1,090 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors and Residents Whipsaw in 1,000 Comments”
Elizabeth T
I have lived in Hawaii for 3 years and I love it! Generally, the locals are friendly to and do not mind and try to accommodate the tourism. That being said most tourists are respectful and present no problems. It is the ones that are disrespectful to the local people, the land and wildlife. Some tourist tend to forget people live here. Be respectful of the residents An example of the disrespect some visitors insist on coming to Hawaii during the pandemic when the state officials are just trying to get a handle on the vi rus and to keep the community safe.
They are still coming and not following the wishes of state officials. One example of the disrespect some tourist harassing the wildlife. Unforgivable. Respect should be a given when you are a guess in people’s home and state.
Ryan
Well stated. Respect goes both ways. The comment sections of FB and other sites allow people to be plain nasty. The vast majority of people don’t act like that out in the real world so don’t base the people of Hawaii’s feelings on a comment section. If TJ has been to Hawaii 5 times I’m sure he has seen the aloha here and felt it from most of the people.
Robbos
Mahalos for bringing up this subject; it’s one that divides people – largely because we avoid talking about it. As with politics, religion, and other topics, those who do talk about “the problem with tourism” have often been hurt by bad experiences, so speak angrily. It’s important to hear and respect the vocal minority on both sides, but also to recognize that the majority of tourists and locals are friendly and respectful.
Tourists come to Hawaii because of how different it is from their day to day lives. Most of them don’t understand that Hawaii is different because, until relatively recently, it was a different country. Hawaii had it’s own leaders, laws, language, history, and culture. But as we’ve seen with so many other countries, foreigners invaded and treated everything they found as an exploitable resource. In Hawaii’s case the foreigners were mostly American. Over a period of years the Hawaiian government was overthrown, Hawaiian people were decimated by introduced diseases, Hawaiian religion and language were outlawed, and Hawaiian culture very nearly disappeared. The invaders treated Hawaiians like cheap manual labor, laborers working in a country and economy they suddenly barely recognized. Much of this happened only a few generations ago, so today Hawaiians still experience the painful losses of country, culture, way of life, and even family members. Hawaiians did not choose tourism as a primary economic driver; instead, tourism was established by the invaders, and is now promoted by them.
It’s important to recognize that the vast majority of visitors these days have good intentions and are respectful and friendly. But some visitors are not, and hosting and serving those people is a painful reminder of the losses experienced by locals. Idyllic visions promoted by airlines and groups like the the HTA (Hawaii Tourism Authority) bring tourists by the millions. Hawaii’s people though have a different idyllic vision, ones of their cultures and ways of life restored. The Hawaiian cultural Renaissance has renewed local pride, and the problematic tourism economy (and some tourists) provide a painful reminder of how much work remains to be done.
The United States has invaded many countries, overthrown governments, and destroyed local ways of life. To expect such places to willingly and happily become American tourist destinations is unrealistic. And yet, because of the love and sharing that permeates traditional Hawaiian culture, local people have made a transition that might be unthinkable elsewhere.
The low incomes that come with a tourism-driven economy are experienced in most other places now too; disposable incomes have been trending downward for decades. This means that many tourists spend a long time saving money – sometimes for years – to be able to spend just seven days in Hawaii. With such a heavy investment, tourists expect their visit to be just like the tourism brochures. The realities of life, even in Hawaii, may interfere with this.
The keys to both a happy visit and a happy population are the same: open minds, respect, and education. The more of these we see, the happier all will be.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Robbos.
Thank you.
Aloha.
ES
This is a well thought out and insightful commentary on things that do not immediately come to mind when considering this issue.
If visitors become more aware of the issues they present to local populations when they act in an entitled and obnoxious manner, and if the locals will allow that most visitors DON’T behave this way, it’s easy to understand the fact that it only takes one or two bad apples to spoil a whole bunch.
TM
When you go to someone’s home you are a quest in their home and as such they are due gratitude and respect of their house rules. Same goes it when you visit their state. If you act a fool in the lineup in the water you will be quickly corrected. It is surprising people don’t get this but in the states you live in a much more self serving environment in alot of places. The south still holds some of those “old school” principles and tends to be a very friendly place unless you bring your Yankee Ass attitude with you. You get what you give. Aloha
Eva M
Maui is our vacation spot every year and this year we canceled due to this. I was rudely told to stay home and cancel my trip on another site, Maui Accomodations Guide. We realize this is not a good time to come but I was surprised at the comment. I have been vacationing in Hawaii for the past 30 years and have seen the decline in the Aloha spirit towards visitors. This is mainly from those who have moved to the islands. I still find many of the older locals to be the most pleasant and kind people and this along with the beauty of the islands that bring me back. I consider Hawaii my second home and if we could afford it, I would live there in my retirement. ALOHA!
Irene R
Most tourists and most locals are lovely people, and there is a small minority that are not so nice. As a local, it feels like the tourism industry oversold Hawaii. Our once quiet Hana Highway is so packed with cars, that the noise, rudeness, and traffic jams are ruining our way of life. Then, the FAA diverted air traffic over Haiku a few months ago, so now we have non-stop jet engine noise. We get no relief. I do not blame tourists….I blame the HTA, MVB, and FAA. Why did they build a brand new car garage at OGG for rental cars only? Ever since that happened, we have been suffocating. It also feels like locals have no say…nobody told us they were diverting air traffic, they just did it and there have been hundreds if complaints that have been ignored. You have to take care if locals if you want locals to take care if tourists. Mahalo for the opportunity to comment.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Irene.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Keri M.
In February, we took our annual vacation to Kauai. We went Ziplining with Kauai Back Country adventures. Our guides were fabulous, and the ziplining was awesome, as usual. Our guide Cody was telling us about Hawaiian history. Over the years, we have felt welcomed and sometimes not so welcomed, but Cody told us something this time I have not forgotten. He said tourists are Hawaii’s sugar cane, and the Hawaiians are very glad we are there. As long as we respect the culture and history of the islands, the Hawaiian people are very glad to share their Aloha. It goes both ways.
Loleka A
Mahalo, Keri! You GET it!
Lance T
I was shocked to hear that prior to this, 30,000 tourist descended on our islands daily. I was shocked to see the aloha stadium parking lot filled with rent a cars and to hear that maui has the largest rent a car inventory at 20,000 cars available for rent daily. I am very disturbed at the disrespectful tourist that have descended on our islands since the 14 day quar antine was issued and ignore the quar antine, sneak around our communities in illegal vacation rentals and disrespect the safety of our kupuna! This has given our near shore sea life a small window to recover from constant human disruption. Same with our forests and lands that have been trampled upon seemingly ceaselessly, save for the occasional flash floods that thankfully wash away the human effects. Even before this, we have been fighting a losing battle on our infrastructure…..roads, sewers, water, schools, affordable housing, are all badly in need of repairs and upgrades. We have a badly planned and managed rail system that was already a financial disaster before this………so now we face two very bad financial situations to overcome. I say welcome the tourist when it’s once again safe to travel, let them come and enjoy the great beauty and culture of our islands…….but they must pay much more than what they.currently are being assessed by our state and county governments for that privilege. We are a unique premium destination and we cannot continue to allow 30,000 tourist to descend on our islands daily…. like fun living people crashing your party, they bring a bag of chips and eat and drink to their delight, have a great time but they leave you with the mess to clean up! We have evolved tourism to our detriment! We have an opportunity during this pause in tourism to re-set the value of our resources and culture and charge an infrastructure premium during their stay to help pay for all that is left to upkeep and maintain. For the sake of our residents and future generations, we need to shift the paradigm from the price you pay to live in paradise to the price you pay to visit and enjoy paradise.
Josie M
My husband and I live in Canada and absolutely love Hawaii! We go every year to the big island and have never felt anything but the Aloha spirit. Not sure why, but we feel so connected to the culture and history. It never ceases to amaze us. The absolute beauty of the islands is just indescribable! It’s truly paradise and feel blessed to be able to experience it time and again 😊
Michael O
Amen Brother.
Great Post. 🤙
Tourist doing the same on Big Island during 14 day Quar antine.
It’s so upsetting, locals are Reporting them.
No respect, this is why probably why Tourist receive No Aloha,
They don’t Respect the Culture, Land or residents!
They buy a property & rent it out to come for a month & class themselves as locals. They Act like they own the island parking anywhere, dumping trash on sidewalks…speeding through Intersections for What?
Maybe they could served themselves to see why they don’t get the Aloha.
Aloha is given to most people always in the
But these Tourist 30% don’t appreciate our Paradise.. But seems most Tourist are Cheap, looking for Discounts.
Robert A
I don’t you should Lump Every tourist who buys property as Not caring about the culture and history of Hawaii. We own a condo on Maalaea Bay and we help with the landscape, we do Not litter, in fact, we pick up litter. Picking broken bottles, caps, towels, beach toys, all kinds of stuff. We are proud to own property in Maui, we are constantly upgrading and we remind our guests to respect EVERYTHING! we don’t pretend to claim Maui as our own but we sure love it there. We shop local when there and have gotten along very well with locals. Can’t wait to get back. Thank you for Welcoming us whenever we are there!
