’ve treated this seriously and dealt with it appropriately. And everything I hear makes me want to come visit again. Thank you.
Hi Fran.
Thank you. Since you mentioned Europe, I’m sure you saw that Italy is open to domestic and international tourism starting June 3.
Aloha.