What’s your reaction to thie controversy started about where the best Hawaii visitors come from?
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220 thoughts on “How Hawaii Marketing Just Dissed Almost All Visitors”
What’s your reaction to thie controversy started about where the best Hawaii visitors come from?
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Aloha, I too have been offended by the HTA’s continuing comments on the Right $$$ Visitors! It leaves a very bad impression on the whole state. I find it distasteful to the maximum
While my wife of 50 years and I may not fit your “marketing profile” we have been traveling nearly exclusively to Maui & neighboring islands for over 40 years.
We have purchased time at a resort & have cultivated many lasting friendships.
Our home is proudly Reno, NV. We will continue to plan our 1-3 week yearly trip to islands but, that is not guaranteed.
Reading now that the mayor of SF was on Maui when the fires broke out. 😥😥
My hub of 36 yrs turns 60 in Feb & has had a dream to visit HI ever since he was young in his working class family. They could never afford such an extravagant expenditure. So I scraped up every penny I could find, sold some crypto which my adult son urged me to buy a few yrs ago, worked extra shifts, & booked a modest (as modest as one can get in the islands) trip to Maui. Made the birthday dinner res for Mama’s. We are good visitors. We have a motto- “leave it better than we found it.” We always follow rules & never feel entitled to do things our own self-serving way. The last week has been a crushing disappointment both from the tourism people & locals in Maui literally blaming us for their recent wildfires/natural disaster. I’ve been trying to obtain on-the-ground information about the island in order to make an informed decision about whether to cancel our Feb trip & am invariably met with snarling, seething invective putting the blame for all of the Islands’ ills on the haole, & being accused of only caring about myself & my vacation. Um. No. It is possible to have concern for more than 1 thing at a time. I just don’t want to lose 20k that frankly I don’t have to lose. This was for my husband who has busted @ ss for 45 yrs & had a dream to visit Hawaii. To be honest, I am sorely regretting booking this trip & am trying to cancel & get as much of our money back as possible so we can go elsewhere.
We truly love visiting the different islands that make up Hawaii. We are not rich. We save the money that we need to travel there. We may not have the extravagant life style of some others, but I believe our trips are more special to us because we made it our goal to get there. We don’t go there as privileged individuals, but we have always been treated that way nevertheless. Thank you to the wonderful, kind people of Hawaii for treating us special when we are just normal people.
Just saw the today show in Australia with new pictures and video. Lahaina is completely gone. I mean nothing is salvageable. Where our news media? Guess it doesn’t get ratings.
I have seen multiple reports with videos on twitter. Who needs news companies when everyone with a camera can be a reporter on twitter?
Aaaaaaaaaand pivoting from this discussion to begging my friend to leave her place in Kihei,”they are digging a firebreak now”. Lahaina is gone apparently. Guess this discussion solved itself huh
We were stationed in Hawaii (Oahu) from 2002-2005. We loved it and have been back several times. Each time, we’ve found it more crowded. On our last visit in April 2023, we decided the best of Hawaii lives in our memories. It’s crazy crowded. After we got home found out our favorite beaches, which we visited, had high bacterial counts while we were there 🤢. Cesspools and aging infrastructure are contributing. We don’t plan to visit again.
Boy I remembering waikikki in 1968 when I was 5 years old. Waikikki village with the triangle shaped hotel and Bob’s Restaurant. This seemed like paradise. I revisited waikikki to give my kids the same
experience as I did when I was a child. I visited in 2007,2008, and 2009. I traveled using the bus and was shocked that all that I saw as a child was gone. I still loved the north shore. Hailiana Bay, tiki torches lit at night etc. This year I went to book and was blown away by resort fees, Hawaii tax on Hotels and a Oahu’s hotel transient tax. Now a green fee of 50 per visitor. That was never what Oahu was about in the past. It was all about the experience and the welcoming hand to return. Then hawailan travel authority only perfers visitors from San Francisco. Whats going on. Don’t hawaii understand that outside of New York: San Francisco has the highest rent in the lower 48 state. I guess it will never be what it used to be. Fees for diamond head park, trail admission, Park parking, etc. I feel like I’m just a walking wallet or atm machine. Please make Oahu affordable so everyone can experience the magical vacation. That’s what Hawaii should be about.
The mayor of Maui had the same sentiments a couple of years ago. Im paraphrasing, “we want wealthier tourists because blue collar tourists are exploiting maui”. Exploiting, really? So the 5 or 6 grand that i spend in hawaii, not counting the plane ticket, is expoiting hawaii?
