68 thoughts on “Hawaii Tourism’s Deep Divide: Opposing Perspectives”
Veronica G
Nobody is forbiding Hawaii to be Silicon Valley or Wall Street. If there are not better paying jobs it might be because there is not a lot of qualified employees. Do not blame it on tourists.
The same problems are happening in the popular ski destination
resort areas like Park City UT, Sun Valley, Vail, Steamboat Springs
and etc. Even in coastal Oregon, it’s hard for tourist related employees
to find a place to live that they can afford.
People love Hawaii and Hawaiins. People also love Niagara Falls and Empire State bldg and also love natives in Arizona and Colorado river.
That is America and Americans.
Love is our culture.
My wife and I were planning our 50th anniversary vacation to Hawaii. We had 3 trips in the past that were good to great. However, we are looking at alternatives since we contacted the Hawaii Governor’s office about his comments that visitors were not really welcomed. I wish him and the great people of Hawaii the best, but we have found another venue for our 50th anniversary.
The bottom line: Hawaii is a fabulous place to visit. For many Americans it is safer and easier to navigate. You get a foreign experience without hassles of a passport, language, exchanging currency or worrying about tropical disease. “Most” visitors are “mindful” (idiot HTA phrase) and show desire to nurture culture. And name a tourist infrastructure that isn’t overloaded these days. Keep that in mind and your trip will be enjoyable. For us, personally, the aftermath of the fires was a lot to deal with last trip. Volunteering was the best thing we did all year. But what we saw and heard told us it’s time to take a short break from it all.
In 1999, we were gifted cash by father-in-law, who urged us to “have fun”. For the first time ever, we used a AAA travel agent, who planned a trip for me,spouse, and my 2 children. It was to Kauai, a place we had never ever previously heard of.
Since then, we went back when we could afford it. Increasingly, though we tried to spread aloha, never crossed a kapu, etc. we were treated derisively. Our last trip, in Honolulu, I was approached by a person who aggressively asked me why I wore alohawear, since no one else does.
To me, the issue is expectation. Hawaii is a state. I expect it to be relatable as part of my country. When Hawaiians come to my state (Missouri), I hope they are treated with kindness.
Mahalo for this beautifully written article that offered truth while doing its best not to step on toes. Even this pro tourism that fights for awareness and need for jobs to sustain Maui agrees with how you explained this. I never looked at luaus, Auntie’s stores and stands, lei greetings or aloha spirit as exploitation. I truly thought it was sharing of the Hawaiian culture and true Aloha Spirit. I always saw the stores that sold items from Cuba and other countries that passed for tropical souvenirs exploitation. No regulations there… And whose idea was it to get rid of our sugar and pineapple farms? The government allows the commodities we did have to be stripped and then blames tourism? How about some regulations on minimum wages?
Sorry it should have said China not Cuba! I was typing so fast while emotional. Please note that there still is Aloha Spirit here and many of us welcome tourism knowing that it provides so many jobs. Create other alternatives before proposing anything drastic and without insulting or hurting those that have loyally brought money to our state. Visitors coming to Hawaii do not expect to it to be like a Las Vegas trip. They come for the natural beauty and culture. Shame on those that are forgetting this and pointing fingers in the wrong direction. Aloha Spirit goes both ways. We can appreciate the visitors who have enabled us to eat and pay our bills! We have always had choices; education, careers and opportunities. Work for a future.
Pineapple and sugar plantations did not really create high-paying jobs in Hawaii either. There was also talk about diversion of water for Plantation use and the fact that a few families owned much of the land and collected all the profits.
I think you just touched on part of the issue. My experience was one of racial overtones. When you’re mocked and derided as a tourist, while in a tourist destination, doing tourist things and spending tourist money, it’s hard to justify spending your tourist time and dollars there. I really don’t think they consider themselves “Americans”. I really think they would like to simply be their own country again yet continue to have all the haoles fly in and drop their cash. Feed ’em a little poke, do a hula for them, then get them back on the plane to the mainland. Not welcoming or inviting in the least.
