Some of your comments give us ideas for posts. Like today’s from Rich in England who has been a loyal follower for years. In the past, earlier we wrote about the feelings between Hawaii visitors and residents, which yielded nearly 500 of your comments. Rich is suggesting we take that a step further and look at how visitors see other visitors.
That got us thinking about our own travels too. When your editors travel internationally, we do so independently so as to get to know people and cultures better. Just like we did exactly a year ago when we drove throughout South Africa and Namibia. And that’s a whole different story, and perhaps another website. In any event, years ago we tried a “one and only” bus tour. It was in Thailand. That lasted only a few days. Then Jeff unceremoniously announced to a flabbergasted tour leader that both of us were renting a car and leaving the tour. Once we did that, we got to be closer to people living there, and have a far more authentic experience.
Rich, who is from England, has, since 2014, been a part of Beat of Hawaii’s community and commenting. He said today,
“What do visitors think about other visitors perhaps is a good question. When I see ignorant people disrespecting the culture and not following requests and instructions I do not think much of my fellow visitors (for although I am a regular repeat visitor (4-5 times a year for almost 30 years) I class myself as a visitor. I find there is an inverse correlation between belonging to and being welcoming.” He went on to suggest that long time visitors (Kamaaina) to whom visitors show respect are very welcoming where newcomers to Hawaii (Malahini) “tend not to be and what to tell everyone else what to do.”
So how do you see other visitors in Hawaii and their behavior when you travel here? We came up with a shortlist of questions we’ll ask to get the discussion going.
1). You arrive at a popular destination like Queen’s Bath on Kauai or Haiku Stairs on Oahu and see the trail is closed (Haiku has been closed for decades). Do you respect the sign and look for another trail to hike, or decide to hike the closed trail because other visitors are doing it.
2). You see a visitor talking down to someone working in the service industry. Now what?
3). You hear a visitor complaining because it works differently in Hawaii than it does on the mainland. (And oh boy is that the truth). They offer advice on how it should be done. Does that make you feel uncomfortable or do you see it as helpful?
4). Enter social media. Someone is standing on rocks during high surf to get a photo and not respecting the ocean. Would you do the same?
5). Parking permits and limited access to beaches. One example is Kee Beach on Kauai. Do you see that as protecting Hawaii or a problem?
6). Are you a visitor who thinks Hawaii is all about the beach or are you a visitor wanting to tap into Hawaii culture?
We look forward to your added thoughts and questions?
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Katherine K. says
We’ve been visiting Hawaii, mostly Kauai, for almost 30 years, and for 4 weeks for the past 10 years. We totally respect the Hawaiian customs. We LOVE the fact that the Kauai gov’t has limited access to Ke’e beach and instituted an excellent system for permits.
If we see a visitor talking down to a service employee, we ask them to remember that they are children of God and what these people do for us. We love and respect the people who work at our timeshare in Lihue !
We’ve studied the culture and read a lot about it, pus visit museums and other historical places. It’s wonderful. If someone want to take a selfie in a dangerous place, and they fall, well – there’s Darwin’s Rule.
I wish others would value the islands as much as we do !!!
Barbara M says
1) We’ve come to realize that such signs are there for a reason. In the case of Queen’s Bath – it is a dangerous place so stay away. It may just be to protect someone’s privacy – so do unto others as you wish done to you! And pray the others stay safe!
2) Knowing me, I’d probably wait for a secluded moment and apologize to that service person on behalf of others like ourselves who are respectful.
3) Uncomfortable as hell and, again, I’d probably take them aside and explain.
4) No way! And I’d probably be praying for them anyway so that would take up my time.
5) It’s hard when you remember when everything was easier but as Kauai has become more of a destination and visitors haven’t malama ‘aina, it was inevitable.
6) I’ve danced hula for 14 years and (pre-covid) take classes from a Professor of Hawaiian Culture here in Albuquerque. She is a direct descendant of Kamehameha and continues her belief in the “old ways” which is fascinating. So that should answer the question.
Joerg H. says
1). I think you answer your own question, it’s a question of respect. If the trail is closed, it was closed for a reason, and you should respect that.
2). It depends on the situation. If it’s mild, I might just indicate support for the server directly. If it’s significant, it might require intervention. In either case, it certainly would affect my opinion of that person.
3). Neither, it ticks me off. This is Hawaii, not the mainland, and indeed, things work differently. As I see it, this is an example of the “ugly American” traveler.
4). No, and I would warn them that what they are doing is potentially dangerous. Who knows, they might not realize it.
5). Protecting Hawaii. Hoards to visitors destroying the natural beauty of a place aren’t good for anyone. Sometimes, measures have to be taken so that that place will still be available to future generations of visitors.
