Global news outlets raise big concerns for Hawaii visitors.
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Global news outlets raise big concerns for Hawaii visitors.
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Now we see New York following Hawaii’s model and quarantining people from 8 states. Why do you think that is folks? And how well can hawaiis limited medical facilities handle the massive spikes in cases and hospitalizations seen in those states? And speaking of liberty, because of the long period with no cases my daughter was finally starting to have a more normal life. And especially no thanks from all of us to those who think it is ok to not wear a mask and risk harm to other people. If everyone wore a mask we would all be freer.
Am I missing something? Hawaii just announced an opening on Aug 1 with very reasonable safety protocols…..
People are still whining about that?? It’s going to be less cumbersome to travel to Hawaii then going international. it’s going to be one of the safest places you can go thanks to the state being proactive and pretty much keeping the vi rus out and now, with the safety protocols in place will continue to be relatively safe and yet people are complaining…..absolutely amazing.
I think you have to be “special” to understand the whiners. I suppose they will start whining about NY, NJ and Conn now.
Just remember it could be the reverse and the mainland could ban all Hawaiians from coming and getting homes, jobs, education. Not what I would want to say to my fellow Americans. But it is what Hawaiians are saying to everyone right now. Yes after 20 years of visiting We are not planning our next trip to Hawaii and looking for more open and inviting locations for 2021.
Go to Florida. Have fun.
We’ve been going since the time there were 3 hotels on Oahu! We saw IZ at da beach, in more recent years got to know Geoff a local who did IZ songs for us. My daughter sailed to and from Hawaii, and most appreciated the sealife. No one has been mean to us perhaps because they know we respect the original TRUE Hawaiians, the wildlife from dolphins to the Zebra dove it took us years to identify even though you hear them everywhere! I’m not sure who all hates us but I haven’t yet met one tho I’m sure there are some. There are also probably some hypocrites who are not from hawaii but moved there and then decided it was ‘their’ island.
It’s a PS to my note. People who are rude in Hawaii (or any tourist place) may deserve the negativity. WE love Hawaiians but we don’t know if others treat natives without respect!
Very true. Malahini who describe themselves as Kama’aina are a big issue. Just because one moves to Hawaii does not make one Hawaiian. A lot of folks do not get that and criticize “visitors” for not being “local”.
Wait… didn’t Hawaiian’s also move to Hawaii from somewhere else?
Didn’t everyone?
What if, say, one or both of your parents were “Hawaiian” but you were born on the mainland–then moved to Hawaii later in life? Are you “Hawaiian”?
What if you were born in Hawaii–but your parents moved you to Texas when you were a baby–and grew up in TX? Are you Hawaiian? Texan? Both?
Aside from some kind scientific / DNA based definition of “Hawaiian” or “Pacific Islander”, splitting hairs on who is “local” and who is “foreign” serves no real purpose and is a bit racist in nature. As far as I’m concerned, if you live in Hawaii and think of yourself as Hawaiian–you’re Hawaiian.
I must be really weird because I couldn’t care less if a local didn’t want me vacationing at their state. I go to Hawaii because I enjoy it and how beautiful it is. I don’t feel as though I need to welcomed by every single person that lives there in order for me to want to vacation there. I will continue to visit in the future without hesitation. My tourism dollars are needed and welcomed by some, but it is like I tell my high school children, you can’t please everyone and can’t worry about what anyone thinks.
In reply to the last comment…SC
Many countries and tourist locations are welcoming tourists and reaching out with kindness due to the horrific events of the last several months. This is what I would hope of the human race at this time, that we come together instead of creating a division. Obviously Hawaii needs to protect itself from C0vid, as it should. My personal feelings are that after this eases and tourists are allowed back, there will be more tension and harsh feelings from the locals who have long held a grudge against the takeover of their sovereign country. This situation has given it time to fester and I personally don’t want to be there as it runs its course. In many ways I understand the roots of this hostility because I grew to understand Hawaiian culture and history.
