176 thoughts on “Hawaii Tries Controlling Visitors Who Simply Want Vacations”
Michele B.
I think educating visitors on the precious resources of Hawaii and the beautiful culture in entirely reasonable and becoming more and more necessary.
I would like to see a way to fund projects for locals, like rebuilding a fishing pier that residents depend on…that was destroyed by storms. Or contributing to restoration projects of historical value.
The title alone: “Hawaii Tries Controlling Visitors Who Simply Want Vacations” is very negative to visitors. I have visited maybe 30 times over more than 30 years. It’s becoming more evident with each trip, Hawaii is pricing itself out of the market for anyone who is not wealthy. This year sees the most outrageous increases ever over 2 years ago. Same condo close to doubke, rental car doubke, luau 31% increase, goodness knows what dining is going to cost and food, but the winner will be our increase in food purchase and decrease in local dining. We’ve reached the point of no return.
As someone who travels to hawaii the last 12 years from Calgary, I absolutely understand that Hawaii needs to keep trying to manage this. We travel every year (mostly to the Big Island), and get that these are very special islands that need to preserve their land and culture. My two favourite places in the world are the Big Island and Banff just west of Calgary – another place that has had to figure out how to balance tourism with preserving the environment. In fact, one of the most popular places – Moraine Lake – you can’t even drive to the last couple years, just shuttles. Hawaii needs to do what it needs to do – I’m good with visitor fee if it goes to good use. Staying “in touch” with happenings in Hawaii is why I follow this site. 🙂
I suspect a blanket entry fee would spark a Constitutional challenge, racking up huge legal fees that the state would pay only to lose the lawsuit, which would defeat the purpose of the fees. But *park fees* are normal everywhere else, so I don’t see why they can’t be in Hawaii.
I think it’s weird to get offended by the name “Destination Management”. It needs to be managed just like any other resource or else one day it will be simply be gone, and I don’t think either Hawaiian residents or visitors want that.
The challenge is in the logistics. Hawaii Needs tourists, but it only has so much land to house them on,and only so many can fit in any one place at any time. It’s an important issue that deserves attention from all sides.
i am kinda over the whole Hawaii thing. I love Hawaii, been coming since 1971. Went to school there, visited dozens of times, but between high prices, crazy controls and taxes on visitors, closing restaurants (with a lack of Aloha spirit) i am just about over it. Will stay on the mainland or go to the Caribbean.
Sad, but they have cooked their own goose and it does not appear to be getting any better.
Residents are getting what they asked for. Also, the Governor is not getting the low spend people he asked for. Unfortunately it sounds like he isn’t getting the high spend people either. Everyone should be dancing in the streets. The plan to eliminate tourism is working.
We go to Hawaii quite a bit but, frankly, we’ve probably gone for the last time last year. It’s gotten hyper-expensive so time to re-explore the Caribbean or wander about Europe. The politicians in Hawaii have ruined the state with all of their fees and attempts to control the tourist trade. I suspect in about 20 years, the locals will be able to enjoy the empty beaches, climb Diamond Head without the crowds because the crowds will be elsewhere and not in Hawaii. You’ll be able to do this because the state will be an economic mess and you won’t have a job so plenty of free time. Congrats?
The ultimate goal is to eliminate middle/working-class access to the Islands. By combining climate change driven airline restrictions and state taxes/fees to use the beaches, Hawaii will become solely the playground of the wealthy and ruling classes.
Hawaii has always been about a wealthy rul8ng class. It is just a matter of who is on the bottom rung of the ladder. You are 100% this is about focusing on wealthy people, just ask HTA. The unfortunate part is that this class of people are often classless and boring. It will take a huge change in economic policy to shift away from tourism being roughly 1/3 of the economy. Can you imagine have twice the number of rable visiting the island and paying 1/2 as much? It would be worse chaos.
They haven’t gone crazy. They just don’t like tourists, simple as that. Kind of reminds me of Paris. They also hate tourists, and you can feel it. Even though tourism is a large part of their revenue as well.