Trisha K.
We lived on Oahu for several years when my husband was in the Navy. We went to church in the local community and learned to love and respect our Hawaiian friends. We now come to Kauai every year for 4 weeks and stay at the same location. We have made many friends and our family has Ohana family in the Islands. While we might be Haoles we have been adopted as islanders. Aloha and Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Trisha.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Cheryl V
Great journalism here 🙂 I think emotions run high with locals and visitors because they have more in common then they realize. They all LOVE Hawaii ❤️
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Cheryl.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Edgar S.
Tourists are welcomed as far as I’m concerned, but too many tourists can be harmful to our resources and culture. Corporate greed and greedy vacation rental owners need to reigned in.
No more hotel rooms and ban all vacation rentals. Limit the number of available rental cars. Let’s face it…this is not the Hawaii of old. Aloha spirit is disappearing, crime is increasing, the influx of non-Hawaiians or Hawaiians at heart have changed the culture forever and it will never come back. Keep tourists housed in Waikiki or other strategically placed locations, provide better mass transportation so they can explore the islands, kick out homeless from Waikiki and keep them out. Increase police presence to protect everyone from criminals. Is this too much to ask?
Jim B
I’ve been a tourist in many places, and a local in a few, but only in Hawaii have I ever experienced such courtesy. One of two young boys at the McD’s by Makaha nearly fell over backwards to get back to the door to hold it open when he saw my wife and myself leaving after them. One night in H1 traffic the driver behind us turned his headlights off when he noticed us trying to block the reflection in our mirrors. A homeless fellow let us borrow his very expensive binoculars to watch whales, never asked for a nickel, and warned us about the drug people. Maybe these aren’t considered locals by some, but they weren’t tourists, and even if they had been tourists I’m guessing that most people are more courteous when in Hawaii than anywhere else. The only place where Aloha is more than a word.
Debbie R
I’ve been blessed to have been a visitor to the islands more times than I can count, and I’ve only ever had true Aloha kindness shown by the locals. It’s by far the most peaceful vacation we ever take and I’d never do anything to not show Aloha right back. To Hawaiian residents, thank you for opening up your home to us! 🌺
Debi S
We love Hawaii, and I have friends who live on Hawaii island and on Oahu (I met them while they were living and working here in the Bay Area before they returned home). They were born there and over the years have related how proud they are of their native heritage and how much the land means to them. One thing I hear over and over again is “Malama ‘aina”. So when we are privileged to visit, we try to be as respectful to both the land, people and culture.
As far as “entitled tourists” go, we have them here, too. We see the same inconsiderate behavior of trespassing, tossing litter, rude driving, returning used goods, etc., especially in Lake Tahoe. Not sure if it is a generational thing or just a breakdown in the culture, but it seems to be everywhere.
I’d like to think that my hubby and I fall in Group 1 (as Carol S mentioned in her post). And we always feel welcomed. BTW, as a tourist, I hate the crowded roads on Maui too! So we try to time our driving around commute hours and other events so we don’t add to the frustration of the locals who are just trying to get to their jobs.
Mahalo for the videos and asking for comments. Much aloha to all – and may Hawaii see the end of the pandemic soon and be safe.
Anyway,
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Debi.
Thanks. You have friends on Kauai now too.
Aloha.
Debi S
Thanks Rob and Jeff! I’m honored. Aloha.
tea
Aloha all! I’ve lived on Big Island (1987), visit (all the islands) several times a year and I always wished that visitors would approach Hawaii as a “foreign” country. What I mean by that is when we travel internationally we (or we should) respect the culture, the language, the archeological and natural resources – unfortunately many visitors treat these beautiful islands like their own back yard. An island is a very fragile piece of land. There are cultures and protocols that need to be respected. All the time. Be kind. Treat the islands gently and respectfully. Treat those that live on the islands with kindness, courtesy and you’ll get that in return. Malama ‘aina – respect the land.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Tea.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Aunty H
I love tourists because tourists love Hawaii. That is the reason they come here. However, we have based our economy on tourism and catering to tourists needs, which sells out the Hawaii that we used to have.
Perhaps this mandated break can start the process of creating a vision for our future Hawaii by our leaders. Instead of being swayed by the loudest voices or the most powerful for profit pushers, decide right now what our Hawaii can be. Filled with more high rises for the ultra wealthy and more fake activities to keep tourists happy, or preserve the aloha and beauty of the islands with a master plan of lower heights at our shores, more agricultural spaces, a compromise with respecting the Hawaiian culture and still embracing visitors to our homes and land. We need government mandates for that – keep Hawaii beautiful should be the 1st and main criteria. The tourists will probably like that better than us becoming another Miami.
Lee D.
I have been to Hawaii 7 or 8 times over the last 15 years, starting when my boys were fairly young. I have never felt like a tourist, and always tried to be friendly and respectful to hotel staff and shop keepers. I have seen examples of bad behavior, and find it really embarrassing . I can imagine why locals have issues.
Jacque J.
We have visited most of the Hawaiian islands and decided Kauai was our dream come true! We love the less crowded beaches fewer crowds,and the native island traditions. There is a special spirit on this island. I respect the locals and their culture and feel that all decisions to limit traffic, crowds and maintain their lifestyle should be their decision, not the tourists. We are lucky visitors on THEIR island. From restaurants, hotels and community we have always felt Ohana from our new friends. We love this island but the islanders and residents should be deciding their fate. Not the tourists. Can’t wait to return to our little jewel in the ocean.❤️
Marcy S
I moved to Oahu from Long Island, N.Y. back in the 70’s and I felt very welcome. Not once did I feel resented. I moved back to the mainland for personal reasons a couple of years later but kept in touch with my friend that moved with me. She still lives there. She married a local, had a family and is not a grandparent. 6 years ago, my husband and I went to Oahu for our Honeymoon and have gone every year since. Besides my girlfriend, I have a very good friend that I worked with at the Phoenix Va Hospital for many years who moved back home to Lanikai when he retired. We’d love to move to Oahu but think it is out of our reaches, so for now we can just visit. We have met many people through our friends and have never felt like we were not wanted.
Carol S.
An interesting topic, thank you for asking for commentary. I am fourth generation born & raised in Hawaii; I was born on Maui and it will always be my home at heart. Now I live on the mainland but return Hawaii as much as possible. I see the islands with both a local and mainland perspective. On Maui in the 60’s and 70’s, tourists seemed to blend in better. Fewer tourists back then; they seemed more appreciative of the beauty of the land and culture. What I resent now — the past 30 years — are the tourists who are noisy, rude, thoughtless. Their mission seems to be to Facebook and Instagram “look what we are doing right now and aren’t we cool”. Perhaps the % of obnoxious tourists is no different than years ago and it’s simply the larger numbers of visitors overwhelming Hawaii’s infrastructure. We’ve met wonderful down-to-earth visitors who simply want a beautiful vacation, and we’ve met visitors who likely act poorly in any part of the world. Every attractive destination around the globe has this problem. I like to advise first-time visitors just to be mellow and appreciate the incredible beauty of the islands. Try to meet local folks in one-on-one conversations — there’s much to learn.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Carol.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Kalina T.
I scrolled/read through the comments here and see that there are very few comments from residents. As a 4th generation local born and raised on multiple islands and 65 years old, and as a member of the Kauai Rant and Raves Facebook group, I feel I can comment with some authority based on the opinions of friends, family, and social media.
First of all, we residents are human. You don’t have to wonder how we feel. Just imagine how YOU’D feel in our place. Our state was a paradise until the 80’s when the sugar cane industry died and no industry replaced it. We became dependent on tourism which was tolerable until then. Since then, however, it has overrun our islands: horrible traffic, crowded beaches, scenic points jammed with cars, etc.
Then the even worse effect: tourists who decided to LIVE here. Retirees buying up homes. Younger migrants moving here and starting businesses to take advantage of or ENCOURAGE even more visitors. Many of these migrants opened Vacation Rentals so that they could afford to live here without getting an actual job. As a result housing costs skyrocketed and most of our children can’t afford to buy a home and end up moving to the Mainland.
Our State government does little to nothing to alleviate these problems. We’d love tourism to be limited, other industries encouraged, etc. Thankfully officials are finally realizing what a problem TVR’s are posing and have started to weed out the illegal ones, but it may be too little too late.
The irony is that the most vocal protesters are those Mainland transplants who have the attitude of “Well now that I’VE moved here, I don’t want anyone else to spoil MY paradise.” The actual kamaainas who have been here for 5-6 generations pretty much stew quietly and this is unfortunate. Obviously the Native Hawaiians have become more vocal, but the majority of the longtime kamaainas are of Asian descent–descendants of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino plantation workers–and are less inclined to express their opinions publicly (except maybe on Facebook!).
