Have we killed the golden goose? Now something other than Hawaii travel will help boost the economy.
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143 thoughts on “Hawaii Tourism Boom Bursts | Troubled Waters Lurking”
Have we killed the golden goose? Now something other than Hawaii travel will help boost the economy.
Big time anti tourist sentiment from Hawaii. Massive taxes, expensive lodging and zero local investment in popular beach restrooms. It’s unfortunate that the vibe to tourists is not welcoming.
Travelling from Calgary, we’ve been visiting Hawaii for 12 years (going again in a month). We’ve never felt not welcomed, and it’s a piece of paradise that we feel more comfortable in then more affordable places in the Caribbean. However, we half noticed an increase in the cost to visit, and unfortunately this might be our last trip for a while. We value the short term condo rentals, and have zero interest in staying in a hotel – it’s one of the big advantages to us visiting Hawaii over other locations. We definitely don’t mind paying a fair share of taxes while there to help support the islands – just like we would in any location we travel to. But at some point, it just stops making sense. Hope Hawaii finds a balance that works.
Hawaii is run by a bunch of morons who are overtaxing tourists. Just came by myself and I will never return to Hawaii. Much cheaper options out there. The party is over for Hawaii. The locals will soon feel the economic pain when tourism drastically decreases
It sounds like the long term and somewhat hidden concerns are becoming more visible which is a big step. Hopefully the government will not get in the way too much. If tourism is slowing then real estate investors may pull back, taking pressure off of the high real estate costs. That being said, money is attracted to exclusivity so costs may not go down and could continue to rise. Controlling short term rentals will help the hotel industry and the occupancy taxes they pay. Lower levels of tourism will make the island much more enjoyable for everyone and help HI’s ecosystem.
The question is what will the gov do when there are no tourists to pay his increased hotel fees? And someone was correct to point out that they think someone is going to pay 700 a night plus 22% is more than a STR cost or whatever number he spits out…since there is no way to determine how much to increase it by when you are trying to fund a budget on imaginary guests or non existent guests And owners sell or are foreclosed on? And the values fall? Now the RE taxes will go down also…and yes where has the extra taxes they just imposed …4% just into the air…no accountability at all. So it is very apparent that they are just not very far sighted or Smart to think this is the answer. We can see where this is headed…why don’t they?
Okay, is it just me? Does anyone else see the conflict of interest below:
The push-back against vacation rentals is widespread. Joining the governor is the Hawaii Tourism Authority chair, Mufi Hannemann, who’s also head of the hotel industry’s Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA).
Hotels first tried to impose a 90-day minimum stay on short-term rentals and now they are trying to eliminate short-term rentals. Even though guests prefer them to be able to cook and keep their vacations reasonably priced. So, with short-term rentals eliminated, visitors will be hostages to even higher rates from the hotels….and Hawaii is wondering why tourism is down. Really?
We live on the east side of Big Island and like to vacation on Kauai in a stvr. We can no longer afford to go there because of the huge price increases so started to just go to the other side of B.I. It’s now getting so expensive to stay even a few days in a stvr. there that we will have to settle for staycations at home!
It was mentioned in an earlier comment that there are many local people that have stv rentals as a way to make extra money to be able to stay here on island. If these rentals are eliminated some will be forced to sell out and move to the mainland. Not a choice they will willingly make.
My wife and I have been traveling to the islands for over 25 years and have always respected and learned from the Hawaiian culture. This year is our 50th anniversary and may be our last trip due to the high cost of accommodations and rental cars. What’s happening will surely persuade people to go elsewhere, which is sad.
Be sure to take into account a greatly increased cost of food, both restaurant and store-bought. In early Feb the cost of breakfast at McDonald’s on Maui was $61.00 and the cost of lunch at Monkeypod in Whaler’s Village (which included 2 hamburgers and no alcohol along with other things) for 4 people was $177.00. Maui is just not the same without Lahaina. It was our 18th trip since being married at Secret Beach (Makena) in 1999, and was also our last. I wish the locals with whom we’ve come to know and love, well. Mahalo for the memories.
Wow. The restaurant costs you quote are eye opening.
Our CAD exchange rate is running $1.37/$1 USD, yikes.
I sincerely hope you rebuild + enjoy your new economy.
My tourism dollars will go elsewhere where we are welcomed.
Hawaii too expensive. Mexico friendly and better value all around
So what to do. 3 weeks paid for and planned on Maui in May. Our last trip more than likely as we are 80.
