An interesting comment in part prompted us to write something we had been wanting to revisit with you. It went like this from Robbos:
Thanks for the easily-digestible view of the HTA’s plans and problems. A key issue seems to be that many tourism-reliant businesses market the entire state as a paradisiacal theme park. This leaves tourists disappointed when locals don’t act like theme park employees, and locals are insulted to be treated as such. Hawai’i isn’t Six Flags; it is a unique combination of cultures that over-tourism is killing.
And regular Pam said, “this is one wild ride here. As a long-time local, I can tell you that there’s nothing that will make everyone happy. People seem to want to be miserable these days. It breaks my heart to see this lack of Aloha and discord. There’s nowhere on Earth like Hawaii. If you don’t want to come, go elsewhere. Just stop tearing us apart.”
After the drop in tourism during COVID, Hawaii has rebounded at the speed of light that caught everyone off guard and is set to soon reach a record number of visitors. We know that most visitors want an escape from everyday life when they visit Hawaii, but when that intersects with the residents who live here, sometimes both groups need to take a deep breath and seek common ground.
Hawaii is authentic.
Hawaii is about people, aloha, nature, and our beautiful, extraordinary environment. When you visit, you are to the most isolated islands in the world for an incredible journey from everyday life. Hawaii is unique and while making no judgment, simply isn’t comparable to Mexico, the Caribbean, or other destinations. And, as an aside, being domestic, a nice bonus is that everything in Hawaii works transparently, including your phone, health insurance, currency and prescriptions, as examples.
The Hawaiian Archipelago, also called the Sandwich Islands, is a fabulous collection of more than 130 landmasses stretched over 1,600 miles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, from the north (Kure Atoll) to the south (Big Island). Hawaii, of course, takes its name from the largest landmass in the state, the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii isn’t an amusement park.
People who live here can’t be seen in the same way as Disney employees. Their raison d’etre isn’t the satisfaction of visitors, although we certainly do hope that visitors appreciate and enjoy what we too love, respectfully.
This isn’t a Polynesian Cultural Center experience either, where it’s all manufactured and about creating a park for visitors, wherein the employees are all service-oriented, friendly, and smiling.
Amusement parks aren’t real, unlike Hawaii, which is home to its residents. Hawaii hasn’t been arranged specifically for visitors, and instead you’ll find yourself in our real-world island home.
We live here and it’s our lives that visitors impact. We want visitors to be kind and generous when here, and not just monetarily. Rather, we hope visitors will be both grateful and curious, and interested in our culture. And we know that visitors want the feeling of Aloha returned to them after flying great distances across the Pacific and spending hard-earned money.
Before Rob moved here, it was the positive interaction with locals that enhanced his visit. It felt authentic, while he was always envious they got to live in Hawaii. Now he sees things from both perspectives, having lived here for over twenty years.
When we started this post, it clearly hit a button.
You have already responded in over 900 comments below. When this started, travel was still not back to normal the way it is today. Since the return of tourism, so many of you have commented on the tension felt between visitors and residents in Hawaii. So, your comments, including Robbos’, got us thinking it was time to revisit this discussion.
A regular visitor from Arizona, who’s followed Beat of Hawaii for years 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.” Sometimes visitors feel like they can’t catch a break in relation to Hawaii travel. And residents have their own similar take.
As we re-open the topic today and continue the dialog between visitors and those living here, we ask that all comments be respectful (or they won’t be published).
Also, do please check out the two short embedded videos. One is targeted to those who live in Hawaii and the other to those who visit. We suggest that everyone watch both videos. Then read on and add your comments about how you are feeling.
HTA Video Creates Local Awareness of Taking Care of Visitors.
The fact that Hawaii felt these videos were needed, spoke to issues in the air for a long time. 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.
With Hawaii tourism on again, there are about 10 visitors for each resident.
Face it, that’s a lot for any visitor destination. With peak tourism’s return comes much more traffic and crowding. Hawaii is quickly getting back on track to welcome over 10 million annual visitors. That, in relation to our total population of just 1.4 million. There’s no doubt about it; tourism is and will remain far and away the biggest economic driver for Hawaii. And tourism touches all of us who live here in Hawaii.
How do residents feel?
A study conducted a few years ago, showed there hadn’t been any dramatic shift in how residents felt 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.
Are tourists well behaved? And are residents well behaved?
Coming to Hawaii isn’t like driving between states on the mainland where you can have a quick getaway by car. When visitors come to Hawaii, most stay a week or longer, incur great expense to come here, and invest significantly. That also means a greater impact on our resources.
