News agencies around the world are capitalizing on the 14-day isolation period in Hawaii, and spinning the news that there is no Aloha anymore. When a visitor is arrested, fined, or sent home, it makes international headlines. The press has also picked up on normally tourist-friendly organizations and businesses being called on to change their focus for the time being.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), for example, became something akin to the police, making sure visitors were staying in their rooms during those 14 days, by checking on them. Hotels joined in by making visitor room keys valid only the first day of stay, and to report anyone who left the room and needed another key. Soon these industries will need to reset and return to their original mission.
This furor has also fired up some Kamaaiana who now negatively talk about tourism.
Public relations nightmare lurking.
How does Hawaii become visitor-friendly again? The bottom line is unambiguous: Everything and everyone here in Hawaii is directly or indirectly touched by tourism. It isn’t 25% or 35% of the economy, it is far greater.
While we have always wanted a more diversified economy for Hawaii, that simply has not materialized and could not happen fast enough to save Hawaii. Here’s what we said recently: “Hawaii loves and needs its visitors, and our visitors love and will continue to come to Hawaii. A visitor based economy always has its challenges, but this is perhaps as close as can be to heaven on earth.”
When we look around our immediate environment here at Beat of Hawaii, we see the impact tourism has on so many. One neighbor works for the Marriott and has for decades, another for the Sheraton and yet another at the Hyatt. Someone we know owns a small store that is closed. We drive by farms whose produce largely serves restaurants that now face an uncertain future. And so it goes.
One of our friends from the mainland, who spends half the year here volunteering to make Kauai better, got fined in early April for walking on a beach without a visitor pass. Beaches have reopened now and so a pass is no longer needed. But for this friend who has helped our community for years, it felt like a bad sting, and she now has to go to court in late May.
Some of you are telling us you may not in fact return to Hawaii, and are looking at other places to travel. A comment from one of our long-time website visitors, TJ, got us thinking about this. Here is an excerpt of what she wrote:
“Like it or not Hawaii’s primary industry is tourism. For those of us living on the mainland it is very unsettling to hear Hawaii residents make (negative) statements. Be very careful about what you wish for. If you follow what mainland tourists are saying you would know that the message that you (and a few others) are sending, is being heard loud and clear. Many visitors are choosing to go elsewhere to spend their hard-earned dollars; in a place where locals appreciate them.”
What’s concerning here is a change in attitudes towards Hawaii that we see not only from TJ but in many of the hundreds of comments left on How Do Hawaii Residents Honestly Feel About Tourists. And, while it is true that we here are enjoying less traffic and uncrowded beaches, the reality is hitting that billions in tourism dollars are not being pumped into the economy right now. Eventually, this will bite all of us here, and to a degree never before seen.
TJ went on to say:
“All visitors are not bad or disrespectful. We are just like you, and love Hawaii… Not all residents of Hawaii are happy to be out of work and in many cases unable to provide for the basic necessities of life.
The bottom line is, not all visitors are bad and Hawaii needs us. Visitors should always respect both the islands and its residents. There is both good and bad in every walk of life. Please don’t lump all visitors together and say that we’re all bad. Hawaii is paradise, but doesn’t belong to only you.”
We also heard from Colleen, Beat of Hawaii’s most frequent commenter ever, who has been part of our website ohana for nearly 12 years. She is an outspoken advocate for Hawaii tourism in her own right. She said:
“We, also, are seriously ‘rethinking’ our 2021 trip to the islands. Too much hassle. Too costly. TOO INCONVENIENT… Keep things closed down another few months – or, heaven forbid, an entire year. Few businesses will survive that… Thinking the ‘great American Road Trip’ is sounding better all the time.”
This worries us.
What will it take for you to return to Hawaii?
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Carms says
Aloha,
What will it take for us to return to Maui? A common-sense response to this virus. The current “strategy” (a generous term, since it appears that very little actual thought is going into the governor’s and mayor’s decrees) targets enforcement for “tourists” who are unlikely to know many locals and circulate with them, but seems to ignore returning residents who almost certainly are in close contact with local residents immediately upon arrival. Really, the quar antine terms even allow a returning resident to return to their “essential” work (that’s not just health-care, it includes customer-facing roles at grocery stores and fast-food)?!
The response and comments I’ve been reading have truly hardened my Maui-loving heart. I’ve probably spent more time on Maui than many of the self-rightous commenters who’ve moved there within the last 10 years. For 50 years I’ve spent my summers there, we got married there, and I even scattered my Mom’s ashes out in the ocean because it was such a special place for her and for our family. We were so delighted when we were finally able to buy our own place so we could raise our boys with similar memories of our very favorite place. But now – after being hammered with massive property tax increases because our place is zoned for short-term rental (no exceptions for actual residents, even!), tens of thousands of dollars in fees to rebuild the nearby beach, and countless negative experiences with local attitude and overcharging for services for our place – we can’t even visit OUR OWN PLACE without police surveillance? Of course, even if we were able to hunker down inside for 14 days with two active sons, we aren’t allowed to rent a car now so we couldn’t even get from the airport to West Maui. Never mind that we keep paying incredible HOA fees each month (more than the mortgage) so that the grounds crew can keep their jobs through this . . . at risk of bankrupting the owners.
