It just takes one person to wreck it for others. With some ugly details.
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500 thoughts on “How Some Tourists are Ruining Hawaii Travel for Everyone”
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It just takes one person to wreck it for others. With some ugly details.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
As a frequent visitor, I have been appalled by the behavior of other visitors. I do sympathize with the locals. They are in an impossible situation, they rely on the tourists for their livelyhoodand are tired of people who don’t respect them, the culture or the environment. My hat is off to them. Thank you for sharing your lovely Aloha spirit with me and my family.
Very sad that this is happening. We visited Hawaii for the first time earlier this year. We were literally overwhelmed by the beauty of the island and the kindness of Hawaiians we met. It was a privilege and a delight to visit and we hope to do so again, very soon.
The unseen root of an “entitled” attitude is insecurity. And we’re all feeling insecure about the future; life has been turned upside down these last few years. But I can’t think of a better place to rest and relax than Hawaii… it’s the place I think to go when I need a respite from winter blues, Covid fatigue, the news of war, inflation and a host of other stressors we are all currently living with on a daily basis. The slower pace, Aloha spirit, mana, birdsong, smiles of happy locals… it’s hard to believe anyone could ever be in a bad mood in Hawaii. I’ve even seen people singing in their cars in traffic. Hawaii transforms people for the better; I trust in that more than the stories of a few disgruntled travelers. 🙂 Aloha love
Hi Trasea.
Thanks for your input on this and your other comments.
Aloha.
Aloha.
Thank you for replying to Trasea post. As it caused me to pause and read what enacted a reply from the author. Yes Trasea is how I have always felt travelling to Maui and the other islands every 5 years of my life. It wasn’t until the past 2 years that I started browsing social media to understand where I could stay safely and as I read the posts, I discovered disgruntled individuals and read many horror posts from locals asking us to stay on the Mainland. I truly want to get one last visit in during my old age and want so bad to feel just as Trasea posted. That is how I remembered the Aloha State!
I’m a haole (white) woman and have only lived on Oahu for 4 years. I’ve never experienced any aggression from anyone at any time. My husband, also white, surfs all the time at local beaches and has never gotten into fights or anything described in other comments. However, we’re also friendly and respectful. We treat everyone with aloha and, in return, we’re treated the same way back. If we’re ever treated with a frown and sharp words we answer with a smile and before long they’re smiling too. I truly believe that if you treat others as friends you’ll get the same treatment in return. People today are so quick to get angry and offended. I prefer to treat everyone with aloha instead.
Well said. But I would like to add that we treat everyone like ohana, not just friends. There is a big difference in our culture. Everyone here is family!
I apologize for the rude tourists. Live in a Florida tourist town and it can be difficult sometimes. We’ve been wanting to visit for So long and just want to get the real feel for your beautiful islands. We hate crowds too! It’s hard for us to get the truth about rental cars, fun places to go, etc. Most of us just want to see authentic island life and the beautiful land and sunsets!
To John C, I am also in a mixed relationship. He is black. I’m white. I would definitely go and enjoy the trip with your Filipino girlfriend. We have not had any problems with locals. Hawaii is a melting pot of races and cultures that make it what it is. Lots of Filipino people there. So many comments on this thread today. Mostly positive, just be your kind selves and have fun. You will love the atmosphere and be glad you got to experience the islands charm and beauty.
Me and my girlfriend landed in Maui on March 11th 2020, the first day that the pandemic became an obsession. We had planned and paid for the trip costing $6,000 months before. Whenever we tried to go to a local beach we were presented with hostile signs telling non-native Hawaiians to go home. I’m sorry, I thought this was one country. The USA, and we stood together as a country. It would be like Indiana residents telling Illinois residents to stay out of Indiana. It was sickening. Thuggery.
Too bad you thought paying $6000 would buy your pleasure. I have never seen any “signs” at any beach against tourists, and I’ve lived here for almost 40 years. Before it was an obsession as you say, the word was out. Why plan to travel when the potential was out there? We knew this By December. So sad for your trip experience but
…
Unfortunately you came at a very bad time when even Hawaiians were not allowed on the beach. People were told to go home because this was the beginning of a worldly pandemic. Also just to add…yes Hawaii is part of the US but It was also illegally overthrown and Hawaiians were stripped of their lands, language, and culture. Completely different situations when comparing to any other state.