I said the government priced the local residents out of their local market. The only reason the island of Oahu exists now is because the associates of the Texas governor. In 1941 issued an order to have the island leveled, destroyed completely. He felt that the Japanese had destroyed it andthat it could not be rebuilt again. He was talked out of it by Texas associates who traveled to Oahu and met with its governmental leaders and the 2 groups of officials agreed that the Hawaiian leadership would rebuild the area and payfor it by themselves. Thats the MAIN reason the geographic region is still in the Pacific Ocean son. There was an order to destroy the remains after the Japanese attack on the land areas. Yes, lucky you live Oahu! Got it!!
I think it’s perfectly acceptable for Hawai‘i to expect money for the damage visitors have done to the island chain, especially amid a time when ecological preservation is critically needed.
As an Alaskan who has visited the Big Island for many years, I know Something needs to change. Sick of seeing clowns tromping on coral and glad to see the spinner dolphin harassers fined. Collaboration required so the island’s people and resources can be respected.
Hawaii charges the highest tourist taxes in the nation. We are *already* getting that money, the legislature is just choosing to spend it on other things. Now we’re just browbeating the tax paying, income supporting visitors trying to enjoy a vacation.
If I had a dollar for every rusted-out, abandoned vehicle I’ve seen on a beach or along a roadside in Hawaii…hint: it’s not just visitors who are adversely affecting the environment in Hawaii. Plenty of evidence that many locals don’t respect their state and contribute to the degradation of this beautiful place.
We go to Hawaii often. Any increases of fees will come directly from visits at certain places, less eating out. The family has several condos on 4 islands. All have kitchens. We’ve decided any assinine increases will be doubled what we don’t spend in restaurants!
It would be great if there was more to do for families besides going to a beach, or a long hike. A Water park would be a great income booster, a state lottery could pay for everything because ppl go spend their dollars in Vegas over and over,But yet no casinos here,there are lot of ways to tax those things and make tourism dollars. It’s 2023 not 1950.
If your only coming to visit Hawaii for fun and not expecting to be respectful of everything you’re doing… than stay in your own state and/or vacation somewhere else. Locals are tired of being seen and treated like second class citizens. So think of that before you visit here. We aren’t living here to cater to tourists… so stop being that way! Period!
But you *are* living here to cater to tourists. We may not want to, but we have *nothing* without tourism, which accounts for 90% of our state revenue? Where did you get the idea that we weren’t here to cater to tourists? We will have nothing without them – no businesses, no housing, just coconuts.
We are big tippers. The locals we visit on the 4 islands work hard to stay in Hawaii, and we know that. I enjoy seeing big smiles from grateful people receiving big tips. If the State wants to take away from the locals, then you have a problem. I’m not rich, but blessed to continue working beyond the age of 70. I give about 11% of my income to charity. Not everyone can tip as we do, some tip more, some tip less, and I understand that. Some shouldn’t go to Hawaii because they are operating on shoestring budgets. Those are the ones that will be hit the hardest. Every tourist not arriving is a loss of local revenue which benefits all of the islands.
Very sad! Unfortunately, a state that was really changed due to tourism is confusing itself because of tourism. I know we visitors are not welcomed by most, even though that’s who bring in the money; as islanders found out during covid. I do not believe any visitor, future or from the mid 1950’s, meant any harm to the Hawaiian Islands. We, they, just want to see the tropical beauty any of the islands have to offer. I hope to keep visiting, as long as we’re allowed. We want to learn but it can’t be a stipulation to be able to visit. Aloha!
Hawaii appears to struggle with the same too much love that all of our beautiful nature destinations are grappling with. Many NP are limiting entries too. A big help in all instances is remembering to respect what you are seeing and to keep it that way clean up after yourself so it can stay beautiful. Not too much to ask.
It’s hard to see the connection between a $50 fee and how the aina will be protected. If people could see a direct cause and effect, “your tax dollars at work<" it might feel more palatable. But saying "don't visit Poipu, don't visit Diamond Head," doesn't relay the right message. Even with the inflow of money, would DLNR have the capacity to make improvements, or enforce regulations at every point of interest in the islands? Doubtful. Also, consider a family of 2 adults and 3 teens, that adds $250 to their vacation, quite a burden on a family. I'm not against a fee entirely, but there are many details to be worked out before anything happens. The pandemic demonstrated how disorganized Hawaii State government really is.