Yes there are inconsiderate tourists. I don’t have much interaction with tourists, but I will say that I’m not the only local that observed that most car door dings are caused by tourists (and I’ve personally witnessed two). I suppose not that surprising since heck, they’re “on vacation” and in rental cars. Another gripe is that tourists will buy then return used items to stores with lenient return policies. These gripes are probably universal, not just happening in Hawaii.
So basically it’s not so mysterious as to how us locals feel. Anyone who understands the situation should be able to figure it out. Almost everyone who works here is dependent on the tourists and yet probably wishes it weren’t so. Personally I don’t hate tourists, but I wish there were less of them. I don’t blame them for wanting to visit or to live here–they’re only human too. I do blame our State government for doing so little and making us more and more dependent on an industry that is ultimately destroying our paradise.
Aunty H
Well said! It is why I wanted a State Convention because that is what steers all decisions of our government. Keep Hawaii beautiful. Don’t destroy our paradise. Everything else will have to follow that.
As a 3rd generation Asian descendant who is part of the group that stews but does nothing, I fear for our Hawaii’s future in the hands of our 4th and 5th generations that don’t care and have their noses in their phones or ipads. They like the condos, the fast pace of getting what they want. In their hands, and with the influx of foreign money, beautiful Hawaii nei will become a paved metropolis with hotter summers and bigger floods. Auwe. Our Hawaii is fragile but no one is paying attention to that until it is too late.
Laurie O
There are two categories of people who come to the Islands: Group I – They educate themselves and understand that Hawai’i is a culture of traditions and values. Respect for land, water, nature in general, and respect for their Kupunas. This group embraces everything Hawai’i has to offer and appreciates where they are. They are on the Islands as visitors. Group II – They are the tourists. They feel entitled to behave and say whatever they want because they “paid” to come. They think that because Hawai’i depends on tourism, that they can do whatever they want. Many, and I’ve seen it for myself, disrespect the land. They throw rubbish on the ground as they are walking and eating in Waikiki. They trash the hiking trails, they ignore warnings about areas that even the locals know better not to challenge. Then they get stuck or hurt and need the services of the island to help. Hawai’i doesn’t have the resources that mainland states have. People who want to visit don’t understand that COVI D19 sucks their medical resources. This is why they are trying to protect their islands. I have faith that Hawai’i will recover and be in a better position to welcome everyone with the same aloha spirit that they are known for. It takes a strong community to make those tough decisions. More power to them for thinking of their people over catering to people who are only thinking of their own pleasure. Rest assure that Hawai’i will be back. Stronger than ever. Mahalo to all the “visitors” who are part of Group I. I am glad to see so many of group I people posting positive comments about Hawai’i. And to group II: please be patient. Stop being rude, disrespectful, judgmental, entitled. We are all in this together. Stay safe everyone.
sandra d.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 21 years and I have never felt that I shouldn’t be there I have always been greeted by the aloha spirit no matter where I went
Carlene T
As a frequent tourist to Hawaii I recognize the islands as a paradise that I greatly respect. I admit that I have sensed the local’s lack of patience with tourists but have also, more often than not, met so many warm and inviting island natives. I have witnessed locals kindly warning tourists of eminent large waves coming in. I would suggest that better educating the vacationers might help increase respect for Hawaii and it’s people and it’s nature. This could be in the form of a pamphlet or video on planes before landing. Even I have found myself frustrated and wanting to yell at tourists to get off the coral or move away from the honu. I often don’t blame the locals for their frustrations. Education is key.
Colleen A
What a great idea to have an educational video on flights before landing about how to behave around coral, turtles, plants, slower driving habits, etc. Buy local.
Charlie
We have been coming to all of Hawaii since 1976, it was more like the movies with laid greetings etc. But for all this time we have been so luck to find locals who shared there important issues to us. One year at a B & B they took us to a local block party and a cementary, to see there way of life. All Hawaiian locals have always treated us well and have been very helpful. Hope to see you all again this November. God bless Hawaii and it’s people.
Vickie B.
Our family has loved and visited the HAWAIIAN Islands for over 30 years. We do see disrespectful tourists… we are not. We would rather eat and buy from the locals instead of the giant companies. Both of our daughters are now grown and bring our grandchildren. Both daughters have been married here.
Now yes we have noticed the hate toward tourists on the internet.. it saddens us.. we cancelled this May’s trip because of the Corona 19. It was heart breaking…but we knew it was the best choice for the loved islands. Thanks for listening
🌺🌺🌺
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Vickie.
Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
Jill B
I understand how the people of Hawaii feel. I’m sure a great deal of tourists are rude and feel entitled They are on vacation and expect to be catered to. I hate that type people too. When I am blessed with a trip to the islands, I feel like I’m going home and I treat my visits with respect. Mahalo for all the wonderful vacations
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jill.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha.
Michelle H
Hello from Australia..I have been to Hawaii twice so far and can not wait to come back when we are allowed to..unfortuneately I have witnessed dissrespect from other tourists when in Hawaii so I understand why some residents don’t want us there but I have never been made to feel anything but welcomed as I have a great respect for the Hawaiian people. It is my happy place so thank you Hawaii. Aloha
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Michelle.
Thanks.
Aloha.
TJ
Thank you so very much for the additional perspective. Warms my heart that 8 out of 10 locals approve of Hawaii’s visitors. Hopefully all visitors will join me and my family in making a conscious effort to be respectful of the locals when we visit. Here are a few things that are always on my mind when visiting.
1) Be kind and smile when someone speaks to you
2) Be mindful that the people in the service industry are there to make your stay as pleasant as possible. But … they are also working to make a living for their family. Be as GENEROUS as possible when tipping. By no means should you leave a restaurant, or accept luggage help (among other things) without tipping the person who helped you. Much of their wage depends upon the tips we give them. If we can afford a trip to Hawaii, surely we can afford to properly tip.
3) Never ever leave trash of any kind behind. Just like on the mainland “pack it in, pack it out”
4)Respect the ocean and the creatures that call it home. Don’t walk on coral reefs! Don’t approach sea turtles, monk seals or any other wild creature. Even leave those nasty chickens alone! 😊
5) Don’t let alcohol consumption get out of hand and exhibit obnoxious behavior
I know the things I listed are common sense items for most of us. But sometimes we need reminded.
Blessings to everyone and I hope your next stay in Hawaii is as amazing as mine have always been!
Aloha & Mahalo
TJ
Arizona
Beat of Hawaii
Hi again TJ.
Look at what you started! There have been nearly 150 comments just in the first hours.
Thank you again.
Aloha.
TJ
I didn’t realize how many people would respond.
Thank you for all your hard work! You publish a newsletter that do many people enjoy!
Mahalo! 😊❤️
Joe K
Amen to that. Could not have said it better.
Joe K
I consider myself lucky. I get the pleasure of working on the Islands about 6 weeks a year and spend about 4 weeks on vacation. We have had a love for Hawaii ever since our first visit back in the early 80’s. I have never experienced any hatred from Hawaiians. I get more hatred from those that come to visit. Some tend to think the Islands owes them something, they throw trash out their windows, park wherever they want and just seem to have a lack of respect for the beauty of Hawaii. I feel you get what you give. If you feel entitled who knows, if you respect the people and the land you get respect. I guess that goes for any place on this planet.
Cal B.
Having a daughter who has lived on the Kauai north shore as a starving artist for 15 years has helped us understand the culture and learn to respect the islands. That understanding is not automatic. I am not sure what the answer is to the respect issue. Reading some history certainly helps.
Looking forward to our annual trip in September from East Tennessee. Your website has been a help and a treat for many years.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Cal.
Thank you!!
Aloha
Sue S
Aloha and thank you for always having such pertinent and up-to-the minute posts! I don’t comment a lot but definitely read every email I get from BOH.
We are condo owners on Maui. We own because we love it there and hope to retire there some day. With the advent of cheap fares and “fare wars”, a whole new set of visitors are coming to all the islands. It sets my teeth on edge to STILL hear people talk about, “back in the States”…as if they’ve traveled to a foreign country! My parents brought us to O’ahu in 1972 for the 1st time. Loved the islands since, and I will not stop coming there! I don’t know that there’s a “good answer”, only that unless HI declares its independence from the mainland and rescinds its statehood, tourism will probably be its main source of revenue.
It all comes down to reciprocal respect. Show it, get it back.
Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Sue.
Thanks for your comment and for being a regular reader.
Aloha.
Wendy P
Aloha Y’all! Love following your posts. We are actually supposed to be in your beautiful state right now as I write this. I’m missing the Aloha, beautiful beaches and sunsets.
We are from Mississippi and have been blessed to travel to Hawaii about 15 times. It seriously is our most favorite place to come to and we have been to many beautiful places but Hawaii ranks #1!
We have always experienced friendly hospitality on our visits, except for one time….we had a trip to Hawaii planned when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We had to cancel, but as soon as I finished 8 rounds of tough chemo and my oncologist approved the trip, we came about 3 weeks post final treatment. I was still very weak but determined to go because that was my reward! LOL. We arrived at a beach with our drinks/snacks from ABC store on a VERY windy day & the ABC bag got away from me & I was trying to catch it & was walking as fast as i possibly could (husband was parking the car since I could not walk the long distance from parking area) & just as it landed and I reached to grab it a local for obvious reasons stated snatched it up and said to me how we tourists were disrespectful, trashed their beaches and she was sick of it. I tried to explain I could not RUN in July heat in deep sand due to health issues but was doing my best to go after it. She was so rude and hateful and obviously hated tourists, I cried.