As for now, my family will choose to travel to locations that are welcoming and let Hawaii have its time to figure out these issues. I feel nothing but love for Hawaii.
With warm Aloha,
TH
Hi Terry.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I have been following this story and have been saddened to hear the sentiments that have been communicated by locals in Hawaii. My two children were born at Kona Hospital in the 80’s and it was my home for 10 years. It is on the Big Island that my father passed away after living there for 30 years. My brother and I inherited his condo in Keauhou and our children and grandchildren have been able to carry on this tradition. Hawaii has been a second home to us over all these years, but we are now, sadly deciding to sell and find somewhere else to make our memories. My father’s ashes remain there on the hill at the Veteran’s cemetery looking out to the ocean. He would also be saddened at these changes in spirit.
Aloha,
Terry
Hi Terry.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I’m hearing that Hawaii may be leaning towards a way to allowing pre flight negative test results
serving as a ticket to waive the 14 day quar antine requirement. Can’t see anyone having a problem with that and if they do they are essentially the kind of tourist Hawaii doesn’t need.
Hawaii could set itself up to essentially being the ultimate safe haven for all during this pan demic and capitalize on it’s isolation
and Aloha spirit….. caring about being safe for all more then just yourself is the epitome of Aloha.
Just talked with my sister, and she told me the governor has now extended the quar antine policy through July, which caused her and her family to have to cancel their trip. I m trying to understand your governor and his reasons but all he is doing is further damage Hawaii’s economy and drive visitors away, some for good. My wife and I were planning to return to our time share on the big island this fall but with all the doubts about what kind of requirements might be made to come, we will probably go elsewhere.
I believe in the right of the people of Hawaii to protect themselves from this terrible disease. Tourists like me will return as soon as it is safe, but we are not interested in putting Hawaiian residents at risk. Hard to believe in the selfishness of some people. You have nothing to worry about with tourism–there is no place else like Hawaii to go anywhere. The number of tourists ( like me) was making the experience less pleasurable, crowded, traffic jams, etc, and if by some miracle you had less, it would make it better for everyone. The idea that you will not get the tourists back is ridiculous, but if your hospitals get overcrowded and people start dying, that will be reality. On the mainland cases are spiking. Protect yourselves.
Thank you for being considerate, unlike many of the “entitled” people posting here. You are appreciated. It isn’t difficult to understand the situation, and yet many don’t seem to. Must be nice to have so few problems in their lives when rushing to vacation is their primary concern.
I live here and dealing with the “new normal” isn’t so bad. We are trying to do our part by shopping and eating out and my family will be catching a Hawaiian Air 717 after the 16th. It’s all quite different but there is a certain camaraderie with the people you encounter. Everyone is a little more appreciative of one another, we are all trying to deal with this as best we can. Not everyone mind you, but there is a lot of Aloha floating around if you are receptive to it.
For the record, wearing a mask when appropriate is showing Aloha, and if you don’t understand that you really won’t enjoy yourself here anyway. You’ll do fine in Florida.
Having lived on Oahu 75-79 (KMCAS) I learned to scuba, hang glide, earned both my Private Pilot’s License (first solo Ford Field) and an Associates Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U. To say the least this Pensacola Beach Fl boy became a man there. Even thought of accepting a partial FB scholarship when Coach Tomey was at UH (played the military 8 man tackle 75-78). I still have all home programs from 78. Never got back stationed there even after completing college and flight school (my aircraft was not there) even though I tried!
At 50 my former wife gave the tickets to the 2004 Pro Bowl which started that love affair with Oahu again. From Then until 2016 I saw every PB at Aloha Stadium, thus coming back yearly since 04 and an sometimes twice a year, totaling 21-22 trips since 04 – spending over 120K total (average 5.5K/year). Not much I know but I enjoyed every minute. The last few years were over the Memorial Holiday and attending the Lantern Ceremony (mom, step dad and several flight buddies (crashes not war). Was scheduled to come same time this year but we know what occurred.