One other thing I would like to add is that I suspect many locals don’t realize what many tourists will do for the islands and locals in an effort to reciprocate the Aloha they experienced.
What I have read in many of these comments and others are tourists mentioning volunteering or other ways of spreading Aloha. I know in my case I have consistently donated anonymously to various charities in an effort to show Aloha and my appreciation, I am sure many others do the same.
As an African-American male who visits Maui every year for a few weeks, I can truly say that Hawaii, most specifically Maui and the Big Island, has been one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever been or lived. I’ve always been treated with dignity and respect by the locals, and I suspect a large part of that is due to me giving them and their land the same respect. I think it is interesting that some of the commenters mention how they are treated differently only because of the color of their skin. Welcome to the club! Aloha!!!
Hmmm…. not sure I would be welcoming anyone to that club, I have always felt racism is bad in any form.
There is no need to be rude to people that would most likely be very welcoming to you (some of my closest and most supportive friends are black and I know they would not share your sentiment).
On a side note, you do know that haole typically means a white person and is often used in a derogatory manner, right? Some school kids in Hawaii have a “kill haole day” when white students are harassed and attacked by non-white kids. It is also well known that white kids are harassed and bullied at school.
I do understand the double standard though as I am white and my wife is Hispanic, looks like a local, and is treated like a local.
to start i am white my wife and i find that we are getting to old to go to Hawaii. but i made time to learn and slow it down. a lot of doors open when you have respect. thank you for what you do ..calif
Living in San Diego, you learn to deal with tourist and all the military families from other states. When I go on vacation to Kauai, I am always respectful of the land, those that are residents. I have seen very friendly locals and a few not so friendly because of my mainland skintone. I am not all Caucasian only half. But you can tell I’m not local to Kauai. I love the aloha spirit from those that choose to share it and find it sad for those that chose to dislike me simply because I’m not a local. I get the frustration but would never treat some less because they were not from San Diego
Aloha Auinala, this is such an unfortunate situation for our visitors industry,assuming tourism are the main economic revenue provisions for the 50th State. Hawaii by far is the multicultural melting pot capital of the World isolated unlike any place else in the United States of America. In two months we celebrate our Independence of this Great Nation. That will never change. It is through the way we serve others that our greatness is felt. One Nation Under God & Country.
Hi
Do not worry we are coming back next year
We love hawaii
😍
We are from new Zealand
Every one love us who live hawaii
As a part-time Big Island resident and sometime tourist, I am embarrassed to be a haole and wish to God I was a native Hawaiian! It’s important to understand the local customs and history fully appreciate what is going on in Hawaii today. It can’t hurt to learn some of the language to show even more respect. The islands need to be approached with aloha, respect and a little bit of patience. People need to slow down and breathe the air and realize that they are in in paradise for a reason. Everyone needs to take the opportunity in their lives to actually pause and appreciate the beauty and aloha that makes up the island and the island people. Mahalo nui for taking a caring approach to your vacation in the Hawaiian islands.
Lonna
Thanks for writing this article, you nailed it! I rent Tesla’s on Turo and most of my guests come with an entitled disposition. They trash my cars, disregard the provided written instructions, and communicate with me as if I were from a Third World Country.
It’s not worth the grief. I’m going to delist my cars after my scheduled bookings.
I find this information very sad to hear. My husband and I from Canada spend about three and a half months at our timeshares on The Big Island every winter. Although we’ve never seen any of the disrespectful attitudes and bad behavior you described, I’m sure it is happening. It breaks my heart that these entitled buffoons would spoil it for everyone. Over the past two and a half years Covid changed everything including where Americans could travel. Hawaii became the prime ‘go-to’ destination as it was tropical, English was spoken, and it was still the US (although some residents may beg to differ, and I can’t blame them). What you’re seeing now is ‘The Ugly American’. Europe knows him only too well….perhaps a ‘code of cunduct’ brochure??