Hawaii culture and our local ways are very important to those of us here, and we love it when visitors are interested in learning more and showing respect. That’s most of you, we know. But not always, and that can cause conflicts.
For example, when Kauai created a permit system for the North Shore, it caused both confusion and untold upset from visitors who felt they should be able to drive and park anywhere, 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. And frankly, communication has never been one of Hawaii’s strong points.
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. How many times have we seen people get too close for photos and not respect boundaries which are there to protect these important creatures in life and mythology?
Recent discussions about visitor charges including proposed Hawaii State Park visitor fees, are also controversial.
So respect is important and it goes both ways. Residents need to respect tourists who have made a choice to spend their hard-earned money to be here and who add significantly to our economy. Tourists must respect both Hawaii’s culture and our local ways of life. When both happen, the Hawaiian rainbow shines brightly on all.
Please step into our world.
We live here. When you come here to visit, we’re happy to share our ways of life, when you’re open to it. This is the real world, and we have our ways, traditions, and cultures. Hawaii isn’t perfect and we don’t try to pretend that it is. Hawaii is real. Yes, there is poverty, you’ll find homeless, and as you’ve noted in comments, there’s trash and dumped cars and other things you may not appreciate. But there’s a backdrop of exceptional beauty and a magical feeling we all have being here.
Hawaii wasn’t created just for visitors.
At the same time, we welcome great visitors who appreciate what we have to share. We live here amid nature, which we all need to protect and cherish. Please join us and treat Hawaii as a jewel and help respect and protect it for all of us and for future generations.
Time to Comment!
We want to hear from you. Remember to be respectful. How are you feeling about Hawaii now, as a visitor or as a resident?
Updated 3/24/22.
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Lee B says
My wife and I are visiting and while I’ve seen and heard some of the things that some of the comments mention, I can’t fathom why people would come here and complain? Do you want people to come to your home state or country and complain about your way of life? We are on Kauai and everyone has been amazing. The few things I don’t understand are not anyone’s issue but mine to learn, ask or research. Respect and not having a sense of entitlement or feeling like you are superior to anyone goes a long long way. For those of you complaining… do some research. Find the real story about how Hawaii became part of the U.S. and thank your stars we are welcome here! Mahalo for sharing your beautiful islands!
Leona says
We just returned from one month in Kihei. It was amazing. Everyone was amazing. They were short staffed at several places but we arrived before we were starving and enjoyed the time together-usually in open air with Hawaiian live music. We saw road rage by 2 locals when one swerved into the other lane. They were willing to hurt everyone on the highway in their chase and dodge, braking mid traffic… in the same token we still see tourists that lack respect for the wildlife. Both visitors and tourists alike should give a hoot 🦉 and not pollute.
One last thing. Cross walks mean people! Slow down in case someone jumps in front of you. Not smart, but witnessed pedestrians with phones! Let’s all do our part.
Aloha from Canada.
Johannes L says
Sadly, if you meet 100 people the 99 that are decent, kind and respectful (you know the way people should be) will probably not stick in you memory for long, but that one uncaring, disrespectful dolt will stick with you forever and be the one you talk about often. Kind of like the news, if it’s normal it’s not reported, but the abnormal gets the lead. Again, sadly, this is probably true for both locals and visitors alike.
Pdg says
You’re absolutely right. Great observation. It would be nice if visitors would remember all of the nice people they meet here, before they publicly complain about that one asshat and generalize that to the whole island.
Makena M says
It’s a little like labeling “all tourists” as disrespectful or entitled though…
Bette L says
As a tourist in Maui last October, I was the victim of a crude verbal attack from a local woman simply because I was slow in the checkout counter, as my gift card would not work properly. I never had such an experience at my hometown shopping experience in my 60 years. It was simply astounding! She made comments like “Go back” and some crude accusations, even calling the police with made-up charges.
This experience shocked me and my spouse to the core, as we loved the islands and its people.
Dennis S says
Hawaii has noise problems, it’s not tourists changing their mufflers. Hawaii has a dumping problem, it’s not tourists dumping tires bed mattresses washing machines…..Covid was spread by locals returning from Las Vegas and infecting their household but blame tourists.
IR says
Our noise problem is from too much traffic, both on our roads in the air, not mufflers. Our trash problem is mostly from temporary residents who stay here for a few months or years, buying up beater cars and dumping them on the side of the road when their time here is pau. I saw a carload of tourists dump all their trash in the Safeway parking lot on their way to the airport. Locals were not able to fly to Vegas during Covid lockdown. You must hate us to make up such lies. Why are you here?