Hawaii’s response has me no longer considering it a yearly destination and in fact with now 100% telework capability I no longer desire to bring my $135K/year job there.
Since little sister wants to see I may come back one more time but that will be it.
Robert W
Aloha Hawaii,
My family has been coming to Hawaii for the past 12 years, and we miss our island time. We owned a timeshare for 6 years, but now just like the freedom of coming whenever our hearts desired. The C0vid reaction that Hawaii is going thru is not different than what other states did. The concern is the apparent lack of a vision for returning the state to business as normal. I had to reschedule my March vacation, so I moved it to May, and now I am awaiting the Governer’s proclamation to see if we will be able to come in July. If I have to cancel again, I will likely not reschedule for this year, and will watch the economic forcast if I will book anytime in 2021. I am hoping the islands rebound with the fierce spirit of the local population, and we can return.
Hi Jared.
We hope to have answers to your questions later this week.
Aloha.
Heard about you on the travel guys show here in Sacramento Calif. today.
We are hoping to make out 12th trip to Hawaii this year and again in March next.
Mahalo for your website, we signed up for your newsletter today and am anxious to see what the Governor and others will announce this coming week.
Mahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
Thanks for your comment and mention The Travel Guys radio show. Yes we did an interview with them again last week and will do that again. Look forward to your coming to visit.
Aloha.
Colleen (form the article) has captured my sentiments. Plus, I can’t patronize a store, or a state for that matter, which is intent on taking away my liberties. There will be no “new normal” in my book. I’ll just leave out those pages.
I’m praying for an end to this craziness.
I am with you, Bill. I LOVE Hawaii, but I also am not interested in a “new normal”. 🌺 Also praying for an end to all the crazy, quickly. 🙏🏻
Dittos Barbara & Bill !!!
It’s not about your “liberties” – it’s about protecting people’s health. Have fun in the states that don’t prioritize health. (Luckily, there aren’t that many of them.) Really, you won’t be missed in those who do put health first.
Don’t we need to be skeptical about one dimensional thinking? I think it’s about “life,” “liberty,” and “the pursuit of happiness,” which involves considering multiple factors. The arc of the data continues to trend farther from the initial health safety concerns. The WHO’s most recent guidance on face masks is an illustration. So, too, is the CDC’s recent published acknowledgement that the infection fatality rate is most likely .26%. And that is not comparable to the common flu death rate, because that is extrapolated from different factors (it doesn’t rely on known infections) than the IFR is. I also would like to add a reference to an opinion of Montesquieu from his 1746 Spirit of the Laws: that tyranny depends on fear, while liberty depends on virtue. Let’s not get caught up in the fear, please. Instead, let’s focus on virtue, which includes honesty and love.
Wonderful!! Thank you.
Can’t wait to hit the North Shore Shrimp Trucks for spicy shrimp and a beer….w/o a mask, a.k.a. Normal.
Hopefully, beer is still permitted in Hawaii. I eat the shell and all (minus the tail) Do you all “peel” or “Not Peel?”
We all look forward to that time, but we won’t get there any time soon if people do not respect this disease and protect their health and that of others. It has to be a team effort. Look at what has happened in states and counties where people don’t wear masks. Hospitals in TEXAS are almost full–what about Hawaii with 340 ICU beds in the entire state. Take care of Hawaii and be a good person who cares about others and wants to be reopen. If you want to reopen, wear a mask so we can get there.
I agree wholeheartedly!
This is very true…
I discovered this website a few years ago when my daughter expressed an interest in visiting the iisland. We flew 15 hours for what I thought was a one and done trip. We fell in love and returned the following summer and had just a magical time.
We were slated to return this July and my daughter also asked to return 2021 for an all island tour as a graduation gift from college.
Fast forward to now – not sure what clicked with me but I see it more of a hassle and I too have a difficult time picturing it in terms of favorite places or groups still being there.
Long story short – we cancelled 2020 and have decided to do a guided overseas adventure next summer instead. I don’t forsee me returning to be honest.
