Since Hawaii travel reopened, have you noticed a big difference in the attitude of some visitors? We have. While the majority are among the most thoughtful and considerate, there’s a change for the worse we are definitely seeing more of.
“Revenge travel” (getting revenge on canceled travel plans during COVID) has morphed into an attitude of entitlement for some. It was creeping in long before COVID, and has since become much worse. You may have seen them too. These travelers can be demanding and have higher than reasonable expectations for their Hawaii vacations. In fact, they can ruin Hawaii travel for the rest of us. Read on for some gory, unfortunate details.
(We see it, for example, in aggressive and inappropriate driving behavior.)
Some might say entitled tourists been encouraged by the travel industry itself.
Think about the “us vs. them” situation of upgrades, premium classes, and exclusive features that have become so pervasive throughout travel, whether it be on airlines, or in accommodations and car rentals.
This arose out of the travel businesses’ desires for more income based on elite offerings. The industry has over-indulged those willing to spend more, or who travel more, and in doing so has helped, at least in part, to spawn the entitled tourist phenomenon. Now it has to some degree backfired on them, and those in the industry often resent the very people who they egged on.
When some travelers don’t get the premium service associated with the us-and-them culture in which we find ourselves, they feel free to act out here in Hawaii. We can tell you as residents, that when you see enough of it, it’s even easy to start to think that entitled Hawaii tourists are more pervasive than in fact they really are.
Unrealistic Hawaii vacation expectations.
When some visitors’ expectations aren’t met, there can be problems. It can ruin the entire travel experience, both for the Hawaii visitor, and for those with whom they interact. Case in point.
Your editors were seated inside a Starbucks here in Hawaii this week. One visitor walked in and demanded to know the address of the mall-based Starbucks. When the employee said they didn’t know the physical address of the mall, the visitor huffed off uttering not-so-nice expletives.
Within five minutes, another visitor walked in with several non-Starbucks drinks in their hand and asked for a tray for their beverages. The employee said that they don’t provide trays for non-Starbucks beverages. And in this situation too, the visitor left, irate about how they were accommodated.
Recently at Hanalei, the surf was up with significant undertow, and some young children and their parents were in the ocean. The lifeguard started yelling over the speaker for them to move closer to the pier where conditions were far safer. They refused and the lifeguard became angrier, trying to keep them safe while they disobeyed his warnings. It was as though these visitors were thinking, “we paid for this and will stay where we want to be.” The exasperated lifeguard said he simply wanted them to have a safe vacation.
This incident took the cake, literally.
The examples above are nothing compared with what happened Tuesday on Maui, when a visitor-related issue began at Moose McGillycuddy’s restaurant. Police were called regarding a 38 year-old Massachusetts’ resident who refused to either pay her bill or leave the restaurant. After Maui Police arrived, she agreed to pay the bill, but then still wouldn’t leave Moose McGillycuddys.
The visitor was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct and refusing to leave, and was being transported to the police station in Kihei. While getting into the vehicle, they bit the police officer. Alcohol may have been a factor.
Charges against the woman, identified by police as Corey Campbell, now include assault on the officer in addition to the prior offenses.
Hawaii air rage incident.
So what comes next? Do they bite a flight attendant on the way home? What airline would want them as a guest? It reminded us of the scary Hawaii air rage incident that happened recently.
Your comments to this point.
“A key issue seems to be that many tourism-reliant businesses market the entire state as a paradisiacal theme park. This leaves tourists disappointed when locals don’t act like theme park employees, and locals are insulted to be treated as such. Hawai’i isn’t Six Flags; it is a unique combination of cultures that over-tourism is killing.” (Robbos)
“As a long-time local, I can tell you that there’s nothing that will make everyone happy. People seem to want to be miserable these days. It breaks my heart to see this lack of Aloha and discord. There’s nowhere on Earth like Hawaii.” (Pam)
“Those that work in the service industry here are seriously over it & mentally exhausted from dealing with that same disrespectful & entitled attitude from visitors. Can you blame them? Travel has changed for the worst unfortunately. More & more travelors are traveling to trample & conquer. Sad!” (GR)
Yes, Hawaii is authentic.
Pam is right. With all of its problems, Hawaii is still unique. It is about the people, aloha, nature, the environment. These remain the isolated islands in the world and we welcome visitors for an incredible journey away from everyday life that’s different than anything you’ll find elsewhere.
No, Hawaii is no amusement park.
You’ve said it many times. People who live and work here aren’t like Disney employees. As an industry, Hawaii travel wants to please visitors, and we hope visitors appreciate who we are and what we have to offer.
Hawaii, unlike the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, isn’t a manufactured experience crafted as a giant park for tourists. If you expect that, you’re in for almost certain disappointment. Hawaii is real, and primarily it is the home of its residents. Step into our real world. Visitors impact the lives of those who live here.
When you ask how Hawaii residents feel about visitors.
