74 thoughts on “How do Hawaii Travelers View Other Visitors and Residents”

  1. Whenever I’m on Kauai, I feel like I belong there. I would never think to disrespect the land, the ocean, or the people. As for the signs, they’re for everyone’s safety. They wouldn’t be there if they didn’t have a specific purpose… to save lives. If you ignore them, you could be putting someone else’s life in danger. Have kulelana.

  2. 1. I definitely would not chance it. First of all I respect the law and second of all, I respect the land and would not want to jeopardize safety for myself or anyone else.
    2. I don’t like it when anyone talks down to anyone. I probably wouldn’t jump in but if I got the same service manager, I would make it a point to leave them a compliment. Just keep in mind that they are trying their best.
    3. I can’t imagine what would work differently in Hawaii but it would be uncomfortable or even laughable. I would like to see or hear what that would be.
    4. Whenever I see someone doing something unsafe or not respecting the land, it just bugs me. However, sometimes we don’t see the whole picture or understand context. For example, I was in Oahu snorkeling and I had purchased a new face mask that covered my whole face while swimming. As I was out snorkeling, I all of a sudden became very motion sick, felt nauseous and my breathing became very labored. During this somewhat of a panicky situation for me, the only thing I could think of was to get my mask off and get some air. So, I happened to be close to some reef under the water that if I stood with my flippers straight down, it gave me enough space to stand for a minute, regain my composure, get some air, find the closest way to the nearest beach etc. For that 30-45 seconds of standing on the reef, I had (I believe they were a local) someone get made at me for standing on the reef. From their perspective it probably just looked like I was just standing on it for fun. She had no idea what I was really doing. I felt bad for doing it but I really didn’t have much option or at least the frame of mind to not too at the time. I would never purposefully do that. I found out that it was definitely the mask that made me feel ill so I got rid of it. But this is just an example of others not knowing the whole story.
    Looks like I ran out of room to comment on the other two questions. Aloha

    1. Hi Russ.

      Thanks. Feel free to leave another comment if you’d like. Interesting experience you described. Empathy.

      Aloha.

  3. We perceive individuality as holding some exclusive knowlege.
    That only impedes the progress of humanity.

    We are all visitors.

  4. Rude people are rude and ignorant, whether traveling or shopping at home. Cant change a leopards’ spotS no matter what. Why waste your energy….they assuredly will get theirs, if not already. You can say your peace, aS I do, but dont expect much. I hope I give them poise to thInk at the least. Like the tourist kicking the pigeons on a Kuhio bus stop….i said, where I come from, you would get one year in prison….my comment in front of others…probably on deaf ears…only heard by God, enough said. Rude people will get theirs!

  5. I wouldn’t say I’m an annual repeat visitor but I have been to a few of the islands multiple times since I was a child. The last time I was in Maui, a popular trail was closed and I was bummed out but respected the sign. When I see visitors blatently disrepecting the area they are visiting like some of the people on these forums have been, all that goes through my mind is “you are ruining for the rest of us”. I try my best to do as much homework as possible before my visit so I don’t come across a bummed out situation. I am there to experience the culture but more so to experience the landscapes as my family are avid hikers. Visitors should be in the mindset that they are visiting someone’s home and have NO right to tell them how things should be.

  6. Trails marked closed are marked for a reason. No, I would not go anyway. If there is a limit for parking passes I assume it is to protect the environment. If we don’t protect it no one will get to enjoy its beauty. I love how Hawaii is different. That’s why we come. I enjoy seeing how others do things and disrespecting someone for providing a service to you is unnecessary. As a retired teacher I have provided a service for almost 40 years and regardless of the service they have my respect.I think the saying “Treat others the way you want to be treated” says it all.

  7. My husband and I have been traveling to Hawaii for several years, twice a year when we can, and now we own a home on the Big Island. We always try to be respectful of both the land and the people who live there. When we were visiting the North Shore of Kauai, I was horrified when saw tourists parking on resident’s lawns when parking was limited. When we were on the beach on the Big Island, I had to inform some tourists that it is against the law to harass the turtles! I still consider myself a tourist to Hawaii, even though I have a home there. Please, when visiting these beautiful islands, respect the residents, their property, care for the creatures that call this place home and put your garbage in the can!! Thank you!

    1. Hi Teresa.

      Thanks for your comments. Yes, we forget to add the parking problems that previously existed on Kauai’s north shore. Near Tunnels Beach was the worst.

      Aloha.

  8. 1. I respect signs unless I am with a local
    2. If possible, I go the worker later and say how much I respect the job they do and somehow be positive to them
    3.If they complain to me, I ask what they look for in a vacation. Why did they choose Hawaii, etc. I feel sorry for them and bless them. I ask the gods to help shift their thinking.
    4. I would not just cause someone else does. I have an Algonquin water blessing song I sing a lot.
    5. Soooo grateful for limiting access to protect nature.

  9. Aloha!

    1)Look for another trail. I do this at home. You should respect where you travel as a visitor even more than at home.

    2)First I wince because that is just rude and paints all visitors in a bad light. If it escalates I tell them to back off
    3)Uncomfortable! See #2
    4)No way.
    5)I see it as protecting Hawaii. I will say that if a there are passes left on a given day, you should be able to buy them at the gate. More $ for Hawaii
    6)Very little about the beach. We explore and hike Kauai. Always looking for new adventures. Any favorites BOH?

    1. Hi Jon.

      Thanks for all the comments. New adventures on Kauai huh? Not sure as it is such a matter of personal preference. We plan to do a Grove Farm ATV tour as friends who have visited loved it. Perennial favorite hikes include Kokee’s Awaawapuhi for its over the top views, among so many others.

      Aloha.

      1. BOH –
        The Grove Farm Plantation in Kauai is one of the main reasons we’re visiting in December. My husband has extended family that created the plantation. His dad wanted us to visit with him the last couple of years but we never got the chance, he past away from Cancer last April. We haven’t been able to have a ceremony for his passing, so we created this trip that we now postponed to the week of Christmas hoping it all works out.

  10. I love Hawaii. Lives there my kids were born there and one died and his ashes were left in the beautiful ocean by on bellows beach
    I hope to return this feb to visit my beautiful bellows . I of course understand why Hawaii is testing why we need to follow rules. I just hope I can get my test done correctly in 72 hrs. I will be flying from Indy to Dallas and on.

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