Recent challenges have emerged that every Hawaii visitor should be aware of. From updated regulations that could catch you by surprise to environmental concerns that demand a shift in how we vacation.
Recent challenges have emerged that every Hawaii visitor should be aware of. From updated regulations that could catch you by surprise to environmental concerns that demand a shift in how we vacation.
Hello,
If truly the percentage of ratio has reduced of tourists returning back, the hotels and time share rentals should reduce their cost or pricing especially if the individual tourists will spend at least one week or more of there establishments. If the tourists spend less than a week, then I can see paying more. The hotels, motels and time share rentals need to realize credit card rates has increased so much. Many tourists prefer where there cash or credit card gets more for the bang especially in countries like Mexico, and the Caribbean. Lowering price rental fees for hotels motels and time share rentals need to think out of the box to persuade all tourists to visit Hawaii.
Supply and demand dictate the price of everything. Hawaii will always have demand and with less supply the rates will go up not down. Just as the Governor wanted. Unfortunately this will benefit the accommodation rentals but less tourism will harm all other businesses.
I don’t really understand the suggestions that Maui is overpriced. If hotels and STRs are not maximizing profits, they will decrease prices until they are. In other words, Maui may be out of the budget for many, but there are still lots of people willing to pay the going rate . No different than a trip to Disney World or any other place. That said, Maui does seem to be bumping up against the maximum supply/demand equilibrium.
Well said and very true. Rates are demand driven.
And make sure your accommodation isn’t next to the homeless camps. Prepare to be shocked by the thousands of people living rough on or beside the beach. Bansai pipeline and sharks cove have no visible signage. Tourists are blamed for Hawaii demise yet we pay exorbitant taxes and resort fees that aren’t being used to improve local infrastructure. Waikiki beach beside the Hilton is so rocky it’s dangerous. Tell us where the tourist taxes are spent? The 3 and 4 star hotels aren’t up to world standards and cost twice as much. It’s not surprising the Japanese market has dropped off. Who wants to see world class beaches hidden by homeless shacks mile after mile.
We found out the hard way when our last night at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach was during the Honolulu Marathon. The hotel management put up posters in the elevators alerting guests that Kapiolani was shutting down at 3AM and not reopening until 4PM. Since we had a flight back home that day we had to move to a hotel near HNL. I will always call the hotel before making reservations to find out any road closures that could affect our travel plans.
Had the same problem last week with the Honolulu Triathlon. Had an early morning flight and most of Ala Moana / Nimitz / 92 was closed at 3 am. The Hale Koa gave us enough notice so I could take an alt route but heard a lot of folks had trouble. The Hawaii DOT Highway site is very handy to see what’s closed and what’s coming up roadwork wise. BOH – Hope it’s OK to post this link…
hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/
Best Regards
Excellent tip!
Mahalo
I might also suggest “have adequate cash on hand” since so many small businesses don’t take credit cards. Many of the small local ATMs will charge you some exorbitant usage fees.
Best Regards
Sorry but for the most part if they won’t take a credit card I don’t need their product. I’m not going to start traveling with a bunch of cash just in case a business(es) don’t want to deal with the cost of credit etc., sorry but it’s part of the deal if you want a successful business. And I’m certainly not going to add to my vacation costs with ATM fees.
One more minor pitfall… overpacking.
I’m shocked by the massive suitcases people pack to Hawaii. Do they really use everything they bring? When I travel, even for several weeks, I bring the smallest carryon wheeled bag and a small backpack. I realize not everyone wants to do that, but sheesh, 2 giant suitcases to haul around? That’s not a vacation, that’s a job. Hawaii is generally very casual. Unless you are in a wedding or other formal occasion, keep it simple. You’ll enjoy yourself more with a mix & match of tops and bottoms (wear more than once), a hat, 2 swimsuits, a light coverup to toss over the swimsuit, a light jacket or hoodie, flip flops and closed-toed shoes with good soles for hiking. A nice shirt or sundress. End.
Oh brother.
You have touched on all the things that took us 30-years and many many trips to learn. I am betting, however, that for those new to Hawaii they will be overwhelmed by what they see and forget it all – and will need to learn from experience (good or bad) like the rest of us. I’ll add that Oahu never gets the love it deserves. I tell new visitors to start there with all the things you list (and more) and then branch out to another island. The first time you look out your plane’s window and see all the skyscrapers touching the sky from that beautiful island beach is pretty stunning. It never gets old.