I really appreciate this article about how Maui is not an amusement park. When I travel, I want to experience local culture, not be a pampered brat. Now that I’m retired and will be able to visit on a yearly basis I am concerned that only the rich and entitled will be able to afford to visit. I guess if you get to Maui at all you are entitled. I wish there could be some type of lottery where only those with Aloha spirit and respect for nature could visit. Venice, Italy has started charging admission and has banned large cruise ships from traveling through the center of Venice to stop the damage to their city. Limiting visitors is a tricky tightrope to navigate with a tourism economy.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat other neighborhoods and environments as you would want them to treat your neighbor hood. It’s easy, just go to enjoy and be gracious and thankful in the way you behave.
I lived in Hawaii for 10 years and had visited as a tourist before I moved there. I noticed an increasinly hostile attutude towards white tourists change during my time there.
I’ve been around the world literally 3 times and Hawaii is the most anti white (Haoli) racist place I had ever experienced.
Most places I went the Locals started fist fights with me,which didn’t end well for them, while I was sitting down to eat lunch at Kappaa beach, at coffee shops in Kapaa, while I was sunbathing with my girlfriend in Hanalei bay at Black pot,surfing at Grandpas,Trees and shipwrecks. Poipu is the only place that I didn’t get into a fistfight.
The local Racism is the problem.
If you’re not local there are plenty of places you won’t be welcome in CA. Surfers are notorious for hassling any “outsiders”. This is not a racial issue it’s people “protecting” what they believe to be theirs.
If anything, the pandemic has shown just how little people regard their fellow man.
I disagree with it having anything to do with being a surfer or protecting what they believe to be theirs. I have been harshly discriminated against at Ala Moana mall, at the beach, at work, at a night club and in the grocery store.
I am a nurse that cares for our elderly in the community. I understand the importance of being respectful. I am always respectful and polite. I am continually harassed without any type of provocation. It is difficult to live in a place where I experience such extreme hatred simply because someone sees my white skin.
As a white male, it was an eye opener for me visiting Hawaii being prejudiced against because now I was the minority. It was a wake-up call of sorts and I empathize with others who have had to deal with a lifetime of that. It was by no means over the top or overt, I just had a sense of feeling like an intruder. I imagine if I had stayed longer, I may have been the victim of prejudice. With that said, if given such a chance to visit Hawaii again I certainly would! But that aspect though enlightening was disappointing.
I beg to differ. Coming here in my early twenties, I’ve lived in Hawaii over 45 years. I’m a haole and I haven’t been in one fight with the locals. If you had 5 different fights during one vacation, I would say it was your fault. Any time you act like the non-white locals are less than the rich haole you will have trouble. And your letter makes it clear that that is your opinion, You are soooo wrong. Most anti-white racism is usually brought on by the tourist themselves. Remember that next time. Next vacation, please, do us all a favor and go elsewhere. Then you can’t lie about us and we won’t disrespect your opinions.
The summer I was planning on going to Hawaii for three weeks with my Filipina girlfriend. I can appreciate that locals have negative feelings about the number of tourists that come through and their attitudes.
I treat everyone exceptionally nicely and with great respect, but I am reading so much about how white people especially white men are treated in Hawaii. I am concerned how I will be treated dating a Filipina woman. To be honest I’m having second thoughts about our trip. It’s a shame. At one time I had considered maybe buying a condo out there, and living there part time with her. Our mixed relationships where the man is white targets of racism?
John C,
I say make the trip. My first visit to Oahu was courtesy of the US Marine Corps-a very short visit, in 1965. Have visited regularly ever since, every year except 2 in the past 25 years.
Never been rude, and no one has ever been rude to my family. However, no one has offered exceptional service either. The hotel/restaurant staff have been friendly, but no friendlier than elsewhere. I have to say, the most exceptional hotel/restaurant folks have been in Cancun.
Returning in September, not for Aloha. Rather it’s beautiful, the weather is great and my wife insists on staying in the USA. We don’t feel welcome or unwelcome – it’s more acceptance as a result of necessity.
As I said, make the trip. Be nice and you will get nice.
BOH even documented this themselves about 6 months ago on Kauai.
Spot on. I run a business that caters to families- particular babies and we have people that make reservations months in advance and those that make them a day out. Some of the last minute people expect you to jump through hoops & get mad when you are out of items. I have literally had to say to several of them- “we have families that planned and reserved months in advance, your failure to plan does not constitute an emergency on my or our staffs part. You will get your items when you get them- it will be today but probably not at the time you want them” