1,090 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitors and Residents Whipsaw in 1,000 Comments”
RIch
When looking at this issue, I wish we could all agree on terms. TO me, a local is someone who is Kama’aina. Someone who was born in Hawaii and lived thire life in Hawaii. It does not include Malahini or Service Personnel who have just moved here, even if they have been here a number of years. So often with Superferry and other issues it is the Californians and other Malahinis who voice strong protest about spoiling Hawaii when it is arguable their moving out here in numbers is doing more damage. Local is of the land.
Hawaii is a different experience and we should treat it as so. Fewer people would be unemployed and tourism wouldn’t be an issue if leadership could get ‘things’ under control. Over tourism is an issue and we still see evidence of zero consideration or respect for the Hawaiian culture from the government and many tourists… Are you one of them? I have witnessed the most hypocritical behavior from hundreds of people. One example?”seeing the red sand beach”. Even after being told it’s private property, it’s dangerous, a place where Hawaiian people go to pray and you are taking community center parking. Why must some people take everything for their own pleasure? Why do the old Hawaiian people feel disrespected? Don’t ask… You trample all over the island, regardless of signs, chains, ropes, leaving garbage and toilet paper… I feel we could all be more respectful and leave only footprints.
Aloha Robert. It is a spiritual place and I apparently felt a lack of aloha (just re-read that 🙁 when I wrote this. I am angered at being painted with the same brush as all the others. Maybe before anyone buys property and calls themselves a ‘local’ or a rental to send guests all over the island, they should be questioned on their values and respect for the people and aina.
The only real evidence of loving something or someone, is how you treat it/them.
Hi Lynn thanks for replying. We have been going to Maui since 2004, at first, we did the touristy things, then we just enjoyed the peace and attitude there. In 2011, an opportunity arose to buy a condo on Maalaea Bay. We Do rent it out and for the most part, because we say to Every client who rents to Please respect the Island and it’s people, we have found they Have! We follow up. Now I cannot say Everyone does but we have had many returning guests now over the years. For our part, we shop local, we eat local, we converse with locals we have gotten to know. They respect us back. We leave our extra food when leaving with a neighbor who lives in our complex and works in upcountry. We snorkel and go to markets. We Appreciate the Islands and the natural beauty of the environment And the people. We got to know one woman who bakes her breads and sells at the mall but she wasn’t there last time. Missed her baking. We pick up some garbage, of course not now with Covid-19, we have given food to a few homeless people and I donated to the food bank there this summer! We are Canadians and treat that State the same as our own province here! We are friendly and outgoing!
Oh no. I feel horrible for the trouble caused but I also feel torn. We have never been to Hawaii. We have been saving up thousands of dollars for many years so we could come and visit Kauai. It’s been a dream of ours for over a decade. COVID cancelled our plans twice and now we’re trying one last time for late this year. We are not among those who can make it a yearly visit. I don’t want to add to the troubles of the locals but I also want to enjoy a different part of the beautiful world that I believe God created for the enjoyment of all his children. We so want to experience the magic and majesty of Kauai. What is a good solution to this? How can we find a way to help preserve the locals’ lifestyle while also allowing others to visit? I don’t want to be unwelcome if we come but I also don’t want to offend.
I live in a tourist area also and have had businesses that relied on tourists. When your living depends on tourist you accept a bit more “inconvenience” than others who’s living does not depend on the trade. Even my employees would complain not understanding where their pay came from. There will always be a segment of the local population that has nothing to gain that don t want the inconvenience of tourist. When too many restrictions and unfriendly locals are present that’s when the tourists will leave and take their vacation dollars elsewhere
The average person does not understand how the local economy works. Hawaii is built on tourism. If tourist don’t come, hotels close, jobs are lost, buisnesses are closed, restaurants are closed, more and more jobs are lost, people start to move away because of declining economy, and unfortunately many of them will be the local people who are unable to economically survive. Why do you think Las Vegas is the Nineth island? When jobs were booming in Vegas, many islanders sought employment and lower cost living. If you want Hawaii to become a place of the poor and the Rich, drive the tourist away, many people out of state would love to buy up island property at a lower price. Is that what you really want. Take the time to think about everything and everyone supported by tourisim. From Shave Ice to Bus drivers, everyone is impacted. This may be sad, but its true. Don’t give your islands away.
I can see why the people of Hawaii don’t like tourists due to increased rents and food. They can’t even find housing for themselves anymore. Rich white people are taking over the islands with their money and I hate seeing this. I have family on Molokai and I am glad we don’t encourage visitors. The groceries are expensive and the locals can’t afford it but visitors can. How is that fair??
Aloha
To all The Beautiful People of Hawaii, Since reading a lot of comments & concerns about Tourists.I have decided not to come to Hawaii. It must be & sounds so hard for the Locals to have to carry on Simple everyday life when you have so much more traffic,crowding of Beaches & over all more population to put up with.I am Blessed to have been able to be there Twice in my Life. 2006 & 2016. So My Best Wishes to You & May you Stay Safe! Mahalo
I have come to Molokai for 40 years and always found the Hawaiians friendly and gracious. I come for the tropical vegetation and weather, beaches, the music and hula and the delicious food. It is such a relaxing feeling, once I leave the airport. I miss not going there.
My husband and I made Kauai our “happy place” and returned a few times since our honeymoon over 32 years ago. We visited again when he was offered to work on a film there recently. We didn’t experience the same island on this most recent visit that I remember from our previous visits. I blamed the recent storm for the unpleasant smell, driftwood covered beaches, and sandy/sludge-filled roads and parking areas, but now I’m thinking other less respectfull tourists may have caused some of the issues with The Garden Isle not representing in it’s former glory. I found myself being irritated with tourists that didn’t respect the Hindu Monastery and other sacred grounds, but felt powerless to do anything about it, except set a better example of how to behave. Since we were raised to respect Native Americans and sacred grounds in the area where we live and I took the time to educate myself on Hawaiian Royalty and History, we appreciate the effort of native Hawaiians to do the same and want to support that, especially since we only want to spend quality time in the beautiful Garden Isle of our dreams and memories. We’ve had the opportunity to speak with residents of other “tourist towns” on the mainland that don’t fully comprehend the fact that they wouldn’t have the opportunities they enjoy without the tourist trade. Is there a way we can help everyone figure this out?
We had always heard this, and even the negative connotation of “Haole”. We had a time share at HBR for 15 years, Kiahuna Plantation before that for about 5 years and traveled there once per year. It never was really bad until the past 5 years, enough so, that we sold our 2 weeks of time share last year. I have never been to a place where visitors are so unwelcomed. Costa Rica looks the same and treats guests much nicer. That is our new “second home”. I love Mexico too! We have 6 weeks per year of time share there. You have a lovely physical place but a mean spirit, and that actually makes it ugly. We will miss the natural beauty, but not the people.
This paragraph is well written. If everyone adhered to this there would be no negativity.
So respect is important and it goes both ways. Locals need to respect tourists who have made a choice to spent their hard earned money to be here and who add important dollars to our economy. Tourists must respect both Hawaiian culture and our local ways of life. When both happen, the Hawaiian rainbow shines brightly.
Aloha, I’m not going to lie much of Waikiki is pretty run down and the homeless people hanging around right in the middle of the tourist zone can be depressing .But the scenery, weather, strip clubs in January ,late nite dining food options and hiking are the best I’ve experienced.Much respect and a big Mahalo to all the local ladies at Hawaii by night.
Hate to break it to you but life isn’t fair and never will be. Do the best you can, work hard, spend wisely and take responsibility for your actions. That is all you have control over.
Without tourism more people will be out of work. Tourists don’t increase the rent and price of food, local property owners do. Without tourists the economy will be destroyed and more jobs will disappear.
Respect both ways is important. Tourists must respect the islands and locals must recognize the value of tourists spending their hard earned money in the islands. Imho
Aloha, I have been a part time resident of Hawaii for 16 years. I have felt much more hostility from locals in the past couple years than ever before, to the point where I have lost much of my love of the island. I see the hostility directed not such much at tourists, but at any haole with money. There are so many things contributing to this trend that it’s hard to see how it will reverse any time soon. But much of it stems from poor government, so are not unsolvable.
Mahalo
Aloha and Thank you for giving residents the opportunity to express our difficulties in receiving tourists at this time. I feel we should open only when a viable second hospital is in place. So many have sacrificed their livelihoods to keep from overwhelming our One hospital on Maui. Our hospital is almost already at capacity and have had numerous Covid outbreaks.This is my reason for trying to keep visitors out until we can handle Covid cases in a proper hospital setting.
After that all are welcome. Thank you for letting this resident shed some light on what our biggest obstacles are. They will continue to push back opening dates in the last week of each month. Covid cases are significantly rising and is just not safe.
Kauai is my favorite place in the world.My husband and I love touring your island and when we are there we give our upmost respect to all of you. I work in healthcare and understand the rudeness and “entitled” people of this world. Its so sad that people don’t respect or care about others. The world would be a better place if more people were kinder. Thank you for all you are! We save our money to only come to your island every couple of years. God bless!
As Australians, despite having great beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests, we love coming to Hawaii as it has a unique feel about it and the locals are very welcoming. Mahalo
Rob M
aloha, my wife and I have been coming to hawaii Island for 21 year over the winter months. We have been members of the keauhou canoe club for 21 years. We love the Hawaiian people and the culture. My wife taught hula for free and took her kapuna to dace at seniors homes to give back. We care for the aina (malama aina) and try to learn as much we can about language, culture and history and hope to return this winter.
Mahalo
Russ (Ke koa o ke kai)
Joseph I had no idea my coming to Hawaii every year was causing a problem for the residents.My most humble apologies to the residents.I too will do my part and make Hawaii a stop over and not a destination in the future.
Aloha Rebecca,I sympathize with you when I see so many homeless in Oahu I say to myself this place could be so much better . Pressure on the people who need your vote is the only forward.
It saddens me to know Hawaiian residents the locals The true natives really don’t like the Tourists.
I have only been to Kaui once in 2006 It was an off season time of the year And I thought the People of Hawaii really treated me Wonderful. Course I travel alone..I was there for 8 days. Then in 2016 to Maui with a Girlfriend which we stayed for 10 days. Both times treated very nicely. But I understand how Tourists can be disrepectful . Tourists who come to my Montana can be hard to deal with. I have always felt if I am going to visit anywhere I try to remember how I was taught. You are Company and Show your Maners and Respect to their Home. Mahalo
I agree with many of the posts that Hawaii has too many tourist. I visited Hawaii many times, in the past, for work and as a tourist. Not wanting to contribute to crowding I decided to look for another place to visit. I did find another island in the Pacific that I now enjoy. It may cost a few dollars more to get there but everything else is less expensive. So even if I spend more on airfare I save much more on other expenses. Now Hawaii is a stopover not a destination. I’m trying to do my part in limiting the tourist to your beautiful islands.
Carol, I lived and worked in Micronesia and decided to return. I have been going there for a couple of years now. I guess I wanted to relive my younger adventures and was glad I did. I got re-acquainted with old friends and made some new friends among the locals. Now I am looking forward to traveling to Fiji when this virus is defeated. I think Fiji would be somewhat less expensive the Hawaii. From what I experienced on these other islands the people are more then happy to greet a traveler. Do a little homework, easy with the internet now, and enjoy your travels to the beautiful Pacific Islands.
As a Hawaii resident I say over-tourism is a very serious problem and it wasn’t until the shutdown that everyone really noticed what an affect this is having on our island. The wildlife has returned tenfold, turtles, large crabs and sea monks sunning on the beaches, giant schools of fish, and yellow tang that have returned due to very few people at the beach. Traffic back to normal, manageable amount of cars. In my opinion the locals and residents are fed up with the people in charge of tourism. When you see over 15,000 rental cars in fields and think about the amount of traffic that brings to the small island of Maui you start to understand our frustration. I am back to a 5 min commute to work that last February was taking around 25-30 mins!
