75 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Brand Confidence Eroded Amidst Bungling”
Jody
Yup. The vibe is unwelcoming but the cost and uncertainty killed any desire to return .I will treasure our yearly treks forever but I’ll not return. So many other places to see!
My wife and I have had the pleasure of coming to Hawaii numerous times, most recently last week. This trip had been rescheduled numerous times due to covid so our condo price was obtained about 2 years ago. After talking to others at our condo complex we found that they were paying over double the amount we had paid for our unit. If this continues we also will need to start looking elsewhere, just to expensive to make that trip with current rental prices in place.
If a location like Hawaii is fortunate in its location and has helped create a demand for visitors, then treat visitors like welcome guests. We are not a bunch of open wallets. Many, probably most of us, come to Hawaii for vacation.
Build a tourism economy that embraces the tourists while meeting the actual needs of Hawaii. The decision for the people of Hawaii – do you want to thrive with tourists or die a slow death of neglect.
Mahalo for an honest assessment. My hope is that these negative impressions that tourists rightfully have will fade w/time and that we once again be a welcoming destination.
Our family has been to Hawaii for the past 7 years except last year as it was canceled. This year we are planning to go but, as I have been working through the requirements to go I’m seriously rethinking ever going to Hawaii again. Last time I checked they were part of the USA not some third world communist country. It’s easier to go to Mexico than Hawaii. If they don’t want visitor then I have plenty of options to go elsewhere and plan to.
As I’ve stated for the past several months the era of budget condo travel to the islands is coming to a close.
It is by design and inevitable.
Like any good thing it all comes to an end just be thankful you got to experience it.
The new Hawaiian visitors are millennials, mostly professional women, with tons of disposable income. They don’t marry until their early 30’s, only have 1 or 2 kids and don’t mind asking mom & dad for their inheritance upfront.
I’m a FL “cracker” born and raised there. It got too crowded and too much humidity. I moved to Big Island and haven’t looked back since. It may seem like a third world country in some aspects but it’s great for retirement. Just don’t try to get a watch battery changed on the Big Island. bob d
We recently returned from our Covid “Postponed” trip to Maui that we scheduled over 18 months ago. I must honestly say we had a great trip and it beat our expectations. Though the islands have got a lot a negative press, we never felt like we were unwanted. The hotel was clean, staff were friendly and we enjoyed everything about our time there. Aloha is definitely still there!!
We have been to Maui 7 times – once a year for 1-2 weeks at a time. It’s my happy place, I love the island, the culture, the people and the usually warm welcome. It’s been worth the reset and price tag for my family every year. The last time we were there was 2019. I’ve been trying to get back since but everything has doubled if not tripled. And the taxes are crazy. If this is how they want to halt travel to the islands, it worked on us. I’m sad to say goodbye.
Hawaii is where Americans could remain in America and enjoy a wonderful tropical locale. But it just doesn’t feel that way anymore. A government that doesn’t want you, natives that don’t want you, high taxes, predatory prices, constrained healthcare, and third-world type entry requirements all add up to a decidedly “foreign” atmosphere.
Hawaiians should look beyond the shore and notice the birds of prey of other vacation locales circling to pick the bones of Hawaii’s tourism.
We have come to Hawaii annually for over 15 years (except last year). And yes, every government has had a hard time responding to the unexpected complications of the pandemic. Sseriously, we are in uncharted territory (unless you were around for the flu pandemic in 1919).
We are psyched to return to Hawaii in May. Frankly, we are happy to spend the extra to support the local economy. It is a choice—And we chose a place that has always brought us joy.
I feel the same way. We have been to the Big Island every year for many years but sadly next year with the hotel charging double what we paid in the past, we won’t be able to go next year. Its a nice hotel but!!
Heather,
Look into rates at Royal Sea Cliff Resort. I stay there and the rates have not doubled. They seem quite reasonable for an easy walk to town, on Alii Drive, 2 pools, hot tub, ocean, front desk and security.