I love Hawai’i. We’ve only visited 3 islands, primarily Maui, Oahu(3), and the Big Islans. Our first visit to Maui, in 2004 was brief, but in 2006 we drove the “Road to Hana”, visiting Black Sand Beach where there were no others around. Our drive was as “peaceful” as it could be, but we’re glad we did it then because traffic has doubled over the 20 years. Even driving to Lahaina we didn’t start having backed up traffic until about 2015. It’s sad that there are people who do not respect the islands. We want to continue visiting but it’s apparent that HTA only wants a certain “class” to visit, and although we’ve been visiting for 20 years we are not the “class” the HTA wants. Aloha.
Being married to a Native Hawaiian gives me a different perspective from some when we travel to Hawaii. We appreciate the wonderful Aloha on the Islands. Tourists need to be mindful of protecting the beauty ecology so it will be there for many generations. Can’t wait for our next trip. Many Ohana to visit & much to enjoy!!
With your different perspective, and being married to a native Hawaiian, how do you both feel about the residents also “needing to be mindful of protecting the beauty and ecology so that it will be there for many generations”? Rusted out cars, deteriorated couches and washing machines at the side of the road do not contribute to this goal, and yet the only people I ever see lectured and admonished are the visitors.
I totally agree with being mindful and respectful of the aina. However, just as tourist misbehavior is called out, rampant disregard and disrespect by residents should be publicly admonished as well.
I have been coming to the Hawaiian Islands for over 50 years. Visitors were always welcome until Covid hit. Everything went belly up. The locals reclaimed their beaches and many were content with unemployment while others needed the tourist dollars. Things are expensive on the mainland too. I have a timeshare so I will continue to come as long as I can afford it. So sad.
Redhydrogen is the solution to the dependence on tourism. Drive a hole to where its 200c the water spits off in h an o2 ao its costs only $1 / kilo yld a $15 fill up in four minutes.
I get irked when subjects of over tourism, poor infrastructure, housing costs, cultural concerns and pay not keeping up with inflation like they’re exclusive Hawaiian issues.
I live in California where the same can be said about any of our popular tourist locations.
What they all have in common is poor leadership, lack of good planning and waste of tax dollars that do nothing to address actual problems.
Exactly! Has anyone noticed the cost of housing, food, etc. In Los Angeles?? I was born in L.A. and in the actual city, it is trashed. Homeless, drugs, shootings, smash and grab, burglaries, you name it. Wages that don’t cover the cost of living. And who in Hawaii is selling their properties? They don’t have to sell! And who is allowing more hotels and resorts? Tourists are an easy target. You need to look at your own behavior before you dump on others.
Thank you Richard!!! I’ve been a Maui resident for 30 years but am well traveled. You are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I see too many locals content to live on welfare and unemployment and it helps them save face to blame it on tourism and those fortunate enough to be educated, have careers and buy property. We are all so blessed to live here. If they wanted to work they would understand the need for tourism which is our main source of income. If too expensive to live, move somewhere else. Why make it worse for everyone else; those that live here and visitors.
Many ‘missteps’ have been taken by HI government over the decades. Tourism was ‘limited’ for a long time due to cost. In the 60s to 80s when so many hotels, etc., were built and air transportation became more affordable, tourism started getting out of hand. Government in HI made no attempt to control this ‘growth’, as it brought much desired tourist dollars and ‘jobs’ (mostly low-paying). In the mean time, Hawaii’s population continued to grow, both native Hawaiian and mainlanders. Limited housing availability compounded by high desirability causing lack of affordability. What was once a beautiful paradise is now a ‘resort’, in the worst meaning of the word. You can’t turn back the clock, folks.
As long as Hawai’i has no viable income production that does not have anything to do with tourism they are stuck. Any agriculture that was decent was shut down in a large part because of land was more valuable for housing (caused in part due to tourism and people staying). Hawai’i is trying to reduce the military presence which in turn reduces the jobs created related to that. Unless they can jump on the IT wagon there aren’t industries to replace tourism. Everything in Hawai’i is dependent on tourism…housing, restaurants, daily Gov’t. jobs, transportation and so forth.
It wasn’t long ago that the Hawaii tourism board ran ads on TV and in print, sponsored PGA golf tournament broadcasts, and conducted other promotions to increase tourism to the islands. This outreach was obviously very effective. Maybe they should now run ads asking people to stay home?
Both literally and in effect, telling selected groups of people (mostly the rest of the USA) to stay home is what the HTA and the governments of Hawaii have done and continue to do.
Remember, the HTA is not run by the same organization anymore. The HTA is now being run by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
If posts on BOH is any indication, it looks like their campaign is working.