If we are ever allowed, we will return, but it will likely only be to get our place ready to sell – as if we could ever find anyone willing to buy it in this environment. We are heartbroken that a lifetime of Maui memories and the culmination of our dream has been soured by the senseless decisions of leadership. I strongly suspect there’s a huge group like us, who pay tens of thousands of tax dollars into your system annually, who have also been alienated by this experience. Maui no ka ‘oi, but we’ll make our next generation of memories somewhere more welcoming.
Tom F says
Reading various comments, it seems like there is a lot of confounding of several issues–Namely the pan demic, over-tourism and politeness. The pan demic and bans, etc. are not the solution to over-tourism or impoliteness of people, The tone of a lot of the comments seems to be ‘get out and stay out’…. well I’m sorry that’s got nothing to do with the pan demic in my opinion. Always remember nobody–islander or mainlander alike–can have their cake and eat it too. The money goes hand-in-hand with the tourists and the bad apples might that might come along with that. Better diversify the economy before kicking out the tourists or it will be the islanders that would likely suffer economic opportunities.
John D. says
I provided a lengthy and thoughtful comment yesterday afternoon under the name “JohnD” but it does not appear to have been posted (unless, of course, I missed it.). Is it normal that this happens? If so, let me know so I don’t waste more of my time providing input. I almost never provide comments on articles, but since I am a longtime fan of Hawaii, and thought that this is a timely discussion on a topic that is critical to the islands, I decided to chime in. Oh well.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi John.
Your prior comment was published yesterday. There have already been over 250 comments, which is probably why you didn’t see it.
Aloha.
John D. says
Thanks, and aloha!
John G. says
I don’t know about ALL the visitors bit Hawaii is and always will ne in my heart. I love everything about it except the cost. But I would gladly pay the price for the joy Hawaii brings me while I am there. I WILL ne back no matter what. Aloha and stay safe.
P.S.
If no one wants to go that means more paradise for me when I get there.
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi John.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Cristiano V says
I just watched a youtube video – it’s an interview of the major of Maui. He’s laying out his future of what tourism is going to look like going forward on Maui. He’s saying that only rich people will be welcomed and visitors will no longer have free access to the island. Visitors will be restricted to tourism only area’s.
WOW!
Elizabeth H. says
Aloha ~ As soon as we feel safe to travel, our first destination will be Hawaii. I am hopeful we will be able to keep our February 2021 reservations. We’ve been visiting the islands nearly every year since our honeymoon in 1995 and I don’t plan on ending the tradition. It’s our favorite place in the world and we love the aloha spirit.
Mahalo for all great information you have provided over the years.
Be well,
Elizabeth
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Elizabeth.
Thanks for this and being part of the Beat of Hawaii for nearly a decade!
Aloha.
Laura B. says
People come to Hawaii to enjoy the beaches, along with ocean activities (paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, surfing, etc.) They also want to enjoy the music and dance of the Hawaiian culture. Not many people can afford to come here for 2 weeks, only to be locked in their hotel rooms or arrested and fined if they go outside. Tourists will flock to Florida, New Zealand, Australia, Guam instead. Our Governor and Mayors have ruined Hawaii and our businesses. No more aloha!
Scott S. says
Amen!
Louis says
Aloha,
Have previously lived in Hawaii. My. Ohana and I visit frequently, my wife has family in Molokai. We are planning Summer 2020 trip in late July. Is this feasible?
Mahalo for your response.🤙🏽
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Louis.
We’ll be updating as soon as we know more regarding July.
Aloha.
Alyx says
I am still planning a trip in August to bury my mom, who died last year- this was her favorite place in the world and we traveled here every year from the time I was 3 months old. I was hoping to bring my mom to her final resting place, celebrate my 40th birthday and my son’s 9th, but hearing that we are not wanted as visitors definitely puts a damper on all our enthusiasm to get there.
Lori B says
Team Hawaii, 100%. They are the ones who live there, and they get to decide what they are, and are not, comfortable with. I’ve seen how horrible tourists can be, and I don’t blame them for wanting to keep outsiders out until things look better. Them being part of the US is really just a technicality because of the distance. Stay away until they are ready.