So it’s not the tourist we’re sick of it’s the sheer number of tourist that the airlines, hotels, rental car companies and government agencies are allowing to continue to expand without thinking about the people who actually have to live, work and get kids to school, go to doctors appointments, etc. We simply don’t have the roads, sewers or infrastructure to handle the numbers but hey anything to make a dollar for the corporations. It’s pathetic and we’ve all had enough!
In the early 90’s I lived in Oahu, I don’t want Maui to be Oahu and I truly believe that the tourist don’t want that either. Please limit tourism!!
Aloha Rebecca,
I certainly understand your point of view. My husband and I own 4 weeks time share on Maui, we usually try to get there twice a year for 2 weeks and we schedule those trips at least a year in advance. I like your idea of limiting the amount of tourists on the island at any given time. that seems like a viable solution that would make everyone happy. Enjoy your beautiful Island. I’m saddened we can’t be there this October as planned. We are scheduled to be there Feb. and Oct. 2021. We schedule well in advance. Perhaps Maui’s tourist bureau could use some of the $80 Mil budget to come up with a scheduling program and/or software to limit the numbers of tourists on the island at a given time. Have a wonderful day!
Mahalo
Kim
Aloha, I am a tourist and I cannot disagree with Rebecca. We used to come at Christmas/New Years but due to unbearable overcrowding everywhere we stopped doing that and chose quieter times. A free for all is unsustainable and damaging to the islands.
Mahalo
Aloha Dan,
Perhaps “Free for all” wasn’t the best descriptor. What I meant was that the Hawaiian Islands have a limited or finite capacity to host guests, believe it or not. When the number of guests is only limited by the number of airline seats available it can overburden the islands. The availability of accommodation does not seem to impose limits. As everyone is aware, there are frequently new entrants to the airline market, offering seats far below the cost of doing business, which increases passenger volume. Nobody seems to care; the fares are irresistible. With respect to passenger volume, by way of example, during the Christmas New Year period there are so many guests it is difficult to move about, whether you are trying to find a beach spot, walk a path or purchase grocery items due to the checkout lines snaking to the rear of the store. The automobile traffic volume is frustrating to say the least. I can certainly understand why the permanent residents are upset with the tourist volume. I do not know what the accurate passenger volumes are but I have read that it is between 10,000 and 30,000 passengers per day coming and going. Do not quote me on that. Perhaps BOH would have some accurate numbers. None the less, we do not come at “peak times” any more. The islands are just over burdened, and I personally feel that there needs to be limits on the number of guests permitted for a given time period. Is that realistic? Not at all. I don’t have a viable or workable solution. Given the current lack of competant governance, it is unlikely that we will be part of the overcrowding problem in the near term, although I don’t believe our absence will contribute to the solution.
Best, Gerry
Gerry C,
How about a huge tax on tourists. I think Hawaii already has a 9.5% Guest Tax. If we move it up to say 50%, it’ll keep the White privileged tourists out, except the really wealthy ones. Is that what you’d be comfortable with. If you’re going to be unfriendly about tourist numbers, I’ll gladly take my hard earned retirement dollars and go visit elsewhere. Then your businesses and their employees will not have an income, because you’re inconvenienced.
Its Hawaiian Time, slow down and smell the Roses. (Plumeria).
Mahalo
Lisa S
My spouse and I have been wintering in Maui x 8 yrs. wWe try to be respectful, no car rental, we use public transportation. If car needed rent x one day. Restrictions on tourist will be hard to manage. Way too many new condo/timeshare buildings. May try to limit new commercial construction, yet does provide jobs? Same with tourist sites, way too many boats/cruises, limit vs jobs?
So you are hating tourists? I’ve considered it my home away from home 50 years! Sailed there and back etc I’m not allowed? Were you born there? Did u know IZ?
I have been to Hawaii probably 40/50 times, since 1990, for work and for pleasure. I enjoy the beauty of Hawaii and the friendliness of many of the people. Lately I am concerned with the crime that is committed on the tourist, all the homeless and especially all the garbage littering your Island. I have driven on many road all around Oahu and am appalled by the trash and garbage littering the roads. Even abandoned vehicles. I know tourism may be a problem for many Hawaiians but all this trash and garbage, I am sure is done by locals. If the locals don’t respect their Island and their home how can you expect a tourist to respect your Islands.
You’re right, it’s the locals who are trashing our islands. Not the majority of locals, but I believe it’s the “disenfranchised” ones who feel frustration for their situations: the homeless, the drug addicts, the “almost homeless” who feel they’re getting nowhere having to work 2-3 jobs just to afford rent. It doesn’t help that some of you on this forum who can afford to fly all over the world are critical of our so-called Paradise that many of us can barely afford to maintain our lives. Sad for us that our legislators took the easiest way out and made us dependent on tourism which is ruining our islands (housing costs, traffic, etc.).
It is useless for you to tell us to stop trashing our island because the locals who are reading these comments are most probably NOT the ones responsible.
Kalina, I agree with you on all accounts. I love your Island and all islands in the Pacific. My family and I lived in Micronesia for many years and I have seen some of the same things there. Jobs are hard find, housing is very expensive, trash everywhere, almost everything must be imported and the industrial options are very limited. The biggest employer was tourism or government jobs. Drugs are a big factor too, on Hawaii, as they compound the issues. My comments where not aimed at the locals but at your elected officials and local tourist bureau. I was hoping that by venting my concerns on what I experienced, as an outsider, this would make it to your local officials. I could write to them but nothing would happen, as I tried writing them (not even a thank you) I am hoping someone associated with the tourist trade would see this and maybe bring these matters to someone who could indeed help.
