Recently there have been comments on our site from visitors who say they do not feel welcome in Hawaii. TJ from Arizona, who has followed Beat of Hawaii for 5 years and had multiple trips here asked, “are visitors really hated by most locals? Are the majority of visitors as horrible and rude as I’m reading on Facebook? There were so many locals making so many claims of how much they hate visitors.”
We want to open that topic today. And create dialogue between visitors and those living here. In doing so, we ask that all comments be respectful.
In today’s post, there are also two short videos. One targeted to those who live in Hawaii and the other for those who visit. We actually suggest that everyone watch both videos. Then read our post and add your comments about how you are feeling.
HTA Video Creates Local Awareness of Taking Care of Visitors.
The fact that HTA felt it was needed, spoke to issues in the air with at least some of the local population. The campaign was called, “Take Care of Tourism. It’s A Family Business.” It’s a good reminder to everyone here. Watch and see if you agree.
During Normal Tourism, There are about 10 Visitors to Each Local.
Face it, that’s a lot. With peak tourism comes traffic and crowding. Last year, Hawaii welcomed over 10 million visitors in relation to our total population of 1.4 million. There’s no doubt about it, tourism is far and away the biggest economic driver of Hawaii. Right now, Hawaii is sorely hurting without its visitors. Tourism touches all of us who live here in Hawaii.
How Do Locals Feel?
A study conducted in 2014 and released in March 2015, shows there hasn’t been a dramatic shift in how locals feel about Hawaii tourism. Asked to rate their overall perception of the state’s tourism industry, about 1,600 Hawaii residents surveyed generated an average ranking of 8 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being extremely favorable.
During this health crisis, however, visitors were asked to leave or not come at all. This mostly due to our limited resources which is further impacted by our island location in the middle of the Pacific.
TJ from Arizona also said, “I am very saddened by the negativity of the local people’s comments. I even saw a picture of a foot with an ankle bracelet on it. A local was highly suggesting that the state put ankle bracelets on all of us visitors so they know where we are.”
Again, a misunderstanding. We don’t want you tagged. But during this health scare, we needed visitors identified and isolated for 14 days to protect the community.
Are tourists well behaved? And are locals well behaved to tourists?
Coming to Hawaii is not like driving between states on the mainland where you can have a quick getaway by car. When people come to Hawaii, most stay a week or longer because of the expense to get here and the time it takes to do so. That means a greater impact on resources.
Hawaiian culture and our local ways are very important to all of us here, and we love it when visitors are interested in knowing more and show respect. That is most of you, we know. But not always and that can cause conflicts.
For example, when Kauai reopened the road between Hanalei and Kee Beach by permit, it caused untold upset from visitors who felt they should be able to drive and park anytime they wanted. What Kauai was trying to do was preserve the environment for the future and the land that is so precious to us. So issues like this create problems and misunderstandings at times.
Another example of culture and tourism not being in sync can be found in the ocean and on our beaches. We’re thinking of monk seals and turtles who need to rest on the sand and not be interrupted. We have many ties seen people get too close for photos and not respect boundaries which are there to protect these important creatures in life and mythology.
So respect is important and it goes both ways. Locals need to respect tourists who have made a choice to spent their hard earned money to be here and who add important dollars to our economy. Tourists must respect both Hawaiian culture and our local ways of life. When both happen, the Hawaiian rainbow shines brightly.
Time to Comment!
We want to hear from you. Remember to be respectful. How are you feeling about Hawaii now if you are a visitor? If you live in the islands, how has the loss of tourism impacted you?