I love visiting Hawaii and have friends there but if the tourism board thinks I’ll pay an additional 50 dollars to come to your state, think again. You don’t have the only beautiful state.
Signed Colorado resident
Charging for special rescues for non residents make total sense. Helicopters and Firemen, police, are not cheap and should be reimbursed some cost.
As far as the $50 charge- that’s stupid. They pay a fee to go to a beach park, Perl Harbor, Diamond Head park, like $5/person? But a flat $50 is going to drive the economy into the ground. We have no industry!
Native Hawaiians and other long time residents have always gotten the shaft in favor or wealthy people and their corporations, most from outside Hawaii.
Do you wonder why so many natives move away? They are priced out of housing by the hordes tourists and wealthy people who come and buy up property. 98% of Lanai was “purchased” by a billionaire in 2012 for 200M. This is just a continuation of colonialism, whereby the kingdom of Hawaii was forcibly taken over by businessmen and annexed as a state of the US.
Fees should be graduated, assessed based on wealth and income or else we will price out middle class vacationers, and the wealthy win again.
At the rate we’re going, there will be no Hawaii left to plunder–land, sea, and culture.
I think a way to fix this is to implement a State Park Pass the way Wisconsin has. Wisconsin resident annual vehicle admission sticker $28, Senior $13 and non-resident $38. If you want to use the parks, you pay either resident or non. We’ve been coming to Kauai many years and treasure the beauty of the island but have felt the negatively towards tourists. The Caribbean is a shorter flight,beautiful,less expensive plus they welcome us and our money. We can go to Florida for 3 months compared to a 3 week stay in Kauai so that’s a no brainer. Tourists seem to get blamed for all the problems but I’ve seen plenty of locals disrespecting the island as well.
all the people’s land should have not been taken and sold in the first place. yes, some royal rulers were naive and some even colluded with the haole businessmen. Can’t change that. But a billionaire buying Lanai in 2012? Disgusting. Native Hawaiians have no federal recognition, thus no federal power like Native Americans do. Land goes to the highest bidder who can basically do with it what they want: Oprah, Mark Zuckerberg,etc.
The islands are way overburdened. This is unsustainable. This is not Pono.
Terrible to see another attempt at making the tourists fund another government slush fund. Not sure if they realize it yet or not, but tourism is how the islands function anymore. They’ve sold out the other industries and rely almost solely on tourism. Instead of raping the visitors directly, how about they start sticking it to the mega resorts and such. Of course, that will be passed onto the visitors as well, but at least they can stop getting all sorts of tax breaks that don’t go to paying their staff members and such anyway. Otherwise cleaning fees wouldn’t have Tripled in the last 2 years. Oh wait, Aunty Rona, right…Should have been a prime example, how many businesses closed & never reopened? Wasn’t the Hilton, Outrigger, Sheraton!
we come to Hawaii knowing where we want to go, what we want to do, what we want to see, where we want to shop, and what special places to eat. And I don’t think that Destination Management will cover this. My fear is that Hawaii government will push for the rather exclusive use of destination all-inclusive resorts. No reason to leave as there would be beaches, shops, golf courses, and restaurants. That way, you could reasonably confine visitors to a specific areas with bus tours to sights outside the resort.
My family and friends prefer freedom to go wherever we want. I think most vacationers would agree that going all the way to Hawaii and then being confined to a resort and certain government approved spots only is unacceptable. I will spend all that money somewhere else.
If the local residents have to have tourism, this is exactly what they would want – all-inclusive resorts where the tourists get stashed away and the locals wouldn’t have to look at them. Whenever I hear a tourist say “I want to immerse myself in the Hawaiian culture when I visit”, please be aware that this won’t be received as some kind of compliment. The locals do not want visitors to mingle with them, and would love for them to be spirited away to Makena or Kaanapali, confined to resort hotels, restaurants and shops, and not to be out and about exploring neighborhoods, supermarkets, parks, hiking trails, and beaches that the locals use.
I think educating visitors on the precious resources of Hawaii and the beautiful culture in entirely reasonable and becoming more and more necessary.
I would like to see a way to fund projects for locals, like rebuilding a fishing pier that residents depend on…that was destroyed by storms. Or contributing to restoration projects of historical value.