James B says
I assume that you are from Fl or another of the poor southern states since you are so familiar with rural issues.
Joe K says
Dennis, I guess it depends on how you define “local”. There are those that do not respect Hawaii, but many moved here during COVID. Some people I see on Hawaii Island are transplants who live a minimalistic lifestyle, do not care about self or home. They will dump trash on the roadside rather than drive a mile to the transfer station. They do not want government telling them how to live. As to COVID, plenty of people came here untested and were quarantined, but violated it.
Casey says
Unfortunately between the governor of Hawaii and the hostility/animosity towards tourists, I think the damage has already been done. The illusion of a welcoming Hawaii has faded and the truth that we are ably tolerated for our tourist dollars has been exposed. I loved the feel of Hawaii pre pandemic, but the far left policies have only brought out the worst in people and I will not be considering a trip back with my family of seven. Too many other places to choose from that are more welcoming
JohnW says
Casey, I would correct you that the far right as well as far left have been damaging to many things, including tourism. There are many that check their politics at the door and just enjoy Hawaii for what it is. A beautiful tropical location with a lot of good people.
Aloha
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi John.
Thanks for all of your input, including almost 500 comments to date.
Aloha.
John says
BTW Casey, irrefutable is the fact that Hawaii’s policies saved a lot of lives. Had they been less restrictive like some of those other places you feel are more welcoming plenty more people would have died and many more lives devastated by loss. Well worth the sacrifices made.
Rod W says
Casey,
“The illusion of a welcoming Hawaii has faded…”
As I’ve written many times before I first had the joy of coming to Hawaii in 1965, courtesy of the USMC.
Not then, and not now was I looking for Aloha. It’s a foreign word so seems special. It really isn’t – I find Aloha all around the world.
I have come for the weather and because we like the music. Roland & family at the Embassy and the late Israel.
If I was looking for Aloha, I can find it a lot closer to home.
PualaniI says
You were looking for a mini Mainland experience with cultural structure you control. No wonder you were disappointed.
Rod W says
I was looking for a vacation. Most people would be happy I chose their paradise. That I had my vacation, was respectful to every human I met and dropped some coin into the economy, most people would see that as a good thing.
PualaniI says
I agree you probably shouldn’t return to the Islands. The “leftist” culture, as you call it, is how the majority of its people want to live. We don’t tolerate anyone’s expectations of privilege or entitlement the “right” which they may enjoy on the Mainland.
Rod W says
The rest of the country is moving on and you want to go backwards.
Raj K. says
My first trip to Hawaii was to Kauai in 2011. The thing that impressed me most was the friendliness of the people and that locals and visitors alike were all sharing the same space at the beaches. We have lived on Jauai since 2014 and continue to experience aloha everywhere we go. Aloha begins with us!
Rod W says
SD,
“Maybe Hawaii should see what Tahoe, CA just did.”
There was no Reply button.
So, if the supply of rental units is limited, won’t the cost to vacation at Tahoe increase?
SD says
Rod- maybe? I don’t see how it would be any different than it was prior to VRBO. Visitors would be forced to stay in hotels or camp rather than in residential areas, freeing up housing, parking, etc. for locals and potentially decreasing the price of homes bought by people who actually live there instead of by people who buy for second or third vacation homes just to rent out most of the year. Tahoe and Hawaii (before VRBO) were somewhat affordable for locals. Tahoe, especially recognizes this.
Rod W says
Greg,
Pols honesty is almost beside the point.
Seems to me it would be better to fund education & research out of the general fund & perhaps a fee that has some relationship to the value of the experience. Hanauma Bay is a draw to Hawaii, make it affordable while doing what’s needed for preservation.
I probably mentioned my first visit to HBay was in 1965 & I’ve been many times since then-but having to pay $25 every time. I won’t sit through the video every visit. So, I no longer go to HBay.
Rod W says
Pat and Greg,
Here’s a nice article in Priority Pass. Worth a read.
prioritypass.com/en/blog/2022/how-to-be-a-responsible-traveller-in-2022?utm_source=MPU&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MPU&utm_content=Blog
Greg W says
Good article….now if only everyone took it to heart.
Lin G. says
We’ve been to Hawaii several times over the years and usually visit the Big Island because of the culture, the lava, and the “down home” feel – nothing like an amusement park. We’re going back soon and I have an unrelated question: we want to do a few touristy things during our two weeks. What are the top sites for current recommendations of the best and most reputable? There are so many “Top 10”-type sites now.