As we see in the news, the virus is now rapidly spread on the Islands by locals not following the rules about social distancing, we own a condo on Maui and wish we could come and stay for a while, however we do not want to be locked up in our place for two weeks, at least here at home We are allowed to go outside and buy our groceries, while wearing masks and practicing social distancing, wish we could do that on MauiErika M
I live in jersey and I feel a deep spiritual connection with Hawaii and its people .I cringed when seeing visitors behaving badly during my two stays.I understand how that can color residents’ attitude . Maybe respectful visitors can be a bit outspoken and “teach” ignorant tourists about the respect and awareness required to truly appreciate the sheer magnificence of Hawaii and its people .
I again need to emphasize the fact that we ALL come from somewhere else, There are many ethnicities represented in our United States. Hawaii’s residents reflect all of America’s diversity! Many islanders moved and settled here in California, to pursue greater employment and educational choices. So the mainland and the Hawaiian Islands should be a friendly two-way Highway of transportation! Tourism is the major source of revenue/income for the islands residents. Look at struggling businesses and the ability or lack thereof to pay rents and mortgages. Life is very expensive in Hawaii. So perhaps real reflection will lead to a renewed appreciation for the richness and economic benefits tourism provides for all of Hawaii.
I’m so glad to hear encouraging words from locals that they need tourist and the dollars they bring with them. We are planning our semi-annual visit to Maui for Oct 10-24. I sure hope the government can get their infrastructure figured out in time for us to travel. We miss our Maui friends and the beautiful island.
Mahalo Nui for your balanced article. Notice in the posts how it changed the atmosphere from confrontational to understanding. The reason I love Hawaii is its kuleana, Ohana, and pono with those that share the love of the a’ina. Your aloha helped emerge those who truly love Hawaii Nei.
Hawaii State run Hospitals are third world. Poorly equipped to handle what the fallout of a pandemic requires. I was a State employee in Hawaii for years. The state of Hawaii needs to put some of that tourism money back into it’s hospital systems
You think state hospitals are bad, try one of the private ones (not Queens) if you have a medical emergency. Went through that twice, a couple of years apart. Horrible experience both times.
Im a local and I appreciate tourists coming to Hawaii the vast majority of them in my experience are respectful.The tourists spend a lot of money and without them Hawaii would be broke like Tonga
Tonga’s financial problems are more from massive debt to China (largely for grandiose building projects) and the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Gita ($250 million damage in a nation with an annual GDP of about $450 million – that’s over half the annual GDP in storm damage).
As a local I’m grateful that so many tourists come to spend time and money here .I don’t mind the additional traffic it’s a small price to pay for all the money they bring here.With out State Hood and all these tourists we would be just like Tonga which is Broke.
We have visited the islands several times and absolutely love our time there. We have always been treated with respect and sincerely try to do the same. I know the traffic increase must cause some frustration for the locals but I hope our visiting your shops and restaurants can support your economy enough to make it a little easier to bear. We are anxious for Covid to be in our past, as are you I’m sure, so we can all enjoy your beautiful islands again soon.
Your article said it best. Respect MUST be mutual. Visitors are only here for a short time so they need to plan well and respect the local customs, Hawaiian culture and their way of life, and all that is considered sacred.
Locals will treat visitors with aloha and respect if the visitor comes from the same place of aloha and respect.
Visitors must come prepared and educated. If not, locals are willing to educate as long as the visitor is willing to listen, learn and implement. If a visitor is unwilling then yes, they may get the feeling that they are not welcome.
I am a yearly visitor to Kauai. I stand with the local’s feelings in preserving the coral reefs and their land. We come with a great deal of respect for Hawaiians, their traditions and culture. Sadly many visitors do not feel/act the same. I am especially thankful that we have the opportunity to visit Kauai each year. It’s been especially hard on our daughter that due to Covid19 we must miss our annual visit in August. We hope to return next summer and will be excited to visit our favorite places and help the business owners with our tourism.
Aloha; I feel as of July 21, 2020. That we should go back to testing Interisland passengers flying to other islands as it shows by #’s the increase in cases. At this time we should not start Mainland flights coming to the Hawaiian Islands. We have to get control of the cases on our Islands and protect our people first.
Been to Hawaii many times over the years and the islands/beaches are usually clean and pristine. After quarantine, we started visiting our favorite beaches and noticed encampments, trash, smashed beer bottles, and marijuana paraphernalia. Seems locals just don’t treat their beaches as well as respectful tourists.
My wife and I have been fortunate to be able to visit Kauai several times. We have never had any hostile or negative issues, ever. Our idea is we are on vacation, in paradise, so go with the flow. Relax.
It’s a slower pace, perfect to just “get away” Relax on the beach, find a small eatery, enjoy the beauty.
I can understand the frustration for the people that make the Kauai home. Extra traffic, some crowded beaches, tourists filling up their local eateries.
We just hope that we impact the locals minimally. Absolutely love this place.
My feelings exactly! We’ve been to Hawaii 20 times over 30 years, mostly to Kauai only (and we’ve come to Hawaii on every trip!), and we love everything about it. We try to tread lightly and leave nothing but our love for this place behind.
I have been coming to the Hawaiian Islands for over 26 years. I love and respect the culture. I have even lectured many tourist about approaching turtles and what it does to them and their environment. I fully stand by the Hawaiian the people and their decisions about the C0vid. I had planned not to come this year before the virus.
Hello, I love 💗 the Beautiful People of Hawaii !! Been over to your part of Paradise Twice Kauai 2006 & Maui 2016 hoping to make it this Coming February Many Blessings
When looking at this issue, I wish we could all agree on terms. TO me, a local is someone who is Kama’aina. Someone who was born in Hawaii and lived thire life in Hawaii. It does not include Malahini or Service Personnel who have just moved here, even if they have been here a number of years. So often with Superferry and other issues it is the Californians and other Malahinis who voice strong protest about spoiling Hawaii when it is arguable their moving out here in numbers is doing more damage. Local is of the land.
I think you make a good point Rich.