How sad. Kauai has 70,000 residents and 1.2 million tourists a year. We will miss you. Love to hear about the “guided international vacations” available in this global pan demic. There are many countries run by people who could not care less about their people. US mainland is starting to look similar. It’s depressing.
We will go back to Hawaii on vacation when it is safe again. I am happy they are being so diligent on keeping this under control on the islands. It is working!
Please remove me as well 🌈
Mahalo!
HI Nita.
Done. There is a “manage subscriptions” link in the comment section of every post.
Aloha.
Please help me remove the notifications through my email on this topic!
Please remove me from this thread, thanks
Get those two hospital ships over here. Park on in Pearl Harbor and the other one on Maui. Open the state. Quit hiding like scared bunnies. Just when do you think you are going to expose Hawaii again to the outside world, how badly are you going to destroy the ecomomy?
So true
As far as I know, they don’t treat C0VID patients. Too dangerous on a ship (seriously).
“What will it take for you to return to Hawaii?”
Not much,really. The end of the quar antine, obviously. And beyond that, either I test positive for antibodies and/or there’s a good vac cine available. Before that, there’s no way I’m getting on a plane full of people. Luckily I’m in San Diego – it’s not the Islands but we have a beautiful ocean and bay and beaches, good surf and snorkeling (although you do need a wetsuit many months). As to your friend who got busted on Kawai’i, sorry but she should have followed the rules. That’s life.
And as to the lack of aloha, much of that depends on your attitude. There’s a “locals only” attitude in any tourist area. But it tends to be concentrated in certain locales and situations. Avoid those, show class and consideration and good sense, and you’re fine. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The cancellation of our plans for this year has been a blessing. Caused us to look at what kind of experience we want, and why it’s gotten harder to get over the years. Next trip we will not be going to Waikiki (that’s all I’m gonna say about that \;D).
My family has been traveling to Hawaii every couple of years for two decades. Our next trip is scheduled for July 7, 2020, and we realize we will likely need to push it back to 2021. Given the flexibility with lodging and airlines with regard to cancelation and rescheduling, I fail to see what people are complaining about. What’s important in the short term is that Hawaii and its residents do what’s right for them to be healthy so that when we return that aloha spirit and culture we so enjoy remains vibrant and welcoming. Let mainlanders threatening to take their tourist dollars elsewhere do it. Nothing beats Hawaii, and they know it. And if tourists would quit treating Hawaii as anything less than the wonderful and magical yet delicate and sensitive place that it is (in other words, with some overdue respect), perhaps native Hawaiians wouldn’t resent them. What will it take for my family to come back? No quar antine. That’s it. And if that’s lifted on July 1, we’re likely going to be flying to Maui a week later. Aloha!
Hi Christian.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Thank you Christian,
1000% you get it.
Aloha
Well said Christian and my sense is your view is the prevalent one. As far as the “I don’t care about anyone but me so I’m not wearing a mask” crowd, I think they are in the minority and well….Hawaii would be better off without them. They typify the kind of tourists
that everyone is tired of.
We have been coming to the islands annually since 1991 and have noticed a huge erosion in the Aloha spirit over the years. We are scheduled to return in January 2021. We realize things will be completely different when we arrive but we sincerely hope we can find that the true spirit of Aloha will return with us.
Our trip to Maui was cancelled in April and I was so disappointed but also in agreement of why it was.
I do consider it disrespectful for people to go knowing they were not supposed to come, but chose to anyway – and I highly doubt anyone did not know that they should not be going to Hawaii or anywhere else, unless for valid reasons. I get the locals being frustrated with the selfish people that broke the travel ban & left hotels even after they were told not to.
Not ALL tourists that visit are these type of people. Likewise, not all locals are rude as shown by some of the comments towards us visitors. Speaking just for myself, we live in Mississippi so it takes a lot of planning and dollars to come this far. This vi rus is everywhere so we certainly do not need some of the locals literally screaming to “all of us” in the comments for us to stay home.