The title alone: “Hawaii Tries Controlling Visitors Who Simply Want Vacations” is very negative to visitors. I have visited maybe 30 times over more than 30 years. It’s becoming more evident with each trip, Hawaii is pricing itself out of the market for anyone who is not wealthy. This year sees the most outrageous increases ever over 2 years ago. Same condo close to doubke, rental car doubke, luau 31% increase, goodness knows what dining is going to cost and food, but the winner will be our increase in food purchase and decrease in local dining. We’ve reached the point of no return.
As someone who travels to hawaii the last 12 years from Calgary, I absolutely understand that Hawaii needs to keep trying to manage this. We travel every year (mostly to the Big Island), and get that these are very special islands that need to preserve their land and culture. My two favourite places in the world are the Big Island and Banff just west of Calgary – another place that has had to figure out how to balance tourism with preserving the environment. In fact, one of the most popular places – Moraine Lake – you can’t even drive to the last couple years, just shuttles. Hawaii needs to do what it needs to do – I’m good with visitor fee if it goes to good use. Staying “in touch” with happenings in Hawaii is why I follow this site. 🙂
I suspect a blanket entry fee would spark a Constitutional challenge, racking up huge legal fees that the state would pay only to lose the lawsuit, which would defeat the purpose of the fees. But *park fees* are normal everywhere else, so I don’t see why they can’t be in Hawaii.
I think it’s weird to get offended by the name “Destination Management”. It needs to be managed just like any other resource or else one day it will be simply be gone, and I don’t think either Hawaiian residents or visitors want that.
The challenge is in the logistics. Hawaii Needs tourists, but it only has so much land to house them on,and only so many can fit in any one place at any time. It’s an important issue that deserves attention from all sides.
I’m pretty sure it is unconstitutional to charge a U.S. citizen a fee to enter a state.
i am kinda over the whole Hawaii thing. I love Hawaii, been coming since 1971. Went to school there, visited dozens of times, but between high prices, crazy controls and taxes on visitors, closing restaurants (with a lack of Aloha spirit) i am just about over it. Will stay on the mainland or go to the Caribbean.
Sad, but they have cooked their own goose and it does not appear to be getting any better.
Residents are getting what they asked for. Also, the Governor is not getting the low spend people he asked for. Unfortunately it sounds like he isn’t getting the high spend people either. Everyone should be dancing in the streets. The plan to eliminate tourism is working.
We go to Hawaii quite a bit but, frankly, we’ve probably gone for the last time last year. It’s gotten hyper-expensive so time to re-explore the Caribbean or wander about Europe. The politicians in Hawaii have ruined the state with all of their fees and attempts to control the tourist trade. I suspect in about 20 years, the locals will be able to enjoy the empty beaches, climb Diamond Head without the crowds because the crowds will be elsewhere and not in Hawaii. You’ll be able to do this because the state will be an economic mess and you won’t have a job so plenty of free time. Congrats?
The ultimate goal is to eliminate middle/working-class access to the Islands. By combining climate change driven airline restrictions and state taxes/fees to use the beaches, Hawaii will become solely the playground of the wealthy and ruling classes.
Hawaii has always been about a wealthy rul8ng class. It is just a matter of who is on the bottom rung of the ladder. You are 100% this is about focusing on wealthy people, just ask HTA. The unfortunate part is that this class of people are often classless and boring. It will take a huge change in economic policy to shift away from tourism being roughly 1/3 of the economy. Can you imagine have twice the number of rable visiting the island and paying 1/2 as much? It would be worse chaos.
Hawaii seems to have gone crazy! Lots of other places to visit methinks…..
They haven’t gone crazy. They just don’t like tourists, simple as that. Kind of reminds me of Paris. They also hate tourists, and you can feel it. Even though tourism is a large part of their revenue as well.
I said the government priced the local residents out of their local market. The only reason the island of Oahu exists now is because the associates of the Texas governor. In 1941 issued an order to have the island leveled, destroyed completely. He felt that the Japanese had destroyed it andthat it could not be rebuilt again. He was talked out of it by Texas associates who traveled to Oahu and met with its governmental leaders and the 2 groups of officials agreed that the Hawaiian leadership would rebuild the area and payfor it by themselves. Thats the MAIN reason the geographic region is still in the Pacific Ocean son. There was an order to destroy the remains after the Japanese attack on the land areas. Yes, lucky you live Oahu! Got it!!