We will be back just as soon as Covid is fully behind us by about a year. We usually come each year for 3 weeks. I’m glad that Hawaii did their best to keep those living there as protected as possible. Communication may have been a little unclear at times but not like anyone had experience with such a pandemic. Also we need rental homes and cars to come back close to 2019 levels.
Wow. Confusing on your message to tourists to Hawaii. Keep it simple, you got the shots fine, if not here’s the simple protocol to follow. Uploading this and that, we don’t do this flying within the U.S.
Glad I booked our condo and car rental back in March for our Winter 2022 BI trip. We plan on going again in Winter 2023 but will likely stay only 4-5 weeks versus three months in Winter 2022, partially due to cost.
Loved Hawaii and her culture in the past, but after the Covid blunder by the government in Hawaii, we decided to go to Florida instead and had a great time. No need for Covid tests, no vaccine requirement, and felt welcomed. Thanks for introducing us to the culture and beauty of the state of Florida. I doubt our family of six will ever be back to Hawaii, just doesn’t feel welcoming anymore, and too restrictive, going to be hard to forget how unwelcome Hawaii made all of us feel.
Florida is no substitute for Hawaii. A flatland swamp with mosquitos and large roaches (palmettos) is no ones idea of a vacation. I wish people would stop trying to compare Florida to Hawaii. But I guess to each his own.
…not to mention taking your un-vaccinated family (children!)into the viral soup which is FL. Their idea of herd immunity is “culling the herd”. 65,000 dead so far.
“… And experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have set aside herd immunity as a national goal.” …
“Thinking that we’ll be able to achieve some kind of threshold where there’ll be no more transmission of infections may not be possible,” Jones acknowledged last week to members of a panel that advises the CDC on vaccines. …
“The result is that even if vaccination were universal, the coronavirus would probably continue to spread.”
Agree with your post, but as for the vaccine…according to my old Jewish grandfather. his advice for everything preventative… “couldn’t hurt”!
Jim R.
Or…it could 5, 10, 20 years from now, because there was Zero long-term testing.
I’ll stick with herd immunity, a more proven solution to beating viruses.
EVAN
Wow! This site isn’t an airport, no need to announce your departure! The Hawaiian Islands, are approximately 2K from the Mainland. Many of their resources, especially in healthcare, are limited. Kudos to the government officials of Hawaii in an attempt to keep their residents safe. Hawaii is the crown jewel in our 50 states, no other state comes close.
Can’t go home again?
My husband is a “local boy” born and raised on Kauai. I grew up there. Our families are there. Because of circumstances (many keikis) no one has extra room for us to stay. We need thousands of dollars to go home, for a car and room. I understand the room fees and taxes have increased, but the price gouging for a rental car is just immoral. We’re not tourists, we just want to go home. 😪 So discouraged.
My wife and I have been going to Maui for over 20 Years. I do not understand the comments on being respectful to the natives. I find all people care about Hawaii and have never seen anyone be rude to the locals. On a few instances I have seen locals be rude but it is rare. It seems like as time goes by Hawaii wants the money form tourism but not the tourism. We love it so much I never thought there would come a day when we would not want to go, but it does enter our conversations now.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 25 years,and the disorganized mess that is the Hawaiian Safe Travel program with the local mayors on the individual islands arbitrarily issuing different mandates than the state has made the prospect of traveling to Hawaii this year impractical. I also when looking for a house to rent was met with $650 per night up to $10,000 for some homes was word ridiculous and made the decision easy not to come to Hawaii this year.
ALOHA! My husband and I spent the first two weeks in Sept. in Kauai. We were greeted and treated with Aloha the whole time we were there. Many of the people we met went out of their way to help us in any way they could. What we noted more than anything was the lack of businesses that were open. So many stores closed due to lack of staff or business. It broke my heart to think of all Hawaii has gone thru in the last couple of years. We understand why they may be upset! Mahalo!