It now seems to be an accepted fact that there is too much tourism in Hawaii. We love going there, and will likely continue. I would recommend that the state abandon all marketing initiatives to draw tourists, which should result in a slow reduction of visitors. Those marketing dollars can then be redirected to all the environmental efforts for which the state is proposing to over-tax everyone.
It may just be my perception but there seems to be a bit of a blurred line in articles I have read. (Not BOH). It seems that there isn’t a clear or consistent definition of native Hawaiians, vs locals vs residents and it seems their ideologies for the future look of Hawaii are different. Anyway, I am not sure if anyone will be able to “turn back the clock” that some desire. Some of the same issues are being faced all over the world, not just in Hawaii.
Most readers will probably concur that wages in Hawaii are not high enough. Residents that serve the tourism industry don’t earn enough to cover the high cost of living in in Hawaii, in particular housing. Since tourists tend to be budget conscious, we look closely at the cost of services, and given similar experiences, generally choose the lowest cost provider. This makes it difficult for a provider to attempt to break this cycle. If they raise their staff’s wages, their costs go up and their competition acquires their former customers.
Why doesn’t Governor Green propose a state wide minimum wage this levels playing field for all businesses in Hawaii. Trickle down clearly hasn’t worked, and this is easier to stomach than fees.
Hawaii raised the minimum wage from $12/hr to $14/hr as of 01/01/2024.
Many tip based employees make a good income. However I’ve seen many waste a lot of money on the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, kayaks, surf boards, Toyota tacoma with expensive lift kits, tires and wheels and racks. Then I see the couples owning these items where both are working service tip based jobs. Rather than save, short sighted purchases seem the rule. The Lahaina burn area consisted of the greatest concentration of multiple family housing (rentals) in the entire state.
$14 an hour is not enough here. But I still see job postings for less. I am always amazed when I see these young people driving $50k plus vehicles around town. They obviously still live with their parents. Priorities are different here. This may just be a great wake up call for many. We rearranged our values with Covid. Families became closer and we learned what we could do without. There must be another lesson here. I hope it is learned before they totally destroy Maui’s commerce and future.
I love visiting Hawaii, it is a beautiful paradise. I dont think they shld be selling land to the Rich and famous. You see what they did to California, it’s a junk yard, and homeless people are everywhere. Keep your land fir the locals, let them buy it and keep Hawaii beautiful.
We all have the right to buy property, even the rich and famous. The largest public land owners are the State of Hawaii, the US Federal government, Hawaiian Home Lands (held in trust by the state for native Hawaiians), and the County of Maui. Some of that land should be given for affordable housing.
Remember Oprah agreed to keep 100s of acres as a conservation project. A lot of the land is not buildable for home developments and should always be protected.
No one has answered my question, which is why do residents of Hawaii sell their homes and/or land to anyone other than another resident of Hawaii?? If you offer to sell property for a certain price and someone pays that price, why then are so many residents complaining about off-islanders buying property? They can’t buy if no one sells! Why are property owners not selling to local families/friends? And then if the buyer isn’t a resident of Hawaii, the buyer is considered the “bad” person, rather than the person who sold it!!
A seller will sell to whoever can pay the asking price, period. I have been a home owner here for 30 years. I do not want to be forced to only sell to a resident/local. They have the same opportunities to purchase as does a seller from the mainland. I would be happy to sell to a resident. I just don’t agree with taking away our rights to sell or purchase. I moved here from the mainland and had the opportunity as have many other homeowners. We are not preventing anyone who qualifies to purchase property. You work hard and save money just like any other place. Please know that not all of us consider non residents “bad” or the enemy. It’s that many of us are more reserved and in disbelief that this is happening or allowed to happen.
I’m sure you know the answer. It applies to every property sale in the country. If you get an offer that is what you asked for, you must sell. It seems potential local buyers are not buying, for whatever reason. If there are multiple offers, I think you have the makings of an auction, and the sky is the limit.
It’s not the buyer’s fault that others can’t or won’t buy the property at the asking price.
I think it’s crazy that Some locals are somehow offended that their fellow Americans are buying property in Hawaii. High prices may help future sellers if the bottom holds.
Nobody is forbiding Hawaii to be Silicon Valley or Wall Street. If there are not better paying jobs it might be because there is not a lot of qualified employees. Do not blame it on tourists.