I have been 5 times over the last 30 years. Which is a lot for a blue collar dude on the east coast. I always try to be respectful because i am in someone elses home. In 2018 i stayed in Makaha, ate at L & L, surf firshed with locals, shopped at the Waianae Store. I would much rather spend my money on the west side than Waikiki. I never new i was expoiting anyone? smh. I love hawaii, i am the best version of myself when i visit. Unfortunately, Hawaii keeps making it harder to justify another visit.
I think it’s very interesting to note here that the high majority of people leaving comments have been to the islands multiple times over decades. Isn’t this the type of visitor you want? If the HTA really thought about it, it isn’t the people who are loyal return visitors causing problems. More than likely, it’s the entitled engaging in dangerous activities, trashing and disrespecting HI.
After 15 years of visiting Hawaii each winter and loving it. We were always mindful of Hawaii’s locals and respected the people and the land.
With all the talk of not wanting the tourists and everything doubled or tripled in price, we will no longer be returning to the islands. Mahalo for all the good times. We will now be looking for that in the Caribbean.
Bliss,
I hope you consider the American Virgin Islands when you go to the Caribbean.
Aloha
They’re totally out of touch. I believe we definitely need to be spreading information to tourists about sunscreen and our reefs. And I believe most tourists are interested in Hawaiian culture and want to know more about our history. That said, they’re also on vacation. And it’s Real expensive to come here. The islands make their living off tourism. We produce very little goods that get shipped off island. We have to remember that or we’ll see more businesses failing.
Frankly I ignore what I can coming out of that agency. The residents on every island have never shown anything but Aloha and I’d rather support my own country than go to an island in the Caribbean. But at the rate pricing is going I might not have a choice.
Mainland visitors are always looking for a cheap alternative and make the local people feel obligated to do something different for them to be satisfied with their experience.
If we were looking for a cheap alternative we wouldn’t go to Hawaii in the first place. Ain’t nothing cheap about that place!
Nash B, yes like the $$ spent by the HTA!
I have been to Hawaii many times. I’ve always tried to be respectful. But the hospitality toward tourists is actually having a negative impact. It is a bit freeing to not have to worry if I am being sufficiently respectful. It’s almost like a get it if jail free card. If I’m accused of something, I’m free to do it without guilt.
Yes, the tourism industry encourages a sense of entitlement on behalf of the tourist. In Hawai’i, tourism imposes the worst of capitalism and colonization on the land and its people. It treats the people of Hawaiʻi like clowns and values the ‘aina only for its monetization.
Tourism everywhere in the world is massively destructive, and completely unsustainable.
So thank you for being respectful.
I think they got this wrong about San Francisco. I’m from CA and SF Airport offers cheaper flights than other airports. Also it’s flyers are from all over CA and I bet most don’t live in SF. We go to Maui once a year and use Sacramento Airport. It’s easy to get through ✔️ points and plane is always full. I think covid got locals to enjoy HA without tourists and now resent the people who bring the money to the islands. We love and respect the islands. Educating the tourists seems like a better way to go.
I am horrified by the HVCB comment. It does not serve any beneficial purpose at all. It is offensive and degrading to all. I am a Hawaii resident and I am very embarrassed by these words. Why are we still using tax payer funds to finance the organization that is continually sabotaging the reputation, the main livelihood, and Aloha of Hawaii?
Yes, we would like to receive respectful visitors. However, shaming is Never a strategy to cultivate positive and respectful behaviors in any situations. To receive respect, Hawaii and her appointed representatives must model respect and grace first.
I would like to see accountability for this disgraceful statement from HVCB and HTA.
Thank you for being so kind and compassionate.
The HVCB officials comments are shameful and sickening.
Excuse us po folk who don’t fit your rich,elitist demographic.
Shame on you !!!!
Don’t let the door hit you the next time you lower yourself to visit anywhere in Southern California !!
We have Ohana on Oahu and a beloved timeshare in Kaanapali, Maui.
We visit 2 to 3 times every year to see everyone.
Maui, We Love You !!
Our hearts are broken by what has happened.
God bless you !!
We will contribute to Maui relief funds
Maui Strong !!
Take good care,
Love You All !!
We head to Kauai for the first time on Thursday, having seen Maui and Oahu before. We will enjoy our 8 days there, but I already know we will probably never come back to Hawaii. The messaging out of Hawaii continually says, we just want your money, we don’t want you. Can’t believe they don’t understand that it doesn’t work that way.
From Seattle. Been to Oahu 5 times, Maui 7 times, Big Island 5 times.
Over the years it is becoming clear that visitors are no longer welcome or wanted in Hawaii. So much for Aloha.
Hawiian problems are self inflicted, and Hawaiians never seem to look in the mirror.