I get that there are some people that do disrespect your beaches, we see it in the south on our beautiful gulf coast beaches & have friends that live there and have to deal with the same issues. SADLY, there are some people that will trash anywhere they go.
We are not those people and leave the beach like we find it. Not all of us tourists are bad and getting to Hawaii can be expensive (especially from where we live) but we save our money to enjoy your islands and we still come back even after I almost got beat up that day LOL!
Looking forward to our next visit whenever it can be and hope y’all are staying well. Look forward to your daily posts since it makes me feel connected to your beautiful home while we are in quar antine.
Aloha ~
Wendy P.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Wendy.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Carin K
Maui resident here. I think the best answer came from an auntie on Molokai. She said “We don’t like tourists. If you are here to change Molokai, stay away. But we LOVE VISITORS. If you are here for Molokai to change YOU, we welcome you.” Aloha is real. We have an acute Aloha radar. Visitors who have it understand it immediately and Hawai’i will open her arms to them. Tourists who don’t have it, will never get it, and Hawai’i will chew them up and spit them out pretty quickly.
Rochelle h
So true. I’ve been least 35 times, I consider myself ‘Hawaiian at heart’ as does my mom. We studied the history, knew IZ when we saw him on da beach, go to hula contests on mainland, and always feel very welcomed in Hawaii! I have had tourists ask me directions! I’m afraid mom won’t make another trip and don’t know if I could go without her.
Cindy M
I watched both videos. I think they both are very valid and well done. As someone who has loved Hawaii since a small child, though I didn’t get to actually GO there until 2009, I have a deep love and respect for the people and the aina. I adore hula kahiko & oli. I am smitten with slack key guitar & ukulele. The spectacular scenery of Hawaii is a great joy & as someone of indigenous people ancestry, Cherokee, there is something in me that resonates with the Hawaiian culture and respect for the same. I have now spent many months total in Hawaii & feel SO very blessed to have done so. I have seen and heard tourists being rude about things that I doubt they understand: like on the RTH, a visitor driving should be very aware of anyone on their tail and PLEASE pull over at the first chance to let the person pass, & give that person a nice wave or chaka. I think it is too easy to forget that WE are in someone’s home, and that gorgeous “tourist” attraction like RTH, is the ONLY road to get back & forth to work for many, or to the Dr., or to travel somewhere themselves. I think much could be done by visitors to STOP and THINK. To LEARN about the culture. Things are a slower pace in many instances. There is so much to learn. I have been treated very kindly in all my time in Hawaii, but I think that it has helped greatly that I am so thankful to be there, and how much i love the culture. I try to be very respectful. I’m sure I have failed at times, but it was not for want of trying. :))
Bill H.
Having a son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren who were born in Hawaii, I (rightly or wrongly) feel that I have a mixed perspective on the status of tourists and local residents. To me the most important factor is that both populations recognized one another, acknowledge one another and try to keep the aloha spirit alive in everything we say and do. Locals and tourists should show respect and get respect from one another. Be patient, even in a traffic jam in Kapaa. Understand that there are “idiots” in both populations, but they are a small percentage of the total population and even most of them are not always “that way”. Forgive and receive forgiveness in return.
Hawaii is a beautiful gift that God gave to all of us; and sharing it in the spirit of aloha is the best way we can give thanks for this gift.
Michael O
Aloha,
I must say on the Big Island during Lockdown we have seen many Tourist with Rented cars, properties inside resorts during this time C19.
Its awful to see the next day their gone exploring the island.
The Owners are also (Mainland) renting Their Vacation Rentals even against the advice of the Board & HI Government.
Multiple Resorts with Vacation Rentals have eyes watching who are doing this, its unacceptable & your NOT Welcome when orders are in place to stay away.
Some Tourist I heard have being turn away by Management.
This rubs everybody Living On the island the Wrong way, with Tourist completely disrespectful towards our laws, site seeing inside 14 day Quar antine?
How do locals Know who you are?
Why?
It’s scary for many locals, even locals stay 6ft away from one another & know one another don’t have Vi rus?
We maybe a state thats done very well keeping the numbers low.
That’s because we all obey & respect the laws in place by our Governor who has done a Great Job with All the Front line Workers.
We who live here relied on Tourist, but during this crisis its Best forTourist to listen to the Governor & Stay Away.
Your Not Welcome At All as we take it Very Serious!
Otherwise you will find us locals upset & report all who come under a Lockdown. We take it serious NOT because of our own Health, mainly because of the Aunty’s, Uncles & respect with the Culture with those the C19 could be life threatening.
Ive never written a Post. I’m Australian & lived since 2001 on Big Island.
But seeing Every week even just yesterday, Tourist arriving, then asked within hours by locals who are you & where did you come from? Why are you here? Basically everybody knows everyone & we are a Team who Don’t want Tourist on this Island….As for the guest they must feel us locals are Awful.
If we did NOT have C19, you would be Welcome with Aloha.
But during this & maybe after all this, because Mainlanders still arriving when told Don’t come. You may experience No Aloha at All. Its a Bad taste seeing Tourist here with C19 still going?
This post is all locals I know very Upset with Tourist coming to Big Island & felt lead to share what everybody Here is talking story about?
Aloha.
Michael O.
TJ
We on the mainland are also under basically the same shelter in place that you are. I believe I read that there are (and have been for quite sometime) under 100 visitors arriving daily to all the islands combined. I’m perplexed as to where all these visitors that you say are regularly arriving are from? I also understand that Hawaii has imposed strict fines on visitors that disobey. Not all visitors are bad. The majority are good. I wonder how the locals felt about you when you first arrived from Australia? Did you feel as though you deserved a chance? Well … we visitors feel that way as well. Give us a chance. We’re not all bad. Bitterness breeds bitterness. Take a deep breath and just enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. We’re not all as lucky as you are during this quar antine.
Wishing you happiness and good health.
TJ
Jessica B.
My many trips to Oahu have always been exceptional. Mutual respect is key, but especially so if you are visiting. I appreciate the many friendly faces and warm smiles. Mahalo. Much Aloha from
Long Beach, CA
KWL
I own a home in Florida and my second home is in Hawaii. Therefore, I come as a returning resident, as well as a visitor. I love Hawaii and have a huge investment in this state. We come for all its beauty! Visitors (tourists) are an absolute must to maintain the economy of the islands. I am not asking anyone to compromise health for fun, but visitors are responsible people too, and would not knowingly bring any disease to the islands anymore than to themselves in their home states. Under this pan demic, the state is certainly not welcoming anyone. We, too have been quar antined or sheltering in place in our own home states. If visitors are tested prior to arrival within the state of Hawaii, they should be welcomed just as their own. Florida has lost a great deal in the tourist industry just as Hawaii has. My money to businesses is just as valuable in Hawaii as anywhere else. Would appreciate being welcomed and not shunned as a criminal upon arrival.
Deb G
In looking at the big picture, seems the Islands could come up with a plan to manage tourism. I visit the Island of Oahu for a month each year to study, work with ukulele makers and work on developing a project called the Ukulele Support System for disabled players. Why on the Islands? Because playing is such an important part of family, culture, school and life! Am I a tourist? Probably classified as such, but it troubles me to see the congestion and the land being swallowed up. Do I enjoy being there and seeing the sights—sure. Would I be willing to sign up to visit —simple example of take a number—YES. We actually secure accommodations a year in advance. That might take some of the strain off the resources and make people more respectful and appreciative of their time on the Islands. Those from other places, who own homes there would not be included, just the true tourist traffic. Don’t know if that would help, but seems being able to know the % of visitors at anytime would be good to help make a plan. The other thing is that people flying to the islands should have to have proof of actual home address and gainful employment so the state does not strain resources to accommodate more homeless arriving with the idea that they can just live on a beach than they have presently. Of course, I believe other places like Venice should do the same thing to preserve the area.
Shelli :h
Good point I see so many more homeless on the streets I always wonder how they got there.
Betty J.
We have visited Oahu for the last 30 years, every year staying for 4-6 weeks. This year we were there in March, arriving before everything got a little crazy. We stayed only 2 weeks due to the fact they closed virtually everything and we wanted to be home if things got so bad we couldn’t get home. For the first time, I noticed the pronounced hateful signs for the visitors to go home. I also saw posts on other Hawaiian on-line sites I visited. I know Hawaii always has had limited resources. That’s nothing new. I get that. But, the hatefulness I witnessed was beyond comprehension. Certainly no Aloha. Reading a few of these posts on this site, it sounds like people are thinking of other places to spend their vacation time/ money. Obviously is not cheap to visit or live in Hawaii. Lack of tourism will make it harder to survive there if enough tourists feel unwelcome. We have been able to witness Oahu change over the years and have always respected the island and it’s people. Also, in response to Tony’s post about the Monk Seals….I have seen locals be mean to sea life, kicking sand at the seals on the beach before they can be roped off, or in the turtles eyes while sunning. It’s not just tourists. There are most that respect sea life…but there is that one that can ruin everything.
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I have lived in Hawaii for 3 years and I love it! Generally, the locals are friendly to and do not mind and try to accommodate the tourism. That being said most tourists are respectful and present no problems. It is the ones that are disrespectful to the local people, the land and wildlife. Some tourist tend to forget people live here. Be respectful of the residents An example of the disrespect some visitors insist on coming to Hawaii during the pandemic when the state officials are just trying to get a handle on the vi rus and to keep the community safe.
They are still coming and not following the wishes of state officials. One example of the disrespect some tourist harassing the wildlife. Unforgivable. Respect should be a given when you are a guess in people’s home and state.
Well stated. Respect goes both ways. The comment sections of FB and other sites allow people to be plain nasty. The vast majority of people don’t act like that out in the real world so don’t base the people of Hawaii’s feelings on a comment section. If TJ has been to Hawaii 5 times I’m sure he has seen the aloha here and felt it from most of the people.
Mahalos for bringing up this subject; it’s one that divides people – largely because we avoid talking about it. As with politics, religion, and other topics, those who do talk about “the problem with tourism” have often been hurt by bad experiences, so speak angrily. It’s important to hear and respect the vocal minority on both sides, but also to recognize that the majority of tourists and locals are friendly and respectful.
Tourists come to Hawaii because of how different it is from their day to day lives. Most of them don’t understand that Hawaii is different because, until relatively recently, it was a different country. Hawaii had it’s own leaders, laws, language, history, and culture. But as we’ve seen with so many other countries, foreigners invaded and treated everything they found as an exploitable resource. In Hawaii’s case the foreigners were mostly American. Over a period of years the Hawaiian government was overthrown, Hawaiian people were decimated by introduced diseases, Hawaiian religion and language were outlawed, and Hawaiian culture very nearly disappeared. The invaders treated Hawaiians like cheap manual labor, laborers working in a country and economy they suddenly barely recognized. Much of this happened only a few generations ago, so today Hawaiians still experience the painful losses of country, culture, way of life, and even family members. Hawaiians did not choose tourism as a primary economic driver; instead, tourism was established by the invaders, and is now promoted by them.
It’s important to recognize that the vast majority of visitors these days have good intentions and are respectful and friendly. But some visitors are not, and hosting and serving those people is a painful reminder of the losses experienced by locals. Idyllic visions promoted by airlines and groups like the the HTA (Hawaii Tourism Authority) bring tourists by the millions. Hawaii’s people though have a different idyllic vision, ones of their cultures and ways of life restored. The Hawaiian cultural Renaissance has renewed local pride, and the problematic tourism economy (and some tourists) provide a painful reminder of how much work remains to be done.
The United States has invaded many countries, overthrown governments, and destroyed local ways of life. To expect such places to willingly and happily become American tourist destinations is unrealistic. And yet, because of the love and sharing that permeates traditional Hawaiian culture, local people have made a transition that might be unthinkable elsewhere.
The low incomes that come with a tourism-driven economy are experienced in most other places now too; disposable incomes have been trending downward for decades. This means that many tourists spend a long time saving money – sometimes for years – to be able to spend just seven days in Hawaii. With such a heavy investment, tourists expect their visit to be just like the tourism brochures. The realities of life, even in Hawaii, may interfere with this.
The keys to both a happy visit and a happy population are the same: open minds, respect, and education. The more of these we see, the happier all will be.
Hi Robbos.
Thank you.
Aloha.
This is a well thought out and insightful commentary on things that do not immediately come to mind when considering this issue.
If visitors become more aware of the issues they present to local populations when they act in an entitled and obnoxious manner, and if the locals will allow that most visitors DON’T behave this way, it’s easy to understand the fact that it only takes one or two bad apples to spoil a whole bunch.
When you go to someone’s home you are a quest in their home and as such they are due gratitude and respect of their house rules. Same goes it when you visit their state. If you act a fool in the lineup in the water you will be quickly corrected. It is surprising people don’t get this but in the states you live in a much more self serving environment in alot of places. The south still holds some of those “old school” principles and tends to be a very friendly place unless you bring your Yankee Ass attitude with you. You get what you give. Aloha
Maui is our vacation spot every year and this year we canceled due to this. I was rudely told to stay home and cancel my trip on another site, Maui Accomodations Guide. We realize this is not a good time to come but I was surprised at the comment. I have been vacationing in Hawaii for the past 30 years and have seen the decline in the Aloha spirit towards visitors. This is mainly from those who have moved to the islands. I still find many of the older locals to be the most pleasant and kind people and this along with the beauty of the islands that bring me back. I consider Hawaii my second home and if we could afford it, I would live there in my retirement. ALOHA!
Most tourists and most locals are lovely people, and there is a small minority that are not so nice. As a local, it feels like the tourism industry oversold Hawaii. Our once quiet Hana Highway is so packed with cars, that the noise, rudeness, and traffic jams are ruining our way of life. Then, the FAA diverted air traffic over Haiku a few months ago, so now we have non-stop jet engine noise. We get no relief. I do not blame tourists….I blame the HTA, MVB, and FAA. Why did they build a brand new car garage at OGG for rental cars only? Ever since that happened, we have been suffocating. It also feels like locals have no say…nobody told us they were diverting air traffic, they just did it and there have been hundreds if complaints that have been ignored. You have to take care if locals if you want locals to take care if tourists. Mahalo for the opportunity to comment.
Hi Irene.
Thank you.
Aloha.
In February, we took our annual vacation to Kauai. We went Ziplining with Kauai Back Country adventures. Our guides were fabulous, and the ziplining was awesome, as usual. Our guide Cody was telling us about Hawaiian history. Over the years, we have felt welcomed and sometimes not so welcomed, but Cody told us something this time I have not forgotten. He said tourists are Hawaii’s sugar cane, and the Hawaiians are very glad we are there. As long as we respect the culture and history of the islands, the Hawaiian people are very glad to share their Aloha. It goes both ways.
Mahalo, Keri! You GET it!
I was shocked to hear that prior to this, 30,000 tourist descended on our islands daily. I was shocked to see the aloha stadium parking lot filled with rent a cars and to hear that maui has the largest rent a car inventory at 20,000 cars available for rent daily. I am very disturbed at the disrespectful tourist that have descended on our islands since the 14 day quar antine was issued and ignore the quar antine, sneak around our communities in illegal vacation rentals and disrespect the safety of our kupuna! This has given our near shore sea life a small window to recover from constant human disruption. Same with our forests and lands that have been trampled upon seemingly ceaselessly, save for the occasional flash floods that thankfully wash away the human effects. Even before this, we have been fighting a losing battle on our infrastructure…..roads, sewers, water, schools, affordable housing, are all badly in need of repairs and upgrades. We have a badly planned and managed rail system that was already a financial disaster before this………so now we face two very bad financial situations to overcome. I say welcome the tourist when it’s once again safe to travel, let them come and enjoy the great beauty and culture of our islands…….but they must pay much more than what they.currently are being assessed by our state and county governments for that privilege. We are a unique premium destination and we cannot continue to allow 30,000 tourist to descend on our islands daily…. like fun living people crashing your party, they bring a bag of chips and eat and drink to their delight, have a great time but they leave you with the mess to clean up! We have evolved tourism to our detriment! We have an opportunity during this pause in tourism to re-set the value of our resources and culture and charge an infrastructure premium during their stay to help pay for all that is left to upkeep and maintain. For the sake of our residents and future generations, we need to shift the paradigm from the price you pay to live in paradise to the price you pay to visit and enjoy paradise.
My husband and I live in Canada and absolutely love Hawaii! We go every year to the big island and have never felt anything but the Aloha spirit. Not sure why, but we feel so connected to the culture and history. It never ceases to amaze us. The absolute beauty of the islands is just indescribable! It’s truly paradise and feel blessed to be able to experience it time and again 😊
Amen Brother.
Great Post. 🤙
Tourist doing the same on Big Island during 14 day Quar antine.
It’s so upsetting, locals are Reporting them.
No respect, this is why probably why Tourist receive No Aloha,
They don’t Respect the Culture, Land or residents!
They buy a property & rent it out to come for a month & class themselves as locals. They Act like they own the island parking anywhere, dumping trash on sidewalks…speeding through Intersections for What?
Maybe they could served themselves to see why they don’t get the Aloha.
Aloha is given to most people always in the
But these Tourist 30% don’t appreciate our Paradise.. But seems most Tourist are Cheap, looking for Discounts.