Sorry to say, We had plans cancelled and remade more than once, each time costing us money. No thanks, I’ll wait to see that the Islands are back in business for at least a solid year before I attempt planning again. In the mean time, I will be traveling, but to places other than beautiful Hawaii.
I will be flying to Honolulu in 2 weeks (Nov 30, 2021) from Kansas City, MO. I have had both Covid shots and the booster. Also, I tested negative for covid last week. Is this everything I need to fly to Hawaii on Nov 30? Also, is my covid test date timely enough for my trip?
Aloha George
If you have been vaccinated, you do not need a Covid test to go to Hawaii. Just set up an account in the Hawaii Safe Travels website, fill out your trip details and upload a pdf picture if your vaccination card. Then 24 hrs before your flight, go back into your Hawaii safe travels account and fill out the health questionnaire. Take your vax card with you. Be sure and get the All Clear wrist band from your airline at the airport if they offer it. Have fun!
We’ll be back in 2022, but there are many messages saying we’re not welcome. Hawaii tourism will not suffer for many years to come because a lot of people will continue to be drawn by the allure of Hawaii’s well-deserved paradisiacal reputation. I believe Hawaii will see less repeat visitors, however, as tourists become more aware of the fact that they are not really wanted.
We love Hawaii. We had a trip planned April 2020 and have cancelled three times due to covid restrictions. We wanred to be safe and keep the islanders safe too but now it is getting too expensive for most to travel there. Our airfare is double from the midwest. Now we jave to pay more taxes on a condo paid for in april 2020. If you are not Mr Facebook or Mr Amazon you do not feel wanted. Everyone should be able to visit there once in their lifetime. We do for our wedding anniversaries. Frustra
I went to Oahu twice this year: once in June and then again in September.
It was great both times. No issues whatsoever.
We were respectful of everyone we encountered and were retreated in kind.
In January, I plan to go Maui. I’ve only been there once & that was over 20 years ago. In looking at hotel rates & prices for tours, I was stunned at how expensive these items are on Maui. How can there be such large price discrepancies from one island to another?
We will likely never be returning to Hawaii ever again…. with all the bad vibes from the locals not wanting tourists there to all the mandates and Covid stuff it’s just not worth it. We have found Mexico to be much more inviting and pleasant… now we are looking at buying a place there. There are other places that are close to the US that are also tropical and beautiful without all the nonsense of Hawaii. I feel bad for people who are in the tourism industry as it’s just going to get worse.
Aloha BOH. Your commentaries are of great value and certainly made getting to Kauai a whole lot easier. I have found the local people as gracious and friendly as ever, letting us out into traffic, greeting me as I go about my daily activities, smiling and making sure that all is well for me here. I do think that the messages from the powers that be have been erratic as all get out and have made life difficult not only for the travelers but for the locals as well.
“The Rental Owners are being Taxed out of business”
Feature, not a bug.
FWIW, Kauai did decide to waive the new 3% TAT on transient rentals in which the contract was entered into on/before Sep 15, and which contract does not allow for additional taxes to be added later. This is the case with our vacation rental contract, and I was even able to get the county Finance Department to review it and confirm.
Weve been coming to Hawaii every year for nearly 20 years, staying 4 to 6 weeks each year. We canceled in 2021 and now again in 2022 for the reasons mentioned in your article. We’ve found new areas of the U.S. that we enjoy traveling to and don’t plan to go back to Hawaii anytime soon. Before COVID we experienced many instances of rudeness from some locals, unlike i have ever experienced anywhere else We’ve traveled to. I’m hopeful that it’s a small percentage of locals, but i sense it’s growing
We visited Hawaii and we Loved it!! Yes we checked the information for safe travels and loaded all the information needed. I double checked the information on the website just to make sure I also spoke to the airline representative to make sure information was correct. Our visit was wonderful but some of the customer service just was not up to the standards that we received two years ago, but we looked past some of it. Please everyone use your manners. Thank you and respect everyone! Mahalo
Mahalo nui for this excellent commentary. Your observations are spot on. And yes, one of the BIGGEST problems throughout all of this has been the responses and messages from the Governor’s Office. We were going to try to visit Hawai’i this year, but it’s such a mess that we’re not even going to think about it until 2022, or maybe even 2023. Auwe!
