1,090 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors and Residents Whipsaw in 1,000 Comments”
Kalina T.
I scrolled/read through the comments here and see that there are very few comments from residents. As a 4th generation local born and raised on multiple islands and 65 years old, and as a member of the Kauai Rant and Raves Facebook group, I feel I can comment with some authority based on the opinions of friends, family, and social media.
First of all, we residents are human. You don’t have to wonder how we feel. Just imagine how YOU’D feel in our place. Our state was a paradise until the 80’s when the sugar cane industry died and no industry replaced it. We became dependent on tourism which was tolerable until then. Since then, however, it has overrun our islands: horrible traffic, crowded beaches, scenic points jammed with cars, etc.
Then the even worse effect: tourists who decided to LIVE here. Retirees buying up homes. Younger migrants moving here and starting businesses to take advantage of or ENCOURAGE even more visitors. Many of these migrants opened Vacation Rentals so that they could afford to live here without getting an actual job. As a result housing costs skyrocketed and most of our children can’t afford to buy a home and end up moving to the Mainland.
Our State government does little to nothing to alleviate these problems. We’d love tourism to be limited, other industries encouraged, etc. Thankfully officials are finally realizing what a problem TVR’s are posing and have started to weed out the illegal ones, but it may be too little too late.
The irony is that the most vocal protesters are those Mainland transplants who have the attitude of “Well now that I’VE moved here, I don’t want anyone else to spoil MY paradise.” The actual kamaainas who have been here for 5-6 generations pretty much stew quietly and this is unfortunate. Obviously the Native Hawaiians have become more vocal, but the majority of the longtime kamaainas are of Asian descent–descendants of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino plantation workers–and are less inclined to express their opinions publicly (except maybe on Facebook!).
Yes there are inconsiderate tourists. I don’t have much interaction with tourists, but I will say that I’m not the only local that observed that most car door dings are caused by tourists (and I’ve personally witnessed two). I suppose not that surprising since heck, they’re “on vacation” and in rental cars. Another gripe is that tourists will buy then return used items to stores with lenient return policies. These gripes are probably universal, not just happening in Hawaii.
So basically it’s not so mysterious as to how us locals feel. Anyone who understands the situation should be able to figure it out. Almost everyone who works here is dependent on the tourists and yet probably wishes it weren’t so. Personally I don’t hate tourists, but I wish there were less of them. I don’t blame them for wanting to visit or to live here–they’re only human too. I do blame our State government for doing so little and making us more and more dependent on an industry that is ultimately destroying our paradise.
Aunty H
Well said! It is why I wanted a State Convention because that is what steers all decisions of our government. Keep Hawaii beautiful. Don’t destroy our paradise. Everything else will have to follow that.
As a 3rd generation Asian descendant who is part of the group that stews but does nothing, I fear for our Hawaii’s future in the hands of our 4th and 5th generations that don’t care and have their noses in their phones or ipads. They like the condos, the fast pace of getting what they want. In their hands, and with the influx of foreign money, beautiful Hawaii nei will become a paved metropolis with hotter summers and bigger floods. Auwe. Our Hawaii is fragile but no one is paying attention to that until it is too late.
Laurie O
There are two categories of people who come to the Islands: Group I – They educate themselves and understand that Hawai’i is a culture of traditions and values. Respect for land, water, nature in general, and respect for their Kupunas. This group embraces everything Hawai’i has to offer and appreciates where they are. They are on the Islands as visitors. Group II – They are the tourists. They feel entitled to behave and say whatever they want because they “paid” to come. They think that because Hawai’i depends on tourism, that they can do whatever they want. Many, and I’ve seen it for myself, disrespect the land. They throw rubbish on the ground as they are walking and eating in Waikiki. They trash the hiking trails, they ignore warnings about areas that even the locals know better not to challenge. Then they get stuck or hurt and need the services of the island to help. Hawai’i doesn’t have the resources that mainland states have. People who want to visit don’t understand that COVI D19 sucks their medical resources. This is why they are trying to protect their islands. I have faith that Hawai’i will recover and be in a better position to welcome everyone with the same aloha spirit that they are known for. It takes a strong community to make those tough decisions. More power to them for thinking of their people over catering to people who are only thinking of their own pleasure. Rest assure that Hawai’i will be back. Stronger than ever. Mahalo to all the “visitors” who are part of Group I. I am glad to see so many of group I people posting positive comments about Hawai’i. And to group II: please be patient. Stop being rude, disrespectful, judgmental, entitled. We are all in this together. Stay safe everyone.
sandra d.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 21 years and I have never felt that I shouldn’t be there I have always been greeted by the aloha spirit no matter where I went
Carlene T
As a frequent tourist to Hawaii I recognize the islands as a paradise that I greatly respect. I admit that I have sensed the local’s lack of patience with tourists but have also, more often than not, met so many warm and inviting island natives. I have witnessed locals kindly warning tourists of eminent large waves coming in. I would suggest that better educating the vacationers might help increase respect for Hawaii and it’s people and it’s nature. This could be in the form of a pamphlet or video on planes before landing. Even I have found myself frustrated and wanting to yell at tourists to get off the coral or move away from the honu. I often don’t blame the locals for their frustrations. Education is key.
