56 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitor Exodus Chronicles | From Maui to Kauai (Part 1)”
Steve
I have a long history with Maui and have no fire related issues about returning. I’ve visited the other islands too, but the value of my dollar in the islands has fallen far enough that other destinations will be looked at. Aloha nui loa.
It is a disservice to state that the Kalalau trail is moderate. At best its is difficult even n the best of times. If rains occur, the streams become impassable and have taken lives. Due diligence is required of this trail.
Maui is still at the risk if fire and floods.
Kaanapali area has had 5 fires and 2 evacuations since the Lahaina fire disaster. Maui has fires all over the island.
Maui needs fire breaks, water in the fire hydrants, and trees cut out of power lines. There are frequent power outages and today it is Hana.
Maui is not ready for visitors
To disgruntled tourists stymied by high hotel prices – don’t blame Hawaii. Most hotel chains are owned and operated by mainland corporations and prices are based on demand.
To disgruntled tourists stymied by high airline prices – don’t blame Hawaii. Five of the six airlines flying between the mainland and Hawaii are all based on the mainland. Again, prices are based on demand.
To those that say, “Enough! I’m going elsewhere”. That’s ok. Maybe we both need to take some time apart.
You fail to mention the consistent messages that tourists aren’t welcome messages as the icing in the cake for the obvious price gouging you mention yourself. Tahitian islands are my go to destinations now after the fires and not only do their islands far exceed Hawaii in beauty, diversity and value, the lack of stink eye against visitors!
Something the hiking hype doesn’t ever mention is that the state trail system is rarely maintained. There is mud, erosion, and many natural hazards associated with them. Those further away from towns have no services that tourists expect to find everywhere, including cellular access and reasonable tow times. Just because you have a 4WD rental doesn’t mean you have a pass to go on every dirt road, either. A tow is at least 3 hours wait at Kokee State Park (residents or tourists) and can be a couple of days if you venture off-road. Google Maps is inaccurate outside of major towns, so use common sense if the roads don’t look safe to drive on. If using trail apps, make sure you download and save pertinent maps to your phone.
City Slickers have no business going to Kauai. It’s the last remaining island that maintains a primitive vibe. We want to keep it that way. I love the pothole filled roads, the lack of cell service, the muddy trails. Why? Because it keeps the yuppies and their entitled ways out. Stick to Maui or Oahu. Kauai is one of the last slices of heaven on this earth that is easily accessible to most. Let’s keep it that way please.
Another we don’t want you here. This is what is what makes people rethink if they want to visit. Be careful what you wish for. Like the Japanese tourist the Mainland tourist could stop coming and donating. Then what ? Woe is me . Please come back. It will be too late for the current 40 to 80 something year olds to visit they will find someone who welcomes them
Mr. FaceBook is buying up so much sacred land and creating a compound for himself and his family. This shouldn’t even be allowed but money talks and sadly he keeps getting his way. Kauai is for the people not for elitist’s that want to gobble it all up for themselves. Unless this is stopped, Kauai will become another Lahaina.
The locals are upset and rightfully so. Tech Bros move in and natives move to the 9th Island (Las Vegas). Truly tragic.
Probably an outsider with a “I’ve got mine, everyone else go home” mentality. Not helpful.
I really wish both the residents and the visitors can learn to respect and appreciate each other, online, as they do face-to-face. It takes minimal effort on both sides to be gracious.
Hi, we’re hoping our visit to our favorite place in Kauai this July will be as we remember like our past 10 times. Like parking near Tunnels Beach or Kee? How about Hanalei,Permits and only set dates to do so? Could you let me know so we can prepare. It has been a couple of years since our last visit. Thanks
for any help, phone numbers etc. Rick & Gloria Tompkins.
Maui has become a concrete jungle. Kaanapali in particular has become timeshare central. Massive hotels/condos rising out of the sands while losing it’s luster. It’s a shame but that’s okay as long as those people stay in Maui. They better now allow that to happen in Kauai because that’ll be the end of it. The locals don’t want it and neither do frequent travelers, we go there because it’s not like the other islands. Let’s preserve that at all costs please.
Kaanapali developers rebuilt Lahaina historic sites 60 years ago. That created a visitor destination . Lahaina produced the biggest tourist revenue on Maui. But it was not reinvested in Poor Lahaina. They built kaanapali hotels and hotel workers housing . The county let them tear down the employee housing and build time share towers.
Now there is only one road past the fire disaster and it gets gridlocked with traffic.
The fire and flood risk has not been reduced .
The West Maui parks locked the restrooms and turned off the water.
Diana, I’ve been reading your posts for a long time now, and although you try to present info in a factual way, it is clear that you do not want visitors on Maui, and these posts are meant to discourage visitors from coming here. Why?
Every Single Person I have talked to or read about who has visited Maui since August has been delighted and has had a wonderful visit, with beauty and welcoming people all around. Not one of them has complained of closed bathrooms, no water, gridlocked traffic, etc. Some have even said their experience was More than pleasant and peaceful than previous visits.
I encourage everyone wanting to come to Maui to put their weight on actual visitor experiences, and not on the few naysayers (or bots) who frequent BOH.
We live in Napili Hawaii just got back to our beautiful 🏠 home! Around us you would never see any signs of a fire!! As you go Towards Lahaina you start to see the path the fire destroyed!! but near Napili and Kapulua: the same peace, and the beautiful ocean is as still the same!! So come enjoy the beautiful spiritual energy of Maui!! Aloha Tammy and Jack
Though I love Hawaii and have been coming for years, I will not be returning. I find my visits not welcome anymore and have decided to travel elsewhere. The cost has become prohibitive as well. There are way more affordable and welcoming options.
My wife and I are die-hard Maui loyalists. We’ve been to the other islands over the years and we loved them all…but…Here’s our (ignorant?) reviews of each: Big Island – not enough sand. Main Island – Everyone should absolutely see it…once. Molokai – Too remote for us. Kauai – sidewalks roll up at 6pm. Maui – Something for everybody; world greatest beaches, astonishing topography (leeward Haleakala is spectacular), unparalleled recreation, and something akin to a nightlife (which we truly enjoyed in Lahaina). Mauians have become friends over the years. We will be there through the hard times.
PSA… Please stay away from Kauai. Kauai is a special place and not for everyone. If you normally go to Maui then there is no reason to go to Kauai, it’s not for you and you’ll hate it. Mainlanders are generally extremely rude, entitled, and downright disrespectful to the spirit of Aloha. They complain about Kauai not having their favorite restaurants and shops, blah blah blah. Please go elsewhere if you are going to have such a negative disposition. If you decide to come, make a concerted effort to embrace the locals and the culture. Drive with caution and be respectful.
Well said King R and RP!
I remember my first visit to Kauai in 1965. Stayed at the Coco Palms and met Grace Buscher the legendary manager of the property. Absolutely stunning! The torch lighting, local musicians and the Coconut Grove all spectacular and Hawaiiana through and through. The road up to the North Shore was barely a lane and a half. Sugar Cane and Pineapple on both sides of the road. Remember the old Hanalei Plantation House Hotel.
Breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay and Mount Mckana. The old days and old ways are sadly gone forever.
We love “Beautiful Kauai” as the old song goes.
Always respect these special majestic islands.
Aloha to all.
Thank you for sharing those beautiful memories, Daryl H.!
That is the Hawaii that we all long for to return. That can Never happen though because there are just too many people. And people are too selfish to be mature enough and realize what they’re doing.
Sadly, the only thing that will weed them out is Capitalism. I say, keep raising those prices! It’s working!
That’s exactly it! Kauai just hits different. It’s not for everybody but IYKYK and that is why so many are hell bent on making sure it stays that way as much as possible. Sadly as more tech bro money rolls in, the culture starts to erode. It’s by far and away my favorite place on earth and it would absolutely crush my soul if it loses that vibe. The beauty of all the islands is that there is something for pretty much everyone depending on what you are into. What concerns me is the Maui crowd coming to Kauai and buying up all of the real estate and destroying it for their own personal greed. Hawaii is sacred land and it’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not investors and timeshare salesmen.
You are so correct RP and King R!!!!!
That’s what worries me, the Maui crowd of high end tourists (not the locals who have to deal with them) are all a bunch of deep pocket mainlanders who come to Hawaii with an elitist entitlement mentality and no interest in enjoying the culture and history of Hawaii. When we are in Princeville at our timeshare we run into people very often who think Prince Albert is an English monarch that is the namesake of Princeville, Hawaii!!!
When I diplomatically correct them with some important Hawaiian history, they look at me like I’m making it up! They’re ready for the next Mai Tai not a history lesson. Very sad.
Aloha!
Social media will be if not already the death of our beautiful natural world as we see it. While it does matter Who says they love where and what. It is the numbers that have destroyed the footprint of these beautiful islands. I thank God daily for opportunity to traverse through the hawaiian islands in the 70’s. We studied the islands for years and through college before landing one foot on the islands. There was much Aloha and the tiki lights lit up& the beautiful hula dances & ukelele concerts everywhere. There was no rush to go anywhere and it was all about discovery. We discovered the islands on our own without the help of social media. It was kind referrals from locals, true locals, maybe native. This is all gone now!
I miss those days too, Sandi. So glad you had the opportunity to experience the true aloha that is now forever lost. Social media has turned Hawaii into a cheap amusement park.
It has become perfectly clear that Maui doesn’t want tourists…so we will not go! The place is also severely mismanaged & it seems nobody in the government can make an intelligent decision & stick with it! All of the islands are now getting swamped with the overflow of tourists that would have gone to Maui. Eventually tourists will get tired of being treated badly & also look for less crowded venues outside of Hawaii! Mahalo
Aloha Rob+Jeff. Even with low airfare prices, the prices of staying anywhere has gotten so high with all the added taxes that it no longer is very appealing to go to the islands. It has affected the locals on Kauai with all of these extra visitors, that the attitude is not as warm, I noticed from being there recently, as it was before. There really needs to be a balance or else the experience will continue to become not so pleasant as one is expecting it to be. Dissatisfaction will cause many to go elsewhere which they are already doing. Oversaturation will make the an undesirable destination. Mahalo as always for your reports. Happy New Year.
When COVID hit and the islands were closed, the turtles came up on Poipu Beach in droves because there were no people to harass them. Last year when we were there, there were still 70-100 turtles that would come up onto the beach at dusk for the night. I hope that we will see many when we are there next month, but I would think the numbers will be far less because of more tourists.
All the negative from Locals – made me explore – found Australia ! Sure it is a longer flight but I sleep. Plus 100 USD buys 148.35 AUD. Gonna live like a rock star, plus Australia has Fresh Salmon and Excellent wine ! Just like Hawaii, oh…. uh…. , never mind …..
I’m so glad that you found an alternative, Patrick D.!
There are so many wonderful places on the planet to discover and enjoy! The people that constantly return to Hawaii and are obsessed with it are Ruining this beautiful place that they claim to love!
But that is the way of modern civilization, right? Use it up until there’s nothing left and then throw it away. That is what’s happening to Hawaii.
I was just in Australia and New Zealand as well! I want to add that the Māori people have a similar culture as Hawaiians (as told to me by a Māori person himself), and also a similar history of having been taken over, but do Not have similar attitudes otherwise. The Māori are grateful for visitors, and work well with their own government. The government respects them and gives them land and other benefits. You have to have Māori blood to be a guide there, and the guides are full of teachings of the history and culture of their people, but None of the patronizing and chastising. It’s a completely different feel. The Hawaiians have much to learn from the Māori people.
You are correct when you say that Kauai does not have the infrastructure to handle the amount of visitor traffic that Maui does. That also goes for both Oahu and the Big Island. Kauai is a spectacularly beautiful island with world famous natural beauty, such as the Na Pali coast on the rugged North Shore. Kauai is the smallest of the four major tourist islands, and has a correspondingly smaller infrastructure, facilities, and population to maintain and support it. We just returned after Thanksgiving from our Princeville timeshare, and the place was packed everywhere! Even in the normally slow time of early November Kauai was full tourists, many we met told us they came to Kauai instead of Maui. Strain on infrastructure will soon appear.
Over-tourism is a complete travesty that continues to afflict the Hawaiian islands. I look forward to the hotels and airlines raising the prices so high, that no one will be able to afford to visit.
I’m hoping the Maui tourism decrease continues til January 2025 when we’ll be back – would be great to be there with less people! We often combine a week in Maui with a week in Kauai because they are so different, and the beauty of Kauai is mesmerizing. We have greatly loved the hiking in Kauai in the past, but as we get older and are dealing with various injuries and arthritis, that’s a less compelling reason to go to Kauai. Oahu is just too jam-packed – and we don’t care for Honolulu and Waikiki. We’ve stayed a few times by Ko’Olina which is beautiful but going anywhere from there – so much traffic, so crowded. We’ve been to Big Island once and will go back – loved many things about it. But Maui – well, we’re in love with Maui.
It’s all about…Money.
Maui has been pricing themselves out for years now.
I am a local here in Maui.
The hype of the tourists leaving is hilarious. It’s crowded everywhere I go.
Try a Whale trip for example.
Over 100 people on every boat.
I took friends last week.
The negativity is being pushed by articles just like this.
Yes, it will take time to return to pre-fire numbers. But if people would stop saying Lahaina is closed or the locals don’t want you here, they would find out that is not true.
The major hotels are charging too much is a problem.
But all the major hotels are open and in fact, never closed except north of Lahaina to allow locals to stay. But that ended in November.
I have a long history with Maui and have no fire related issues about returning. I’ve visited the other islands too, but the value of my dollar in the islands has fallen far enough that other destinations will be looked at. Aloha nui loa.
It is a disservice to state that the Kalalau trail is moderate. At best its is difficult even n the best of times. If rains occur, the streams become impassable and have taken lives. Due diligence is required of this trail.
Maui is still at the risk if fire and floods.
Kaanapali area has had 5 fires and 2 evacuations since the Lahaina fire disaster. Maui has fires all over the island.
Maui needs fire breaks, water in the fire hydrants, and trees cut out of power lines. There are frequent power outages and today it is Hana.
Maui is not ready for visitors
To disgruntled tourists stymied by high hotel prices – don’t blame Hawaii. Most hotel chains are owned and operated by mainland corporations and prices are based on demand.
To disgruntled tourists stymied by high airline prices – don’t blame Hawaii. Five of the six airlines flying between the mainland and Hawaii are all based on the mainland. Again, prices are based on demand.
To those that say, “Enough! I’m going elsewhere”. That’s ok. Maybe we both need to take some time apart.
You fail to mention the consistent messages that tourists aren’t welcome messages as the icing in the cake for the obvious price gouging you mention yourself. Tahitian islands are my go to destinations now after the fires and not only do their islands far exceed Hawaii in beauty, diversity and value, the lack of stink eye against visitors!
Something the hiking hype doesn’t ever mention is that the state trail system is rarely maintained. There is mud, erosion, and many natural hazards associated with them. Those further away from towns have no services that tourists expect to find everywhere, including cellular access and reasonable tow times. Just because you have a 4WD rental doesn’t mean you have a pass to go on every dirt road, either. A tow is at least 3 hours wait at Kokee State Park (residents or tourists) and can be a couple of days if you venture off-road. Google Maps is inaccurate outside of major towns, so use common sense if the roads don’t look safe to drive on. If using trail apps, make sure you download and save pertinent maps to your phone.
City Slickers have no business going to Kauai. It’s the last remaining island that maintains a primitive vibe. We want to keep it that way. I love the pothole filled roads, the lack of cell service, the muddy trails. Why? Because it keeps the yuppies and their entitled ways out. Stick to Maui or Oahu. Kauai is one of the last slices of heaven on this earth that is easily accessible to most. Let’s keep it that way please.
That’s ridiculous
Another we don’t want you here. This is what is what makes people rethink if they want to visit. Be careful what you wish for. Like the Japanese tourist the Mainland tourist could stop coming and donating. Then what ? Woe is me . Please come back. It will be too late for the current 40 to 80 something year olds to visit they will find someone who welcomes them
Mr. FaceBook is buying up so much sacred land and creating a compound for himself and his family. This shouldn’t even be allowed but money talks and sadly he keeps getting his way. Kauai is for the people not for elitist’s that want to gobble it all up for themselves. Unless this is stopped, Kauai will become another Lahaina.
The locals are upset and rightfully so. Tech Bros move in and natives move to the 9th Island (Las Vegas). Truly tragic.
Probably an outsider with a “I’ve got mine, everyone else go home” mentality. Not helpful.
I really wish both the residents and the visitors can learn to respect and appreciate each other, online, as they do face-to-face. It takes minimal effort on both sides to be gracious.
Hi, we’re hoping our visit to our favorite place in Kauai this July will be as we remember like our past 10 times. Like parking near Tunnels Beach or Kee? How about Hanalei,Permits and only set dates to do so? Could you let me know so we can prepare. It has been a couple of years since our last visit. Thanks
for any help, phone numbers etc. Rick & Gloria Tompkins.
The Maui hordes heading to Kauai will ruin it just like they ruined Maui.
Kauai is awesome but is the worst equipped/”infrastructured” of any of the islands.
Maui went full resort / tourist, and will come to their senses soon that is the identity.
Maui has become a concrete jungle. Kaanapali in particular has become timeshare central. Massive hotels/condos rising out of the sands while losing it’s luster. It’s a shame but that’s okay as long as those people stay in Maui. They better now allow that to happen in Kauai because that’ll be the end of it. The locals don’t want it and neither do frequent travelers, we go there because it’s not like the other islands. Let’s preserve that at all costs please.
Kaanapali developers rebuilt Lahaina historic sites 60 years ago. That created a visitor destination . Lahaina produced the biggest tourist revenue on Maui. But it was not reinvested in Poor Lahaina. They built kaanapali hotels and hotel workers housing . The county let them tear down the employee housing and build time share towers.
Now there is only one road past the fire disaster and it gets gridlocked with traffic.
The fire and flood risk has not been reduced .
The West Maui parks locked the restrooms and turned off the water.
Diana, I’ve been reading your posts for a long time now, and although you try to present info in a factual way, it is clear that you do not want visitors on Maui, and these posts are meant to discourage visitors from coming here. Why?
Every Single Person I have talked to or read about who has visited Maui since August has been delighted and has had a wonderful visit, with beauty and welcoming people all around. Not one of them has complained of closed bathrooms, no water, gridlocked traffic, etc. Some have even said their experience was More than pleasant and peaceful than previous visits.
I encourage everyone wanting to come to Maui to put their weight on actual visitor experiences, and not on the few naysayers (or bots) who frequent BOH.
We live in Napili Hawaii just got back to our beautiful 🏠 home! Around us you would never see any signs of a fire!! As you go Towards Lahaina you start to see the path the fire destroyed!! but near Napili and Kapulua: the same peace, and the beautiful ocean is as still the same!! So come enjoy the beautiful spiritual energy of Maui!! Aloha Tammy and Jack
Though I love Hawaii and have been coming for years, I will not be returning. I find my visits not welcome anymore and have decided to travel elsewhere. The cost has become prohibitive as well. There are way more affordable and welcoming options.
My wife and I are die-hard Maui loyalists. We’ve been to the other islands over the years and we loved them all…but…Here’s our (ignorant?) reviews of each: Big Island – not enough sand. Main Island – Everyone should absolutely see it…once. Molokai – Too remote for us. Kauai – sidewalks roll up at 6pm. Maui – Something for everybody; world greatest beaches, astonishing topography (leeward Haleakala is spectacular), unparalleled recreation, and something akin to a nightlife (which we truly enjoyed in Lahaina). Mauians have become friends over the years. We will be there through the hard times.