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Alex S says
That’s horrible! I’m so So sorry that happened to you! People are desperate so be aware if there’s an opportunity to steal from cars that’s the biggest crime on Maui. It’s Not just tourists being targeted either. So scary! If as a local I can do anything to help you guys out let me know. I am truly sorry you’ve been terrorised and victimized Prayers things get better🙏💞💞
Alex S says
🌺Aloha To all the visitors out there I think it is very important that you know the mishandling of the pandemic has been disastrous our leaders have repeatedly lied to us and not enough is being done to ensure the safety of the residents. There is One Hospital on Maui.One! It has been at near capacity throughout this pandemic nightmare and having numerous outbreaks. We have given up so much to be safe to have it squandered for short term gains. What I think a lot of people are getting is the brunt of the fear anguish and loss in hostile attitudes. Its Not just tourists. Its hate spewing from people pushed to the limits and they are snapping. I’m so sorry for all that have had bad experiences, perhaps this will give you some idea why a lot of people aren’t Spilling over with Aloha God Bless and Stay Safe🙏💞
J. K. says
Lived there from early eighties to 1997.Moved back to mainland to take care of parents.I absolutely loved it…the people, the land everything. I had family there…thats how close locals and i felt. When i moved back in 2015 it was all different! I felt hated, i couldn’t wait to leave. Everyones poop smells…even hawaiians but, they think because they have brown skin they are royalty. People on the islands tgat are white gave more Hawaiian blood than most pretenders. You can have it…i wont be vack !!!!!!!!
Catherine S. says
After visiting Hawaii about once a year for the past 15 years, I experienced hostility from locals for the first time when I visited Maui in October 2019. I was hurt, but not entirely surprised. Hawaiian people often get pushed aside in favour of visitors in housing, and access to the best beaches. Shopping malls, airports and condos are built with tourists in mind, not local people. Every time I visit Hawaii, I see more and more homeless people, as affordable housing is replaced with expensive housing for part time residents or to be rented by the night on Air B&B. If tourists are insensitive or rude to local people, on top of all that, then it’s no wonder local people resent tourists. In my opinion, visitors to Hawaii have an obligation to learn a little about the Hawaiian culture and, always, to show respect for the people who live there.
Susan T says
I have been to a few different places this past year during covid. I followed the rules as i plan to next month while visiting Oahu. I do not want to get covid anymore than the next person but i will not let it keep me from traveling and living my life. I know to social distance and wear a mask and all the rest. Hopefully the locals will be respectful of me because I plan to be respectful to them.
Amanda C says
We are a small hippy family who is close to nature and have been on the island for three weeks. Never in my life have a been treated so badly. We had our my purse and then our car with everything it in stolen from a playground in the middle of the day the day before Christmas. No one at the park would help us. Local people swore at us to get the f away from them. The police were slow and rude. I have not cried that hard in decades. A week later we were stopped at traffic and someone came banging on our door yelling profanities at us when I asked to please stop we had children in the car he swore at me even more. I have never been treated so badly in my life. People here are rude, indignant and everyone seems angry and agitated all the time. I was so hopeful to find a peaceful nature-centric people and we have only been met with serious hostility and aggression. Eben the people who “greeted us” at the airport were rude as were the people from the management company of the house we rented. I am saddened and disgusted. It is awful to see such a beautiful place being occupied by such ugly people!
Cf says
Amanda C yes i had similar experiences back in 2017 with inexcusable rude hawaiians after reporting drug addicts had trashed the grocery store bathroom at kihei maui foodland.
I was discusted because i did nothing wrong. They just didnt want to do anything and i was somehow at fault for bringing it to thier attention.
With my posts on here clearly some are in denial about the situation. In the tourist industry usually most were ok but maybe 10 or 20 percent were there just to make money off the howlie tourist and really had a bad attitude.
So yes i think Florida and usvi are better choices to visit and closer for most Americans and open since june. Common sense snd clear heads seem to prevail there vs chaos racism and hatred if America and Americans in wanna be sovereign hawaii. No aloha for thee only me.
Those that dont feel like hawaii should be doing this crap need to vote and protest and speak up.
Guy C. says
I have found that the Hawaiians who work in the tourist industry are extremely kind . The rest of the locals, not so much. A tourist getting into the lineup when the surf is going off is a dangerous proposition. What’s interesting is most of the non Hawaiians that I have run into who have moved there are the most unfriendly.