PEter L says
Aloha friends- We seem to be suffering from not only a global shortage of ventilators to support victims, but a global surplus of hyper-ventilators who thrive on stirring the pot and fanning conflict. I believe the spirit of aloha & those who live aloha will prevail. I believe it will take some time- & I hope the elected folk and leaders of the counties of Hawaii can bring the best minds together as to how to stage a re-opening of business and tourism in a way that is respectful of residents and everyone’s health and safety. Conversations about carrying-capacity, public health, and resident quality of life must have a seat at the table with visitor experience and economic growth. As long as aloha is not lost along the way, the future will be OK. We’ll be back when it seems possible to visit without contributing to public health risks, & I believe that, as always, if we travel with aloha we will find aloha. With much aloha for you at Beat of Hawaii & all the Islands, & best wishes for us all-
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Peter.
Thank you for this and your other comments over the past five years.
Aloha.
Skip S. says
PeopLe in Hawaii are only saying the same thing that people who live in Northern Michigan are saying to the folks who live in the Greater Detroit area: Please stay home until this is no longer a problem.
Tens of thousands of cases in Southern Michigan, and only a few hundred up north–mostly along freeway routes from the southern part of the state.
Many of the attractions and tourism areas have asked people no to come here yet.
We don’t have the facilities to deal with a large spread of the disease spread by folks coming from high case count areas.
We have great empathy for the business owners and their employees who are impacted by the closing of their businesses and livelihoods. We enjoy those same businesses too.
This will end. Life will go on. Don’t be too harsh in judging the people who also want to be able to go back to work and normal life when it is safe to do so.
Jeff S says
Doesn’t sound like a lot has changed, except more people, since I was stationed at Schofield (86-90),and visited in ’09 (Oahu), ’12 (Maui), and ’19 (Maui, Big Island).
Some tourists are annoying, and a chunk of the locals is really annoyed at being dependent on them and the outside world.
I don’t blame them for being upset about the rats and mongooses though.
I question that hope for diversity – when I returned in 2009, all the sugar cane and pineapple fields gone… Agriculture was your only diversity in the islands.
Anna O says
We go to Hawaii once a year. An average trip costs us between $5000 to $6000. We’ve been following the backlash of what is being said about tourists in general. It’s a huge disappointment to see that. While I understand that tourism has definitely changed the “landscape” of Hawaii, it has also provided much needed money. I truly doubt we will visit Hawaii again. It’s time to take our hard earned dollars and go somewhere else. Why would we come back year after year when we aren’t valued? We’ll spend our money this year in Bermuda.
Sandra R. says
I lived and worked in Hawaii for 19 months. I think this article is a bit misleading. There are a lot of locals who are just plain racist towards white people. I never saw locals having an issue with tourists who weren’t white. That is the truth. 100%. I moved to Hawaii to be closer to family. I was alarmed at how racist people were. Also, how unaware they were of the world around them. Hawaii is no more and no less special than any other tourist destination. Yet Hawaii prides itself on being “paradise”. If you’ve never been “off island”, what are you comparing Hawaii to? This is a farce. It is not paradise. It is overrun by homeless people, can be downright dangerous, and is obscenely expensive. That’s the “real Hawaii” through a mainlander’s eyes.
Susan C. says
Aloha! Love your blog. Our April trip to Kauai and BI was obviously canceled but we have already rescheduled for early December. We are snorkeling fiends and Hawaii offers the closest world-class snorkeling to our home in far Northern CA. We’ve been enjoying a trip to the islands every year for years and receive mixed reception from the locals. Here’s an interesting tid -bit: we are Caucasian but my sister’s husband is Chinese and a big boy. Locals assume he lives in the islands and my sis/bro-in-law tend to get friendlier treatment from some folks than we do. By the way, is your volunteering mainland friend Mary Ellen?
Thanks, Susan
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Susan.
Thank you! No it is not Mary Ellen.
Aloha.
James W. says
We come to Hawaii once, if not twice every year, and that does not expect to change. We are scheduled for December. And if we can make it sooner when it is safe for us and you, we may. We love Kauai like it’s our home. We respect the land and the people who live there. Our hearts break for Hawaii just as it does for our home on the 9th Island. As a person who lives in a city based on tourism, we understand. And hopefully when we arrive we are greeted with all the typical Ohana the Islands provide.
Bobby says
Why is everyone here ignoring the obvious! There are more residents returning than tourists. Have you seen one resident arrested for breaking quar antine? They are only targeting visitors! I get that people shouldn’t be vacationing now, but targeting them in messed up.
Jenna T says
The last few times I’ve been to Hawaii, one of my favorite places in the world as we own property there, the people have been rude…especially in Oahu. They are not a separate country, they are and have been part of the US for some time yet mainlanders get treated poorly, talked down to and even intimidated. I understand we are not the only ones visiting but what are your expectations when you come to the main land or anywhere else for that matter?! It’s tourism and the other that comes hospitality… Hawaii residents need to re-learn it!!!
Helen E. says
Hawaii is one of the United States. I’m from California and I don’t wish that other Americans would stop enjoying it. In fact we all live on this earth and dont truly own any of it. I wish people didn’t feel entitled to “own” places. The beauty belongs to all of us. Not to mention the federal taxes I pay benefit all the states. Including Hawaii.