PSA… Please stay away from Kauai. Kauai is a special place and not for everyone. If you normally go to Maui then there is no reason to go to Kauai, it’s not for you and you’ll hate it. Mainlanders are generally extremely rude, entitled, and downright disrespectful to the spirit of Aloha. They complain about Kauai not having their favorite restaurants and shops, blah blah blah. Please go elsewhere if you are going to have such a negative disposition. If you decide to come, make a concerted effort to embrace the locals and the culture. Drive with caution and be respectful.
Hear! Hear! I could not have said it better, King R.! Excellent words!
Well said King R and RP!
I remember my first visit to Kauai in 1965. Stayed at the Coco Palms and met Grace Buscher the legendary manager of the property. Absolutely stunning! The torch lighting, local musicians and the Coconut Grove all spectacular and Hawaiiana through and through. The road up to the North Shore was barely a lane and a half. Sugar Cane and Pineapple on both sides of the road. Remember the old Hanalei Plantation House Hotel.
Breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay and Mount Mckana. The old days and old ways are sadly gone forever.
We love “Beautiful Kauai” as the old song goes.
Always respect these special majestic islands.
Aloha to all.
Thank you for sharing those beautiful memories, Daryl H.!
That is the Hawaii that we all long for to return. That can Never happen though because there are just too many people. And people are too selfish to be mature enough and realize what they’re doing.
Sadly, the only thing that will weed them out is Capitalism. I say, keep raising those prices! It’s working!
That’s exactly it! Kauai just hits different. It’s not for everybody but IYKYK and that is why so many are hell bent on making sure it stays that way as much as possible. Sadly as more tech bro money rolls in, the culture starts to erode. It’s by far and away my favorite place on earth and it would absolutely crush my soul if it loses that vibe. The beauty of all the islands is that there is something for pretty much everyone depending on what you are into. What concerns me is the Maui crowd coming to Kauai and buying up all of the real estate and destroying it for their own personal greed. Hawaii is sacred land and it’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not investors and timeshare salesmen.
You are so correct RP and King R!!!!!
That’s what worries me, the Maui crowd of high end tourists (not the locals who have to deal with them) are all a bunch of deep pocket mainlanders who come to Hawaii with an elitist entitlement mentality and no interest in enjoying the culture and history of Hawaii. When we are in Princeville at our timeshare we run into people very often who think Prince Albert is an English monarch that is the namesake of Princeville, Hawaii!!!
When I diplomatically correct them with some important Hawaiian history, they look at me like I’m making it up! They’re ready for the next Mai Tai not a history lesson. Very sad.
Aloha!
Social media will be if not already the death of our beautiful natural world as we see it. While it does matter Who says they love where and what. It is the numbers that have destroyed the footprint of these beautiful islands. I thank God daily for opportunity to traverse through the hawaiian islands in the 70’s. We studied the islands for years and through college before landing one foot on the islands. There was much Aloha and the tiki lights lit up& the beautiful hula dances & ukelele concerts everywhere. There was no rush to go anywhere and it was all about discovery. We discovered the islands on our own without the help of social media. It was kind referrals from locals, true locals, maybe native. This is all gone now!
I miss those days too, Sandi. So glad you had the opportunity to experience the true aloha that is now forever lost. Social media has turned Hawaii into a cheap amusement park.
It has become perfectly clear that Maui doesn’t want tourists…so we will not go! The place is also severely mismanaged & it seems nobody in the government can make an intelligent decision & stick with it! All of the islands are now getting swamped with the overflow of tourists that would have gone to Maui. Eventually tourists will get tired of being treated badly & also look for less crowded venues outside of Hawaii! Mahalo
Aloha Rob+Jeff. Even with low airfare prices, the prices of staying anywhere has gotten so high with all the added taxes that it no longer is very appealing to go to the islands. It has affected the locals on Kauai with all of these extra visitors, that the attitude is not as warm, I noticed from being there recently, as it was before. There really needs to be a balance or else the experience will continue to become not so pleasant as one is expecting it to be. Dissatisfaction will cause many to go elsewhere which they are already doing. Oversaturation will make the an undesirable destination. Mahalo as always for your reports. Happy New Year.
Hi Debra.