The same problems are happening in the popular ski destination
resort areas like Park City UT, Sun Valley, Vail, Steamboat Springs
and etc. Even in coastal Oregon, it’s hard for tourist related employees
to find a place to live that they can afford.
People love Hawaii and Hawaiins. People also love Niagara Falls and Empire State bldg and also love natives in Arizona and Colorado river.
That is America and Americans.
Love is our culture.
My wife and I were planning our 50th anniversary vacation to Hawaii. We had 3 trips in the past that were good to great. However, we are looking at alternatives since we contacted the Hawaii Governor’s office about his comments that visitors were not really welcomed. I wish him and the great people of Hawaii the best, but we have found another venue for our 50th anniversary.
The bottom line: Hawaii is a fabulous place to visit. For many Americans it is safer and easier to navigate. You get a foreign experience without hassles of a passport, language, exchanging currency or worrying about tropical disease. “Most” visitors are “mindful” (idiot HTA phrase) and show desire to nurture culture. And name a tourist infrastructure that isn’t overloaded these days. Keep that in mind and your trip will be enjoyable. For us, personally, the aftermath of the fires was a lot to deal with last trip. Volunteering was the best thing we did all year. But what we saw and heard told us it’s time to take a short break from it all.
In 1999, we were gifted cash by father-in-law, who urged us to “have fun”. For the first time ever, we used a AAA travel agent, who planned a trip for me,spouse, and my 2 children. It was to Kauai, a place we had never ever previously heard of.
Since then, we went back when we could afford it. Increasingly, though we tried to spread aloha, never crossed a kapu, etc. we were treated derisively. Our last trip, in Honolulu, I was approached by a person who aggressively asked me why I wore alohawear, since no one else does.
To me, the issue is expectation. Hawaii is a state. I expect it to be relatable as part of my country. When Hawaiians come to my state (Missouri), I hope they are treated with kindness.
Mahalo for this beautifully written article that offered truth while doing its best not to step on toes. Even this pro tourism that fights for awareness and need for jobs to sustain Maui agrees with how you explained this. I never looked at luaus, Auntie’s stores and stands, lei greetings or aloha spirit as exploitation. I truly thought it was sharing of the Hawaiian culture and true Aloha Spirit. I always saw the stores that sold items from Cuba and other countries that passed for tropical souvenirs exploitation. No regulations there… And whose idea was it to get rid of our sugar and pineapple farms? The government allows the commodities we did have to be stripped and then blames tourism? How about some regulations on minimum wages?
Sorry it should have said China not Cuba! I was typing so fast while emotional. Please note that there still is Aloha Spirit here and many of us welcome tourism knowing that it provides so many jobs. Create other alternatives before proposing anything drastic and without insulting or hurting those that have loyally brought money to our state. Visitors coming to Hawaii do not expect to it to be like a Las Vegas trip. They come for the natural beauty and culture. Shame on those that are forgetting this and pointing fingers in the wrong direction. Aloha Spirit goes both ways. We can appreciate the visitors who have enabled us to eat and pay our bills! We have always had choices; education, careers and opportunities. Work for a future.
Pineapple and sugar plantations did not really create high-paying jobs in Hawaii either. There was also talk about diversion of water for Plantation use and the fact that a few families owned much of the land and collected all the profits.
If Hawaiians want to reduce tourism, then their fellow Americans should be given preference.
I think you just touched on part of the issue. My experience was one of racial overtones. When you’re mocked and derided as a tourist, while in a tourist destination, doing tourist things and spending tourist money, it’s hard to justify spending your tourist time and dollars there. I really don’t think they consider themselves “Americans”. I really think they would like to simply be their own country again yet continue to have all the haoles fly in and drop their cash. Feed ’em a little poke, do a hula for them, then get them back on the plane to the mainland. Not welcoming or inviting in the least.
I love Hawai’i. We’ve only visited 3 islands, primarily Maui, Oahu(3), and the Big Islans. Our first visit to Maui, in 2004 was brief, but in 2006 we drove the “Road to Hana”, visiting Black Sand Beach where there were no others around. Our drive was as “peaceful” as it could be, but we’re glad we did it then because traffic has doubled over the 20 years. Even driving to Lahaina we didn’t start having backed up traffic until about 2015. It’s sad that there are people who do not respect the islands. We want to continue visiting but it’s apparent that HTA only wants a certain “class” to visit, and although we’ve been visiting for 20 years we are not the “class” the HTA wants. Aloha.