John says
There are nice people everywhere and not so nice…..but if you want a good example of not nice, actually how clueless someone can be as a new resident…..North Shore of Oahu, a fairly recent arrival who started a business here drives around with the name of his business on his truck and two large Trump flags waving…….not smart, not smart at all.
This is why there is a perception of anger towards non residents or newcomers that are not respectful towards the people that live here, sometimes it’s justified.
Auwe!
Hip I. says
So true GUY , recently during my vacation enjoying my morning coffee at Waikiki I was approached by a homeless woman who asked for for money and when I refused she told me to go back where I came from my response was same to you which she had no response to but to walk away.Truth be told most people who grow up in Hawaii end up moving to the mainland.
JV says
This is my experience as well , the transplants seem to be the worst.. the actual Hawaiians, they are cautious as they should be. I have been coming regularly since 2007.
Rich O. says
We live near Grand Canyon and work at a place that attracts tourists, so have seen both sides. We have been visiting the Islands over 30 years and love them – very special places with very special people.
COVID is bad everywhere but HI has the best response of any state; don’t back down now! It will end in a few months; be sure you are around to enjoy it. The idea from Kauai about turning visitors loose after 3 days with a negative test is completely nuts. Don’t do it!
We love every part of our stays there – especially the markets and catching up with all of our friends there. Our top experience came when we stopped at a county beach park for lunch. A local family was doing the same and they invited us to join them and sample their food. It was solid gold Aloha and we treasure the memory. I think of it every time a tourist comes by here after hours, and I try to give back in that same spirit. I have heard of “haole hate” but never experienced it – and hope I never do. That is not the Hawaii I have come to know and love.
If you see my “MALAMA MAHAULEPU” bumper sticker in Arizona, give a shaka.
William H. says
As someone who has children and grandchildren living on Kauai who we visit several times a year, I feel that restricting me and anyone who travels from the mainland is a wise policy until this pandemic ends. People on the mainland are struggling financially as well as those on the islands, so the economic issues are not limited to residents of the islands. May we all curb our desires to wander and try to live to see the end of all this chaos. People who think they must go to the islands as tourists are no different from those who feel that they must travel to Las Vegas, and the evidence seems to indicate that both groups of people are equally dangerous to others. What joy do you find in placing my grandchildren at risk of death.
Sue B. says
We have been to the Islands numerous times over the years. We appreciate all you do and the respect you try to teach us mainlanders. The reality is your main occupation is tourism. Until that changes, you are hooped. It is not cheap for us mainlanders to come to your Islands. A week trip for us coming from Alberta, Canada, costs $6,000 US for 5-8 days. That may not seem a lot to you, but that is a lot for us, plus we have exchange on that amount.
We wish you well, with whatever choice you make. Please don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
Mahalo,
Sue
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sue.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts from Canada.
Aloha.
Paul C says
LOL wow you staying in a gold lined hotel? For four of us 10 full days including flight and condo cost us 45 dollars a day. Might want to look for more reasonable accomodations
AndyK says
Hi Paul,
The average cost of a Hawaiian vacation, when I lived and drove charter boats there 15 years ago, was $500/day per person. It is a very expensive vacation, for most people a trip of a lifetime.
If you and four people can, today, go there for $45/day… good for you, but I very much doubt that most tourists can do that.
Also I suspect that you are not doing any activities, other than perhaps snorkeling off the beach for this low a cost, (unless you are going to a time share presentation to get cheap tickets).
The least expensive hotel a couple years ago was over $100 per night for the room, I suppose if you were to sneak several extra people into a room your cost can be as low as you state, but otherwise I’m calling BS on $45/day for a vacation anywhere in Hawaii…
Paul C says
45 dollars a day was the condo and our flight for four of us. Not including extra things which I am sure would add at least 50 dollars a day to our visit 🙂 Call BS all you want thats what our cost was.
Greg K says
I call BS. You can’t even FLY to Hawaii for $113 a person, so your $450 wouldn’t even get you there. Then you’d have $0 left to spend on lodging and food and transportation.