I don’t you should Lump Every tourist who buys property as Not caring about the culture and history of Hawaii. We own a condo on Maalaea Bay and we help with the landscape, we do Not litter, in fact, we pick up litter. Picking broken bottles, caps, towels, beach toys, all kinds of stuff. We are proud to own property in Maui, we are constantly upgrading and we remind our guests to respect EVERYTHING! we don’t pretend to claim Maui as our own but we sure love it there. We shop local when there and have gotten along very well with locals. Can’t wait to get back. Thank you for Welcoming us whenever we are there!
We lived on Oahu for several years when my husband was in the Navy. We went to church in the local community and learned to love and respect our Hawaiian friends. We now come to Kauai every year for 4 weeks and stay at the same location. We have made many friends and our family has Ohana family in the Islands. While we might be Haoles we have been adopted as islanders. Aloha and Mahalo
Hi Trisha.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Great journalism here 🙂 I think emotions run high with locals and visitors because they have more in common then they realize. They all LOVE Hawaii ❤️
Hi Cheryl.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Tourists are welcomed as far as I’m concerned, but too many tourists can be harmful to our resources and culture. Corporate greed and greedy vacation rental owners need to reigned in.
No more hotel rooms and ban all vacation rentals. Limit the number of available rental cars. Let’s face it…this is not the Hawaii of old. Aloha spirit is disappearing, crime is increasing, the influx of non-Hawaiians or Hawaiians at heart have changed the culture forever and it will never come back. Keep tourists housed in Waikiki or other strategically placed locations, provide better mass transportation so they can explore the islands, kick out homeless from Waikiki and keep them out. Increase police presence to protect everyone from criminals. Is this too much to ask?
I’ve been a tourist in many places, and a local in a few, but only in Hawaii have I ever experienced such courtesy. One of two young boys at the McD’s by Makaha nearly fell over backwards to get back to the door to hold it open when he saw my wife and myself leaving after them. One night in H1 traffic the driver behind us turned his headlights off when he noticed us trying to block the reflection in our mirrors. A homeless fellow let us borrow his very expensive binoculars to watch whales, never asked for a nickel, and warned us about the drug people. Maybe these aren’t considered locals by some, but they weren’t tourists, and even if they had been tourists I’m guessing that most people are more courteous when in Hawaii than anywhere else. The only place where Aloha is more than a word.
I’ve been blessed to have been a visitor to the islands more times than I can count, and I’ve only ever had true Aloha kindness shown by the locals. It’s by far the most peaceful vacation we ever take and I’d never do anything to not show Aloha right back. To Hawaiian residents, thank you for opening up your home to us! 🌺
We love Hawaii, and I have friends who live on Hawaii island and on Oahu (I met them while they were living and working here in the Bay Area before they returned home). They were born there and over the years have related how proud they are of their native heritage and how much the land means to them. One thing I hear over and over again is “Malama ‘aina”. So when we are privileged to visit, we try to be as respectful to both the land, people and culture.
As far as “entitled tourists” go, we have them here, too. We see the same inconsiderate behavior of trespassing, tossing litter, rude driving, returning used goods, etc., especially in Lake Tahoe. Not sure if it is a generational thing or just a breakdown in the culture, but it seems to be everywhere.
I’d like to think that my hubby and I fall in Group 1 (as Carol S mentioned in her post). And we always feel welcomed. BTW, as a tourist, I hate the crowded roads on Maui too! So we try to time our driving around commute hours and other events so we don’t add to the frustration of the locals who are just trying to get to their jobs.
Mahalo for the videos and asking for comments. Much aloha to all – and may Hawaii see the end of the pandemic soon and be safe.
Anyway,
Hi Debi.
Thanks. You have friends on Kauai now too.
Aloha.
Thanks Rob and Jeff! I’m honored. Aloha.
Aloha all! I’ve lived on Big Island (1987), visit (all the islands) several times a year and I always wished that visitors would approach Hawaii as a “foreign” country. What I mean by that is when we travel internationally we (or we should) respect the culture, the language, the archeological and natural resources – unfortunately many visitors treat these beautiful islands like their own back yard. An island is a very fragile piece of land. There are cultures and protocols that need to be respected. All the time. Be kind. Treat the islands gently and respectfully. Treat those that live on the islands with kindness, courtesy and you’ll get that in return. Malama ‘aina – respect the land.
Hi Tea.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I love tourists because tourists love Hawaii. That is the reason they come here. However, we have based our economy on tourism and catering to tourists needs, which sells out the Hawaii that we used to have.
Perhaps this mandated break can start the process of creating a vision for our future Hawaii by our leaders. Instead of being swayed by the loudest voices or the most powerful for profit pushers, decide right now what our Hawaii can be. Filled with more high rises for the ultra wealthy and more fake activities to keep tourists happy, or preserve the aloha and beauty of the islands with a master plan of lower heights at our shores, more agricultural spaces, a compromise with respecting the Hawaiian culture and still embracing visitors to our homes and land. We need government mandates for that – keep Hawaii beautiful should be the 1st and main criteria. The tourists will probably like that better than us becoming another Miami.
I have been to Hawaii 7 or 8 times over the last 15 years, starting when my boys were fairly young. I have never felt like a tourist, and always tried to be friendly and respectful to hotel staff and shop keepers. I have seen examples of bad behavior, and find it really embarrassing . I can imagine why locals have issues.
We have visited most of the Hawaiian islands and decided Kauai was our dream come true! We love the less crowded beaches fewer crowds,and the native island traditions. There is a special spirit on this island. I respect the locals and their culture and feel that all decisions to limit traffic, crowds and maintain their lifestyle should be their decision, not the tourists. We are lucky visitors on THEIR island. From restaurants, hotels and community we have always felt Ohana from our new friends. We love this island but the islanders and residents should be deciding their fate. Not the tourists. Can’t wait to return to our little jewel in the ocean.❤️
I moved to Oahu from Long Island, N.Y. back in the 70’s and I felt very welcome. Not once did I feel resented. I moved back to the mainland for personal reasons a couple of years later but kept in touch with my friend that moved with me. She still lives there. She married a local, had a family and is not a grandparent. 6 years ago, my husband and I went to Oahu for our Honeymoon and have gone every year since. Besides my girlfriend, I have a very good friend that I worked with at the Phoenix Va Hospital for many years who moved back home to Lanikai when he retired. We’d love to move to Oahu but think it is out of our reaches, so for now we can just visit. We have met many people through our friends and have never felt like we were not wanted.
An interesting topic, thank you for asking for commentary. I am fourth generation born & raised in Hawaii; I was born on Maui and it will always be my home at heart. Now I live on the mainland but return Hawaii as much as possible. I see the islands with both a local and mainland perspective. On Maui in the 60’s and 70’s, tourists seemed to blend in better. Fewer tourists back then; they seemed more appreciative of the beauty of the land and culture. What I resent now — the past 30 years — are the tourists who are noisy, rude, thoughtless. Their mission seems to be to Facebook and Instagram “look what we are doing right now and aren’t we cool”. Perhaps the % of obnoxious tourists is no different than years ago and it’s simply the larger numbers of visitors overwhelming Hawaii’s infrastructure. We’ve met wonderful down-to-earth visitors who simply want a beautiful vacation, and we’ve met visitors who likely act poorly in any part of the world. Every attractive destination around the globe has this problem. I like to advise first-time visitors just to be mellow and appreciate the incredible beauty of the islands. Try to meet local folks in one-on-one conversations — there’s much to learn.
Hi Carol.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I scrolled/read through the comments here and see that there are very few comments from residents. As a 4th generation local born and raised on multiple islands and 65 years old, and as a member of the Kauai Rant and Raves Facebook group, I feel I can comment with some authority based on the opinions of friends, family, and social media.
First of all, we residents are human. You don’t have to wonder how we feel. Just imagine how YOU’D feel in our place. Our state was a paradise until the 80’s when the sugar cane industry died and no industry replaced it. We became dependent on tourism which was tolerable until then. Since then, however, it has overrun our islands: horrible traffic, crowded beaches, scenic points jammed with cars, etc.
Then the even worse effect: tourists who decided to LIVE here. Retirees buying up homes. Younger migrants moving here and starting businesses to take advantage of or ENCOURAGE even more visitors. Many of these migrants opened Vacation Rentals so that they could afford to live here without getting an actual job. As a result housing costs skyrocketed and most of our children can’t afford to buy a home and end up moving to the Mainland.
Our State government does little to nothing to alleviate these problems. We’d love tourism to be limited, other industries encouraged, etc. Thankfully officials are finally realizing what a problem TVR’s are posing and have started to weed out the illegal ones, but it may be too little too late.
The irony is that the most vocal protesters are those Mainland transplants who have the attitude of “Well now that I’VE moved here, I don’t want anyone else to spoil MY paradise.” The actual kamaainas who have been here for 5-6 generations pretty much stew quietly and this is unfortunate. Obviously the Native Hawaiians have become more vocal, but the majority of the longtime kamaainas are of Asian descent–descendants of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino plantation workers–and are less inclined to express their opinions publicly (except maybe on Facebook!).