Colleen A
What a great idea to have an educational video on flights before landing about how to behave around coral, turtles, plants, slower driving habits, etc. Buy local.
Charlie
We have been coming to all of Hawaii since 1976, it was more like the movies with laid greetings etc. But for all this time we have been so luck to find locals who shared there important issues to us. One year at a B & B they took us to a local block party and a cementary, to see there way of life. All Hawaiian locals have always treated us well and have been very helpful. Hope to see you all again this November. God bless Hawaii and it’s people.
Vickie B.
Our family has loved and visited the HAWAIIAN Islands for over 30 years. We do see disrespectful tourists… we are not. We would rather eat and buy from the locals instead of the giant companies. Both of our daughters are now grown and bring our grandchildren. Both daughters have been married here.
Now yes we have noticed the hate toward tourists on the internet.. it saddens us.. we cancelled this May’s trip because of the Corona 19. It was heart breaking…but we knew it was the best choice for the loved islands. Thanks for listening
🌺🌺🌺
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Vickie.
Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
Jill B
I understand how the people of Hawaii feel. I’m sure a great deal of tourists are rude and feel entitled They are on vacation and expect to be catered to. I hate that type people too. When I am blessed with a trip to the islands, I feel like I’m going home and I treat my visits with respect. Mahalo for all the wonderful vacations
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jill.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha.
Michelle H
Hello from Australia..I have been to Hawaii twice so far and can not wait to come back when we are allowed to..unfortuneately I have witnessed dissrespect from other tourists when in Hawaii so I understand why some residents don’t want us there but I have never been made to feel anything but welcomed as I have a great respect for the Hawaiian people. It is my happy place so thank you Hawaii. Aloha
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Michelle.
Thanks.
Aloha.
TJ
Thank you so very much for the additional perspective. Warms my heart that 8 out of 10 locals approve of Hawaii’s visitors. Hopefully all visitors will join me and my family in making a conscious effort to be respectful of the locals when we visit. Here are a few things that are always on my mind when visiting.
1) Be kind and smile when someone speaks to you
2) Be mindful that the people in the service industry are there to make your stay as pleasant as possible. But … they are also working to make a living for their family. Be as GENEROUS as possible when tipping. By no means should you leave a restaurant, or accept luggage help (among other things) without tipping the person who helped you. Much of their wage depends upon the tips we give them. If we can afford a trip to Hawaii, surely we can afford to properly tip.
3) Never ever leave trash of any kind behind. Just like on the mainland “pack it in, pack it out”
4)Respect the ocean and the creatures that call it home. Don’t walk on coral reefs! Don’t approach sea turtles, monk seals or any other wild creature. Even leave those nasty chickens alone! 😊
5) Don’t let alcohol consumption get out of hand and exhibit obnoxious behavior
I know the things I listed are common sense items for most of us. But sometimes we need reminded.
Blessings to everyone and I hope your next stay in Hawaii is as amazing as mine have always been!
Aloha & Mahalo
TJ
Arizona
Beat of Hawaii
Hi again TJ.
Look at what you started! There have been nearly 150 comments just in the first hours.
Thank you again.
Aloha.
TJ
I didn’t realize how many people would respond.
Thank you for all your hard work! You publish a newsletter that do many people enjoy!
Mahalo! 😊❤️
Joe K
Amen to that. Could not have said it better.
Joe K
I consider myself lucky. I get the pleasure of working on the Islands about 6 weeks a year and spend about 4 weeks on vacation. We have had a love for Hawaii ever since our first visit back in the early 80’s. I have never experienced any hatred from Hawaiians. I get more hatred from those that come to visit. Some tend to think the Islands owes them something, they throw trash out their windows, park wherever they want and just seem to have a lack of respect for the beauty of Hawaii. I feel you get what you give. If you feel entitled who knows, if you respect the people and the land you get respect. I guess that goes for any place on this planet.
Cal B.
Having a daughter who has lived on the Kauai north shore as a starving artist for 15 years has helped us understand the culture and learn to respect the islands. That understanding is not automatic. I am not sure what the answer is to the respect issue. Reading some history certainly helps.