Trash on the side of the road? Mostly beer cans and plastic sweet drink bottles thrown there by locals. Tourists are generally very careful to clean up after themselves, just watch at any beach. Drive hwy 160 between Manini Beach and Honaunau on the Big Island, you’ll see a bunch of old appliances rusting along the side of the road. I guess someone from LA brought an old oven with them and threw it there?
Now at Hanauma Bay, locals can park their cars for free and get in for free, but tourists have to pay $20 to park and another $20 to get in.
Are Hawaiians really looking to protect Hawaii? Seems they are trying to make Hawaii their own subsidized paradise by fleecing tourists whenever and wherever possible.
You talk constantly about “Hawaiians this, Hawaiians that” are you sure they are Hawaiian, which is a race, unlike Texans. Maybe it’s transplanted u.s. continent dwellers doing that and yeah from LA. Don’t like Hawai’i don’t come.
The local of Hawaiʻi, of whom you speak, is broke and has never benefitted from tourism. The shareholders of the corporations that own the resorts and luxury developments are the people who benefit from tourism. The lands they occupy are stolen lands, stolen from the kanaka whom you denigrate. The only entities getting subsidized are the developers. They own the politicians, who are mostly corrupt, along with their appointees.
You wanna know there are so many For Hire signs in Hawaii?
Cuz da locals lazy?
Because the local work force canʻt afford to live here.
People are leaving to make room for more resorts and luxury developments for tourists.
Too bad there wonʻt be enough workers to serve them.
bots are coming tho…..remembering that capitalism is anti-humanity. Just the next step for the islands as well no doubt.
When Europeans came to Hawaii, only Hawaiian royalty (ali’i) “owned” land. The people (kanaka) resided on the ali’i’s land.
Then, many ali’i donated their land to christian churches, who later sold land to investors / developers, and here we are today.
1 The land never belonged to the people.
2. The land was never stolen.
3. There are maybe 300 pure blood Hawaiians on Lana’i. People who claim to be part Hawaiian = maybe 8% of Hawaii’s population. The majority are “Hawaii people” – i.e. mixed race descendents of the Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese etc. people who were brought in to work the land.
Hawaii is experiencing the same stresses as every other popular tourist destination on the planet.
Just arrogance. Sort of like San Francisco in many ways. Now you see what’s happening there, I watched a congressman there when they were proposing new taxes and taxes on people that left up to 10 years when asked won’t that make people leave. His response was no we are California and then smiled.
Over tourism is killing the beaches, bays, and wildlife, and displacing the kanaka. Americans think everything is about money. Hawaiians know better.
This is not unique to Hawaii. Tourists around the world can be rude and disrespectful of the country/state customs. To many tourists feeling that they can do whatever they want. A reflection of the loss of moral values prevalent in todays society.
Exactly! I live in an area that gets huge amounts of tourists. Most are wonderful, a few are not. But we wouldn’t dream of telling tourists that they are not welcome. Or charge them extra!
Hawaiins’ disdain for tourists in general is the biggest turn off. Tourism is the economy there, but even courteous, respectful tourists are given the side eye. So many other places to travel to instead.
Hawaiian travel board appears to have reached the same short-sighted conclusion that Disney World has been operating pn over the last few years: it costs more time and money to accommodate one thousand visitors who are spending $1,000 each, as opposed to one hundred visitors spending $10,000 each. Both scenarios total a million dollars of income, but the latter has far less overhead.
In Disney’s case, it’s mainly just greed. Hawaii has the added burden of trying to manage ecological conservation, and reducing traveller numbers is a good place to start. But it’s foolish and disrespectful to cater only to the ultra-rich, implying that they’re inherently more respectful of cultural and environmental issues beause… I dunno, because the Bay Area has nicer public parks?
Bob M,
“reducing traveller numbers is a good place to start”
Would you start with me and my family, who come nearly every year and thus support the economy of the people of Hawaii?
So, Bob, if not me, then who would you tell to stay home?
I work for a major US carrier and was based in Honolulu, San Francisco and Los Angeles and worked multiple Hawaii flights from sea, lax, Sfo, east coast, Midwest, Las Vegas. And here is my honest opinion. They are totally right. Working flights out of lax to any vacation destination was a total hell. On a full flight 10 or 20 bad apples can totally make the flight hell for everyone else. Refuse to follow rules, packing way to much huge bags that will not fit, refusing to follow crew directions, trying to board a plane with a pizza box in 1 had and a extra large coffee and phone in another while FaceTime calling talking loud with multiple bags hitting other people acting like they are the only person on the plane. And when they get here the attitude is the same. So I totally agree. This was made clear during the pandemic when we had to enforce mask rules. Lax flights constantly boarded by police bc passengers refused to comply w rule to wear masks 20 min on the ground.