I always appreciate your analysis as your business depends on keeping your fingers on the tourist pulse. In your analysis, however, you contradict your opinion in the third graph — specifically “And while the governor asked them not to come, that did nothing to actually curtail fall travel.– Most people post their opinions when frustrated. So, postings aren’t a metric I would consider. Finally, our archipelago is the most beautiful in the world and travel here is inevitable. Don’t fret.
“I have been to Hawaii 10 times – a week in Waikiki and a week in Maui each time. The last time we were there was 2019… When I checked out the rates they are double what we paid in 2019. If this is the way you trying to cut down on visitors well it worked for me. Sorry to say goodbye.”
Same here. We got married on the beach in Kaui. I love the islands, but it’s now too difficult and expensive. And apparently the islanders don’t want us anyway. 😢 we won’t be back. Very sad
Mahalo, BOH! I’d like to add that the Governors “easing” of restrictions – more specifically, allowing 100% capacity in restaurants – is basically “for show” and a Net Zero. Allowing restaurants to serve at 100% capacity while maintaining the 6-ft distance rule is the same as telling folks they can smoke inside restaurants even though all dining rooms are smoke free environments. Restaurants arent allowed to add back tables because of the 6-ft distance rule; so, how then, can they serve 100%?
I am so sad to say we agree with your article. We visited Maui in March. We were SO eager to get back to the Islands! Most Islanders were gracious and friendly, but man! We’ve never before been the target of so many angry Hawaiians! Hana Hiway was the worst and it wasn’t even crowded! We had at least 2 other instances of rudeness from the locals. Strange way to welcome people who want to spend money in your town. Costa Rica, here we come!
Agreed. I’ll never go back to Hana. What I saw a group of native Hawaiians do to an elderly man was heartbreaking and scared us back to our car. Which I suppose was the whole point.
To further add to the frustration, Maui County’s 3% TAT increase is being applied retroactively to hotel bookings made in 2019, 2020 and 2021 prior to the tax increase effective date when the tax rate was lower. Many visitors had to postpone vacations several times due to Hawaii travel restrictions and now are subject to higher hotel taxes. Not a positive message for tourism.
Hi….I agree with the terrible increase in the Maui TAT tax however we were told that any bookings made by 10/31/21, regardless of travel dates. We have 2 bookings in 2022 and another in 2023 that our “landlord” has assured us we would not incur because we booked them this past May. As they say, every little bit helps, especially when we are dealing with 16-24 night stays!!! Lol
Aloha BOH- if it was not for you I would have no idea what’s going on any given day of the year! With ever-changing goal posts moving, inconsistent messaging, political posturing, etc… it’s a wonder you guys can keep on top of it. We are coming up on our third trip to Maui since December 2020… we’ve only experienced positive aloha vibes… but again we would have no idea of what’s up and what’s down on any given day without BOH- Mahalo for trying to untangle & navigate it all =)
Yup. The vibe is unwelcoming but the cost and uncertainty killed any desire to return .I will treasure our yearly treks forever but I’ll not return. So many other places to see!
My wife and I have had the pleasure of coming to Hawaii numerous times, most recently last week. This trip had been rescheduled numerous times due to covid so our condo price was obtained about 2 years ago. After talking to others at our condo complex we found that they were paying over double the amount we had paid for our unit. If this continues we also will need to start looking elsewhere, just to expensive to make that trip with current rental prices in place.
A good editorial today!