Kukui N says
Lin
Some helpful information from you would be how old you are, physical abilities, and interests. If on Big Island and here for the first Friday of the month check out the night markets on the west side. Snorkel Kealakekua Bay by hiking down to Captain Cook monument. Go to Waimea and go horseback riding. Visit some of the archeological sites along the Kohala Coast. Go camping at Ho’Okena at the black sand beach. Drive down to Punalu’u Bake shop on a Saturday, stop at south point and do a cliff jump.
Sue B. says
Great ideas. Been to the Big Island twice and going back later this year. Your ideas are going on my list of things to do this trip.
Rod W says
I’ve been thinking about what some say (minority to be sure) about tourists destroying the Hawaiian environment.
It’s as though these tourists must be Earth destroyers at home and just do the same in Hawaii.
Most tourists to Hawaii and elsewhere are responsible people. For reasons the environment may be less than, say, fifty years ago – look to state and county governments.
The relationship between tourist and resident should be one of co-dependency and mutual respect.
Kukui N says
Rod
I agree. The same people who “recycle” so religiously and drive electric cars will come here and throw their rubbish on the ground and bring glass bottles to the beach. Stop bringing glass to the beach btw. I’m tired of cleaning cuts on my keikis feet from it.
ane t says
Thanks again for the great forum. living here on Maui: it’s not so much the attitude of tourists (tho there are some!) it is the sheer number of arrivals. The crowding out of locals who live here and pay taxes. Want to go to the beach? better leave before 8 or be prepared to drive around from beach to beach to find a place to park. find a spot and swim out to the reef but better be done before 9 when the 25 tour boats show up and dump 25-100 people each right where you are. aloha is tested!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Ane.
Thanks for that and all your input from over on Maui. Much appreciated!
Aloha.
KuKui N says
ANE
Same here for Big Island. Almost always positive experiences with tourists but just way too many. Civil infrastructure does not function as intended and it is frustrating not to mention dangerous.
Kauaidoug says
In my life when I got to travel I believe that what you give is what you’re going to get. That requires a bit of real introspection that I’m not quite sure some tourists can do.
PatG says
Some tourists? What about some locals and natives? Lack of introspection is a human shortcoming, not one reserved for tourists.
Patti B says
We just spent 3 weeks on Oahu , played pickleball everyday withh the locals and never, have we ever felt so welcomed by them ! Maholo
Frank S says
Hi Patti.. where abouts did you hook up with the pickleball.. or who did you connect with? Appreciate getting that info for relatives that might visit in the near future. Cheers, Frank
JohnW says
Your experience is the norm Patti! The haters often create their own circumstances.
Like so much in life, you get what you give. You obviously brought Aloha.
No matter what anyone says, Hawaii is still a beautiful place with a lot of great people.
Bill and Karyn M says
Well said JohnW !
My wife and I in November and March visited our Ohana in Oahu and our beloved timeshare in Kaanapali,Maui.
Both trips everywhere we went the local people were kind,sweet,and welcoming.
We always treat everyone with respect,kindness, and Aloha and it is returned x 100.
Counting the days till we return “home” in November 2022.
Jewel V says
Driving around the 4 main islands in the 80s, I witnessed multiple beaches that were used as “dumps” by locals. A recent add for tourists to volunteer for cleanup for the impact tourism has on the beaches. On Maui, many locals were walking their dogs on the beach, pooping, with no cleanup. The newspaper published outrage about beach closures due to high ecoli counts from tourism. On a hike in Oahu a local guide had his group behind the “do not go past this point “ sign for a waterfall photo.
Robbos says
Howzit R & J. Thanks, glad to know the comment struck a chord. Hawai’i is definitely NOT a theme park, but airline, hotel, and tour advertising sets that expectation. Tourism isn’t bad per se, but poorly-behaved tourists, and the overwhelming number of them (combined with rowdy military on shore leave), sour the experience for everyone. There’s not much we can do about others’ behaviors, but we can diversify our economy and reduce our reliance on visitors moving forward.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Robbos.
Thanks again for your input on this and other comments. We appreciate it!
Aloha.
Joe K says
ROBBOS,
If you run into rowdy military on shore leave, report it. My son is one of those military cops who wants to know who these people are so he can put a stop to it. The military must be held to a high standard, if not we need to get rid of them. This is coming from a career military person not a military hater.