Being married to a Native Hawaiian gives me a different perspective from some when we travel to Hawaii. We appreciate the wonderful Aloha on the Islands. Tourists need to be mindful of protecting the beauty ecology so it will be there for many generations. Can’t wait for our next trip. Many Ohana to visit & much to enjoy!!
With your different perspective, and being married to a native Hawaiian, how do you both feel about the residents also “needing to be mindful of protecting the beauty and ecology so that it will be there for many generations”? Rusted out cars, deteriorated couches and washing machines at the side of the road do not contribute to this goal, and yet the only people I ever see lectured and admonished are the visitors.
I totally agree with being mindful and respectful of the aina. However, just as tourist misbehavior is called out, rampant disregard and disrespect by residents should be publicly admonished as well.
Ever driven through an indian reservation here in the states? Same. Thing.
I have been coming to the Hawaiian Islands for over 50 years. Visitors were always welcome until Covid hit. Everything went belly up. The locals reclaimed their beaches and many were content with unemployment while others needed the tourist dollars. Things are expensive on the mainland too. I have a timeshare so I will continue to come as long as I can afford it. So sad.
Redhydrogen is the solution to the dependence on tourism. Drive a hole to where its 200c the water spits off in h an o2 ao its costs only $1 / kilo yld a $15 fill up in four minutes.
I get irked when subjects of over tourism, poor infrastructure, housing costs, cultural concerns and pay not keeping up with inflation like they’re exclusive Hawaiian issues.
I live in California where the same can be said about any of our popular tourist locations.
What they all have in common is poor leadership, lack of good planning and waste of tax dollars that do nothing to address actual problems.
Exactly! Has anyone noticed the cost of housing, food, etc. In Los Angeles?? I was born in L.A. and in the actual city, it is trashed. Homeless, drugs, shootings, smash and grab, burglaries, you name it. Wages that don’t cover the cost of living. And who in Hawaii is selling their properties? They don’t have to sell! And who is allowing more hotels and resorts? Tourists are an easy target. You need to look at your own behavior before you dump on others.
Yes, it always seems easier to name others for our own shortcomings, rather than ourselves.
Thank you Richard!!! I’ve been a Maui resident for 30 years but am well traveled. You are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I see too many locals content to live on welfare and unemployment and it helps them save face to blame it on tourism and those fortunate enough to be educated, have careers and buy property. We are all so blessed to live here. If they wanted to work they would understand the need for tourism which is our main source of income. If too expensive to live, move somewhere else. Why make it worse for everyone else; those that live here and visitors.
Many ‘missteps’ have been taken by HI government over the decades. Tourism was ‘limited’ for a long time due to cost. In the 60s to 80s when so many hotels, etc., were built and air transportation became more affordable, tourism started getting out of hand. Government in HI made no attempt to control this ‘growth’, as it brought much desired tourist dollars and ‘jobs’ (mostly low-paying). In the mean time, Hawaii’s population continued to grow, both native Hawaiian and mainlanders. Limited housing availability compounded by high desirability causing lack of affordability. What was once a beautiful paradise is now a ‘resort’, in the worst meaning of the word. You can’t turn back the clock, folks.
As long as Hawai’i has no viable income production that does not have anything to do with tourism they are stuck. Any agriculture that was decent was shut down in a large part because of land was more valuable for housing (caused in part due to tourism and people staying). Hawai’i is trying to reduce the military presence which in turn reduces the jobs created related to that. Unless they can jump on the IT wagon there aren’t industries to replace tourism. Everything in Hawai’i is dependent on tourism…housing, restaurants, daily Gov’t. jobs, transportation and so forth.
It wasn’t long ago that the Hawaii tourism board ran ads on TV and in print, sponsored PGA golf tournament broadcasts, and conducted other promotions to increase tourism to the islands. This outreach was obviously very effective. Maybe they should now run ads asking people to stay home?
Western Canadian TV stations (Global), plus HGTV Canada are currently running “Visit Maui” commercial spots. Mixed messaging.
Both literally and in effect, telling selected groups of people (mostly the rest of the USA) to stay home is what the HTA and the governments of Hawaii have done and continue to do.