These articles have me feeling less than welcome. So do I get my deposit back or pour thousands more in a place where we may not be welcome. Just don’t know…
Go. By all means, go. In the many years we’ve been going to Hawaii, mostly Kauai, we have never experienced any hostility from Hawaiian residents. Experience the culture, in fact dive into it. Yes, it’s expensive, but if you have already taken that into consideration and allowed for it, go enjoy yourselves. Do Hawaiian things, wear the leis, go to luau’s, eat Hawaiian food, especially the local produce. And have fun.
We just returned from Maui on Sunday. You shouldn’t worry. It was my first time with my husband. Everyone we interacted with was fantastic and welcoming. We stayed in a great condo with ab ocean view in Kihei on Sugar Beach.
Go and enjoy yourselves.
I’ve spent many years in Hawaii as a resident and since moving back to the Mainland, visited quite a bit. Have never had any issues with locals and don’t expect them to kiss my butt because I’m a visitor now. But, I’ve done my last trip to the islands. I don’t mind spending money (ask my wife) but I do mind overspending and not getting a big bang for my buck. Today’s Hawaii is mediocre at best, and a ripoff at worst. And now, the fools who work for the government there are talking about increasing fees and taxes on the backs of the tourists who have already spent a fortune on airfare and a hotel room. It won’t be long til they install meters on toilets and charge you for every flush.
We have been coming to the Hawaiian Islands for 50 years, mostly to Maui as we own few timeshare weeks there. Our vacations there with family and friends have been a highlight of our lives.
We sympathize with those who have lost family, friends and property in the recent fire. And similarly we sympathize with all of Hawaii for the lack of leadership, clear thinking and clear communication throughout the recovery. From our limited mainland perspective it has been abysmal. It is all just sad.
Campfire victim with a little insight with disposal of fire waste, rebuilding process & economic impact of both.
Disposal is a very slow process truck loads must be covered as not to spread toxic waste it took over 2 years to clear all the waste from Paradise.
Rebuilding will be very frustrating on Maui there’s a shortage of contractors & skilled labor, plus infrastructure must be replaced before any building will start. Money talks those with cash will go to the top of the list.
Economic impact will be slow in the beginning once building starts you can expect many years positive growth to Maui’s economy.
Aloha Jeff and Rob. Your article about tourism makes several good points. I must admit the fees, charges, appointments, etc are a put off, but might be palatable if it wasn’t so “in your face tourist!” I had a great experience, but others talk about not feeling welcome. I didn’t feel the tourist inquiry on the plane was appropriate. Hindsight says that’s probably how it’s always been done. However there is a lot more to be learned from an exit interview. Perhaps most people are pleased. It might bring out things that Hawai’i could do better rather than blame the “golden goose” for everything. This is my opinion, and thank you for giving me the forum to express it. Mahalo,
If those in the government don’t want tourists anymore, why did they just approve permits to build a huge development of upscale condos, homes, retail and restaurants in Kapalua????
Hawaii solution is always to tax the visitors more and more. Eventually you will push them away. Hey they are of course the reason Hawaii has so many problems. It can all be blamed on visitors. I’m sure they can be blamed for trashy parks, non existent sidewalks, crummy roads, and all the burnt out cars left by the side of the road. Maybe it’s the visitors fault that local governments allow regular homes to be on vrbo. Those rascal visitors. Well the way the sediment is going they shouldn’t be much of a problem soon.
I recently sold my vacation rental condo which was also my second home in Kauai. I plan on still visiting Kauai and would prefer to stay in a condo. Is the goal to eliminate those completely? Is that even legal?
One word “Okinawa.” Google it, check out the photos, weather, VRBO prices and even airfare. Never look back again.
Patrick Okinawa does look beautiful.
I do wonder about radiation of the water though. Given during that earthquake and the nuclear reactor leaked tons of radiation waste into the ocean.
As a resident of Maui many years ago and now a second home owner there, my opinion is that Maui cannot survive without short term rentals. Many more families travel to Maui than in years past and they depend on short term rentals for more room and kitchen than a hotel room offers. There is no way hotels on Maui could accommodate the travelers that it needs to come and spend money to support the people.
So, in a nutshell, the various levels of Government are going to join the hotels, restaurants, car rentals etc. in gouging tourists by way of excess taxation. With all the facilities etc. that the government is responsible for maintaining now falling into disrepair, one has to wonder where the tax money from the last decades has gone. Hawaii is well on the way to becoming a destination for fewer, but wealthier tourists. Be careful what you wish for.
Hey they don’t want to ever follow the money. That would expose the outright corruption. Never has so much money been collected per capita for such third world infrastructure and local amenities. Everything nice is privately owned. The natural beauty, thanks to God, is great but anything publicly provided is 3rd world.