I think it’s perfectly acceptable for Hawai‘i to expect money for the damage visitors have done to the island chain, especially amid a time when ecological preservation is critically needed.
As an Alaskan who has visited the Big Island for many years, I know Something needs to change. Sick of seeing clowns tromping on coral and glad to see the spinner dolphin harassers fined. Collaboration required so the island’s people and resources can be respected.
Hawaii charges the highest tourist taxes in the nation. We are *already* getting that money, the legislature is just choosing to spend it on other things. Now we’re just browbeating the tax paying, income supporting visitors trying to enjoy a vacation.
If I had a dollar for every rusted-out, abandoned vehicle I’ve seen on a beach or along a roadside in Hawaii…hint: it’s not just visitors who are adversely affecting the environment in Hawaii. Plenty of evidence that many locals don’t respect their state and contribute to the degradation of this beautiful place.
We go to Hawaii often. Any increases of fees will come directly from visits at certain places, less eating out. The family has several condos on 4 islands. All have kitchens. We’ve decided any assinine increases will be doubled what we don’t spend in restaurants!
It would be great if there was more to do for families besides going to a beach, or a long hike. A Water park would be a great income booster, a state lottery could pay for everything because ppl go spend their dollars in Vegas over and over,But yet no casinos here,there are lot of ways to tax those things and make tourism dollars. It’s 2023 not 1950.
If your only coming to visit Hawaii for fun and not expecting to be respectful of everything you’re doing… than stay in your own state and/or vacation somewhere else. Locals are tired of being seen and treated like second class citizens. So think of that before you visit here. We aren’t living here to cater to tourists… so stop being that way! Period!
But you *are* living here to cater to tourists. We may not want to, but we have *nothing* without tourism, which accounts for 90% of our state revenue? Where did you get the idea that we weren’t here to cater to tourists? We will have nothing without them – no businesses, no housing, just coconuts.
We are big tippers. The locals we visit on the 4 islands work hard to stay in Hawaii, and we know that. I enjoy seeing big smiles from grateful people receiving big tips. If the State wants to take away from the locals, then you have a problem. I’m not rich, but blessed to continue working beyond the age of 70. I give about 11% of my income to charity. Not everyone can tip as we do, some tip more, some tip less, and I understand that. Some shouldn’t go to Hawaii because they are operating on shoestring budgets. Those are the ones that will be hit the hardest. Every tourist not arriving is a loss of local revenue which benefits all of the islands.
Very sad! Unfortunately, a state that was really changed due to tourism is confusing itself because of tourism. I know we visitors are not welcomed by most, even though that’s who bring in the money; as islanders found out during covid. I do not believe any visitor, future or from the mid 1950’s, meant any harm to the Hawaiian Islands. We, they, just want to see the tropical beauty any of the islands have to offer. I hope to keep visiting, as long as we’re allowed. We want to learn but it can’t be a stipulation to be able to visit. Aloha!
“A state that was really changed due to tourism is confusing itself because of tourism”.
I love that, and it’s SO true.
Every time any of you go to the beach, pick up garbage, please. Thank you.
Hawaii appears to struggle with the same too much love that all of our beautiful nature destinations are grappling with. Many NP are limiting entries too. A big help in all instances is remembering to respect what you are seeing and to keep it that way clean up after yourself so it can stay beautiful. Not too much to ask.
Of course. Likewise requesting this of the locals, who leave plenty of garbage throughout the neighborhoods and beaches.
We all have to take care of, preserve, and pay for our natural resources.
It’s hard to see the connection between a $50 fee and how the aina will be protected. If people could see a direct cause and effect, “your tax dollars at work<" it might feel more palatable. But saying "don't visit Poipu, don't visit Diamond Head," doesn't relay the right message. Even with the inflow of money, would DLNR have the capacity to make improvements, or enforce regulations at every point of interest in the islands? Doubtful. Also, consider a family of 2 adults and 3 teens, that adds $250 to their vacation, quite a burden on a family. I'm not against a fee entirely, but there are many details to be worked out before anything happens. The pandemic demonstrated how disorganized Hawaii State government really is.