Yes there are inconsiderate tourists. I don’t have much interaction with tourists, but I will say that I’m not the only local that observed that most car door dings are caused by tourists (and I’ve personally witnessed two). I suppose not that surprising since heck, they’re “on vacation” and in rental cars. Another gripe is that tourists will buy then return used items to stores with lenient return policies. These gripes are probably universal, not just happening in Hawaii.
So basically it’s not so mysterious as to how us locals feel. Anyone who understands the situation should be able to figure it out. Almost everyone who works here is dependent on the tourists and yet probably wishes it weren’t so. Personally I don’t hate tourists, but I wish there were less of them. I don’t blame them for wanting to visit or to live here–they’re only human too. I do blame our State government for doing so little and making us more and more dependent on an industry that is ultimately destroying our paradise.
Well said! It is why I wanted a State Convention because that is what steers all decisions of our government. Keep Hawaii beautiful. Don’t destroy our paradise. Everything else will have to follow that.
As a 3rd generation Asian descendant who is part of the group that stews but does nothing, I fear for our Hawaii’s future in the hands of our 4th and 5th generations that don’t care and have their noses in their phones or ipads. They like the condos, the fast pace of getting what they want. In their hands, and with the influx of foreign money, beautiful Hawaii nei will become a paved metropolis with hotter summers and bigger floods. Auwe. Our Hawaii is fragile but no one is paying attention to that until it is too late.
There are two categories of people who come to the Islands: Group I – They educate themselves and understand that Hawai’i is a culture of traditions and values. Respect for land, water, nature in general, and respect for their Kupunas. This group embraces everything Hawai’i has to offer and appreciates where they are. They are on the Islands as visitors. Group II – They are the tourists. They feel entitled to behave and say whatever they want because they “paid” to come. They think that because Hawai’i depends on tourism, that they can do whatever they want. Many, and I’ve seen it for myself, disrespect the land. They throw rubbish on the ground as they are walking and eating in Waikiki. They trash the hiking trails, they ignore warnings about areas that even the locals know better not to challenge. Then they get stuck or hurt and need the services of the island to help. Hawai’i doesn’t have the resources that mainland states have. People who want to visit don’t understand that COVI D19 sucks their medical resources. This is why they are trying to protect their islands. I have faith that Hawai’i will recover and be in a better position to welcome everyone with the same aloha spirit that they are known for. It takes a strong community to make those tough decisions. More power to them for thinking of their people over catering to people who are only thinking of their own pleasure. Rest assure that Hawai’i will be back. Stronger than ever. Mahalo to all the “visitors” who are part of Group I. I am glad to see so many of group I people posting positive comments about Hawai’i. And to group II: please be patient. Stop being rude, disrespectful, judgmental, entitled. We are all in this together. Stay safe everyone.
I have been coming to Hawaii every year for the past 21 years and I have never felt that I shouldn’t be there I have always been greeted by the aloha spirit no matter where I went
As a frequent tourist to Hawaii I recognize the islands as a paradise that I greatly respect. I admit that I have sensed the local’s lack of patience with tourists but have also, more often than not, met so many warm and inviting island natives. I have witnessed locals kindly warning tourists of eminent large waves coming in. I would suggest that better educating the vacationers might help increase respect for Hawaii and it’s people and it’s nature. This could be in the form of a pamphlet or video on planes before landing. Even I have found myself frustrated and wanting to yell at tourists to get off the coral or move away from the honu. I often don’t blame the locals for their frustrations. Education is key.
What a great idea to have an educational video on flights before landing about how to behave around coral, turtles, plants, slower driving habits, etc. Buy local.
We have been coming to all of Hawaii since 1976, it was more like the movies with laid greetings etc. But for all this time we have been so luck to find locals who shared there important issues to us. One year at a B & B they took us to a local block party and a cementary, to see there way of life. All Hawaiian locals have always treated us well and have been very helpful. Hope to see you all again this November. God bless Hawaii and it’s people.
Our family has loved and visited the HAWAIIAN Islands for over 30 years. We do see disrespectful tourists… we are not. We would rather eat and buy from the locals instead of the giant companies. Both of our daughters are now grown and bring our grandchildren. Both daughters have been married here.
Now yes we have noticed the hate toward tourists on the internet.. it saddens us.. we cancelled this May’s trip because of the Corona 19. It was heart breaking…but we knew it was the best choice for the loved islands. Thanks for listening
🌺🌺🌺
Hi Vickie.
Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
I understand how the people of Hawaii feel. I’m sure a great deal of tourists are rude and feel entitled They are on vacation and expect to be catered to. I hate that type people too. When I am blessed with a trip to the islands, I feel like I’m going home and I treat my visits with respect. Mahalo for all the wonderful vacations
Hi Jill.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha.
Hello from Australia..I have been to Hawaii twice so far and can not wait to come back when we are allowed to..unfortuneately I have witnessed dissrespect from other tourists when in Hawaii so I understand why some residents don’t want us there but I have never been made to feel anything but welcomed as I have a great respect for the Hawaiian people. It is my happy place so thank you Hawaii. Aloha
Hi Michelle.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Thank you so very much for the additional perspective. Warms my heart that 8 out of 10 locals approve of Hawaii’s visitors. Hopefully all visitors will join me and my family in making a conscious effort to be respectful of the locals when we visit. Here are a few things that are always on my mind when visiting.
1) Be kind and smile when someone speaks to you
2) Be mindful that the people in the service industry are there to make your stay as pleasant as possible. But … they are also working to make a living for their family. Be as GENEROUS as possible when tipping. By no means should you leave a restaurant, or accept luggage help (among other things) without tipping the person who helped you. Much of their wage depends upon the tips we give them. If we can afford a trip to Hawaii, surely we can afford to properly tip.
3) Never ever leave trash of any kind behind. Just like on the mainland “pack it in, pack it out”
4)Respect the ocean and the creatures that call it home. Don’t walk on coral reefs! Don’t approach sea turtles, monk seals or any other wild creature. Even leave those nasty chickens alone! 😊
5) Don’t let alcohol consumption get out of hand and exhibit obnoxious behavior
I know the things I listed are common sense items for most of us. But sometimes we need reminded.
Blessings to everyone and I hope your next stay in Hawaii is as amazing as mine have always been!
Aloha & Mahalo
TJ
Arizona
Hi again TJ.
Look at what you started! There have been nearly 150 comments just in the first hours.
Thank you again.
Aloha.
I didn’t realize how many people would respond.
Thank you for all your hard work! You publish a newsletter that do many people enjoy!
Mahalo! 😊❤️
Amen to that. Could not have said it better.
I consider myself lucky. I get the pleasure of working on the Islands about 6 weeks a year and spend about 4 weeks on vacation. We have had a love for Hawaii ever since our first visit back in the early 80’s. I have never experienced any hatred from Hawaiians. I get more hatred from those that come to visit. Some tend to think the Islands owes them something, they throw trash out their windows, park wherever they want and just seem to have a lack of respect for the beauty of Hawaii. I feel you get what you give. If you feel entitled who knows, if you respect the people and the land you get respect. I guess that goes for any place on this planet.
Having a daughter who has lived on the Kauai north shore as a starving artist for 15 years has helped us understand the culture and learn to respect the islands. That understanding is not automatic. I am not sure what the answer is to the respect issue. Reading some history certainly helps.
Looking forward to our annual trip in September from East Tennessee. Your website has been a help and a treat for many years.
Hi Cal.
Thank you!!
Aloha
Aloha and thank you for always having such pertinent and up-to-the minute posts! I don’t comment a lot but definitely read every email I get from BOH.
We are condo owners on Maui. We own because we love it there and hope to retire there some day. With the advent of cheap fares and “fare wars”, a whole new set of visitors are coming to all the islands. It sets my teeth on edge to STILL hear people talk about, “back in the States”…as if they’ve traveled to a foreign country! My parents brought us to O’ahu in 1972 for the 1st time. Loved the islands since, and I will not stop coming there! I don’t know that there’s a “good answer”, only that unless HI declares its independence from the mainland and rescinds its statehood, tourism will probably be its main source of revenue.
It all comes down to reciprocal respect. Show it, get it back.
Mahalo!
Hi Sue.
Thanks for your comment and for being a regular reader.
Aloha.
Aloha Y’all! Love following your posts. We are actually supposed to be in your beautiful state right now as I write this. I’m missing the Aloha, beautiful beaches and sunsets.
We are from Mississippi and have been blessed to travel to Hawaii about 15 times. It seriously is our most favorite place to come to and we have been to many beautiful places but Hawaii ranks #1!
We have always experienced friendly hospitality on our visits, except for one time….we had a trip to Hawaii planned when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We had to cancel, but as soon as I finished 8 rounds of tough chemo and my oncologist approved the trip, we came about 3 weeks post final treatment. I was still very weak but determined to go because that was my reward! LOL. We arrived at a beach with our drinks/snacks from ABC store on a VERY windy day & the ABC bag got away from me & I was trying to catch it & was walking as fast as i possibly could (husband was parking the car since I could not walk the long distance from parking area) & just as it landed and I reached to grab it a local for obvious reasons stated snatched it up and said to me how we tourists were disrespectful, trashed their beaches and she was sick of it. I tried to explain I could not RUN in July heat in deep sand due to health issues but was doing my best to go after it. She was so rude and hateful and obviously hated tourists, I cried.
