Between-the-lines insights into what’s really happening. With Hawaii arrivals down but spending way up.
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82 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors Spending 40% More, But Enjoying It Less”
Between-the-lines insights into what’s really happening. With Hawaii arrivals down but spending way up.
Just returned from a wonderful 7 days on Kauai. Have been coming to the islands for longer than most people have been alive (60 years to be exact). Each trip has been a unique delight. The wonderful tropical scenery, the warm ocean waters, the many activities to enjoy, the great restaurants, but above all – the considerate, gracious, and welcoming people. Aloha!
Agree Im from Australia, on our 4 visits to Hawaii and another next May I have found that the hawaiian people are the most welcoming in the world.Believe me I travelled a lot of miles in my 62yrs and Hawaii is a favourite. I’ll share a story that sticks in my mind. In 2019 we flew to Hawaii to do the Pride of America cruise and while in Hilo we met a lovely lady that was part of a hula club that dances for the tourists in the park She was so lovely (I didnt get he name).She saw we had been shopping and walked up to us and asked where we were from and what we had been buying.We showed her our purchased soveneirs etc. She then thanked us for supporting their economy! what a lovely thing to say.We are going back to Hilo hope we see her again
When a traveler or tourist has a great experience and then is appreciated by locals it really does help decide whether to return again. That is part of the Aloha Spirit that flourished throughout Hawaii, in all Honesty it can be found here and there like pockets of resistance against the changing attitudes. Here’s an Honest Question for Hawaiians: if you leave your door open after sending out invitations to visit, do you attack your visitors as if they were uninvited intruders? The Aloha that You have experienced is something Every Tourist should be allowed to Experience, even if only once!
I should correct one error in my post that i missed. My point was the haters on social media post opinions that say more about them rather then the people they are talking about. Their opinions don’t necessarily define reality, it defines how they view life. I didn’t proof read!
Sometimes, while dodging the advertising, it can become a chore to keep your train of thought. It’s easy to make a mistake and not catch it, I have done so a few times. One person alerted me to an absolutely awful mistake, what I had posted made me sound like a Racist. All it took was a couple of words that got mixed up. We do our best and yet sometimes fall short.
Hawaii will continue to draw honeymooners and other first-timers who are willing to spend like there’s no tomorrow. For seasoned Hawaii visitors, though, the writing is on the wall. We don’t visit as often as we used to. Hawaii needs to hire some public relations pros with the following game plan: stop gouging tourists, and start educating locals that the Hawaiian economy runs on tourism. Hawaii has the highest public assistance in the US, so even those Hawaiians who don’t feel “connected” to the tourist industry enjoy significant benefits as a result. It’s time for Hawaii to rediscover the aloha attitude or face financial decline as many tourists discover alternative places to visit (and save a significant amount of money).
Not sure were you get your perception about “locals” and public assistance. Hawaii has a low (4.3% in June) unemployment rate and if you look, other States have a higher one. The people that live here are also the ones staffing the tourist industry and certainly do appreciate their jobs. Your comment would indicate to me more of a political perspective, not reality. Whether you deal in conspiracy theories and lies or want to defund the police, it doesn’t matter, wearing your politics on your sleeve is a good way to hinder the Aloha spirit that exists here in abundance. Plenty others are finding that Aloha spirit as evidenced by their posts elsewhere on here.
You are absolutely correct and despite that some will doubt the veracity of what you have stated. From what I have read the gaps in education may need some negotiating to bring it in line, maybe some fell through the cracks? Deficits need to be addressed and corrected, not allowing them to continue. The healthy and unemployed should be working, making their way through life. Collecting Assistance isn’t a real way of living your best life. Take notice of this person’s words, they’re not meant to harm.
We returned to Honolulu in April this year for two weeks after a 4 year pandemic break. Our 3rd trip and enjoyed every minute.
Waikiki is expensive. Just arrived yesterday. I visit frequently and it doesn’t seem any more crowded. Everyone is friendly and I feel welcome. Aloha.