We were recently asked “Are visitors really hated by most locals? Are the majority of visitors as horrible and rude as I’m reading on Facebook? There were so many locals making so many claims of how much they hate visitors.”
Visitors can come to feel like they are being lumped in with a bunch of bad eggs. And Hawaii residents can have a similar take.
With the return to peak tourism, it’s easy to see more traffic, crowding and frustration. Hawaii is getting ready to welcome over 10 million annual visitors. That, in relation to our total population of a meager 1.4 million.
Please step into our world, gently. We live here, with Hawaii’s flora and fauna. When you come here to visit, we’re happy to share our ways of life, when you’re open to it. This is the real world, and Hawaii isn’t close to perfect, nor do we try to pretend it is. Hawaii is real. Please join us in treating Hawaii as a jewel and help respect and protect it for all of us and for future generations.
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Rhonda B says
I just returned from a Hawaiian vacation. My party relied on locals for their perspective on places to go and where to avoid. We always thanked them for their help and time. On behalf of the tourists that are still respectful and appreciative of Hawaiian people and places thank you for sharing your beauty and grace.
HL says
My husband and I visited Oahu in Feb our first and last time. We are both respectful and polite in our regular life and also while on vacation. We quickly became aware that we were not wanted there. It was disappointing to say the least. Our flight home was full of Hawaiian residents visiting my home. I am most certain no one here made you feel unwelcome, you never saw signs refusing service (even to a bathroom), and locals are not allowed to skip lines in front of you for parking or entry. The next time we are looking for beautiful beaches to relax HI will unfortunately not be on the list. But please continue to visit my hometown your tourist dollars keep my taxes down an help boost my local economy with jobs and small businesses.
Mary E says
HL always remember Honolulu is a big city. Try an outer island. If you visit NYC you might find the same big city attitude. (Married to a Brooklynite so feel o.k. saying this)!
Rosey says
If Lake Tahoe officials can stop tourists from inundating their land, Hawaii can too. I am not sure they know what to do.
Tracy J. says
As sad as this article is, I agree with others that this is not isolated to Hawaii tourism. Just look at any videos from airlines recently, all the entitled “Karen” videos, etc. As a society we have gone far downhill the last few years.
It bums me out that few bad apples are giving visitors to the islands a bad name, as many of us go there to respect the beauty, nature and culture that can only be found there.
Paula R. says
Not just “entitled Karen’s!” Alot of entitled people of all different races.
Dale R says
I am very saddened to hear that tourists who visit Hawaii are rude belligerent and unaccepting of the locals who live there. I used to live there 40 years ago and hold Hawaii very near and dear to my heart the Aloha spirit of the local people and residence is amazing and something to be appreciated not trampled
Shelly C says
My husband and I have been coming to Maui every year for about 25. I was shocked last year by what I witnessed and even wrote the Mayor. My husband is a free diver and every year retrieves items in the ocean. This past year the evening sailing trips were packed. The following mornings,he picked up soda and beer cans both opened and unopened and platic bottles.We also picked up masks and even a diaper. I went along the beach picking up trash. I saw so many plastic bottles near the shoreline. It was heartbreaking.
Leah R. says
I appreciate my recent visit to Molokai more and more, especially when seeing how busy Maui and Oahu are. Tourists know where they stand in Molokai with the “Visit, Spend, Leave” or “Tourists not welcome” signs. Visitors need to chill out. I had a peaceful time in Molokai and totally understand why they want to keep the demanding tourists out.
Rod W says
Leah,
What kind of signs did the visitors you observed have? Any that read, “Hawaiians go Home,” “Hawaiians get off your ….?” I doubt it, but you make excuses for some Hawaiians holding such non-Aloha signs.
Such signs make me think some of those same Hawaiians would prefer: “Visit, Spend, Leave” be replaced with “Stay Home, Send Check.”
Randy R says
Ige again! Sates Unemployment Compensation $500,000,000.00 upside down, he waited for the Federal Subsidies, took the other Counties Hotel Tax Revenue and put it in the General Fund, then awaited his instructions as to Lock-downs, Masks keeping the Service Workers home and living the vida loca!
Bob N says
It’s disappointing to see these entitled fools treating people so poorly. I make it a point to ask how anyone in the service industry is doing before conducting business… They are human too.
I am willing to bet that a couple of the first examples, had the villans simply been polite and kind could have got what they want or needed. Whatever.. we were just here in Oahu and after chatting up the gal at the front desk, asking how she has been doing, etc.. she upgraded us to a suite..
I took note of her name and used my platinum status to give her a great compliment to her manager. We all won.
Dianna O says
I do instacart on Maui and the tourists are extremely rude and blame me for stock shortages on the stores. I’ve had numerous people claim they never received their groceries or they were damaged when they received them, when they see the final total. I would say the majority report they didn’t get their Rib-eyes and tenderloin. The entitlement is beyond anything i’ve ever experienced before. I wish everyone would live by the golden rule “do the right thing”.