I love visiting Hawaii and have friends there but if the tourism board thinks I’ll pay an additional 50 dollars to come to your state, think again. You don’t have the only beautiful state.
Signed Colorado resident
Charging for special rescues for non residents make total sense. Helicopters and Firemen, police, are not cheap and should be reimbursed some cost.
As far as the $50 charge- that’s stupid. They pay a fee to go to a beach park, Perl Harbor, Diamond Head park, like $5/person? But a flat $50 is going to drive the economy into the ground. We have no industry!
Native Hawaiians and other long time residents have always gotten the shaft in favor or wealthy people and their corporations, most from outside Hawaii.
Do you wonder why so many natives move away? They are priced out of housing by the hordes tourists and wealthy people who come and buy up property. 98% of Lanai was “purchased” by a billionaire in 2012 for 200M. This is just a continuation of colonialism, whereby the kingdom of Hawaii was forcibly taken over by businessmen and annexed as a state of the US.
Fees should be graduated, assessed based on wealth and income or else we will price out middle class vacationers, and the wealthy win again.
At the rate we’re going, there will be no Hawaii left to plunder–land, sea, and culture.
I think a way to fix this is to implement a State Park Pass the way Wisconsin has. Wisconsin resident annual vehicle admission sticker $28, Senior $13 and non-resident $38. If you want to use the parks, you pay either resident or non. We’ve been coming to Kauai many years and treasure the beauty of the island but have felt the negatively towards tourists. The Caribbean is a shorter flight,beautiful,less expensive plus they welcome us and our money. We can go to Florida for 3 months compared to a 3 week stay in Kauai so that’s a no brainer. Tourists seem to get blamed for all the problems but I’ve seen plenty of locals disrespecting the island as well.
Who do you think sold that property to the wealthy?
all the people’s land should have not been taken and sold in the first place. yes, some royal rulers were naive and some even colluded with the haole businessmen. Can’t change that. But a billionaire buying Lanai in 2012? Disgusting. Native Hawaiians have no federal recognition, thus no federal power like Native Americans do. Land goes to the highest bidder who can basically do with it what they want: Oprah, Mark Zuckerberg,etc.
The islands are way overburdened. This is unsustainable. This is not Pono.
Terrible to see another attempt at making the tourists fund another government slush fund. Not sure if they realize it yet or not, but tourism is how the islands function anymore. They’ve sold out the other industries and rely almost solely on tourism. Instead of raping the visitors directly, how about they start sticking it to the mega resorts and such. Of course, that will be passed onto the visitors as well, but at least they can stop getting all sorts of tax breaks that don’t go to paying their staff members and such anyway. Otherwise cleaning fees wouldn’t have Tripled in the last 2 years. Oh wait, Aunty Rona, right…Should have been a prime example, how many businesses closed & never reopened? Wasn’t the Hilton, Outrigger, Sheraton!
we come to Hawaii knowing where we want to go, what we want to do, what we want to see, where we want to shop, and what special places to eat. And I don’t think that Destination Management will cover this. My fear is that Hawaii government will push for the rather exclusive use of destination all-inclusive resorts. No reason to leave as there would be beaches, shops, golf courses, and restaurants. That way, you could reasonably confine visitors to a specific areas with bus tours to sights outside the resort.
My family and friends prefer freedom to go wherever we want. I think most vacationers would agree that going all the way to Hawaii and then being confined to a resort and certain government approved spots only is unacceptable. I will spend all that money somewhere else.
If the local residents have to have tourism, this is exactly what they would want – all-inclusive resorts where the tourists get stashed away and the locals wouldn’t have to look at them. Whenever I hear a tourist say “I want to immerse myself in the Hawaiian culture when I visit”, please be aware that this won’t be received as some kind of compliment. The locals do not want visitors to mingle with them, and would love for them to be spirited away to Makena or Kaanapali, confined to resort hotels, restaurants and shops, and not to be out and about exploring neighborhoods, supermarkets, parks, hiking trails, and beaches that the locals use.