Hawaii is a different experience and we should treat it as so. Fewer people would be unemployed and tourism wouldn’t be an issue if leadership could get ‘things’ under control. Over tourism is an issue and we still see evidence of zero consideration or respect for the Hawaiian culture from the government and many tourists… Are you one of them? I have witnessed the most hypocritical behavior from hundreds of people. One example?”seeing the red sand beach”. Even after being told it’s private property, it’s dangerous, a place where Hawaiian people go to pray and you are taking community center parking. Why must some people take everything for their own pleasure? Why do the old Hawaiian people feel disrespected? Don’t ask… You trample all over the island, regardless of signs, chains, ropes, leaving garbage and toilet paper… I feel we could all be more respectful and leave only footprints.
Absolutely Agree 100% Lynn!
Aloha Robert. It is a spiritual place and I apparently felt a lack of aloha (just re-read that 🙁 when I wrote this. I am angered at being painted with the same brush as all the others. Maybe before anyone buys property and calls themselves a ‘local’ or a rental to send guests all over the island, they should be questioned on their values and respect for the people and aina.
The only real evidence of loving something or someone, is how you treat it/them.
Hi Lynn thanks for replying. We have been going to Maui since 2004, at first, we did the touristy things, then we just enjoyed the peace and attitude there. In 2011, an opportunity arose to buy a condo on Maalaea Bay. We Do rent it out and for the most part, because we say to Every client who rents to Please respect the Island and it’s people, we have found they Have! We follow up. Now I cannot say Everyone does but we have had many returning guests now over the years. For our part, we shop local, we eat local, we converse with locals we have gotten to know. They respect us back. We leave our extra food when leaving with a neighbor who lives in our complex and works in upcountry. We snorkel and go to markets. We Appreciate the Islands and the natural beauty of the environment And the people. We got to know one woman who bakes her breads and sells at the mall but she wasn’t there last time. Missed her baking. We pick up some garbage, of course not now with Covid-19, we have given food to a few homeless people and I donated to the food bank there this summer! We are Canadians and treat that State the same as our own province here! We are friendly and outgoing!
Oh no. I feel horrible for the trouble caused but I also feel torn. We have never been to Hawaii. We have been saving up thousands of dollars for many years so we could come and visit Kauai. It’s been a dream of ours for over a decade. COVID cancelled our plans twice and now we’re trying one last time for late this year. We are not among those who can make it a yearly visit. I don’t want to add to the troubles of the locals but I also want to enjoy a different part of the beautiful world that I believe God created for the enjoyment of all his children. We so want to experience the magic and majesty of Kauai. What is a good solution to this? How can we find a way to help preserve the locals’ lifestyle while also allowing others to visit? I don’t want to be unwelcome if we come but I also don’t want to offend.
I live in a tourist area also and have had businesses that relied on tourists. When your living depends on tourist you accept a bit more “inconvenience” than others who’s living does not depend on the trade. Even my employees would complain not understanding where their pay came from. There will always be a segment of the local population that has nothing to gain that don t want the inconvenience of tourist. When too many restrictions and unfriendly locals are present that’s when the tourists will leave and take their vacation dollars elsewhere
The average person does not understand how the local economy works. Hawaii is built on tourism. If tourist don’t come, hotels close, jobs are lost, buisnesses are closed, restaurants are closed, more and more jobs are lost, people start to move away because of declining economy, and unfortunately many of them will be the local people who are unable to economically survive. Why do you think Las Vegas is the Nineth island? When jobs were booming in Vegas, many islanders sought employment and lower cost living. If you want Hawaii to become a place of the poor and the Rich, drive the tourist away, many people out of state would love to buy up island property at a lower price. Is that what you really want. Take the time to think about everything and everyone supported by tourisim. From Shave Ice to Bus drivers, everyone is impacted. This may be sad, but its true. Don’t give your islands away.
I can see why the people of Hawaii don’t like tourists due to increased rents and food. They can’t even find housing for themselves anymore. Rich white people are taking over the islands with their money and I hate seeing this. I have family on Molokai and I am glad we don’t encourage visitors. The groceries are expensive and the locals can’t afford it but visitors can. How is that fair??
Aloha
To all The Beautiful People of Hawaii, Since reading a lot of comments & concerns about Tourists.I have decided not to come to Hawaii. It must be & sounds so hard for the Locals to have to carry on Simple everyday life when you have so much more traffic,crowding of Beaches & over all more population to put up with.I am Blessed to have been able to be there Twice in my Life. 2006 & 2016. So My Best Wishes to You & May you Stay Safe! Mahalo
I have come to Molokai for 40 years and always found the Hawaiians friendly and gracious. I come for the tropical vegetation and weather, beaches, the music and hula and the delicious food. It is such a relaxing feeling, once I leave the airport. I miss not going there.
My husband and I made Kauai our “happy place” and returned a few times since our honeymoon over 32 years ago. We visited again when he was offered to work on a film there recently. We didn’t experience the same island on this most recent visit that I remember from our previous visits. I blamed the recent storm for the unpleasant smell, driftwood covered beaches, and sandy/sludge-filled roads and parking areas, but now I’m thinking other less respectfull tourists may have caused some of the issues with The Garden Isle not representing in it’s former glory. I found myself being irritated with tourists that didn’t respect the Hindu Monastery and other sacred grounds, but felt powerless to do anything about it, except set a better example of how to behave. Since we were raised to respect Native Americans and sacred grounds in the area where we live and I took the time to educate myself on Hawaiian Royalty and History, we appreciate the effort of native Hawaiians to do the same and want to support that, especially since we only want to spend quality time in the beautiful Garden Isle of our dreams and memories. We’ve had the opportunity to speak with residents of other “tourist towns” on the mainland that don’t fully comprehend the fact that they wouldn’t have the opportunities they enjoy without the tourist trade. Is there a way we can help everyone figure this out?
