1,090 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors and Residents Whipsaw in 1,000 Comments”
Sue B.
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
Hi Sue.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts from Canada.
Aloha.
Paul C
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
You seem to have forgotten about half the cases were from returning residents. Did you plan on banning them as well?
S
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Good Dan go elsewhere then and prices will be cheaper for me and my friends to visit Hawaii.
James B
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.
Ditto
Thomas h
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
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
lol ok I’m betting you showed attitude act like you belong
JLH
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
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.
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
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.
Comments are closed.
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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
Hi Sue.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts from Canada.
Aloha.
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
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…
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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??
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
You seem to have forgotten about half the cases were from returning residents. Did you plan on banning them as well?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good Dan go elsewhere then and prices will be cheaper for me and my friends to visit Hawaii.
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.
Ditto
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,
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.
lol ok I’m betting you showed attitude act like you belong
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.
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.
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.
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.