If a location like Hawaii is fortunate in its location and has helped create a demand for visitors, then treat visitors like welcome guests. We are not a bunch of open wallets. Many, probably most of us, come to Hawaii for vacation.
Build a tourism economy that embraces the tourists while meeting the actual needs of Hawaii. The decision for the people of Hawaii – do you want to thrive with tourists or die a slow death of neglect.
Mahalo for an honest assessment. My hope is that these negative impressions that tourists rightfully have will fade w/time and that we once again be a welcoming destination.
Our family has been to Hawaii for the past 7 years except last year as it was canceled. This year we are planning to go but, as I have been working through the requirements to go I’m seriously rethinking ever going to Hawaii again. Last time I checked they were part of the USA not some third world communist country. It’s easier to go to Mexico than Hawaii. If they don’t want visitor then I have plenty of options to go elsewhere and plan to.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
As I’ve stated for the past several months the era of budget condo travel to the islands is coming to a close.
It is by design and inevitable.
Like any good thing it all comes to an end just be thankful you got to experience it.
The new Hawaiian visitors are millennials, mostly professional women, with tons of disposable income. They don’t marry until their early 30’s, only have 1 or 2 kids and don’t mind asking mom & dad for their inheritance upfront.
I’m a FL “cracker” born and raised there. It got too crowded and too much humidity. I moved to Big Island and haven’t looked back since. It may seem like a third world country in some aspects but it’s great for retirement. Just don’t try to get a watch battery changed on the Big Island. bob d
We recently returned from our Covid “Postponed” trip to Maui that we scheduled over 18 months ago. I must honestly say we had a great trip and it beat our expectations. Though the islands have got a lot a negative press, we never felt like we were unwanted. The hotel was clean, staff were friendly and we enjoyed everything about our time there. Aloha is definitely still there!!
We have been to Maui 7 times – once a year for 1-2 weeks at a time. It’s my happy place, I love the island, the culture, the people and the usually warm welcome. It’s been worth the reset and price tag for my family every year. The last time we were there was 2019. I’ve been trying to get back since but everything has doubled if not tripled. And the taxes are crazy. If this is how they want to halt travel to the islands, it worked on us. I’m sad to say goodbye.
Hawaii is where Americans could remain in America and enjoy a wonderful tropical locale. But it just doesn’t feel that way anymore. A government that doesn’t want you, natives that don’t want you, high taxes, predatory prices, constrained healthcare, and third-world type entry requirements all add up to a decidedly “foreign” atmosphere.
Hawaiians should look beyond the shore and notice the birds of prey of other vacation locales circling to pick the bones of Hawaii’s tourism.
Thanks for the post. My hope is the Hawaii does a better job of welcoming tourism.
We have come to Hawaii annually for over 15 years (except last year). And yes, every government has had a hard time responding to the unexpected complications of the pandemic. Sseriously, we are in uncharted territory (unless you were around for the flu pandemic in 1919).
We are psyched to return to Hawaii in May. Frankly, we are happy to spend the extra to support the local economy. It is a choice—And we chose a place that has always brought us joy.
I feel the same way. We have been to the Big Island every year for many years but sadly next year with the hotel charging double what we paid in the past, we won’t be able to go next year. Its a nice hotel but!!
Heather,
Look into rates at Royal Sea Cliff Resort. I stay there and the rates have not doubled. They seem quite reasonable for an easy walk to town, on Alii Drive, 2 pools, hot tub, ocean, front desk and security.
We will be back just as soon as Covid is fully behind us by about a year. We usually come each year for 3 weeks. I’m glad that Hawaii did their best to keep those living there as protected as possible. Communication may have been a little unclear at times but not like anyone had experience with such a pandemic. Also we need rental homes and cars to come back close to 2019 levels.
We’ll be returning. Our current hesitancy is the pandemic, not Hawaii. Cannot wait to visit again.
Wow. Confusing on your message to tourists to Hawaii. Keep it simple, you got the shots fine, if not here’s the simple protocol to follow. Uploading this and that, we don’t do this flying within the U.S.