Looking forward to our annual trip in September from East Tennessee. Your website has been a help and a treat for many years.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Cal.
Thank you!!
Aloha
Comments are closed.
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I scrolled/read through the comments here and see that there are very few comments from residents. As a 4th generation local born and raised on multiple islands and 65 years old, and as a member of the Kauai Rant and Raves Facebook group, I feel I can comment with some authority based on the opinions of friends, family, and social media.
First of all, we residents are human. You don’t have to wonder how we feel. Just imagine how YOU’D feel in our place. Our state was a paradise until the 80’s when the sugar cane industry died and no industry replaced it. We became dependent on tourism which was tolerable until then. Since then, however, it has overrun our islands: horrible traffic, crowded beaches, scenic points jammed with cars, etc.
Then the even worse effect: tourists who decided to LIVE here. Retirees buying up homes. Younger migrants moving here and starting businesses to take advantage of or ENCOURAGE even more visitors. Many of these migrants opened Vacation Rentals so that they could afford to live here without getting an actual job. As a result housing costs skyrocketed and most of our children can’t afford to buy a home and end up moving to the Mainland.
Our State government does little to nothing to alleviate these problems. We’d love tourism to be limited, other industries encouraged, etc. Thankfully officials are finally realizing what a problem TVR’s are posing and have started to weed out the illegal ones, but it may be too little too late.
The irony is that the most vocal protesters are those Mainland transplants who have the attitude of “Well now that I’VE moved here, I don’t want anyone else to spoil MY paradise.” The actual kamaainas who have been here for 5-6 generations pretty much stew quietly and this is unfortunate. Obviously the Native Hawaiians have become more vocal, but the majority of the longtime kamaainas are of Asian descent–descendants of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino plantation workers–and are less inclined to express their opinions publicly (except maybe on Facebook!).
Yes there are inconsiderate tourists. I don’t have much interaction with tourists, but I will say that I’m not the only local that observed that most car door dings are caused by tourists (and I’ve personally witnessed two). I suppose not that surprising since heck, they’re “on vacation” and in rental cars. Another gripe is that tourists will buy then return used items to stores with lenient return policies. These gripes are probably universal, not just happening in Hawaii.
So basically it’s not so mysterious as to how us locals feel. Anyone who understands the situation should be able to figure it out. Almost everyone who works here is dependent on the tourists and yet probably wishes it weren’t so. Personally I don’t hate tourists, but I wish there were less of them. I don’t blame them for wanting to visit or to live here–they’re only human too. I do blame our State government for doing so little and making us more and more dependent on an industry that is ultimately destroying our paradise.
Well said! It is why I wanted a State Convention because that is what steers all decisions of our government. Keep Hawaii beautiful. Don’t destroy our paradise. Everything else will have to follow that.
As a 3rd generation Asian descendant who is part of the group that stews but does nothing, I fear for our Hawaii’s future in the hands of our 4th and 5th generations that don’t care and have their noses in their phones or ipads. They like the condos, the fast pace of getting what they want. In their hands, and with the influx of foreign money, beautiful Hawaii nei will become a paved metropolis with hotter summers and bigger floods. Auwe. Our Hawaii is fragile but no one is paying attention to that until it is too late.
There are two categories of people who come to the Islands: Group I – They educate themselves and understand that Hawai’i is a culture of traditions and values. Respect for land, water, nature in general, and respect for their Kupunas. This group embraces everything Hawai’i has to offer and appreciates where they are. They are on the Islands as visitors. Group II – They are the tourists. They feel entitled to behave and say whatever they want because they “paid” to come. They think that because Hawai’i depends on tourism, that they can do whatever they want. Many, and I’ve seen it for myself, disrespect the land. They throw rubbish on the ground as they are walking and eating in Waikiki. They trash the hiking trails, they ignore warnings about areas that even the locals know better not to challenge. Then they get stuck or hurt and need the services of the island to help. Hawai’i doesn’t have the resources that mainland states have. People who want to visit don’t understand that COVI D19 sucks their medical resources. This is why they are trying to protect their islands. I have faith that Hawai’i will recover and be in a better position to welcome everyone with the same aloha spirit that they are known for. It takes a strong community to make those tough decisions. More power to them for thinking of their people over catering to people who are only thinking of their own pleasure. Rest assure that Hawai’i will be back. Stronger than ever. Mahalo to all the “visitors” who are part of Group I. I am glad to see so many of group I people posting positive comments about Hawai’i. And to group II: please be patient. Stop being rude, disrespectful, judgmental, entitled. We are all in this together. Stay safe everyone.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 21 years and I have never felt that I shouldn’t be there I have always been greeted by the aloha spirit no matter where I went
As a frequent tourist to Hawaii I recognize the islands as a paradise that I greatly respect. I admit that I have sensed the local’s lack of patience with tourists but have also, more often than not, met so many warm and inviting island natives. I have witnessed locals kindly warning tourists of eminent large waves coming in. I would suggest that better educating the vacationers might help increase respect for Hawaii and it’s people and it’s nature. This could be in the form of a pamphlet or video on planes before landing. Even I have found myself frustrated and wanting to yell at tourists to get off the coral or move away from the honu. I often don’t blame the locals for their frustrations. Education is key.
