133 thoughts on “Hawaii Travel Re-Boot Underway: Will This Work?”

  1. IMHO, Hawaii made things worse by taking extreme measures with domestic travel from other US states. There should be no difference from going from one US state to another.
    Remove the specific Hawaii travel requirement for domestic travel.

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  2. I’ve been going to Maui for years, my latest concern is pre travel testing. I’m fully vaccinated including a booster. A test within 72 hrs is doable but not convenient where I live, the possibility of a 1 day test is impossible where I live.

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  3. Please focus all efforts so that it encourages sustainability and environmental health. From reefs to whales to farming take care of Hawaii. Demand this of tourists. Through communication and laws, travel taxes etc force us to see how we can contribute to Hawaii health. Move towards Hawaii as a holistic ecologically engaged experience

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  4. A few ideas:

    Institute blackout periods within the year where travel is shut down for a week for all airlines. Gives locals a planned break.

    Add high taxes for multiple trips per year. Everyone can come once at the low price, but it gets way higher to return same calendar year.

    Tax all trips a little more.

    Put ticketing systems in front of protected areas, similar to Haleakala.

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  5. As long as Hawaii depends solely on tourism to survive nothing will change. Focus on better education and the vast agricultural possibilities the islands provide. Give the people a reason to stay and the tools to make a livable wage in what could be a very lucrative agriculture industry and I believe you will see a major turn around. Right now children are basically destined to become waiters, waitresses and cleaning staff because that is what the islands are focused on. Give them hope.

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  6. We have visited the islands at least 19 times over the past 35 years, and have seen changes. The last time we were there, was just as lockdown occurred. We were sorry to see that the Aloha spirit had disappeared. Signs were up-“VISITERS GO HOME”. It was disappointing to see. We love the people, the culture, and respect the land. We are hoping our upcoming trip will be a return to the true Aloha spirit.

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    1. Visitors should not expect the true aloha spirit to just appear for them that is not how it works. The visitors have to show respect in order to receive it. That means respecting our locals, following our rules so if a sign says do not go past even if you see others doing it you don’t do it. You don’t do illegal hiking trails just for the thrill of it, you don’t touch wildlife if you see them on the beach, you bring proper sunscreen so as not to damage our coral reef any further among others

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      1. and when we do this we’d appreciate not being yelled at, spit on, etc! we’ve been coming for 35 years and are good stewards of local businesses and environmental concerns yet almost without fail are treated badly by at least half of the people with whom we deal. I have seen the rude, unaware tourists mentioned here and they’re awful, but you can’t paint us all with the same brush…and not apply the same standard to the locals.

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    2. We were shocked t the homelessness in Waikiki. It was a deterrent from taking long walks on the beaches in the early mornings. Hawaii needs to address this issue!

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  7. I do not have any answers or ideas for you, but I do have a comment. We have been coming to Hawaii (mostly Maui) nearly every year since 1998, always in early December. I have never seen the beaches so crowded or as much car traffic as we have seen this year. I was expecting long wait times at restaurants, and slower service due to reduced staff, but the restaurants are doing an amazing job! We have tried to show our appreciation for fast, friendly service by tipping well

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  8. I’ve been visiting Hawaii for over 30 years. Pay me what I paid for my timeshare units, 30 years ago (this would be a great deal for you considering the increase in property values) . Release me from all (same) contract obligations. Then turn the resort into low income housing. I would happily walk away from the Islands and all those who don’t want us there. I would consider this a win-win for all concerned. There are many other places to visit on this planet.

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  9. Making HI accommodations, activities, and dining more expensive for visitors is the way to go. It’s called price elasticity of demand. Price increases will keep tourism down while maintaining the revenues needed for HI. We need to keep the locals engaged by having a kama’aina discounts on the aforementioned. Cease building new 1, 2, & 3 star accommodations, as Hawaii has enough of these. Airlines flying to HI should distribute info on HI – respecting the wildlife, coral reefs, and culture.:)

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    1. Why don’t you think that supply and demand is already in effect in Hawaii? Artificial restrictions on pricing will almost certainly backfire, and it is often noted that high prices can bring a sense of entitlement from those paying them. Pricing is already rising with demand, as recent accommodation and vehicle rental pricing shows. Hawaii is more accessible than ever, thanks to all-time low airfare, and that means more visitors. With limited accommodations, prices rise, and demand stabilizes.

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  10. Very good question! People might not mind spending a little extra money on Hawaiian travel and taxes if they know the funding will go towards keeping Hawaii beautiful. I think it’s time for the entire state to behave more like an eco-resort than like Disneyland. This way tourists will know they are helping to invest in Hawaii’s longevity.

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