Since our trip there was cancelled, we drove to the beautiful beaches that Florida offers and we have been very much appreciated and welcomed! The restaurants and stores have been very appreciative and the tourism is definitely here. We have seen license plates from all over the US!! So…. with that being said, some locals comments maybe should be a little nicer, because people can chose where to spend their money where they feel wanted.
We will come back and hopefully bring some friends who have never been, but I do not believe this is the year to do so. We want our fiends to experience all of the Aloha 🌺😎 because we’ve always experienced the aloha and we know how amazing it is.
Mahalo for the updates and take care.
Wendy P
Hi Wendy.
Thanks for this and all of your comments.
Aloha.
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments above, especially TJ. I love the islands and the times I’ve spent there with my wife! I have vacation planned there for this September for my whole family and first grandchild. I’ll be very, very disappointed if the current restrictions are kept in place. For Hells sake! I’ve already purchased my airfare (Hawaiian) to support them! Something we would all be wise to remember is, none of owns any of the land we live on. It is a gift to us on loan from God! Parts of Idaho where I live are every bit as beautiful as Hawaii, in their own way! Please know that we want so badly to continue coming to Hawaii, but only when you realize this earth does not belong to us! We’re all here to beautify it together!
Jeff W
Hawai’i has every right to protect its citizens – in fact that is a duty. Your dream trip is not worth one life or even one seriously ill person. Priorities need to be in order. And you’re not making your trip to support anyone, you’re making it to enjoy yourself. Finally, a bit of research into customs, beliefs and history in Hawai’i would help you realize that talk of “God” and land isn’t always relevant in the land of Pele, Kane, Ku, Lono, Hina, etc. Best check your culture and belief system at the door and open your eyes and mind to local reality.
Thank you Dave R.! We don’t hate tourists, just want a temporary restriction until a reliable treatment or preventive measure for this is found. After that, I hope our government will realize that we should limit tourism because at pre-virus levels it’s been overwhelming our State to the point it’s less and less of a “paradise.” Just limit, not ban–I think the majority of residents feel the same.
You know, I’m ORIGINALLY from Hawai’i and currently living in Tucson Arizona and have been trying to move back since April but now, waiting for Hawai’i to FULLY open again.
Those tourists who KNEW the rules and STILL went to Hawai’i OBVIOUSLY didn’t care about the ‘aina or the people…they were set to be disrespectful to disregard the rules and did it to themselves. Yes, Hawai’i NEEDS tourism but, you HAVE TO UNDERSTAND that if there are rules in place then, it’s FOR A REASON…with this vi rus going around, do you really want to take a chance at contracting that and have it spread like wildfire throughout the island chain, wiping out everyone so YOU could ENJOY Hawai’i ONE…LAST…TIME…
Hawai’i is TRYING to do things the RIGHT WAY and if it’s going to be a SLOW process then, you need to RESPECT it and see it as Hawai’i trying to not only protect the ‘aina but, MORE IMPORTANTLY, its people AND ALL of you who come to visit. So, just be patient because the end result will be… PARADISE 🌺🤙
I have family in Hawaii so visiting is a double pleasure! We were supposed to fly today but our hope is August now. My first visit I was 13 years old and this year will be my 5th trip at 61. Just like any place , I have experienced the good and the bad but the Aloha spirit continues to call me back. I hope and pray that this pan demic has caused more people to reflect on what really matters and that is how we treat others.
God bless and hope to see you soon!
Aloha is a two way street
Best post yet!
I think you need to look at this as a one-off existential threat. It’s not business as usual. You have to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe before slowly reopening the economy. Visitors like me – who are both a blessing and a curse- need to make our own decisions and respect the local authorities. I’m disturbed by comments from those visitors with a sense of entitlement who get disrespectful because you’re doing something unavoidable. I was due to visit in September (from UK). It seems unlikely now but hopefully we can come back soon.