Cf says
Thanks greg k. I agree. Atleast 120 for most hotels in waikiki per night and 400 or around for the flight. Add on atleast 10 dollars onto food prices per day vs mainland unless you have ramen noodles or very simple foods. Shuttle or rental car costs too. Shuttle is 40 roundtrip to airport w tip
HECTOR N. says
You are correct its BS, I been going to kauai for 8years straight for 2 weeks each trip, I have never seen a room or condo for less then $100.00 unless its probably on the beach in a tent,or in your rental car, looking forward to going back.
bill s says
What island can you do for 180 / day for 4 people? I want to book there. Even if you fly with points, you have found a really great place to stay.
S says
Which Hawaii are you referring to? Did you sail your own boat here and do you camp in your own tent on the side of the road and eat spam??
Billy D says
I’m sure he’s not referring to just the cost of hotel stay. Flights alone are crazy expensive especially during peak seasons. Flights can easily by $1000 per person. $45 hotel is super cheap but depending on the island that is hard to find. We mostly frequent Kauai and I’ve not seen $45 a day unless it’s a roach motel or room you rent from someone.
Mahalo
Charles S. says
My wife and I have visited Maui a dozen times times in the last 14 years. I have found everyone we met to be friendly and hospitable. Of course most probably didn’t realize we were travelers as we are friendly and hospitable as well.
Casey S. says
Personally, as a tourist, and a human being, I 💯 support taking care of the wildlife and beauty/tradition that makes Hawaii such a special place. Any tourist not wanting to help preserve that beauty for future generations isn’t a rational human being.
The issues I’m having are with the politics and how we are being treated/threatened as tourists. My family trip that was planned back when this all started in March, was a $20,000 investment, something we’ve saved for years to be able to do. Now that I’m seeing how tourists are being treated/threatened by locals, it isn’t worth the risk to ever visit again. Crazy left wing politicians could pull stunts like this at anytime, and I don’t want to get caught up in it.
I respect the culture, environment, and industry in Hawaii, but I’m not willing to spend my hard earned money supporting politicians who are really hurting the local people and tourists. The threat of being stuck in a hotel room for an entire trip, or being watched over like a criminal (with or without ankle monitors) would ruin the entire reason to get away and relax in paradise. I would highly advise locals to take another look at who they have been supporting as politicians as a whole and what they have really done for locals. How many locals have actually died from Covid? Compare that with other states, I don’t know what the numbers are, but I imagine they aren’t much different from other places, and yet the local government has single handily ruined the local economy and damaged tourism for the foreseeable future.
I know Hawaii is different being an island, but how are other island tourist hot spots handling things? When there are easier and more welcoming places to travel, it will hurt Hawaii and its economy tremendously, and most likely permanently. Once someone goes to a different place and falls in love with that place, they may not travel to Hawaii again. There are so many options for people to travel to these days.
Brian M says
Right there with you Casey. We have been visiting the islands and have property on Kaua’i and it is expensive and time consuming to fly there from the east coast. We have switched gears and have traveled to the USVI with their Safe Travel Portal and have not met one person there so far that has been unfriendly to us. Conversely, we have not really experienced the hostility I have seen mentioned by others save for one or two occasions over 10 years.
Katapo N. says
As a kiwi family that is lucky to holiday in Hawaii (when finances allow). We can understand your delima.
Hawaiian’s have always been hospitable and courteous. First and foremost please know that.
But the crush of tourists does wear on you. NZ is looking to discourage the “freedom campers” and less lucrative tourist that every summer can be found living in self contained vans huh! A bucket for a bathroom. We are tangata whenua and are cursed to pass on to our children the land in better shape than we inherited less we are blamed rightly for its degradation.
It is right that when you visit even from out of state that you are a guest if you want to relax then get off the plane/boat chilled and ready for some Aloha not wanting it delivered like a Mai Tai by the beach.