We had always heard this, and even the negative connotation of “Haole”. We had a time share at HBR for 15 years, Kiahuna Plantation before that for about 5 years and traveled there once per year. It never was really bad until the past 5 years, enough so, that we sold our 2 weeks of time share last year. I have never been to a place where visitors are so unwelcomed. Costa Rica looks the same and treats guests much nicer. That is our new “second home”. I love Mexico too! We have 6 weeks per year of time share there. You have a lovely physical place but a mean spirit, and that actually makes it ugly. We will miss the natural beauty, but not the people.
This paragraph is well written. If everyone adhered to this there would be no negativity.
So respect is important and it goes both ways. Locals need to respect tourists who have made a choice to spent their hard earned money to be here and who add important dollars to our economy. Tourists must respect both Hawaiian culture and our local ways of life. When both happen, the Hawaiian rainbow shines brightly.
Aloha, I’m not going to lie much of Waikiki is pretty run down and the homeless people hanging around right in the middle of the tourist zone can be depressing .But the scenery, weather, strip clubs in January ,late nite dining food options and hiking are the best I’ve experienced.Much respect and a big Mahalo to all the local ladies at Hawaii by night.
Hate to break it to you but life isn’t fair and never will be. Do the best you can, work hard, spend wisely and take responsibility for your actions. That is all you have control over.
Without tourism more people will be out of work. Tourists don’t increase the rent and price of food, local property owners do. Without tourists the economy will be destroyed and more jobs will disappear.
Respect both ways is important. Tourists must respect the islands and locals must recognize the value of tourists spending their hard earned money in the islands. Imho
Aloha, I have been a part time resident of Hawaii for 16 years. I have felt much more hostility from locals in the past couple years than ever before, to the point where I have lost much of my love of the island. I see the hostility directed not such much at tourists, but at any haole with money. There are so many things contributing to this trend that it’s hard to see how it will reverse any time soon. But much of it stems from poor government, so are not unsolvable.
Mahalo
Hi Sue.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha and Thank you for giving residents the opportunity to express our difficulties in receiving tourists at this time. I feel we should open only when a viable second hospital is in place. So many have sacrificed their livelihoods to keep from overwhelming our One hospital on Maui. Our hospital is almost already at capacity and have had numerous Covid outbreaks.This is my reason for trying to keep visitors out until we can handle Covid cases in a proper hospital setting.
After that all are welcome. Thank you for letting this resident shed some light on what our biggest obstacles are. They will continue to push back opening dates in the last week of each month. Covid cases are significantly rising and is just not safe.
Hi Alex.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Kauai is my favorite place in the world.My husband and I love touring your island and when we are there we give our upmost respect to all of you. I work in healthcare and understand the rudeness and “entitled” people of this world. Its so sad that people don’t respect or care about others. The world would be a better place if more people were kinder. Thank you for all you are! We save our money to only come to your island every couple of years. God bless!
Spot on!!!! We agree the world would be a much better place,🤗
As Australians, despite having great beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests, we love coming to Hawaii as it has a unique feel about it and the locals are very welcoming. Mahalo
Rob M
Hi Rob.
Thanks for your comment.
Aloha.
aloha, my wife and I have been coming to hawaii Island for 21 year over the winter months. We have been members of the keauhou canoe club for 21 years. We love the Hawaiian people and the culture. My wife taught hula for free and took her kapuna to dace at seniors homes to give back. We care for the aina (malama aina) and try to learn as much we can about language, culture and history and hope to return this winter.
Mahalo
Russ (Ke koa o ke kai)
Hi Russ.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Joseph I had no idea my coming to Hawaii every year was causing a problem for the residents.My most humble apologies to the residents.I too will do my part and make Hawaii a stop over and not a destination in the future.
It is a state you don’t have to treat as a foreign country and ‘stopover’! I’ve been 49 times and never treated bad.
Aloha Rebecca,I sympathize with you when I see so many homeless in Oahu I say to myself this place could be so much better . Pressure on the people who need your vote is the only forward.
It saddens me to know Hawaiian residents the locals The true natives really don’t like the Tourists.
I have only been to Kaui once in 2006 It was an off season time of the year And I thought the People of Hawaii really treated me Wonderful. Course I travel alone..I was there for 8 days. Then in 2016 to Maui with a Girlfriend which we stayed for 10 days. Both times treated very nicely. But I understand how Tourists can be disrepectful . Tourists who come to my Montana can be hard to deal with. I have always felt if I am going to visit anywhere I try to remember how I was taught. You are Company and Show your Maners and Respect to their Home. Mahalo
Hi Susan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I agree with many of the posts that Hawaii has too many tourist. I visited Hawaii many times, in the past, for work and as a tourist. Not wanting to contribute to crowding I decided to look for another place to visit. I did find another island in the Pacific that I now enjoy. It may cost a few dollars more to get there but everything else is less expensive. So even if I spend more on airfare I save much more on other expenses. Now Hawaii is a stopover not a destination. I’m trying to do my part in limiting the tourist to your beautiful islands.
what island do you visit now? Just curious
Thank you
Carol, I lived and worked in Micronesia and decided to return. I have been going there for a couple of years now. I guess I wanted to relive my younger adventures and was glad I did. I got re-acquainted with old friends and made some new friends among the locals. Now I am looking forward to traveling to Fiji when this virus is defeated. I think Fiji would be somewhat less expensive the Hawaii. From what I experienced on these other islands the people are more then happy to greet a traveler. Do a little homework, easy with the internet now, and enjoy your travels to the beautiful Pacific Islands.
As a Hawaii resident I say over-tourism is a very serious problem and it wasn’t until the shutdown that everyone really noticed what an affect this is having on our island. The wildlife has returned tenfold, turtles, large crabs and sea monks sunning on the beaches, giant schools of fish, and yellow tang that have returned due to very few people at the beach. Traffic back to normal, manageable amount of cars. In my opinion the locals and residents are fed up with the people in charge of tourism. When you see over 15,000 rental cars in fields and think about the amount of traffic that brings to the small island of Maui you start to understand our frustration. I am back to a 5 min commute to work that last February was taking around 25-30 mins!