Michael B. says
Just returned from my 6th visit to Hawaii and each time I fall more in love with it. I have family here so I have experienced the “local” life and I have experienced the “tourist” life. One observation I have is the people who are jerks as tourists are probably jerks as locals! Because of who I am and my beliefs, I treat people the way I want to be treated and not surprisingly, I very rarely run into any problems! Mahalo!
Cathy C. says
It’s not just a matter of tourists being “rude and horrible.” Hawaiians have been dispossessed of their islands, and now over-tourism is causing them to be priced out of living here. They cannot afford housing, the cost of living generally. Their children have to move to the mainland for work. It’s a slow genocide. So, any aloha at all is a marvel. When you add a layer of entitled attitude, which will only worsen as Hawaii courts a richer demographic, wouldn’t you be hostile in their shoes?
Robert T. says
You are right that people are being priced out of living in Hawaii.
However you fail to understand the cause is not tourism.
The same thing is happening all over the USA.
Big government, big tech, and big media
are destroying the US, and inflation is just the start. Yesterday Biden warned of food shortages. Yikes!
Glenn says
This situation with native Hawaiian people unable to afford to live in their own land is unacceptable and has to stop. The Aristocracy that has developed is vacuuming our lands away from anyone who is or should I say, was able to purchase Real Estate as a Middle Income Class person.
The same is happening in my Country, specifically the Pacific Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Prices are 100 percent out of reach for Average Canadian’s let alone to afford to rent a home. Hopelessness for many
Rod W says
Glenn,
As you said the same thing is happening elsewhere including BC and in various other parts of the USA.
One way to protect families in homes that are appreciating rapidly is to fix property taxes, for those folks, at say the highest rate for the past 5 or 10 years. Never to rise again as long as they live there.
For those just buying in, well, the market has to be respected. Hawaiians can’t expect to be shielded from market forces any more than buyers in BC, LA, NYC, SF…
Glenn says
Rod,
You have missed the point. Property values have become totally unrealistic to an average wage earner. The market is what requires a fixed margin of elevating Real Estate prices. Overbidding on an offer well in to hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more, is not fair in this “democratic” society. Fairness for all, that’s all that is asked. Greed has no positive outcome in the end. History repeats if we don’t learn from it.
All the best to everyone who deserves it.
Mahalo Nui Loa
Rod W says
Hi Glenn,
So, if I ask the boss for a 10%/20% raise, is that level of greed ok?
If I try to haggle $2500 off the price of a new car, is that greed?
What will you call it when those overpriced home prices collapse?
As I understand your beef it’s only with folks buying property to turn into Airbnb and similar. Is the seller being greedy in those situations?
If my neighbor sold for $600K last year and the new owner is selling for $900k this year, to an owner-occupier, is that seller greedy?
Glenn says
I am done with this conversation. You and I are on different pages of understanding. Carry on with your beliefs, regards.
Please do not respond. I will not reply.
PatG says
It’s unacceptable that any people native to any state or any country are unable to afford to live in their own land. And yet, thousands of places are going through that exact manner of gentrification. You say “It has to stop”, but it never has stopped, and never will..
Glenn says
“Has to stop” is a statement.
Everyone who cares about their rights and freedoms has to get involved in some way. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary, it starts at simply helping the democratic process. Get involved with your Councillors, Government leaders, even better, run for a seat in local Government. Vote! Most of all, take care of yourself and your family and friends. Everyone can do their part. Complacency is easy. Talking the talk,easy. Walk the walk for change. Lead by example.🙏
Glenn says
“Nothing worth Doing in This World,
Is ever Easy”
Author;
Carlee H__st___
Fishergirll S says
In Edmonds, WA USA too. Housing prices out of reach (up 26 percent over last year. Rents astronomical). Tourist take over of beaches. Developers–of both local and outside money persuasion–replacing single family homes with high rise units.
Too many people converging and ownership by non locals causing unpleasant changes.
One outside developer replaced a wonderfully unique antique mall, that he was quoted as saying “wasn’t a quality business” with a stuffy modern art museum/restaurant. Again, outsiders with money putting their stamp on our traditions, trampling our local quality of life in order to make more money. Sad.
Many of these outside influences have infiltrated our city council, chamber of commerce, and school board, as well.
Patty T says
The 2nd sentence is illogical, like “locals” are Hawaiian. We all come from other places. We are all visitors, all tourists. Pick up your trash.
Roy H says
We have never ever thought of locals as amusement park employees! And anyone who does hasn’t a clue as to what they are missing in life.
Aloha Guys