What a great idea to have an educational video on flights before landing about how to behave around coral, turtles, plants, slower driving habits, etc. Buy local.
We have been coming to all of Hawaii since 1976, it was more like the movies with laid greetings etc. But for all this time we have been so luck to find locals who shared there important issues to us. One year at a B & B they took us to a local block party and a cementary, to see there way of life. All Hawaiian locals have always treated us well and have been very helpful. Hope to see you all again this November. God bless Hawaii and it’s people.
Our family has loved and visited the HAWAIIAN Islands for over 30 years. We do see disrespectful tourists… we are not. We would rather eat and buy from the locals instead of the giant companies. Both of our daughters are now grown and bring our grandchildren. Both daughters have been married here.
Now yes we have noticed the hate toward tourists on the internet.. it saddens us.. we cancelled this May’s trip because of the Corona 19. It was heart breaking…but we knew it was the best choice for the loved islands. Thanks for listening
🌺🌺🌺
Hi Vickie.
Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
I understand how the people of Hawaii feel. I’m sure a great deal of tourists are rude and feel entitled They are on vacation and expect to be catered to. I hate that type people too. When I am blessed with a trip to the islands, I feel like I’m going home and I treat my visits with respect. Mahalo for all the wonderful vacations
Hi Jill.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha.
Hello from Australia..I have been to Hawaii twice so far and can not wait to come back when we are allowed to..unfortuneately I have witnessed dissrespect from other tourists when in Hawaii so I understand why some residents don’t want us there but I have never been made to feel anything but welcomed as I have a great respect for the Hawaiian people. It is my happy place so thank you Hawaii. Aloha
Hi Michelle.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Thank you so very much for the additional perspective. Warms my heart that 8 out of 10 locals approve of Hawaii’s visitors. Hopefully all visitors will join me and my family in making a conscious effort to be respectful of the locals when we visit. Here are a few things that are always on my mind when visiting.
1) Be kind and smile when someone speaks to you
2) Be mindful that the people in the service industry are there to make your stay as pleasant as possible. But … they are also working to make a living for their family. Be as GENEROUS as possible when tipping. By no means should you leave a restaurant, or accept luggage help (among other things) without tipping the person who helped you. Much of their wage depends upon the tips we give them. If we can afford a trip to Hawaii, surely we can afford to properly tip.
3) Never ever leave trash of any kind behind. Just like on the mainland “pack it in, pack it out”
4)Respect the ocean and the creatures that call it home. Don’t walk on coral reefs! Don’t approach sea turtles, monk seals or any other wild creature. Even leave those nasty chickens alone! 😊
5) Don’t let alcohol consumption get out of hand and exhibit obnoxious behavior
I know the things I listed are common sense items for most of us. But sometimes we need reminded.
Blessings to everyone and I hope your next stay in Hawaii is as amazing as mine have always been!
Aloha & Mahalo
TJ
Arizona
Hi again TJ.
Look at what you started! There have been nearly 150 comments just in the first hours.
Thank you again.
Aloha.
I didn’t realize how many people would respond.
Thank you for all your hard work! You publish a newsletter that do many people enjoy!
Mahalo! 😊❤️
Amen to that. Could not have said it better.
I consider myself lucky. I get the pleasure of working on the Islands about 6 weeks a year and spend about 4 weeks on vacation. We have had a love for Hawaii ever since our first visit back in the early 80’s. I have never experienced any hatred from Hawaiians. I get more hatred from those that come to visit. Some tend to think the Islands owes them something, they throw trash out their windows, park wherever they want and just seem to have a lack of respect for the beauty of Hawaii. I feel you get what you give. If you feel entitled who knows, if you respect the people and the land you get respect. I guess that goes for any place on this planet.
Having a daughter who has lived on the Kauai north shore as a starving artist for 15 years has helped us understand the culture and learn to respect the islands. That understanding is not automatic. I am not sure what the answer is to the respect issue. Reading some history certainly helps.
Looking forward to our annual trip in September from East Tennessee. Your website has been a help and a treat for many years.
Hi Cal.
Thank you!!
Aloha