Remember, the HTA is not run by the same organization anymore. The HTA is now being run by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
If posts on BOH is any indication, it looks like their campaign is working.
It now seems to be an accepted fact that there is too much tourism in Hawaii. We love going there, and will likely continue. I would recommend that the state abandon all marketing initiatives to draw tourists, which should result in a slow reduction of visitors. Those marketing dollars can then be redirected to all the environmental efforts for which the state is proposing to over-tax everyone.
It may just be my perception but there seems to be a bit of a blurred line in articles I have read. (Not BOH). It seems that there isn’t a clear or consistent definition of native Hawaiians, vs locals vs residents and it seems their ideologies for the future look of Hawaii are different. Anyway, I am not sure if anyone will be able to “turn back the clock” that some desire. Some of the same issues are being faced all over the world, not just in Hawaii.
Most readers will probably concur that wages in Hawaii are not high enough. Residents that serve the tourism industry don’t earn enough to cover the high cost of living in in Hawaii, in particular housing. Since tourists tend to be budget conscious, we look closely at the cost of services, and given similar experiences, generally choose the lowest cost provider. This makes it difficult for a provider to attempt to break this cycle. If they raise their staff’s wages, their costs go up and their competition acquires their former customers.
Why doesn’t Governor Green propose a state wide minimum wage this levels playing field for all businesses in Hawaii. Trickle down clearly hasn’t worked, and this is easier to stomach than fees.
Hawaii raised the minimum wage from $12/hr to $14/hr as of 01/01/2024.
Many tip based employees make a good income. However I’ve seen many waste a lot of money on the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, kayaks, surf boards, Toyota tacoma with expensive lift kits, tires and wheels and racks. Then I see the couples owning these items where both are working service tip based jobs. Rather than save, short sighted purchases seem the rule. The Lahaina burn area consisted of the greatest concentration of multiple family housing (rentals) in the entire state.
$14 an hour is not enough here. But I still see job postings for less. I am always amazed when I see these young people driving $50k plus vehicles around town. They obviously still live with their parents. Priorities are different here. This may just be a great wake up call for many. We rearranged our values with Covid. Families became closer and we learned what we could do without. There must be another lesson here. I hope it is learned before they totally destroy Maui’s commerce and future.
I love visiting Hawaii, it is a beautiful paradise. I dont think they shld be selling land to the Rich and famous. You see what they did to California, it’s a junk yard, and homeless people are everywhere. Keep your land fir the locals, let them buy it and keep Hawaii beautiful.
We all have the right to buy property, even the rich and famous. The largest public land owners are the State of Hawaii, the US Federal government, Hawaiian Home Lands (held in trust by the state for native Hawaiians), and the County of Maui. Some of that land should be given for affordable housing.
Remember Oprah agreed to keep 100s of acres as a conservation project. A lot of the land is not buildable for home developments and should always be protected.
No one has answered my question, which is why do residents of Hawaii sell their homes and/or land to anyone other than another resident of Hawaii?? If you offer to sell property for a certain price and someone pays that price, why then are so many residents complaining about off-islanders buying property? They can’t buy if no one sells! Why are property owners not selling to local families/friends? And then if the buyer isn’t a resident of Hawaii, the buyer is considered the “bad” person, rather than the person who sold it!!
A seller will sell to whoever can pay the asking price, period. I have been a home owner here for 30 years. I do not want to be forced to only sell to a resident/local. They have the same opportunities to purchase as does a seller from the mainland. I would be happy to sell to a resident. I just don’t agree with taking away our rights to sell or purchase. I moved here from the mainland and had the opportunity as have many other homeowners. We are not preventing anyone who qualifies to purchase property. You work hard and save money just like any other place. Please know that not all of us consider non residents “bad” or the enemy. It’s that many of us are more reserved and in disbelief that this is happening or allowed to happen.
Richele,
I’m sure you know the answer. It applies to every property sale in the country. If you get an offer that is what you asked for, you must sell. It seems potential local buyers are not buying, for whatever reason. If there are multiple offers, I think you have the makings of an auction, and the sky is the limit.
It’s not the buyer’s fault that others can’t or won’t buy the property at the asking price.
I think it’s crazy that Some locals are somehow offended that their fellow Americans are buying property in Hawaii. High prices may help future sellers if the bottom holds.