75 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Brand Confidence Eroded Amidst Bungling”
Lopaka15
I understood testing to keep Hawaii safe, but when a traveler followed the rules and was tested by “Hawaii’s” trusted partner and ,through no fault of the traveler, the result came back late, but before the plane landed in Hawaii the passenger was quarantined, or denied entry to that healthy traveler they went too far. The State does have a right to impose health restrictions, but how did they get the authority to quarantine, or refuse entry toa healthy American That sent a very poor message.
Nancy M: I agree. We went in May and September and neither Kauai nor Maui were the same. We visited both islands each time. A bit more Aloha in September, but very resentful in May.
We have been going to Maui for 30 years. We did go last January and of course it was strange. The main concern though, was for the first time ever. We were not well received by the local people and
Some were just rude. We are coming again in Jan to the Big Island and Maui… we understand the tourist issue as we live in a tourist state as well. And tourists can be annoying, but they bring in the $$. We are always kind and considerate and looking forward to visiting soon.
I had clients return recently from 2 weeks on Maui and their response – “Not the same Hawaii”. I will wait for a while and see if Hawaii get’s their act together before I send more clients.
Thank you for keeping us updated about the constantly changing Hawaiian rules.
I have been following the covid yoyo of Hawaii regulations mostly through your site and I greatly appreciate the breakdown in confusing rules you have tried to explain.
I recently travelled mainland. Pre-outgoing flight I thought I had done everything I was supposed to, mainly because I succeeded in getting the all important QR code or so I thought from safe travels. It was a bleeping mess at LAX and I will leave it at that.
With this editorial piece (and publishing reader’s comments) the BOH demonstrates once again it isn’t in anyone’s pocket nor fearful of publicly calling the field of play as they view it.
Given today’s political and social climates it takes uncommon character and courage to do such, especially considering the local impact of the subject matter.
We are in kona for two weeks, leaving tomorrow november 17, 2021. We had a wonderful time stayed at the royal kona and the staff is tremendous. We will go back sometime.
Never been happier to have a time share than now. No resort fees!! I go primarily to visit family but have noticed a definite shift in the Aloha spirit. I recommend choosing other vacation destinations for the next year or so, where your presence (and dollars) will be more appreciated.
It’s not terrible yet, but my Waikiki timeshare has a low resort fee (I’m sure they’ll increase it every year). My policy on resort fees: if it doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool and an onsite golf course it’s not a resort, it’s a plain vanilla hotel.
BTW, been coming to Hawaii since 1965 and this was our last planned visit. Sold the 2-bedroom timeshare to my wife’s niece for $1/week. Such a deal.
It seems that Hawaii has reduced itself to the level of a theme park with the fees for visitors only and the high prices. We used to love going there, but now i don’t think quite as much of it as I used to.
I was in Kauai from 10/20 thru 11/3 and never experienced anything but warm hospitality from restaurants and shops. They are desperate for travelers to return. Yes, its was near impossible to get dinner reservations but all other adventures were fine. I love Kauai and will return again.
I understood testing to keep Hawaii safe, but when a traveler followed the rules and was tested by “Hawaii’s” trusted partner and ,through no fault of the traveler, the result came back late, but before the plane landed in Hawaii the passenger was quarantined, or denied entry to that healthy traveler they went too far. The State does have a right to impose health restrictions, but how did they get the authority to quarantine, or refuse entry toa healthy American That sent a very poor message.
Nancy M: I agree. We went in May and September and neither Kauai nor Maui were the same. We visited both islands each time. A bit more Aloha in September, but very resentful in May.
We have been going to Maui for 30 years. We did go last January and of course it was strange. The main concern though, was for the first time ever. We were not well received by the local people and
Some were just rude. We are coming again in Jan to the Big Island and Maui… we understand the tourist issue as we live in a tourist state as well. And tourists can be annoying, but they bring in the $$. We are always kind and considerate and looking forward to visiting soon.
I had clients return recently from 2 weeks on Maui and their response – “Not the same Hawaii”. I will wait for a while and see if Hawaii get’s their act together before I send more clients.
Thank you for keeping us updated about the constantly changing Hawaiian rules.
With all due respect, where in the world is anything the same?
In Maui last week. $5.50 for a 16 oz. bottle of H2O. Goobye,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I have been following the covid yoyo of Hawaii regulations mostly through your site and I greatly appreciate the breakdown in confusing rules you have tried to explain.
I recently travelled mainland. Pre-outgoing flight I thought I had done everything I was supposed to, mainly because I succeeded in getting the all important QR code or so I thought from safe travels. It was a bleeping mess at LAX and I will leave it at that.
Hi Kauaidoug.
Thanks. We’ll at least you made it back.
Aloha.
With this editorial piece (and publishing reader’s comments) the BOH demonstrates once again it isn’t in anyone’s pocket nor fearful of publicly calling the field of play as they view it.
Given today’s political and social climates it takes uncommon character and courage to do such, especially considering the local impact of the subject matter.
Thumbs up BOH.
Hi Heyward.
Thanks very much for your kind words! We appreciate your more than 100 comments.
Aloha.
We are in kona for two weeks, leaving tomorrow november 17, 2021. We had a wonderful time stayed at the royal kona and the staff is tremendous. We will go back sometime.
Never been happier to have a time share than now. No resort fees!! I go primarily to visit family but have noticed a definite shift in the Aloha spirit. I recommend choosing other vacation destinations for the next year or so, where your presence (and dollars) will be more appreciated.
Sherri,
It’s not terrible yet, but my Waikiki timeshare has a low resort fee (I’m sure they’ll increase it every year). My policy on resort fees: if it doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool and an onsite golf course it’s not a resort, it’s a plain vanilla hotel.
BTW, been coming to Hawaii since 1965 and this was our last planned visit. Sold the 2-bedroom timeshare to my wife’s niece for $1/week. Such a deal.
It seems that Hawaii has reduced itself to the level of a theme park with the fees for visitors only and the high prices. We used to love going there, but now i don’t think quite as much of it as I used to.
I was in Kauai from 10/20 thru 11/3 and never experienced anything but warm hospitality from restaurants and shops. They are desperate for travelers to return. Yes, its was near impossible to get dinner reservations but all other adventures were fine. I love Kauai and will return again.