So it’s not the tourist we’re sick of it’s the sheer number of tourist that the airlines, hotels, rental car companies and government agencies are allowing to continue to expand without thinking about the people who actually have to live, work and get kids to school, go to doctors appointments, etc. We simply don’t have the roads, sewers or infrastructure to handle the numbers but hey anything to make a dollar for the corporations. It’s pathetic and we’ve all had enough!
In the early 90’s I lived in Oahu, I don’t want Maui to be Oahu and I truly believe that the tourist don’t want that either. Please limit tourism!!
Aloha Rebecca,
I certainly understand your point of view. My husband and I own 4 weeks time share on Maui, we usually try to get there twice a year for 2 weeks and we schedule those trips at least a year in advance. I like your idea of limiting the amount of tourists on the island at any given time. that seems like a viable solution that would make everyone happy. Enjoy your beautiful Island. I’m saddened we can’t be there this October as planned. We are scheduled to be there Feb. and Oct. 2021. We schedule well in advance. Perhaps Maui’s tourist bureau could use some of the $80 Mil budget to come up with a scheduling program and/or software to limit the numbers of tourists on the island at a given time. Have a wonderful day!
Mahalo
Kim
Aloha, I am a tourist and I cannot disagree with Rebecca. We used to come at Christmas/New Years but due to unbearable overcrowding everywhere we stopped doing that and chose quieter times. A free for all is unsustainable and damaging to the islands.
Mahalo
What “free for all” are you talking about?
Aloha Dan,
Perhaps “Free for all” wasn’t the best descriptor. What I meant was that the Hawaiian Islands have a limited or finite capacity to host guests, believe it or not. When the number of guests is only limited by the number of airline seats available it can overburden the islands. The availability of accommodation does not seem to impose limits. As everyone is aware, there are frequently new entrants to the airline market, offering seats far below the cost of doing business, which increases passenger volume. Nobody seems to care; the fares are irresistible. With respect to passenger volume, by way of example, during the Christmas New Year period there are so many guests it is difficult to move about, whether you are trying to find a beach spot, walk a path or purchase grocery items due to the checkout lines snaking to the rear of the store. The automobile traffic volume is frustrating to say the least. I can certainly understand why the permanent residents are upset with the tourist volume. I do not know what the accurate passenger volumes are but I have read that it is between 10,000 and 30,000 passengers per day coming and going. Do not quote me on that. Perhaps BOH would have some accurate numbers. None the less, we do not come at “peak times” any more. The islands are just over burdened, and I personally feel that there needs to be limits on the number of guests permitted for a given time period. Is that realistic? Not at all. I don’t have a viable or workable solution. Given the current lack of competant governance, it is unlikely that we will be part of the overcrowding problem in the near term, although I don’t believe our absence will contribute to the solution.
Best, Gerry
Gerry C,
How about a huge tax on tourists. I think Hawaii already has a 9.5% Guest Tax. If we move it up to say 50%, it’ll keep the White privileged tourists out, except the really wealthy ones. Is that what you’d be comfortable with. If you’re going to be unfriendly about tourist numbers, I’ll gladly take my hard earned retirement dollars and go visit elsewhere. Then your businesses and their employees will not have an income, because you’re inconvenienced.
Its Hawaiian Time, slow down and smell the Roses. (Plumeria).
Mahalo
My spouse and I have been wintering in Maui x 8 yrs. wWe try to be respectful, no car rental, we use public transportation. If car needed rent x one day. Restrictions on tourist will be hard to manage. Way too many new condo/timeshare buildings. May try to limit new commercial construction, yet does provide jobs? Same with tourist sites, way too many boats/cruises, limit vs jobs?
Where did you come from? Are you being a hypocrite?
So you are hating tourists? I’ve considered it my home away from home 50 years! Sailed there and back etc I’m not allowed? Were you born there? Did u know IZ?
I think you’re right. Very well said!!
The government has allowed for over tourism.
There has been virtually no tourists allowed to come to Hawaii from the mainland, yet your vivid numbers are climbing, so now where is the blame now
I have been to Hawaii probably 40/50 times, since 1990, for work and for pleasure. I enjoy the beauty of Hawaii and the friendliness of many of the people. Lately I am concerned with the crime that is committed on the tourist, all the homeless and especially all the garbage littering your Island. I have driven on many road all around Oahu and am appalled by the trash and garbage littering the roads. Even abandoned vehicles. I know tourism may be a problem for many Hawaiians but all this trash and garbage, I am sure is done by locals. If the locals don’t respect their Island and their home how can you expect a tourist to respect your Islands.
You’re right, it’s the locals who are trashing our islands. Not the majority of locals, but I believe it’s the “disenfranchised” ones who feel frustration for their situations: the homeless, the drug addicts, the “almost homeless” who feel they’re getting nowhere having to work 2-3 jobs just to afford rent. It doesn’t help that some of you on this forum who can afford to fly all over the world are critical of our so-called Paradise that many of us can barely afford to maintain our lives. Sad for us that our legislators took the easiest way out and made us dependent on tourism which is ruining our islands (housing costs, traffic, etc.).
It is useless for you to tell us to stop trashing our island because the locals who are reading these comments are most probably NOT the ones responsible.
Kalina, I agree with you on all accounts. I love your Island and all islands in the Pacific. My family and I lived in Micronesia for many years and I have seen some of the same things there. Jobs are hard find, housing is very expensive, trash everywhere, almost everything must be imported and the industrial options are very limited. The biggest employer was tourism or government jobs. Drugs are a big factor too, on Hawaii, as they compound the issues. My comments where not aimed at the locals but at your elected officials and local tourist bureau. I was hoping that by venting my concerns on what I experienced, as an outsider, this would make it to your local officials. I could write to them but nothing would happen, as I tried writing them (not even a thank you) I am hoping someone associated with the tourist trade would see this and maybe bring these matters to someone who could indeed help.