Glad I booked our condo and car rental back in March for our Winter 2022 BI trip. We plan on going again in Winter 2023 but will likely stay only 4-5 weeks versus three months in Winter 2022, partially due to cost.
Loved Hawaii and her culture in the past, but after the Covid blunder by the government in Hawaii, we decided to go to Florida instead and had a great time. No need for Covid tests, no vaccine requirement, and felt welcomed. Thanks for introducing us to the culture and beauty of the state of Florida. I doubt our family of six will ever be back to Hawaii, just doesn’t feel welcoming anymore, and too restrictive, going to be hard to forget how unwelcome Hawaii made all of us feel.
Florida is no substitute for Hawaii. A flatland swamp with mosquitos and large roaches (palmettos) is no ones idea of a vacation. I wish people would stop trying to compare Florida to Hawaii. But I guess to each his own.
…not to mention taking your un-vaccinated family (children!)into the viral soup which is FL. Their idea of herd immunity is “culling the herd”. 65,000 dead so far.
LA TIMES, (12 Nov):
“… And experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have set aside herd immunity as a national goal.” …
“Thinking that we’ll be able to achieve some kind of threshold where there’ll be no more transmission of infections may not be possible,” Jones acknowledged last week to members of a panel that advises the CDC on vaccines. …
“The result is that even if vaccination were universal, the coronavirus would probably continue to spread.”
Agree with your post, but as for the vaccine…according to my old Jewish grandfather. his advice for everything preventative… “couldn’t hurt”!
Or…it could 5, 10, 20 years from now, because there was Zero long-term testing.
I’ll stick with herd immunity, a more proven solution to beating viruses.
Wow! This site isn’t an airport, no need to announce your departure! The Hawaiian Islands, are approximately 2K from the Mainland. Many of their resources, especially in healthcare, are limited. Kudos to the government officials of Hawaii in an attempt to keep their residents safe. Hawaii is the crown jewel in our 50 states, no other state comes close.
Hawaii needs to elect better politicians.
Can’t go home again?
My husband is a “local boy” born and raised on Kauai. I grew up there. Our families are there. Because of circumstances (many keikis) no one has extra room for us to stay. We need thousands of dollars to go home, for a car and room. I understand the room fees and taxes have increased, but the price gouging for a rental car is just immoral. We’re not tourists, we just want to go home. 😪 So discouraged.
This situation is the same for all who move away from where they are raised;not unique to Hawaii
Rental cars are an expensive luxury-support The Kauai Bus-affordable transportation
My wife and I have been going to Maui for over 20 Years. I do not understand the comments on being respectful to the natives. I find all people care about Hawaii and have never seen anyone be rude to the locals. On a few instances I have seen locals be rude but it is rare. It seems like as time goes by Hawaii wants the money form tourism but not the tourism. We love it so much I never thought there would come a day when we would not want to go, but it does enter our conversations now.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 25 years,and the disorganized mess that is the Hawaiian Safe Travel program with the local mayors on the individual islands arbitrarily issuing different mandates than the state has made the prospect of traveling to Hawaii this year impractical. I also when looking for a house to rent was met with $650 per night up to $10,000 for some homes was word ridiculous and made the decision easy not to come to Hawaii this year.
ALOHA! My husband and I spent the first two weeks in Sept. in Kauai. We were greeted and treated with Aloha the whole time we were there. Many of the people we met went out of their way to help us in any way they could. What we noted more than anything was the lack of businesses that were open. So many stores closed due to lack of staff or business. It broke my heart to think of all Hawaii has gone thru in the last couple of years. We understand why they may be upset! Mahalo!
Sorry to say, We had plans cancelled and remade more than once, each time costing us money. No thanks, I’ll wait to see that the Islands are back in business for at least a solid year before I attempt planning again. In the mean time, I will be traveling, but to places other than beautiful Hawaii.