This speaks to our state of mind. We travel to Kauai every year. We are fearful about traveling there when the island opens. I do not wish to experience being an “unwanted” guest on my vacation. We support local farmers, food trucks, restaurants, and shops when we travel. Putting money into a local economy when we travel is a way for us to say how much we value what they offer us.
I agree with some on here that the “Aloha Spirit” has disappeared here on this island. I just moved here recently searching for that Ohana and aloha spirit but so far it has not been there besides friends that I already knew that’s living here.
I hear so much about the locals here that the White people stole our land and the tourists are polluting our environment. I get all of that but there isn’t anything from this island that the people here can contribute to survive on its own. The education system here is by far some of the worst in the nation, people lack the drive to be successful so tourism is the only way that this state can make it economically. If the locals continue to talk negatively about tourists and continue to rip off those who visit here, sooner or later no one will come visit and spend money. There are too many other beautiful places on earth that is up there in comparison to Hawaii. Hawaii is not the only place that has beautiful beaches and great waves.
Everyone is right, be careful what you wish for because the state government here doesn’t have a clue what they are doing and they cannot come up with any new ideas to shift the State toward another industry to bring in revenue.
The people of Hawaii needs to change their attitude toward tourists because it is the backbone of this state. No visitors=no revenue. Without the money, school will continue to stay stagnant or get worst.
I completely disagree, and an opinion like thinking people just don’t want to be successful. You might need to understand more about poverty and the psychology behind it, as well as the legislation and socio-economic infrastructures that make this so possible.
Instead of groveling about the symptoms you see, it would help more to look at the root that has rotted since the U.S.’s relationship with the islands began. When a nation steals your land, tries to make it illegal to even practice your culture but then will charge tourists (and ultimately the residents as costs of living skyrocket) out the wazoo to partake of the culture and lands, there are emotions there that simply can’t and won’t be buried as easily as many might like. And these feelings are furthered enraged when tourists can’t even respect a temporary boundary.
Telling local Hawaiians to be nicer so we’ll spend money there is NOT love and NOT aloha. That is transactional and completely doesn’t align with me in what the aloha spirit is all about.
And trust me, I understand how tourism affects an economy as someone that is living in Las Vegas, NV and currently experiencing an even higher unemployment rate than Hawaii. You can’t forget the human that is needed behind tourism in first place.
This is an interesting thread. As a local I see a very different picture of Maui during this quar antine. It is locals on the beach disregarding social distancing, locals that are littering and trashing the parks, and locals that have brought the vi rus to the islands. Fact is that over 60% of infections were locals bringing it back from mainland. The abandoned fridges and stoves in rural areas are not from tourists. The slashing of tires because you dont “look” local is not Aloha! Screaming profanities at haole’s is not Aloha. This happens daily on the road to Hana and in many other areas.
I agree with the article. Our society here cannot survive without tourism. All the talk of giving back the island to Hawaiians is insane. Just for one moment try and think of what that would look like? What would the infrastructure look like? IF we dont have a set check and balance how would our already corrupt officials act? Have you seen the local government and poverty on other non U.S. islands? Look at many of the Bahamas, or even the Pacifico area islands. Poverty is rampant. No health care and limited education. Is that really what these extremists want? Molokai is a beautiful island that has run off just about all of the economy because they want to stay Hawaiian. All my friends from Molokai cant wait to get off the island so they can just make a living. Be careful….. keep it up and we will all be looking for a better island.
As a former 15-year resident of Honolulu, and a frequent visitor since, we have had two Hawaii cruises cancelled this year. We looked into flying, but were put-off by the quar antine. I hope that it is lifted soon. In fairness, I think it is important to note that Hawaii is not the only location with that. Even some other US states have similar restrictions. I was considering a road trip to Yellowstone National Park when I found that both Idaho and Montana currently are enforcing 14-day quarantines. The only access to Yellowstone is from the south and east, through Wyoming.
Hi Paul.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Idaho is open, come on in. We don’t send Anyone after you!
The governor is on a power trip. He deserves for the economy to tank.