Also, I’m wondering if anyone might have any information about a rental we stayed in back in 2012. It was, IMO, the best rental of all time: Rice House at Haena Point. We rented via Kauai Vacation Rentals and they no longer manage the property (they managed it for years). I don’t think anyone is managing it at this point because I can’t find anything about it online. It seems like there are no longer any vacation rentals west of Haena Place. Thanks in advance for any input!
It is my understanding that Haena Beach Park (not Haena State Park) does not require reservations in order to park. We’ve been there many times before and understand that it’s a get there early thing or arrive late in the day. I’m just trying to make sure I understand the “past Hanalei Bay” part of all this. Is it possible to drive to Haena Beach Park without a permit?
Yes, you can drive about as far as Limahuli Garden just before Haena State Park, but unless you really have to, the local residents would be happier if you took the shuttle and parked your car in the shuttle lot.
We were advised when visiting new Hawaiian islands to just “get lost”. See what’s there around the next corner, explore local sights, take it at your own pace, and don’t get stuck on super traditional tourist tours where stops can sometimes be only 20 minutes at an epic site that needs an hour or more to really see.
Love Hawaii!
“ The risk of serious ocean incidents happening to visitors is 10 times that for residents.” That “for” or that “of”? Two different meanings. I the context you gave that would mean 10 times a week for residents. I was not aware of that many ocean fatalities for Hawaii residents.
Be prepared for Ants! Last October in Kauai there were aggressive insane ants everywhere, even in the best rooms in best properties on the island … and the management didn’t seem able to do anything about it.
I would just like to add to your “…ripped off” advice that it is best to not take anything with you in your car that you won’t need once you arrive. If you do hide anything in your trunk, place it there before you reach your destination. Petty thieves will wait and watch for parkers to put items in their trunk and walk away before helping themselves. Also, many Hawaii car rentals are ‘pushing’ convertible top Jeeps. You can’t hide anything in those, even if your top is on. One can easily see right into the vehicle all around and just unsnap the top off!
FYI I left my personal items in my trunk on a holiday weekend and they were stolen anyway. Take your stuff with you.
To avoid losing your valuable items from your rental car, don’t put them in the trunk when parked. Instead, take them with you. Trunks can be pried open fairly easily.
A mistake I made on a Hawaii Island trip was assuming the current lava feature would last until the end of the week. It didn’t! Just because it has lasted for weeks doesn’t mean it’s going to continue to fit your schedule.
As a former kamaaina now living on the mainland, I still treasure my memories of Oahu’s Waimea Bay. Before I moved, I decided to venture out there on a weekday. This was in the 80s and nobody (seriously) swimming in the Bay.
The water was blue and clear. I was out floating enjoying the magic of Waimea. I looked to my left and saw a turtle (honu) right next to me looking at this human in his domain.
Probably one of the most surreal moments in my long life.
A special memory that shall always be in my heart. Times have surely changed, but the Islands will Always be
“The Pearls of the Pacific”.
Aloha No!
Mahalo, editors! My addition for your list is to pack out whatever you pack in when visiting beaches, parks and everywhere else. Leave no trace! And don’t stop there…I always pick up trash left behind by others. It makes me sad when people disrespect these gorgeous, spiritual islands.
The road past Hanalei is open. Only Ke’e beach and Haena State Park require permits.
Thank you for these tips and all the great Hawaii information through the years!
We just completed a very muddy hike up the Wiliwilinui ridge trail on Oahu last week. The views were amazing and it was a nice change from our usual hike up the Kuli‘ou‘ou ridge. But I am reminded of how often I see people hiking in shoes that are not meant for the muddy trails on Oahu. If you plan to hike during your visit to Hawaii bring good hiking shoes and assume that you will get wet and muddy.
Hi Stig.
Thank you! We are always in shock and sometimes take photos of weird shoes. Like the high heals going up Diamond Head.
Aloha.
Aloha,
I always tell my guests to bring their oldest hiking socks so if necessary they can be left here on Kaua’i. Sometimes socks will get so muddied with Kauai’s red dirt that they will not be worn again!