I get that there are some people that do disrespect your beaches, we see it in the south on our beautiful gulf coast beaches & have friends that live there and have to deal with the same issues. SADLY, there are some people that will trash anywhere they go.
We are not those people and leave the beach like we find it. Not all of us tourists are bad and getting to Hawaii can be expensive (especially from where we live) but we save our money to enjoy your islands and we still come back even after I almost got beat up that day LOL!
Looking forward to our next visit whenever it can be and hope y’all are staying well. Look forward to your daily posts since it makes me feel connected to your beautiful home while we are in quar antine.
Aloha ~
Wendy P.
Hi Wendy.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Maui resident here. I think the best answer came from an auntie on Molokai. She said “We don’t like tourists. If you are here to change Molokai, stay away. But we LOVE VISITORS. If you are here for Molokai to change YOU, we welcome you.” Aloha is real. We have an acute Aloha radar. Visitors who have it understand it immediately and Hawai’i will open her arms to them. Tourists who don’t have it, will never get it, and Hawai’i will chew them up and spit them out pretty quickly.
So true. I’ve been least 35 times, I consider myself ‘Hawaiian at heart’ as does my mom. We studied the history, knew IZ when we saw him on da beach, go to hula contests on mainland, and always feel very welcomed in Hawaii! I have had tourists ask me directions! I’m afraid mom won’t make another trip and don’t know if I could go without her.
I watched both videos. I think they both are very valid and well done. As someone who has loved Hawaii since a small child, though I didn’t get to actually GO there until 2009, I have a deep love and respect for the people and the aina. I adore hula kahiko & oli. I am smitten with slack key guitar & ukulele. The spectacular scenery of Hawaii is a great joy & as someone of indigenous people ancestry, Cherokee, there is something in me that resonates with the Hawaiian culture and respect for the same. I have now spent many months total in Hawaii & feel SO very blessed to have done so. I have seen and heard tourists being rude about things that I doubt they understand: like on the RTH, a visitor driving should be very aware of anyone on their tail and PLEASE pull over at the first chance to let the person pass, & give that person a nice wave or chaka. I think it is too easy to forget that WE are in someone’s home, and that gorgeous “tourist” attraction like RTH, is the ONLY road to get back & forth to work for many, or to the Dr., or to travel somewhere themselves. I think much could be done by visitors to STOP and THINK. To LEARN about the culture. Things are a slower pace in many instances. There is so much to learn. I have been treated very kindly in all my time in Hawaii, but I think that it has helped greatly that I am so thankful to be there, and how much i love the culture. I try to be very respectful. I’m sure I have failed at times, but it was not for want of trying. :))
Having a son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren who were born in Hawaii, I (rightly or wrongly) feel that I have a mixed perspective on the status of tourists and local residents. To me the most important factor is that both populations recognized one another, acknowledge one another and try to keep the aloha spirit alive in everything we say and do. Locals and tourists should show respect and get respect from one another. Be patient, even in a traffic jam in Kapaa. Understand that there are “idiots” in both populations, but they are a small percentage of the total population and even most of them are not always “that way”. Forgive and receive forgiveness in return.
Hawaii is a beautiful gift that God gave to all of us; and sharing it in the spirit of aloha is the best way we can give thanks for this gift.
Aloha,
I must say on the Big Island during Lockdown we have seen many Tourist with Rented cars, properties inside resorts during this time C19.
Its awful to see the next day their gone exploring the island.
The Owners are also (Mainland) renting Their Vacation Rentals even against the advice of the Board & HI Government.
Multiple Resorts with Vacation Rentals have eyes watching who are doing this, its unacceptable & your NOT Welcome when orders are in place to stay away.
Some Tourist I heard have being turn away by Management.
This rubs everybody Living On the island the Wrong way, with Tourist completely disrespectful towards our laws, site seeing inside 14 day Quar antine?
How do locals Know who you are?
Why?
It’s scary for many locals, even locals stay 6ft away from one another & know one another don’t have Vi rus?
We maybe a state thats done very well keeping the numbers low.
That’s because we all obey & respect the laws in place by our Governor who has done a Great Job with All the Front line Workers.
We who live here relied on Tourist, but during this crisis its Best forTourist to listen to the Governor & Stay Away.
Your Not Welcome At All as we take it Very Serious!
Otherwise you will find us locals upset & report all who come under a Lockdown. We take it serious NOT because of our own Health, mainly because of the Aunty’s, Uncles & respect with the Culture with those the C19 could be life threatening.
Ive never written a Post. I’m Australian & lived since 2001 on Big Island.
But seeing Every week even just yesterday, Tourist arriving, then asked within hours by locals who are you & where did you come from? Why are you here? Basically everybody knows everyone & we are a Team who Don’t want Tourist on this Island….As for the guest they must feel us locals are Awful.
If we did NOT have C19, you would be Welcome with Aloha.
But during this & maybe after all this, because Mainlanders still arriving when told Don’t come. You may experience No Aloha at All. Its a Bad taste seeing Tourist here with C19 still going?
This post is all locals I know very Upset with Tourist coming to Big Island & felt lead to share what everybody Here is talking story about?
Aloha.
Michael O.
We on the mainland are also under basically the same shelter in place that you are. I believe I read that there are (and have been for quite sometime) under 100 visitors arriving daily to all the islands combined. I’m perplexed as to where all these visitors that you say are regularly arriving are from? I also understand that Hawaii has imposed strict fines on visitors that disobey. Not all visitors are bad. The majority are good. I wonder how the locals felt about you when you first arrived from Australia? Did you feel as though you deserved a chance? Well … we visitors feel that way as well. Give us a chance. We’re not all bad. Bitterness breeds bitterness. Take a deep breath and just enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. We’re not all as lucky as you are during this quar antine.
Wishing you happiness and good health.
TJ
My many trips to Oahu have always been exceptional. Mutual respect is key, but especially so if you are visiting. I appreciate the many friendly faces and warm smiles. Mahalo. Much Aloha from
Long Beach, CA
I own a home in Florida and my second home is in Hawaii. Therefore, I come as a returning resident, as well as a visitor. I love Hawaii and have a huge investment in this state. We come for all its beauty! Visitors (tourists) are an absolute must to maintain the economy of the islands. I am not asking anyone to compromise health for fun, but visitors are responsible people too, and would not knowingly bring any disease to the islands anymore than to themselves in their home states. Under this pan demic, the state is certainly not welcoming anyone. We, too have been quar antined or sheltering in place in our own home states. If visitors are tested prior to arrival within the state of Hawaii, they should be welcomed just as their own. Florida has lost a great deal in the tourist industry just as Hawaii has. My money to businesses is just as valuable in Hawaii as anywhere else. Would appreciate being welcomed and not shunned as a criminal upon arrival.
In looking at the big picture, seems the Islands could come up with a plan to manage tourism. I visit the Island of Oahu for a month each year to study, work with ukulele makers and work on developing a project called the Ukulele Support System for disabled players. Why on the Islands? Because playing is such an important part of family, culture, school and life! Am I a tourist? Probably classified as such, but it troubles me to see the congestion and the land being swallowed up. Do I enjoy being there and seeing the sights—sure. Would I be willing to sign up to visit —simple example of take a number—YES. We actually secure accommodations a year in advance. That might take some of the strain off the resources and make people more respectful and appreciative of their time on the Islands. Those from other places, who own homes there would not be included, just the true tourist traffic. Don’t know if that would help, but seems being able to know the % of visitors at anytime would be good to help make a plan. The other thing is that people flying to the islands should have to have proof of actual home address and gainful employment so the state does not strain resources to accommodate more homeless arriving with the idea that they can just live on a beach than they have presently. Of course, I believe other places like Venice should do the same thing to preserve the area.
Good point I see so many more homeless on the streets I always wonder how they got there.
We have visited Oahu for the last 30 years, every year staying for 4-6 weeks. This year we were there in March, arriving before everything got a little crazy. We stayed only 2 weeks due to the fact they closed virtually everything and we wanted to be home if things got so bad we couldn’t get home. For the first time, I noticed the pronounced hateful signs for the visitors to go home. I also saw posts on other Hawaiian on-line sites I visited. I know Hawaii always has had limited resources. That’s nothing new. I get that. But, the hatefulness I witnessed was beyond comprehension. Certainly no Aloha. Reading a few of these posts on this site, it sounds like people are thinking of other places to spend their vacation time/ money. Obviously is not cheap to visit or live in Hawaii. Lack of tourism will make it harder to survive there if enough tourists feel unwelcome. We have been able to witness Oahu change over the years and have always respected the island and it’s people. Also, in response to Tony’s post about the Monk Seals….I have seen locals be mean to sea life, kicking sand at the seals on the beach before they can be roped off, or in the turtles eyes while sunning. It’s not just tourists. There are most that respect sea life…but there is that one that can ruin everything.