NZ locked down hard with covid because while we know we have great universal health care it’s just not set up for every to get sick at the same time!!
But it’s almost normal again. Using normal loosely.
Still the surf at Te Ari point will have to suffice for the thrills of running the gauntlet of Waikiki🥰
Ka kite ano, Aloha
Elisa N says
I have nothing personal against tourists. I believe that the Hawaii Government should have closed us off Period so no tourists could come in so the Hawaiian Islands could get clean of the virus. That means no ships from the Navy, the Cargo ships that come in should of been unloaded and the workers put in quarantine until they left or 14 days. Our island’s should have been closed completely from the beginning and we would of beat this already and I know this isn’t a popular view but us islanders would now be safe and healthy. I know the livelihoods of so many need the tourists but which would you rather have? Your health and life or your job and money sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and this is that time! With the Government’s help we and if the money would of been distributed properly to the people we would have gotten through this and we wouldn’t be experiencing any deaths right now and the virus would of been contained here. Your family members who passed God Bless them , may not have had to pass.
This is how I feel. It’s not the tourists fault, of course they want to come here to get away. We would too if we were in their situation. So don’t blame them for anything blame our Government who doesn’t think things through thouroughly because our islands could be done with this virus if they had!
Skyler W says
Nearly everyone can agree that the delayed response from Ige was essentially a dereliction of duties. He really did just sit on his hands until our cases were already doubling each day. That being said, the military are not tourists, and the cargo ship workers were, in fact, quarantined, and not allowed to leave their ships.
Once the state decided to finally take action they did their jobs to the best of their ability by requiring a 14 day quarantine for anybody arriving from outside of the islands and placing a stay-at-home/work-from-home order. People are people and broke those laws that were put into place, locals and tourists alike.
I just hope you realize that the gov’t was never going to solve this issue. Look at how badly the CDC and WHO have failed. Look at the failures of so many of the state governors and the President in addressing the pandemic. It’s up to us as humans to do the right thing, and be aware of our situation. Cleanliness is next to godliness has never been more true than it is now!
Dan S says
The taxpayers of the rest of the states should not be footing the Bill for your states choices to destroy its economy. Locking your state down is unconstitutional, I’m sure if states like Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, etc. did this it would be viewed as racist, rather than a form of protecting their locals. I think the absolute worst thing you could do is isolate Hawaii even further, and piss of more tourists. Sharing the culture and beauty of Hawaii is what will keep Hawaii strong for generations to come. If people are only able to read about Hawaii, it won’t be long before it’s totally forgotten. People need to experience the beauty, uniqueness, and amazing history/culture of the people to truly appreciate what Hawaii is. If the locals aren’t willing to share that or want to become isolationist, that’s their choice, but don’t expect us to pay for all the problems these policies cause.
Greg K. says
You seem to have forgotten about half the cases were from returning residents. Did you plan on banning them as well?
S says
So many people would be homeless and starving! Way more than sick from Covid if you didn’t allow any tourist at all. How could you even think that?
Chuck J says
As a long time kamaaina, having lived on three different, and yes, they are very different, islands, I have witnessed both sides of this discussion. Point very well taken that visitors should try to understand that they are guests in our culture. Likewise, locals should realize and treat visitors as guests.
It can be very challenging sometimes with the overwhelming number of tourists to be a welcoming host as a small percentage of them behave poorly, but the burden is on us locals because they are our economic lifeline.
I believe that continued educating of tourists before and during their stay about respect for our culture combined with ongoing reminders to the host population regarding treating tourists as guests should forever be part of the equation.
William says
Being a long time owner of a small condo in Kapaa, I am sad to see new restrictions implemented by the mayor. Somewhat surprised but not shocked by the news. I get it, just a few ICU beds available that really should be reserved for the local population. In the more than fifty years I have been visiting Kauai, I have never had a bad experience with the locals. They have always shown me the respect I have come to expect with the Aloha spirit. I really feel for all the workers that are having to scramble to fed themselves and or their families.