I will be flying to Honolulu in 2 weeks (Nov 30, 2021) from Kansas City, MO. I have had both Covid shots and the booster. Also, I tested negative for covid last week. Is this everything I need to fly to Hawaii on Nov 30? Also, is my covid test date timely enough for my trip?
Aloha George
If you have been vaccinated, you do not need a Covid test to go to Hawaii. Just set up an account in the Hawaii Safe Travels website, fill out your trip details and upload a pdf picture if your vaccination card. Then 24 hrs before your flight, go back into your Hawaii safe travels account and fill out the health questionnaire. Take your vax card with you. Be sure and get the All Clear wrist band from your airline at the airport if they offer it. Have fun!
We’ll be back in 2022, but there are many messages saying we’re not welcome. Hawaii tourism will not suffer for many years to come because a lot of people will continue to be drawn by the allure of Hawaii’s well-deserved paradisiacal reputation. I believe Hawaii will see less repeat visitors, however, as tourists become more aware of the fact that they are not really wanted.
Must be an election year, or coming up soon. A welcome by govt won’t be enough; it’s ultimately the residents who will make visitors welcome, or not.
We love Hawaii. We had a trip planned April 2020 and have cancelled three times due to covid restrictions. We wanred to be safe and keep the islanders safe too but now it is getting too expensive for most to travel there. Our airfare is double from the midwest. Now we jave to pay more taxes on a condo paid for in april 2020. If you are not Mr Facebook or Mr Amazon you do not feel wanted. Everyone should be able to visit there once in their lifetime. We do for our wedding anniversaries. Frustra
I went to Oahu twice this year: once in June and then again in September.
It was great both times. No issues whatsoever.
We were respectful of everyone we encountered and were retreated in kind.
In January, I plan to go Maui. I’ve only been there once & that was over 20 years ago. In looking at hotel rates & prices for tours, I was stunned at how expensive these items are on Maui. How can there be such large price discrepancies from one island to another?
I’m still going but dayum…
We will likely never be returning to Hawaii ever again…. with all the bad vibes from the locals not wanting tourists there to all the mandates and Covid stuff it’s just not worth it. We have found Mexico to be much more inviting and pleasant… now we are looking at buying a place there. There are other places that are close to the US that are also tropical and beautiful without all the nonsense of Hawaii. I feel bad for people who are in the tourism industry as it’s just going to get worse.
Aloha BOH. Your commentaries are of great value and certainly made getting to Kauai a whole lot easier. I have found the local people as gracious and friendly as ever, letting us out into traffic, greeting me as I go about my daily activities, smiling and making sure that all is well for me here. I do think that the messages from the powers that be have been erratic as all get out and have made life difficult not only for the travelers but for the locals as well.
Hi Sheila.
Thanks. We appreciate the feedback from your trip to Kauai.
Aloha.
The Rental Owners are being Taxed out of business. Visitors can only take so much when rental prices are raised to cover raised Taxes
“The Rental Owners are being Taxed out of business”
Feature, not a bug.
FWIW, Kauai did decide to waive the new 3% TAT on transient rentals in which the contract was entered into on/before Sep 15, and which contract does not allow for additional taxes to be added later. This is the case with our vacation rental contract, and I was even able to get the county Finance Department to review it and confirm.
Rental Owners or not the increased taxes make it cost prohibitive. We are paying more and getting less for no reason other than greed.
Weve been coming to Hawaii every year for nearly 20 years, staying 4 to 6 weeks each year. We canceled in 2021 and now again in 2022 for the reasons mentioned in your article. We’ve found new areas of the U.S. that we enjoy traveling to and don’t plan to go back to Hawaii anytime soon. Before COVID we experienced many instances of rudeness from some locals, unlike i have ever experienced anywhere else We’ve traveled to. I’m hopeful that it’s a small percentage of locals, but i sense it’s growing
We visited Hawaii and we Loved it!! Yes we checked the information for safe travels and loaded all the information needed. I double checked the information on the website just to make sure I also spoke to the airline representative to make sure information was correct. Our visit was wonderful but some of the customer service just was not up to the standards that we received two years ago, but we looked past some of it. Please everyone use your manners. Thank you and respect everyone! Mahalo
Hi Tammy.
