1,090 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors and Residents Whipsaw in 1,000 Comments”
RIch
When looking at this issue, I wish we could all agree on terms. TO me, a local is someone who is Kama’aina. Someone who was born in Hawaii and lived thire life in Hawaii. It does not include Malahini or Service Personnel who have just moved here, even if they have been here a number of years. So often with Superferry and other issues it is the Californians and other Malahinis who voice strong protest about spoiling Hawaii when it is arguable their moving out here in numbers is doing more damage. Local is of the land.
Lynn
I think you make a good point Rich.
Lynn
Hawaii is a different experience and we should treat it as so. Fewer people would be unemployed and tourism wouldn’t be an issue if leadership could get ‘things’ under control. Over tourism is an issue and we still see evidence of zero consideration or respect for the Hawaiian culture from the government and many tourists… Are you one of them? I have witnessed the most hypocritical behavior from hundreds of people. One example?”seeing the red sand beach”. Even after being told it’s private property, it’s dangerous, a place where Hawaiian people go to pray and you are taking community center parking. Why must some people take everything for their own pleasure? Why do the old Hawaiian people feel disrespected? Don’t ask… You trample all over the island, regardless of signs, chains, ropes, leaving garbage and toilet paper… I feel we could all be more respectful and leave only footprints.
Robert L
Absolutely Agree 100% Lynn!
Lynn
Aloha Robert. It is a spiritual place and I apparently felt a lack of aloha (just re-read that 🙁 when I wrote this. I am angered at being painted with the same brush as all the others. Maybe before anyone buys property and calls themselves a ‘local’ or a rental to send guests all over the island, they should be questioned on their values and respect for the people and aina.
The only real evidence of loving something or someone, is how you treat it/them.
RobertL
Hi Lynn thanks for replying. We have been going to Maui since 2004, at first, we did the touristy things, then we just enjoyed the peace and attitude there. In 2011, an opportunity arose to buy a condo on Maalaea Bay. We Do rent it out and for the most part, because we say to Every client who rents to Please respect the Island and it’s people, we have found they Have! We follow up. Now I cannot say Everyone does but we have had many returning guests now over the years. For our part, we shop local, we eat local, we converse with locals we have gotten to know. They respect us back. We leave our extra food when leaving with a neighbor who lives in our complex and works in upcountry. We snorkel and go to markets. We Appreciate the Islands and the natural beauty of the environment And the people. We got to know one woman who bakes her breads and sells at the mall but she wasn’t there last time. Missed her baking. We pick up some garbage, of course not now with Covid-19, we have given food to a few homeless people and I donated to the food bank there this summer! We are Canadians and treat that State the same as our own province here! We are friendly and outgoing!
Emily
Oh no. I feel horrible for the trouble caused but I also feel torn. We have never been to Hawaii. We have been saving up thousands of dollars for many years so we could come and visit Kauai. It’s been a dream of ours for over a decade. COVID cancelled our plans twice and now we’re trying one last time for late this year. We are not among those who can make it a yearly visit. I don’t want to add to the troubles of the locals but I also want to enjoy a different part of the beautiful world that I believe God created for the enjoyment of all his children. We so want to experience the magic and majesty of Kauai. What is a good solution to this? How can we find a way to help preserve the locals’ lifestyle while also allowing others to visit? I don’t want to be unwelcome if we come but I also don’t want to offend.
Kim P
I live in a tourist area also and have had businesses that relied on tourists. When your living depends on tourist you accept a bit more “inconvenience” than others who’s living does not depend on the trade. Even my employees would complain not understanding where their pay came from. There will always be a segment of the local population that has nothing to gain that don t want the inconvenience of tourist. When too many restrictions and unfriendly locals are present that’s when the tourists will leave and take their vacation dollars elsewhere
Pocho G.
The average person does not understand how the local economy works. Hawaii is built on tourism. If tourist don’t come, hotels close, jobs are lost, buisnesses are closed, restaurants are closed, more and more jobs are lost, people start to move away because of declining economy, and unfortunately many of them will be the local people who are unable to economically survive. Why do you think Las Vegas is the Nineth island? When jobs were booming in Vegas, many islanders sought employment and lower cost living. If you want Hawaii to become a place of the poor and the Rich, drive the tourist away, many people out of state would love to buy up island property at a lower price. Is that what you really want. Take the time to think about everything and everyone supported by tourisim. From Shave Ice to Bus drivers, everyone is impacted. This may be sad, but its true. Don’t give your islands away.
Linda J.
I can see why the people of Hawaii don’t like tourists due to increased rents and food. They can’t even find housing for themselves anymore. Rich white people are taking over the islands with their money and I hate seeing this. I have family on Molokai and I am glad we don’t encourage visitors. The groceries are expensive and the locals can’t afford it but visitors can. How is that fair??