I was so saddened to hear that Foodland” closed. The people who worked there were so genuine and friendly. Where am I going to find another poke display like that? Luckily, we got to come over in February, just before the first restrictions were put in place. I was seriously looking to come back over this week! Glad I didn’t make that decision. I look forward to coming back as soon as it’s safe. Be and think positive…life as we knew it will get back to some kind of new normal.
Annette Y says
We have visited Hawaii, mainly Kauai several times. I’m a nurse that works hard in the mainland. I enjoy going and relaxing and spending money that I have worked hard for. I live in the United States and the last time I looked Hawaii was still apart of the United States. How can they tell us we cannot visit. But I do believe as a nurse I understand the limited resources. We have a trip scheduled in late February and we are probably going to cancel because I don’t want to go somewhere and be treated badly because I want to enjoy and relax in the most beautiful place I have ever been. I’m not sure we will ever be back, and I know a lot of others that are feeling the same way. We follow the rules, we wear masks and will abide with everything that is required to enter Hawaii. I’m tired , after going through this Pandemic , the last place I want to be is somewhere I’m not wanted. This makes me incredibly sad.
James B says
Thank you for your observations as a medical professional. If you can separate your disappointment with your Kauai plans for a moment, you would realize that unfortunately you are in the minority on the mainland. While Hawaii has tried to protect its citizens, resources and limited medical capacity, many states have ignored basic public health guidelines and even more mainlanders either think the virus is a hoax or refuse to wear masks or keep those same basic, common sense guidelines as their barometer. The U.S. mainland has the highest daily infection counts, the most dead, and now we are truly in for a bleak winter.
It is truly best if you delay your visit until there is both a change in behavior and hopefully an effective vaccine. Don’t let this virus sour your love for Kauai. Encourage everyone you know to be safe, follow common sense, and your next visit will be there when you and the virus is ready.
Casey S. says
I think many people will be delaying/canceling their trips to Hawaii indefinitely. I plan the big trips in my family of six, and we had to cancel our trip to Hawaii back in March, now looking to rebook, I will be spending the $20,000 on a trip to a different location as long as Delta flies there since my credits are with them. Hate to see Hawaii self implode due to fear mongering and politicians only out to help themselves or their political party. I’ve been wanting to visit Puerto Rico for quite some time, but usually end up going to Hawaii since we live on the west coast and have started a family tradition of travel to Hawaii. Now the choices of local politicians in Hawaii are offering me a good reason to book to PR this year rather than making a trip to a place we are clearly not wanted. Hopefully the locals in PR are more welcoming and willing to share their culture and natural beauty.
James B says
I would be interested in where you plan to travel. Mexico? Europe? Asia? Central America? South Africa? These places have both loose public health protocols, rising infection rates and/or (in the case of Europe and Asia)bans or restrictions on travel for U.S. citizens.
If Puerto Rico is your intended destination, you can certainly get there, as it is a U.S. protectorate. But please ask yourself whether putting your and your family’s safety and health at risk is worth a vacation.
My advice would be to wait a few more months to see whether the vaccine and strict requirements for masking, social distancing and frequent hand sanitizing combine to tamp down the viral transmission.
Now that President Biden has stepped up vaccination and declared safety protocols for ALL interstate travel by public convenience (air, train, bus), we may see the ebb and waning of the pandemic by late 2021.
Vacations can wait. This coming from a vacay rental owner simply wishing everyone dealing with this crisis to use common sense and patience.
Lynda F. says
I recommend you try the beautiful island of Cozumel. Its 3 hours from Dallas and 5 from Miami. Gracious locals who truly appreciate tourists. There are many gorgeous all inclusive resorts on the southern end of the island with spectacular sunsets.
Dan S says
Yep, once people find a welcoming population willing to share their area’s beauty and culture somewhere else, Hawaii will suffer even more. Too many choices for tourists these days to be pushing people away. Once someone visits a more welcoming and open location, their annual travel may exclude Hawaii and new tradition made in other locations.
