Hawaii is finally shifting its tourism focus back to its core, aiming to quickly reinvigorate its faltering travel industry. This strategic pivot seeks to integrate hard-learned lessons for a sustainable future.
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157 thoughts on “Hawaii Tourism Authority Now Says U.S. Mainland Visitors Desperately Needed!”
I’m a local boy who long ago moved to the New England area. Those I know who speak of going to Hawaii aren’t even aware of the negativity against Mainland tourist. The absolute number one issue I hear as to why people here don’t vacation in Hawaii? It’s Too Expensive.
Plus, enjoying a “Hawaiian vacation” means 12 hours in the air each way – not including layovers (which is Grueling). When you combine that with the time difference, 3 days (1 going/2 coming back, then you have jet lag) of your vacation time is consumed just for traveling.
Considering the average Hawaiian tourist saves for years to take a trip to Hawaii, It will take twice as many years to recover and repair the damage that has been done – and continues to be done by the governor. Many people have explored and successfully found alternate beautiful destinations to enjoy – and more welcoming area businesses to spend their vacation dollars.
The arrogance of government and that local vocal minority to think that all they need to do is say its’ OK to come back” is pathetically shallow, and insulting to former loyal vacationers.
Good luck with courting domestic travelers back to Hawaii…
I’ve children in the 30-45 age range they’re not talking about travel let alone going to Hawaii it’s all about how many of their friends have received layoff notices from six figure tech jobs.
Staycation has become fashionable again…
If they really want to encourage increased Tourist visits from the mainland, they will need to take a closer look at their attempts to cater to the Hotel lobby and shut down the Short Term Vacation Rentals that are preferred by a wide swath of visitors from the mainland.
Sorry Hawaii! Vacations for the next 2 years are booked. You’re not included because of you attitude towards tourists. Don’t know if we will ever return.
Agreed!. We had been traveling to Hawaii islands for years last went to Honolulu summer of 2021. That summer we did not feel the Hawaii love. Almost everyone was unappreciative of us being there. From lodging to restaurants. It was an unforgettable experience that we did not look to returning anytime soon. Even then the prices were skyrocketing with “I don’t care attitude” “What are you going to do about it?” Went abroad – they like our money + in return give us smiles + great service. Tips are not expected they are icing. The state needs to invest and Encourage business construction.
There’s a well know saying, “be careful what you wish for”.
They can say “we really do love you” but they have successfully turned locals against the dreaded mainland tourists. Are they now going to try to convince the locals that those tourists are really “mindful” and not the root of all the problems on the islands? Won’t they have to admit that total mishandling of funds and political greed are the real reason for Hawaii’s problems? Good luck with that. Yes, it is too little too late, at least for this visitor who spent the last 30 + years traveling to the islands. Have not been in 2 years and likely won’t go back any time soon. We found other places who appreciate our support.
Well, reality appears to be setting in….You can try to encourage the Japanese to visit, but oops, the Yen is Very weak against the dollar. Hawaii is already expensive without a huge currency disadvantage to aggravate the problem. Maybe more Canadians? Canadian dollar is stronger than the Yen, but still weak against the dollar. Maybe the HTA has finally figured out that getting Americans to visit makes sense again.
Treat people like crap and has t b ird world amenities and you get these results.
I am an international tourist, and at the risk of being blunt, the state of Hawaii doesn’t seem to know wether it is coming or going. Since the pandemic specifically, the elected officials really enjoy putting down the gas pedal while standing on the brake. I am just too confused to care anymore.
So sad. I will truly miss my time on the islands.
As a Canadian who lives 5 minutes from the U.S. border, I have never thought of myself as an International visitor like Japan, Europe etc. I consider myself like many Americans, as a ‘mainlander’. There has been no increase in promotional advertisements on T.V., in newspapers or magazines in regards to luring more Canadian visitors to Hawaii. I’ve always included myself in all the anti tourism sentiments. The vacation rental fight for STR’s and the exorbitant prices. (P.S. add 30% to those prices for us die hard visitors from Canada.) Like the inscription on the Peace Arch, at the B.C./Washington border “children of a common mother”.
As much as we love Oahu and Ko Olina in particular, the price of flights and the fees that have piled up make it not worth it anymore. Flights have doubled in price in 3 years. There is way less bang for your buck going on. Mexico is by far the cheaper route and a shorter flight to boot!
I do hope they turn things around, airlines stop gauging visitors, the fees need to go away, and hotel prices need to come down.
Poor, short sighted leadership and even worse messaging from the governor, mayor and HTA started the downwards spiral. Compounded by gouging hotels rates, over transient taxation and fees, have driven travelers elsewhere. It may get worse before better as vacationers have begun to look elsewhere (myself included).
Our first visit to Hawaii was for our 10th wedding anniversary, which we spent in the Sheraton Princeville. Since, we’ve been to all the islands save Moloka’i, some a half dozen times. Our last visit, just pre-pandemic was to a rental condo in Princeville. As always, it was paradise. While there, we began talking with a realtor about buying a rental, where we’d live during the winter once I retired. Understandably, during the pandemic the message was “Stay Away”. Since then, the Clown Show government of HI has done everything possible to amplify “Stay Away,” and the latest proposal to legislate rentals out of existence is so amazingly, unconstitutionally, economically brain-dead as to be the last straw. Distressingly, We’re out.
People vacation to be happy. Reminders of sensitivity to grief and loss, no matter how well intended, are a turnoff to people seeking to get away from stress and unhappiness. Anyone who has walked through Maui’s airport, hotels, and other businesses knows that we are in dire need of tourist dollars, especially West Maui. Let’s hope the Governor and Mayor Bissen stop the pandering and start promoting mainland tourism. That’s the best way to provide jobs and income for those needing both and housing.
The damage may have already been done, with potential tourists choosing to go elsewhere. Time will tell if visitors feel like Hawaii is worth their time and travel dollars.
Sorry, I cannot hold back. Hawaii does not want us, they only want our money. Evidentially no one gave them the message that Government bail-outs are not a permanent thing. Also a heads up, if you ban short term rentals, the shortfall in taxes will have to be made by someone. Won’t be the tourists and won’t be the feds. Do the math. They will need to collect from someone. Guess that will be.
Unbelievably schizophrenic, Hawaii needs to decide if they love tourists or hate them. And you might want to let your governor know to that 80% of your economic health comes from visitors, And 80% of that 80% comes from mainland, USA.
Maui shot herself in the foot. Ridiculous accommodation prices with even more ridiculous taxes & fees attached. Rental car prices are ridiculous, especially for those of us who have extended visits. While food costs are high, there are ways to economize. It’s a bit offensive to keep being told to be respectful for those of us who are respectful. Those who naturally aren’t won’t pay attention to those signs posted everywhere. Please make it economically easier for middle class visitors.
“we love you, we really do,” (but we’re going to continue to raise our fees and taxes because, well, that’s what we do). And until Hawaii changes its administration to a more fiscally conservative and responsible one, people will stay away. But the residents keep voting the same people in, hoping for a different result. Hawaii needs a total overhaul.