Thanks! We appreciate your more than 150 comments over a period of years.
Aloha.
The turtles on Poipu Beach probably drew some folks. Hope this dies down this summer when we go.
When COVID hit and the islands were closed, the turtles came up on Poipu Beach in droves because there were no people to harass them. Last year when we were there, there were still 70-100 turtles that would come up onto the beach at dusk for the night. I hope that we will see many when we are there next month, but I would think the numbers will be far less because of more tourists.
All the negative from Locals – made me explore – found Australia ! Sure it is a longer flight but I sleep. Plus 100 USD buys 148.35 AUD. Gonna live like a rock star, plus Australia has Fresh Salmon and Excellent wine ! Just like Hawaii, oh…. uh…. , never mind …..
I’m so glad that you found an alternative, Patrick D.!
There are so many wonderful places on the planet to discover and enjoy! The people that constantly return to Hawaii and are obsessed with it are Ruining this beautiful place that they claim to love!
But that is the way of modern civilization, right? Use it up until there’s nothing left and then throw it away. That is what’s happening to Hawaii.
I was just in Australia and New Zealand as well! I want to add that the Māori people have a similar culture as Hawaiians (as told to me by a Māori person himself), and also a similar history of having been taken over, but do Not have similar attitudes otherwise. The Māori are grateful for visitors, and work well with their own government. The government respects them and gives them land and other benefits. You have to have Māori blood to be a guide there, and the guides are full of teachings of the history and culture of their people, but None of the patronizing and chastising. It’s a completely different feel. The Hawaiians have much to learn from the Māori people.
You are correct when you say that Kauai does not have the infrastructure to handle the amount of visitor traffic that Maui does. That also goes for both Oahu and the Big Island. Kauai is a spectacularly beautiful island with world famous natural beauty, such as the Na Pali coast on the rugged North Shore. Kauai is the smallest of the four major tourist islands, and has a correspondingly smaller infrastructure, facilities, and population to maintain and support it. We just returned after Thanksgiving from our Princeville timeshare, and the place was packed everywhere! Even in the normally slow time of early November Kauai was full tourists, many we met told us they came to Kauai instead of Maui. Strain on infrastructure will soon appear.
You’re so right Daryl H.,
Over-tourism is a complete travesty that continues to afflict the Hawaiian islands. I look forward to the hotels and airlines raising the prices so high, that no one will be able to afford to visit.
RP, ….well I am not replying to your post…Feels like a better way to voice your opinion as a local.
Kauai, my favorite. The bastion of paradise and “civility”.
Maui residents, please move to The Big Island plenty of room there.
I’m hoping the Maui tourism decrease continues til January 2025 when we’ll be back – would be great to be there with less people! We often combine a week in Maui with a week in Kauai because they are so different, and the beauty of Kauai is mesmerizing. We have greatly loved the hiking in Kauai in the past, but as we get older and are dealing with various injuries and arthritis, that’s a less compelling reason to go to Kauai. Oahu is just too jam-packed – and we don’t care for Honolulu and Waikiki. We’ve stayed a few times by Ko’Olina which is beautiful but going anywhere from there – so much traffic, so crowded. We’ve been to Big Island once and will go back – loved many things about it. But Maui – well, we’re in love with Maui.
Great…just what I’ve always wanted…More traffic. Thanks for highlighting and advertising Kauai to all of the Maui tourists.
rp ? not appropriate!
I understand how you feel, Sandi. But until you live what we live here in Hawaii, you won’t understand how we feel. Aloha.
It’s all about…Money.
Maui has been pricing themselves out for years now.
I am a local here in Maui.
The hype of the tourists leaving is hilarious. It’s crowded everywhere I go.
Try a Whale trip for example.
Over 100 people on every boat.
I took friends last week.
The negativity is being pushed by articles just like this.
Yes, it will take time to return to pre-fire numbers. But if people would stop saying Lahaina is closed or the locals don’t want you here, they would find out that is not true.
The major hotels are charging too much is a problem.
But all the major hotels are open and in fact, never closed except north of Lahaina to allow locals to stay. But that ended in November.