Paul C says
Good Dan go elsewhere then and prices will be cheaper for me and my friends to visit Hawaii.
James B says
Though Mexico’s reporting of COVID statistics is likely under-reported, the actual reported toll and lack of travel restrictions (no mask requirements, no PCR test prior, etc.) are reflected in what IS reported. Mexico likely has a 25% infection rate, and the reported stats show the same large spike in infections since the holidays as the U.S. mainland.
I love Mexico and the Mexican people as well, especially Quintana Roo, but please ask yourself whether the latest game of Russian Roulette is a smart move in a pandemic.
Dan S. says
Ditto
Thomas h says
There’s 2 side’s to every coin. Most tourists are nice and so are most locals. Theres racism for sure,it’s breed in them,
JLH says
I’ve witnessed some hatred from the locals. I’ve been told “locals only” at some locations. I’ve received threatening gestures. And I’ve even been confused for being a local. It’s confusing and can be scary. The hate comes from locals who seem to think tourists are ruining Hawaii. But all the vandalism and graffiti seems to be from the locals. Personally, I’ve not seen any tourist misbehaving. Driving bad, yes.
Paulc says
lol ok I’m betting you showed attitude act like you belong
JLH says
Wish that I could say that was true. The negativity sent to me occurred when I attempted to pull into a beach parking lot. Never even had a chance to say good morning. I just leave when people are hostile. To many beaches to get bent out of shape. To be fair, I used to see the same at beaches in Cali. I think it’s a surfer thing more than anything else.
Cf says
Jlm that was my experiences also. Its true it only takes one bad local to ruin things for a large group of people. The store experiences i had locals didnt even know me and i had simply brought a serious problem with dirty bathroom to thier attention.
They clearly didnt want to be at the job or do the job, but really unprofessional to take out thier anger on customers who arnt misbehaving. Any other place ive been in usa its rare to see that level of dysfunction and hate of tourists or customers.
Dan S. says
I’ve never had bad experiences with locals, but I have heard stories, I have just been lucky I guess. But one thing I am seeing is comments from locals and possibly just online trolls pushing politics, and it’s definitely not welcoming and is actively turning me off and making me not want to spend my hard earned money and precious time off in Hawaii.
Paul C says
Dan
Go to any visitors site around the world. You will find the same trolls spreading negative information that mostly is not true. I treat others as I would expect to get treated.
Liam O says
Many visitors have expressed their appreciation for the beauty of our state, and for the overall sense of Aloha that is shared with them.
But…many come with a sense of entitlement that coming here allows them to disregard the local norms, and community standards. It’s those visitors who should travel to locales where their sense if entitlement can be catered to.
Cf says
Liam o, people spend triple the amount of money on average to come visit hawaii. If hawaii wants tourists and tourist dollars then yes they DO need to cater to the needs of tourists. And yes hawaii continues to depend completely on tourist dollars for some reason?
Like anything else you get what you pay for. If tourists are upset or feel entitled then it is the responsibility of hawaii lawmakers and residents to work things out so that everyone can have a more positive experience.
Unfortunately the hawaii first attitude doesn’t work well in America. Cash only stores need to accept credit cards and its time that hawaii strengthens its bonds with the rest of usa. For the sake of economics and responsibilities of us citizens etc. having all this dysfunctional behavior is not the answer and all the racism and divide.
Things could be much much worse for hawaii atleast there is money from tourists to pay for all the roads etc. and gotta pay for all the beach park maintenance, airports, nice homes cars etc
Paul C says
I am guessing you must not have traveled much. Its not just the islands its any small community asshats can be found everywhere. Entitled tourists also are found everywhere. Try being nice and you will be treated nicely.
Dan says
Simple golden rule seems to work best everywhere. Have courteous respect for others, and hopefully they will have the same for you. It’s a simple concept we should all try to remember to follow. I do agree, jerks are always present, in every group, no matter where a person is, but they are also the tiny minority and shouldn’t be used to judge an entire group of people whether they are tourists or locals.