6).D, all of the above. It’s a beautiful place AND has an amazing culture. If you just concentrate on the one you’re missing out on 1/2 of the experience.
Charles F. says
1. We respect the signs and placards!
2. Depending on how dynamic the situation is, I may make a comment.
3. We travel to Europe and see this a lot. We enjoy and value the differences.
4. No, learned the hard way!
5. We don’t drive, we use “Da Bus” to get around and love it. As seniors, it’s a great benefit.
6. We have stayed at my sister’s in Hanapepe for months at a time and have assimilated into the
neighborhood and local culture, not exactly Kamaaina, but not Malahini.
Elojio says
These things people complain about happen everywhere. It emphasizes the lack of institutional supervision available on the islands. My guess is once all the tourists complain enough, there will be a big tax assessment somewhere to hire more law enforcement, to keep everyone safe. They’ll probably take away the homeowner/occupant exemption from the property tax. The tourists buy all the real estate anyway.
Lee S says
Interesting list of questions you asked in your post. My husband’s family has been on Oahu since the late 1800’s, and his mom drummed a lot of things into us, which we have passed on to our grandson. One of the most important was to always respect the ocean and NEVER turn your back on it. My husband’s grandfather was swept off the rocks near Makapu’u Point and drowned as his wife and daughter stood by helpless. That taught the family a serious lesson about the power of the ocean.
Concerning the warning signs on Haiku Steps etc., again, tourists fail to realize that they are there for protection and safety. Our son lives not far from there, and many people ignore the warnings. I’m reminded of the warning signs we saw on Kilauea several years ago. Rangers marked out a path to safely treck out to see where lava entered the ocean, and at one point it said that it was unsafe to go farther. We watched as many tourists continued right on by the signs, not realizing that seemingly secure lava benches can collapse and send one right down into molten lava. Many visitors are not familiar with these kinds of hazards, and they ignore them to their own peril.
Thanks for asking interesting questions BOH. I look forward to reading responses.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lee.
Thanks for helping and for your many comments.
Aloha.
Roger f says
Curious, how many tourists perished in the lava?
Bob S. says
I’ve lived in Oahu as well as Maui. I had a flower shop and made it a point to connect with a Host family, and hire local kids. I now have a place in Kauai and still have to inform some tourists about beach safety before I pull them out of dangerous shore break. If I see a tourist let a bag blow in the wind, down the beach. I pick it up. As well as cleaning up garbage any time I see it. South shores generally pick up the most Ocean debris. Add to the land and make us all look good. If we weren’t born on Island, we are not Local, period!
Hugh says
Wow! What a topic. Cheap airfare and poorly educated travelers have worn down too may beautiful spots in the islands. I think the aloha spirit is still alive but is being ground down by travelers who have no respect for a unique culture. How do you share your wonderful islands without being elitist? All I know is that I work to save enough to come back and position myself to live a few weeks or months like a native in one of the greatest places on the planet.
Warm regards,
Hugh the Haole
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Hugh.
Thanks for that.
Aloha.
Fronn F. says
That’s a really funny question. Seems like whenever you get more than one person together, one starts thinking s/he’s better than the other.
HaHaHa.
Geo C. says
Thank you so very much for sharing the background for this post. As a former 9+ years resident and frequent visitor since then (mainly because we still own our place in Poipu and have many friends here), I feel somewhat qualified to contribute. So, here goes, according to the comment numbers above:
1. Always respect the local signs and strictly abide by the message.
2. Try to take the visitor aside and explain that the way things are done and behavior is displayed here, particularly in the service industries (in which I worked for seven years), are based on some very deep, cultural values of caring and respect for each other, regardless of one’s station in life.
3. It makes me feel very uncomfortable. As the old saying goes, “When in Rome ….. ”
4. Never, ever! And, remember something else — never turn your back on the ocean!
5. Absolutely protecting Hawaii and for the safety of everyone. Otherwise, chaos can lead to irreparable damage.
6. I want to tap into Hawaiian culture, provided the experiences are genuine and not significantly enhanced to try to impress tourists — Hawaiian culture is so beautiful just as it naturally is!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Geo.
Thanks for giving us a hand.
Aloha.
Pam S says
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.
Russ H. says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Russ.
Thanks. Feel free to leave another comment if you’d like. Interesting experience you described. Empathy.
Aloha.
Major C. says
We perceive individuality as holding some exclusive knowlege.
That only impedes the progress of humanity.
We are all visitors.
Jeanne m says
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!
Lynde C says
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.
Cindy H says
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.
Teresa says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Christina C. says
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.
Jon D says
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?
Beat of Hawaii says
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.
Lynde C says
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.
Nancy W. says
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.