Aloha
Susan M.
To all The Beautiful People of Hawaii, Since reading a lot of comments & concerns about Tourists.I have decided not to come to Hawaii. It must be & sounds so hard for the Locals to have to carry on Simple everyday life when you have so much more traffic,crowding of Beaches & over all more population to put up with.I am Blessed to have been able to be there Twice in my Life. 2006 & 2016. So My Best Wishes to You & May you Stay Safe! Mahalo
Eva L.
I have come to Molokai for 40 years and always found the Hawaiians friendly and gracious. I come for the tropical vegetation and weather, beaches, the music and hula and the delicious food. It is such a relaxing feeling, once I leave the airport. I miss not going there.
Maureen
My husband and I made Kauai our “happy place” and returned a few times since our honeymoon over 32 years ago. We visited again when he was offered to work on a film there recently. We didn’t experience the same island on this most recent visit that I remember from our previous visits. I blamed the recent storm for the unpleasant smell, driftwood covered beaches, and sandy/sludge-filled roads and parking areas, but now I’m thinking other less respectfull tourists may have caused some of the issues with The Garden Isle not representing in it’s former glory. I found myself being irritated with tourists that didn’t respect the Hindu Monastery and other sacred grounds, but felt powerless to do anything about it, except set a better example of how to behave. Since we were raised to respect Native Americans and sacred grounds in the area where we live and I took the time to educate myself on Hawaiian Royalty and History, we appreciate the effort of native Hawaiians to do the same and want to support that, especially since we only want to spend quality time in the beautiful Garden Isle of our dreams and memories. We’ve had the opportunity to speak with residents of other “tourist towns” on the mainland that don’t fully comprehend the fact that they wouldn’t have the opportunities they enjoy without the tourist trade. Is there a way we can help everyone figure this out?
Gina M.
We had always heard this, and even the negative connotation of “Haole”. We had a time share at HBR for 15 years, Kiahuna Plantation before that for about 5 years and traveled there once per year. It never was really bad until the past 5 years, enough so, that we sold our 2 weeks of time share last year. I have never been to a place where visitors are so unwelcomed. Costa Rica looks the same and treats guests much nicer. That is our new “second home”. I love Mexico too! We have 6 weeks per year of time share there. You have a lovely physical place but a mean spirit, and that actually makes it ugly. We will miss the natural beauty, but not the people.
Jim S
This paragraph is well written. If everyone adhered to this there would be no negativity.
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.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Stay abreast of the latest island travel news, tips, deals, and more. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and let Hawaii come to you. Mahalo!
When looking at this issue, I wish we could all agree on terms. TO me, a local is someone who is Kama’aina. Someone who was born in Hawaii and lived thire life in Hawaii. It does not include Malahini or Service Personnel who have just moved here, even if they have been here a number of years. So often with Superferry and other issues it is the Californians and other Malahinis who voice strong protest about spoiling Hawaii when it is arguable their moving out here in numbers is doing more damage. Local is of the land.
I think you make a good point Rich.
Hawaii is a different experience and we should treat it as so. Fewer people would be unemployed and tourism wouldn’t be an issue if leadership could get ‘things’ under control. Over tourism is an issue and we still see evidence of zero consideration or respect for the Hawaiian culture from the government and many tourists… Are you one of them? I have witnessed the most hypocritical behavior from hundreds of people. One example?”seeing the red sand beach”. Even after being told it’s private property, it’s dangerous, a place where Hawaiian people go to pray and you are taking community center parking. Why must some people take everything for their own pleasure? Why do the old Hawaiian people feel disrespected? Don’t ask… You trample all over the island, regardless of signs, chains, ropes, leaving garbage and toilet paper… I feel we could all be more respectful and leave only footprints.
Absolutely Agree 100% Lynn!
Aloha Robert. It is a spiritual place and I apparently felt a lack of aloha (just re-read that 🙁 when I wrote this. I am angered at being painted with the same brush as all the others. Maybe before anyone buys property and calls themselves a ‘local’ or a rental to send guests all over the island, they should be questioned on their values and respect for the people and aina.
The only real evidence of loving something or someone, is how you treat it/them.
Hi Lynn thanks for replying. We have been going to Maui since 2004, at first, we did the touristy things, then we just enjoyed the peace and attitude there. In 2011, an opportunity arose to buy a condo on Maalaea Bay. We Do rent it out and for the most part, because we say to Every client who rents to Please respect the Island and it’s people, we have found they Have! We follow up. Now I cannot say Everyone does but we have had many returning guests now over the years. For our part, we shop local, we eat local, we converse with locals we have gotten to know. They respect us back. We leave our extra food when leaving with a neighbor who lives in our complex and works in upcountry. We snorkel and go to markets. We Appreciate the Islands and the natural beauty of the environment And the people. We got to know one woman who bakes her breads and sells at the mall but she wasn’t there last time. Missed her baking. We pick up some garbage, of course not now with Covid-19, we have given food to a few homeless people and I donated to the food bank there this summer! We are Canadians and treat that State the same as our own province here! We are friendly and outgoing!