Thanks for the feedback on your recent Hawaii trip.
Aloha.
Mahalo nui for this excellent commentary. Your observations are spot on. And yes, one of the BIGGEST problems throughout all of this has been the responses and messages from the Governor’s Office. We were going to try to visit Hawai’i this year, but it’s such a mess that we’re not even going to think about it until 2022, or maybe even 2023. Auwe!
Hi Bill.
Thanks. We hope you will return again soon! Please let us know.
Aloha.
I always appreciate your analysis as your business depends on keeping your fingers on the tourist pulse. In your analysis, however, you contradict your opinion in the third graph — specifically “And while the governor asked them not to come, that did nothing to actually curtail fall travel.– Most people post their opinions when frustrated. So, postings aren’t a metric I would consider. Finally, our archipelago is the most beautiful in the world and travel here is inevitable. Don’t fret.
“I have been to Hawaii 10 times – a week in Waikiki and a week in Maui each time. The last time we were there was 2019… When I checked out the rates they are double what we paid in 2019. If this is the way you trying to cut down on visitors well it worked for me. Sorry to say goodbye.”
Same here. We got married on the beach in Kaui. I love the islands, but it’s now too difficult and expensive. And apparently the islanders don’t want us anyway. 😢 we won’t be back. Very sad
Mahalo, BOH! I’d like to add that the Governors “easing” of restrictions – more specifically, allowing 100% capacity in restaurants – is basically “for show” and a Net Zero. Allowing restaurants to serve at 100% capacity while maintaining the 6-ft distance rule is the same as telling folks they can smoke inside restaurants even though all dining rooms are smoke free environments. Restaurants arent allowed to add back tables because of the 6-ft distance rule; so, how then, can they serve 100%?
Hi Tracy.
Thanks. We added your suggestions to the post. Appreciate the input.
Aloha.
I am so sad to say we agree with your article. We visited Maui in March. We were SO eager to get back to the Islands! Most Islanders were gracious and friendly, but man! We’ve never before been the target of so many angry Hawaiians! Hana Hiway was the worst and it wasn’t even crowded! We had at least 2 other instances of rudeness from the locals. Strange way to welcome people who want to spend money in your town. Costa Rica, here we come!
Agreed. I’ll never go back to Hana. What I saw a group of native Hawaiians do to an elderly man was heartbreaking and scared us back to our car. Which I suppose was the whole point.
To further add to the frustration, Maui County’s 3% TAT increase is being applied retroactively to hotel bookings made in 2019, 2020 and 2021 prior to the tax increase effective date when the tax rate was lower. Many visitors had to postpone vacations several times due to Hawaii travel restrictions and now are subject to higher hotel taxes. Not a positive message for tourism.
Hi….I agree with the terrible increase in the Maui TAT tax however we were told that any bookings made by 10/31/21, regardless of travel dates. We have 2 bookings in 2022 and another in 2023 that our “landlord” has assured us we would not incur because we booked them this past May. As they say, every little bit helps, especially when we are dealing with 16-24 night stays!!! Lol
Aloha BOH- if it was not for you I would have no idea what’s going on any given day of the year! With ever-changing goal posts moving, inconsistent messaging, political posturing, etc… it’s a wonder you guys can keep on top of it. We are coming up on our third trip to Maui since December 2020… we’ve only experienced positive aloha vibes… but again we would have no idea of what’s up and what’s down on any given day without BOH- Mahalo for trying to untangle & navigate it all =)
Hi Nita.
Thank you! Glad to hear you will be returning to Maui again.
Aloha.