Jenny says
I’m so sorry. Hawaii should not let tourist come over. You will survive. Most people here in the USA main land are rude vulgar no manners and no compassion for others. Only their needs come first and to heck with anybody else. I should know. I have lived in Florida 57 years. Have traveled to several places inside the US and outside. And every time there is always some tourist making a seine because they are not getting what they want or not fast enough. They think everything should be catered to them and no one else.
Rod W says
This is the USA and we have the right to travel to every state in the union.
We do not have the right to be rude and abusive.
Matt B says
These examples are not unique to Hawaii at all. Some people are idiots whether they’re in Hawaii, or Des Moines!
Wayne H says
I’ve been both tourist and resident here. Tourist 1980, 93, 94, 2008, then moved here with the Army (Civ) in 2012. There is much confusion when trying to give help to visitors. Patience isn’t commonly noted. So, advice is the slow down! Listen, repeat, and give respect because we all deserve it.
Kai T says
When I read this article it saddens me to think that type of ugliness is brought over to Hawai’i That’s right; some travelers bring it with them. If you feel your owed something, don’t go to the islands. Aloha spirit is only for those who respect, honor and love the islands and it’s people who live there. That element of selfishness and a disrespectful attitude is not welcomed anywhere, not only in Hawai’i. I love the islands and can do with a lot less morons running around a place of such wonder and awe. Aloha!
LYSA S says
This is such a true but sad article. When we are visiting the islands. We prayed to the water n for the native hawaiians every morning. My husband is a mainland native. He felt sad that the lil girl at Wai’anapanapa was confused by us asking the rules there. Which turned out to be very similar to ours regarding the ocean. It was sad the lack of respect that she endured everyday.
Daniel P. says
I like the term you use travel revenge due to covid. It’s terrible that some folks are unable to act with curiosity and respect towards others and things that do not belong to them. These type of moral actions are not as absorb by some folks, while others embrace a sense of respect for humanity and it’s surroundings. These types of personalities are full of hatred and fear that they will lose out in life, while they develop a sense of entitlement throughout their lives. Anyway, the travel industry will most likely change, not so much to passify visitors or kiss up to them, for huge profits, but to provide a sense of welcoming so that visitors can enjoy their vacation and return home relaxed instead of more stressed.
Rosemarie says
I have lived and traveled to Hawaii frequently thru the past 30 years and have an affinity for Maui. We traveled to Maui last year and upon leaving I literally told my travel buddy, Maui as we know it will be ruined. Too many people have discovered it and are ruining it’s magic which I feel happened in Oahu. I’ve often said – Hawaiians have life figured out. They understand how we are all connected to the land, ocean, animals and each other and live life with respect for all parts. I admire the Aloha spirit and connectedness they have with one another. Hawaii is more than beautiful scenery, it has beautiful people; I appreciate & cherish this and so hope it doesn’t get ruined. Visitors, please be respectful, kind and embrace the Aloha.
Chanin P says
I’m almost intimidated not to travel to Hawaii for my birthday. Thats a shame and embarrassing for those of us who want to experience the culture. I hope there’s nothing but aloha when we arrive
Bill H says
I have seen a lot over the years traveling to Hawaii. I have been to all the islands with the exception of the private island.
I have seen a lot of the described behavior oveca twenty some year period and about fifty trips there.
One of the most blatant incidents I have seen was at Turtle Bay where these two young punk had went and sat on two huge sea turtles. A woman had asked them to get off the turtles and respect the distace of the turtles.
They ignored the women and continued sitting on the turtles. It wasn’t long before these huge Hawaiians came out of nowhere and beat the hell out of the young punks and they were still arrested by the police.
The native Hawaiians are very proud people.
Dee says
Amen
Tracy J. says
As a tourist I would have helped the men take care of those punks myself. I cannot believe the nerve of some people… especially when it comes to hurting wildlife.
Robert H says
This is not a Hawaii problem. This is all over the US. I work in retail and during the worst of Covid my customers were so appreciative that we were open and helping them with their needs. Now many of them come in with unreasonable demands and threatening to go to corporate or post a negative Yelp if they don’t get what they want.
Jennifer C says
I understand this is the sign of the times. There’s always two sides to every story. Hawaii is a beautiful jewel created by God. In His glory we should cherish the beauty and purity Hawaii is. I’m sure the locals know where this beautiful jewel it’ll be if we continue to disrespect each other and Hawaii. In all of this and I’m mean ALL is just a result of our nature. A fallen nature that has silenced us from thi very nature God has created. Because ask yourself from both sides. Would you treat each other and Hawaii in such a way that would be so painful and disrespectful if you were in touch with the very nature of the Holy Spirit God has given you. No I think not. We are fallen from that nature because of the choices of our human desire.