The U.S. Hawaii travel market: A pillar under pressure. Will this new focus be the answer?
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59 thoughts on “Hawaii Seeks Broader Horizons as U.S. Travelers Tighten Wallets”
The U.S. Hawaii travel market: A pillar under pressure. Will this new focus be the answer?
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I am surprised, from everything I read the economy is recovering and I have not heard anything like what is stated in this article.
Are you sure Hawaii you didn’t just shoot yourself in the foot by all your talk of entitled tourists, tourists stay away etc??
American tourists aren’t tightening their wallets (see the latest economic statistics). They are just going to other places where they feel welcomed, appreciated and are left to enjoy themselves (there are inconsiderate tourists everywhere, folks).
Maui Strong, Mayor Bissen and Governor Green are all looking at sparkly things while the economy of Maui spirals. To mangle a metaphor, the light at the end of the tunnel is a freight train of failure to build affordable housing, wrongheaded development policies, and a mantra “tourists don’t come unless you visit our way.”
A recent special on a major national TV network about Lahaina featured the efforts of Maui Strong to end STRs and urge a return to the land and restore the swampland in Lahaina. They were proud of how Taro Root could feed a family of 4 for several days and highlighted a small group of self-sufficient homes in the jungle.
What we are watching, sadly, is good intentions that are leading to very bad outcomes. Or perhaps the people of Maui just want to have a sharecropper economy and nothing more.
The anti tourist sentiment is load and clear on West Maui, we’re discounting units to try to get some bookings for our frustrated condo owners that haven’t had a booking in months but the AOAO fees and property taxes keep needing to be paid (7K a month and property taxes of 21K) the governor can’t keep his mouth shut and Mayor can’t get a word out or get anything done, pretty sad.
Why aren’t they issuing a lot more permits to rebuild, will they require fireproof roof and siding doesn’t look like it and what happened to the fast turnaround permits, is front street going to rebuild or get stuck in the new set back, where is the information.
I’m not at all sure how the HTA defines a “mindful traveler” seeking an “authentic cultural experience”. As a annual-plus visitor I try to be considerate and mindful. But I would like to know what authentic experiences I’ve been missing.
Seriously.
We do our best to blend. We avoid the beach on weekends to leave them to the locals on their day off. We try to patronize smaller and more local-flavor dining establishments, both to get money into their hands instead of national chains, and to try more authentic Hawaiian cusine.
I’m not sure what else the HTA has in mind from me. Other than way overspending. That seems like the plan.
According to HTA’s site: Our Mission: To strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires and visitor industry needs.
Any thoughts in there on how to attract a tourist? Who wants to spend twice as much as it costs to go so many other much friendlier places with a better chance of not having a problem? Everyone I have ever known has to plan and save, sometimes for more than just one year to come here. No one I know anymore wants to risk years worth savings and the only 2 or 3 weeks they can all take off of work.
Maybe if the HTA can give a one page or less visitor instruction guide with a clear explanation of why it is so much more expensive than so many other friendlier places with a shorter list of requirements and better reputations for service and value? HI needs an attitude adjustment. A bad reputation is a lot easier to get than get rid of. Once HTA figures out how to control tourism and the island’s residents appreciate and bring Aloha to the experience for every tourist, it will take a long time to get an expected good Hawaiian visit reputation.
Also from their site:
One of the 4 pillars:
HAWAIIAN CULTURE Support Native Hawaiian Culture & Community
Hooulu (grow) the uniqueness and integrity of the Native Hawaiian culture and community through genuine experiences for both visitors and residents.
At the first link in BOHs article, (the link is labeled “recent reports”), it summarizes as follows:
-Lower-income earners delay vacations as savings dwindle, economic outlook uncertain
-Hilton, Marriott see minimal leisure travel growth; international revenue offsets U.S. demand for Hilton
-Airbnb and Booking Holdings report slowing U.S. growth, last-minute bookings increase
Hawaii doesn’t have much to do with low-income earners, but notice the other 2 points. They reference vacation demand specifically In The US, not a pullback amongst US travelers. There’s a difference.
Travel by US travelers is as robust as ever, just not to US destinations. US travelers are going to Canada, Europe, the South Pacific, etc. where their dollars are stronger.