James B says
You have expressed on numerous occasions your disdain for Hawaii and the way the state is trying to protect its citizens. Your reflections illustrate the very reason why Hawaii wants less people with your attitude. I have only one question. Since you readily and repeated trash Hawaii, why are you still on this site?
Elizabeth S says
James
Well stated. CF cant seem to get enough of the trash talking to the citizens here and to the State overall, so much so that he is on the Beat of Hawaii regularly.
I’m surprised actually that it is being permitted.
Paul C says
I say we take a vote and vote the negative Nellie CF off this great site where people are actually trying to find information about Hawaii not trash Hawaii
Dan S says
I don’t think silencing people because they disagree is a good idea, it’s good to hear the positive and negative aspects of a place when researching a trip/vacation. Especially when cost and more importantly time off is such a valuable resource these days. I for one, would lose respect and interest in a site that censors people just because we or a certain small group of people disagree with someone. I personally applaud the people who run the boards and site for allowing people to express their views, from all sides. If all you hear is an echo chamber, you lose important insight. If the tourist industry tanks, and you aren’t willing to find out why or listen to people, it will never recover. If the locals are treating tourists badly, and tourists don’t listen and try to understand what is bothering locals, the problem will only get worse, not better.
Dan S says
How many of the people on here just live in Hawaii vs being born and raised there or having Polynesian blood. I have much respect for actual Hawaiians, and I’m interested to hear their opinions, but I’m also very aware of lots of people who “live” in Hawaii, that aren’t even Hawaiian that love to push their politics on others, they are usually the ones that are unwelcoming. Can any true locals offer some insight into the conversations above? I feel like part of the culture I’ve experienced in the past is that “welcoming attitude” and willingness to share and educate willing tourists about their ways and culture. That’s what’s always made Hawaii so great and interesting to travel to. It was an entire experience, learning about the culture, the land, the food, the traditions…that’s what I love about Hawaii, not the modern generic hotel/beach travel that can be had at millions of other locations. Without that entire experience, Hawaii isn’t much different than any number of tropical beaches on the mainland.
Paul C says
Dan to your comment about negative commenters. I agree to a point but there are several than are here non stop and always spewing negativity specifically towards Hawaiians. I agree that the mods do the best job they can to keep a nice informational site for us to see. That being said get off Hawaiis butt. They are hardly the only state in this situation
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Paul.
Just an aside here. You should see the ones that got away (those comments that we would not publish)!
Aloha.
Mary F. says
I am appalled by the negative comments of visitors. I have had family on Oahu for nearly a century. It sounds like these visitors are equating Waikiki with all of Oahu which is very sad. The tourist industry in Waikiki is just that….an industry. They do depend on tourism. But the rest of the state has many more means of income. On Oahu it is mainly from the military and the civilian jobs they create. Agriculture used to play a big role on some of the other islands until greedy developers grabbed up so much land to build condos and tourist accommodations. I have seen many tourists from many lands come to the islands with an entitlement attitude. That’s definitely not the Aloha spirit. Before you blame Hawaii for trying to protect its people during this pandemic, please look in a mirror and determine which kind of visitor you want to be. Mahalo.
Dan says
I agree, it works both ways. If all a tourist wants is a beach and service, there are easier places to travel to get that. Hawaii offers so much more with its amazing culture, history, and natural beauty. Unfortunately the local politicians are making it clear to travelers, that they aren’t wanted though. The destruction of the local economy and how that will impact locals will be felt for years to come. When people like myself, who travel to Hawaii because we love the culture and beauty feel pushed away and unwelcome by the local government, you know Hawaii is in trouble. I am always open minded and very easy going, but all these harsh rules and discrimination towards visitors is making even the most die hard Hawaii lovers turn away from our visits. The welcoming spirit is dying, and it’s clearly visible to anyone who looks, don’t let the local politicians push agendas that will cause more long term and short term damage than the actual virus does.
Paul C says
exactly! People feel they are owed something because of their privilege’s