As we see in the news, the virus is now rapidly spread on the Islands by locals not following the rules about social distancing, we own a condo on Maui and wish we could come and stay for a while, however we do not want to be locked up in our place for two weeks, at least here at home We are allowed to go outside and buy our groceries, while wearing masks and practicing social distancing, wish we could do that on MauiErika M
I live in jersey and I feel a deep spiritual connection with Hawaii and its people .I cringed when seeing visitors behaving badly during my two stays.I understand how that can color residents’ attitude . Maybe respectful visitors can be a bit outspoken and “teach” ignorant tourists about the respect and awareness required to truly appreciate the sheer magnificence of Hawaii and its people .
I again need to emphasize the fact that we ALL come from somewhere else, There are many ethnicities represented in our United States. Hawaii’s residents reflect all of America’s diversity! Many islanders moved and settled here in California, to pursue greater employment and educational choices. So the mainland and the Hawaiian Islands should be a friendly two-way Highway of transportation! Tourism is the major source of revenue/income for the islands residents. Look at struggling businesses and the ability or lack thereof to pay rents and mortgages. Life is very expensive in Hawaii. So perhaps real reflection will lead to a renewed appreciation for the richness and economic benefits tourism provides for all of Hawaii.
I’m so glad to hear encouraging words from locals that they need tourist and the dollars they bring with them. We are planning our semi-annual visit to Maui for Oct 10-24. I sure hope the government can get their infrastructure figured out in time for us to travel. We miss our Maui friends and the beautiful island.
I so agree, we have paid airline reservation to Maui in October. We so hope we will be able to go
Mahalo Nui for your balanced article. Notice in the posts how it changed the atmosphere from confrontational to understanding. The reason I love Hawaii is its kuleana, Ohana, and pono with those that share the love of the a’ina. Your aloha helped emerge those who truly love Hawaii Nei.
Hi James.
Thanks for your nice words and your many comments.
Aloha.
Hawaii State run Hospitals are third world. Poorly equipped to handle what the fallout of a pandemic requires. I was a State employee in Hawaii for years. The state of Hawaii needs to put some of that tourism money back into it’s hospital systems
You think state hospitals are bad, try one of the private ones (not Queens) if you have a medical emergency. Went through that twice, a couple of years apart. Horrible experience both times.
Im a local and I appreciate tourists coming to Hawaii the vast majority of them in my experience are respectful.The tourists spend a lot of money and without them Hawaii would be broke like Tonga
Tonga’s financial problems are more from massive debt to China (largely for grandiose building projects) and the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Gita ($250 million damage in a nation with an annual GDP of about $450 million – that’s over half the annual GDP in storm damage).
Tonga would not need a loan from China if it had the amount of tourists Hawaii has.
As a local I’m grateful that so many tourists come to spend time and money here .I don’t mind the additional traffic it’s a small price to pay for all the money they bring here.With out State Hood and all these tourists we would be just like Tonga which is Broke.
We have visited the islands several times and absolutely love our time there. We have always been treated with respect and sincerely try to do the same. I know the traffic increase must cause some frustration for the locals but I hope our visiting your shops and restaurants can support your economy enough to make it a little easier to bear. We are anxious for Covid to be in our past, as are you I’m sure, so we can all enjoy your beautiful islands again soon.
Your article said it best. Respect MUST be mutual. Visitors are only here for a short time so they need to plan well and respect the local customs, Hawaiian culture and their way of life, and all that is considered sacred.
Locals will treat visitors with aloha and respect if the visitor comes from the same place of aloha and respect.
Visitors must come prepared and educated. If not, locals are willing to educate as long as the visitor is willing to listen, learn and implement. If a visitor is unwilling then yes, they may get the feeling that they are not welcome.
Hi Glenda.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I am a yearly visitor to Kauai. I stand with the local’s feelings in preserving the coral reefs and their land. We come with a great deal of respect for Hawaiians, their traditions and culture. Sadly many visitors do not feel/act the same. I am especially thankful that we have the opportunity to visit Kauai each year. It’s been especially hard on our daughter that due to Covid19 we must miss our annual visit in August. We hope to return next summer and will be excited to visit our favorite places and help the business owners with our tourism.
Aloha; I feel as of July 21, 2020. That we should go back to testing Interisland passengers flying to other islands as it shows by #’s the increase in cases. At this time we should not start Mainland flights coming to the Hawaiian Islands. We have to get control of the cases on our Islands and protect our people first.
Hi Robin.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Been to Hawaii many times over the years and the islands/beaches are usually clean and pristine. After quarantine, we started visiting our favorite beaches and noticed encampments, trash, smashed beer bottles, and marijuana paraphernalia. Seems locals just don’t treat their beaches as well as respectful tourists.
So true Laura,we noticed the same thing.
Considering the virus.. Are restaurants going with some type of straw now so we aren’t drinking after one another? How will they handle that?
My wife and I have been fortunate to be able to visit Kauai several times. We have never had any hostile or negative issues, ever. Our idea is we are on vacation, in paradise, so go with the flow. Relax.
It’s a slower pace, perfect to just “get away” Relax on the beach, find a small eatery, enjoy the beauty.
I can understand the frustration for the people that make the Kauai home. Extra traffic, some crowded beaches, tourists filling up their local eateries.
We just hope that we impact the locals minimally. Absolutely love this place.
My feelings exactly! We’ve been to Hawaii 20 times over 30 years, mostly to Kauai only (and we’ve come to Hawaii on every trip!), and we love everything about it. We try to tread lightly and leave nothing but our love for this place behind.
I have been coming to the Hawaiian Islands for over 26 years. I love and respect the culture. I have even lectured many tourist about approaching turtles and what it does to them and their environment. I fully stand by the Hawaiian the people and their decisions about the C0vid. I had planned not to come this year before the virus.
Hello, I love 💗 the Beautiful People of Hawaii !! Been over to your part of Paradise Twice Kauai 2006 & Maui 2016 hoping to make it this Coming February Many Blessings
Hi Susa.
Thanks.
Aloha.