Oh no. I feel horrible for the trouble caused but I also feel torn. We have never been to Hawaii. We have been saving up thousands of dollars for many years so we could come and visit Kauai. It’s been a dream of ours for over a decade. COVID cancelled our plans twice and now we’re trying one last time for late this year. We are not among those who can make it a yearly visit. I don’t want to add to the troubles of the locals but I also want to enjoy a different part of the beautiful world that I believe God created for the enjoyment of all his children. We so want to experience the magic and majesty of Kauai. What is a good solution to this? How can we find a way to help preserve the locals’ lifestyle while also allowing others to visit? I don’t want to be unwelcome if we come but I also don’t want to offend.
I live in a tourist area also and have had businesses that relied on tourists. When your living depends on tourist you accept a bit more “inconvenience” than others who’s living does not depend on the trade. Even my employees would complain not understanding where their pay came from. There will always be a segment of the local population that has nothing to gain that don t want the inconvenience of tourist. When too many restrictions and unfriendly locals are present that’s when the tourists will leave and take their vacation dollars elsewhere
The average person does not understand how the local economy works. Hawaii is built on tourism. If tourist don’t come, hotels close, jobs are lost, buisnesses are closed, restaurants are closed, more and more jobs are lost, people start to move away because of declining economy, and unfortunately many of them will be the local people who are unable to economically survive. Why do you think Las Vegas is the Nineth island? When jobs were booming in Vegas, many islanders sought employment and lower cost living. If you want Hawaii to become a place of the poor and the Rich, drive the tourist away, many people out of state would love to buy up island property at a lower price. Is that what you really want. Take the time to think about everything and everyone supported by tourisim. From Shave Ice to Bus drivers, everyone is impacted. This may be sad, but its true. Don’t give your islands away.
I can see why the people of Hawaii don’t like tourists due to increased rents and food. They can’t even find housing for themselves anymore. Rich white people are taking over the islands with their money and I hate seeing this. I have family on Molokai and I am glad we don’t encourage visitors. The groceries are expensive and the locals can’t afford it but visitors can. How is that fair??
Aloha
To all The Beautiful People of Hawaii, Since reading a lot of comments & concerns about Tourists.I have decided not to come to Hawaii. It must be & sounds so hard for the Locals to have to carry on Simple everyday life when you have so much more traffic,crowding of Beaches & over all more population to put up with.I am Blessed to have been able to be there Twice in my Life. 2006 & 2016. So My Best Wishes to You & May you Stay Safe! Mahalo
I have come to Molokai for 40 years and always found the Hawaiians friendly and gracious. I come for the tropical vegetation and weather, beaches, the music and hula and the delicious food. It is such a relaxing feeling, once I leave the airport. I miss not going there.
My husband and I made Kauai our “happy place” and returned a few times since our honeymoon over 32 years ago. We visited again when he was offered to work on a film there recently. We didn’t experience the same island on this most recent visit that I remember from our previous visits. I blamed the recent storm for the unpleasant smell, driftwood covered beaches, and sandy/sludge-filled roads and parking areas, but now I’m thinking other less respectfull tourists may have caused some of the issues with The Garden Isle not representing in it’s former glory. I found myself being irritated with tourists that didn’t respect the Hindu Monastery and other sacred grounds, but felt powerless to do anything about it, except set a better example of how to behave. Since we were raised to respect Native Americans and sacred grounds in the area where we live and I took the time to educate myself on Hawaiian Royalty and History, we appreciate the effort of native Hawaiians to do the same and want to support that, especially since we only want to spend quality time in the beautiful Garden Isle of our dreams and memories. We’ve had the opportunity to speak with residents of other “tourist towns” on the mainland that don’t fully comprehend the fact that they wouldn’t have the opportunities they enjoy without the tourist trade. Is there a way we can help everyone figure this out?
We had always heard this, and even the negative connotation of “Haole”. We had a time share at HBR for 15 years, Kiahuna Plantation before that for about 5 years and traveled there once per year. It never was really bad until the past 5 years, enough so, that we sold our 2 weeks of time share last year. I have never been to a place where visitors are so unwelcomed. Costa Rica looks the same and treats guests much nicer. That is our new “second home”. I love Mexico too! We have 6 weeks per year of time share there. You have a lovely physical place but a mean spirit, and that actually makes it ugly. We will miss the natural beauty, but not the people.
This paragraph is well written. If everyone adhered to this there would be no negativity.
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.