Lived on Maui for a while, going through LAX was utter hell. No way I’d ever want to see the city after that. Worst airport experience(s!!!) ever. Every single flight delayed/canceled multiple times every single airport “worker” snarling, aggressive. Lucky I was never arrested tbh.
You do realize that both LAX and SFO Airports have travelers from all over the country/world? They aren’t all residents of those cities.
I have been reading “Beat of Hawaii” as we will be traveling to the island at the end of October. All the airline info is a bit scary. Plan on being on Kauai for 2 weeks. Know the traffic is bad but hope to still get around to the places we love. Learning a lot from your articles. Thannk you.
So our 26 trips to the Islands in the last 30 years, from Philadelphia don’t count as welcomed tourists.
We have been to many magical places, and are aware, don’t tell them what to do to improve the issues.
I love Kauai and Oahu. I haven’t been to the other islands. I am deeply saddened that native Hawaiians cannot afford to live on their homeland. I feel that anything Hawaii can do to protect their own people should be considered. The massive influx of people is a detriment to the islands. I came last year and it had changed… while it’s great to make more money… it is sad the people who deserve to be there..cannot afford and ate going elsewhere to live. I hope efforts will be made to protect the land and people… I will mot be back because I don’t want to contribute to the over crowding of the beautiful land. I love the people and hope they all don’t move to Michigan!!! Keep Aloha alive.. Jeff Zuckerburg needs to go.
You don’t understand tho, the money won’t go to the people, it will go into a few chosen pockets. Sad
Wow! This was a bad statement from HVCB. Personally, Hawaii needs to care more for their beaches, land, bus transit centers, any State Care facility is horrible! Kapiolani Park and Ala Moana need to be better cared but they are not! The beaches have no functional bathrooms, example, Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the perfect example. The beach if front of the Hilton…..dirty….I contacted the Hilton when my family when they visited and the Hilton Management told me, the beach is to be handled by the City & County…..Shameful!
If we are going to market Hawaii as great destination, learn from places like Singapore, with more tourist per year than Hawai’i….Paris among other destinations 🙂
Aloha,
Xavier
Aloha! This comes as no surprise to me as many islanders have family and friends in the San Francisco Bay Area (I know because I have friends here in the Bay Area who are native Hawaiian and who tell me that tourists aren’t welcome there). So, this Bay Area-born and raised gal will be keeping her money here at home. Mahalo for this forum to speak. Be well.
WOW!!! The HTA has gone lolo.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for reporting on this topic.
I think it’s absurd that they’d even talk story amongst themselves, let alone say it out loud. I find that comment to be snotty and uninformed.
My personal experience is that when I need to go to the mailand, I do fly in and out of SFO or LAX.
There’s no discernable difference between visitors utilizing LAX and SFO. Zero.
HTA needs to issue an immediate apology for their tasteless comment.
Tourism is a necessity,
HTA isn’t.
Much Aloha to you and blessings always.
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your input on this and countless other issues. We appreciate you!
Aloha.
Aloha!
My wife and I have been extremely fortunate to travel to Hawaii for over 40 years now. We have brought our family with us when we could, so that they could experience the “Aloha Spirit ” as we did the first time we stepped off the plane. It’s a 15 hour trip from New Hampshire (!!) Please dont forget about people like us who happen to live on the East coast and love the islands like our home.
I’ll agree with this… Bay Area travelers are better, kinder, and more experienced travelers than the “LA crowd” for sure! (In my experience)
Your comment seems to be a gross generalization. I’m truly interested to know how you came to this conclusion, and what metrics you utilize to make your determination. I’m not from either city, just truthfully curious.
S1x of one – half dozen of the other…all California.
Um…. whoever wrote that they only want people from San Francisco hasn’t been to San Francisco in awhile San Fran is now a dump .
Sad but true. I went to a Giants game with my kids last week. On our walk along the Embarcadero we had to step over drugged out crazies and lots of garbage. We were also concerned about our car being vandalized considering how much broken glass was present on the street.
It’s great to escape to the islands if you can avoid this mayhem that’s tolerated and encouraged by the voting habits of the citizens of SF.
I’m frankly stunned to see a comment like the one made by the HVCB. Most intelligent people who had those views wouldn’t advertise them, because they’re certainly not inclusive and they reek of class warfare and discrimination. Really Hawaii? Do you want to be the playground of the rich and famous or do you want to welcome keikis who might be seeing their first sea turtle (from an appropriate distance)? This is bad press for the state and the tourism board. Thanks for keeping us informed, BOH.