The “Crowds” and extensive overcrowding that I have heard of so often I have only experienced 1 time and had Nothing to do with Tourism. The crowds were there to watch College Level Soccer and the people were all from the Island. Despite that there were Hawaiians degrading the crowds claiming that they were Tourists. Some just want to cause trouble.
Yes, prices have gone through the roof recently, just as they have everywhere else. However, Hawaii has never been a place that anyone I’ve known would ever have referred to as ‘reasonably priced’. To date myself, Hawaii has always been an e-ticket.
If you want a reasonably priced vacation head to Mexico. Hawaii, like many destinations, will not fit everyone’s pocketbook.
being a former 3rd generation California, now living in Maui, I totally love the E-ticket reference! Hawaii is an E-ticket for sure!
I do totally agree with what you have said, however, every price increase that is aimed at the Tourists also damages the livelihood of those who live in Hawaii. Hawaii has a fragile economy dependent upon Tourists, there will always be people willing to pay the prices but how many won’t? Does Hawaii want Quantity, Quality or a mix of both? Hawaiians don’t Want Quantity, they’ve made that clear. They would prefer Quality, which they’ve had and enjoyed, although they’ve chased 75% of them away! Rebuilding that dedication and loyalty isn’t done easily or quickly. Hawaiians seem to be Hawaii’s own worst enemy now.
The state of Hawaii is in a state of change and no one really knows where it’s going. I think for that reason people are unsure about pulling the trigger about going to Hawaii, that includes what’s going on in the airlines. A little more clarity would be helpful.
Aloha
Yes the mainland based airlines are tinkering with their schedules, they always have. It’s a little more noticeable after they adjust for the post pandemic boom of revenge travel. Simple fact is Hawaii is no different to fly to than any other state now. If there is a dip in travel it will be a better time to go as once word gets out it’s less crowded, crowding will return. Just like the stock market, buy when it’s down! 😉
Not true. I’m a Hawaiian. I don’t hate tourists at all (though some ugly tourists treat Hawaii as if it’s their tropical back yard without respect. Welcome to Hawaii. Aloha!
my hubby and I just relocated to Maui from Cali…one of the main reasons is we Love the people here! So genuinely kind, thoughtful and full of Aloha spirit – so very different from California unless they were generational natives (we were both 3rd generation) I am very grateful to live amongst such a great community…
‘Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement’ says a lot! As a State with-in the United States, we share common values in Freedoms of Faith, Choice, a Common Flag and Language with beliefs in Liberty and Equalty. Tourism was and is a tool, whether Paris, the Riviera, Tokyo, Singapore, the Caribbean, Aspen, it brings $ into the community that is not there, locally. Hawaii for better or worse is 90% dependent on Military and Tourism, how that Revenue is used, is up to the leaders of the State and County’s. If Rates are up almost 40% and Spending is up almost 40%, given that Retail and Dining have not returned to full employment, ditto Hotel Staff, being paid not to work, the diminished experience is a fete accompli!
Aloha Rob and Jeff.
Many greetings from Ireland…and a morning of torrential rain. Such is our climate! Little wonder I love Hawai’i!!!
Sorry to hear of all the misgivings surrounding travel to the Islands. Long airport queues seem to be everywhere. Here, too. Let’s hope the rising prices and travel worries ease a little to allow the Islanders and tourists to enjoy paradise once more.
Mahalo as always and good wishes.
Hi Michael.
Thanks for checking in and sharing on the final issues of travel. Any chance you’ll be heading this way again soon? Please let us know.
Aloha.
Michael,
Irish-Italian-American here. One day I’ll get to Ireland. Even though I’ve been to Europe 20-30 times, I have not been to Ireland – I have a reason though. I was waiting for my cousin to wrap up a large lawsuit so we could go together. Well the lawsuit ended, my cousin became very ill, had surgery and died. My health sucks and my wife is saying no to Europe, but next year is a good chance. Counties Cork & Caven, my people.
I think sites like this bring an inaccurate picture. Not perfect, but Hawaii is good enough for many trips since 1965.
Aloha!
You hit the nail on the head Rod! No where is perfect. Hawaii is great, so is Ireland! Love the Country, love the music and love the people, sorry for your cousins misfortune, I suggest you go have a Guinness in his honor!
Slainte!