Unfortunately this Governor is not the one who will suffer. He will still have his paycheck and his power. It is everyone else who doesn’t work for the Government who will pay for the anti tourism actions of this despot. Eventually the government Jon’s will evaporate without a tax base to support them. He will be left in his office by himself. If he keeps getting reelected
Power trip…hmmm. And I suppose that would apply to the dozens of other US states that issued stay-at-home and lockdown orders? And the dozens of nations around the world that have done the same?
A bit of perspective is in order.
How would you have handled the situation with this very contagious disease that has already killed over 94,000 Americans and pushed many hospitals to the breaking point?
Personally I’m happy to comply with the restrictive rules (designed to protect my health) here in San Diego, and respect the right of people in Hawai’i to have some room between them and the 30,000 people PER DAY who normally swarm into Honolulu alone, many of whom are going to be carriers of disease. I had to cancel my trip, fine. Hawai’i will still be there next year, and I hope I will be too.
Just curious about your comment cause the majority of hospitals are EMPTY! Nurses and Doctors are being sent home without pay. Yes NY was a hot spot….but that is not the case in the rest of the U.S. Even Maui is a ghost town in their C0vid ward. Most infected are not that sick and go home to quar antine. Stop spreading the HYPE. No one wants anyone to get sick, but this infection is still not worse than the flu in terms of morbidity.
As a ‘snowbird’ to Hawaii for 11 years, I agree. Was the aloha spirit that drew us here faked? Or is this the same polarization we are seeing here in the continental US? Thanks for this hard look at tourism.
Hi Susan.
Yes it is a hard time all the way around. Let’s hope things will normalize at least in terms of that.
Aloha.
My friend and I are both fanatics about Hawaii. We’ve been there almost a dozen times each. We missed a two-week trip to Maui in March/April. We were hoping to get there yet this year. All the negative comments I’ve seen from Hawaii residents on various sites have me thinking we are simply not wanted. Be careful what you wish for?
I live in Hawaii, and am working hard to leave. This place is nothing like 10 years ago. The Aloha spirit has died. The mentality of most locals is for the tourists to not come back. The local government is a joke. Their solution for the high unemployment is to get more federal government handouts.
Why are there so many posts here that veer off topic into the political issues of local government and unemployment relief? Not relevant.
Not relevant when the local government imposes travel restrictions and restrictions on restaurants and restrictions on tours, etc.???
I honestly feel this was to be expected when you become a part of the U.S in the way Hawaii did. Our governments can only fake the funk so long. I guess I don’t understand how we Americans can completely absolve ourselves like this, but I suppose.
I wont be back until my family and I can travel without having to wear a mask. The idea of 2+ hours in the airport, plus 6 hours on the flight, plus another hour or 2 for baggage claim and rental car is just too much mask wearing for me.
Please change my preferences so I don’t get emailed every time someone comments
Hi Susan.
That is done. These are self-service for next time, so easy to change your own preferences.
Aloha.
I was considering a trip to Hawaii once travel restrictions are lifted. I’ve never been and I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Comments made by Hawaiians though and actions taken have made me reconsider. I don’t believe I would feel welcome and I won’t be visiting.
Sorry to say, you won’t be missed. There are many millions of visitors who will gladly take your place. Hawai’i isn’t like Disneyland, where all the employees are there to make you feel good. The locals are real people with real problems and desires, likes and dislikes. And like everywhere else, some are nicer than others. Just as some visitors are nicer than others.
Aloha guys. I just want to update my preferences so that I don’t get an email every time a new comment is submitted on a particular topic. I’ve unchecked the box below.
Mahalo, Susan
Hi Susan.
Done.
Aloha.
Been to Maui last year even being from Miami knowing what tourism looks like to be around it and working in it. My family and I were treated so awful. I do not believe they care at all about tourism even if its their backbone. They would rather live without it given the choice probably if it meant at poverty level. I was just crushed since I’m 50 had been quite a few countries and in the US of all places was the worst.