It is crystal clear that Hawaii wants only the richest tourists. As well as the richest residents. Politicians of the bent most found in Hawaii (and in SF) are extremely elitist, and openly mock and belittle working people.
I was born and raised in So Cal. Went to UC Berkeley and lived my adult life in Palo Alto. So I sort of get the evaluation of SF vs LA mindset. I now live in Oregon and travel to Hawaii almost annually.
While I sort of agree with the ‘mindset’ expressed by HVCB I can’t imagine why such a statement would be made by an agency promoting tourism in Hawaii.
We thoroughly enjoy Hawaii and encourage all effort to educate visitors to respect and appreciate all the Hawaii has to offer.
Rich E.
Key West, Florida tried a similar visitor reduction scheme by limiting cruise ships. That + Covid about ruined the economy. A tax disguised as a Green Fee is still a tax & funds raised will not benefit the tourists who pay them.
I see they hired the bud light exec as a consultant 🙂
So, what is the problem with hiring the Bud Light Executive?
Assuming you’re not joking or unaware of current events, Bud Light’s 30-something newly hired Marketing VP was relieved of her job because of an even more egregious marketing debacle. Google it and learn how not understanding your customer base and subsequently insulting and ostracizing them is not a good business strategy. This is precisely what’s occurring with the HTA’s senior marketing person.
Inclusion is good. That is what the Bud Light folks went towards. If some others who felt butthurt(ha!)by that felt excluded, then idk. What this post addresses is (emphasis) exclusion. Glad I could clear this up.
If losing $10B in company valuation and forfeiting your #1 US brand for what will likely be decades is your goal in order to massage the bruised egos of 00.1% of the population…then you win!
Budweisers marketing never excluded anyone of any preference until their recent debacle that cost them 30% of their market share. It was the opposite of inclusion, as is HTA’s new marketing comments. Money talks and they’ve since changed their tune, as has Target stores. Hopefully, HTA learns from these completely avoidable, self inflicted wounds.
Actually, despite the noise to the contrary, Bud was looping its marketing share to Modelo Light for years. Guess what, Modelo’s parent company is InBev, the same company that owns Budweisser. Everything about the Bud Light fiasco is just political noise.
You have to ask? How about alienating all but a small sample size of tourists?
If your goal is to destroy your brand then she’s the one you want.
San Francisco?! Are they Kidding??? The demographics of well-to-do from the Bay area and Silicon Valley have already demonstrated that they are leaving California due to crime and taxes. I am in contact with mainland visitors and potential visitors regularly. I advocate for Hawaii tourism and conservation of the land and many are on board for this. Hawaii land groups have done a good job getting the message out about coming to Hawaii and protecting it. Hawaii is not the only state needing conservation. The same is true for caves and lakes around the U.S. Let’s face it, vacationing across all America needs consciousness!!
Amen to that! Very well stated.
I used to live on the Big Island and now I reside in NorCal. I get where you are coming from with this article. But I don’t feel it is accurate in painting all travelers with a broad brush…..
As a frequent flyer that works coast to coast, I see very civilized people from all areas and some very uncivilized people from all areas.
One’s character is based on their upbringing and their conscience. We should all attempt to be more respectful of one another and respectful to ourself. Be kind.
There are many great places on earth to visit… Why go where I’m not wanted?
I’ve been multiple times, but do Not plan on returning. The first 3 times we always felt welcome and appreciated, but since 2020 we felt like we were intruders or those unwelcome cousins you never wanted to see.
Even some of the restaurants that we over-tipped wanting to assist the workers that we knew have hard times, as we left didn’t even get a thanks or come back soon.
Aloha spirit has left the islands.
If Hawaiians do not want SoCal visitors like myself, I can take the hint. Last April was my 23rd visit there and it will be my last.
Not feeling the love-. We are a family of 6, now all adults, returning to Kapalua after a several year absence. We used to stay for a three week visit, but given the sky high prices and much talked about “bad vibes”, we’re only committing to a one weeks stay.
Sad, hope for the best but haven’t seen any proof that things will be fun and welcoming like they were in the past. Looking forward to family time, but maybe that old expression, “ you can’t go back” will apply here.
Don’t let the miserables ruin your trip. I was in Kauai last November with 7 other family members. There was a small percentage of pathetic sad sacks around, but they’re everywhere, not just Hawaii. When one of them gives you a dirty look, just smile and feel pity for anyone who could be a hater in such a paradise. (Btw, it’s downright funny when an obvious transplant from the mainland tries to pull that crap, but some will!).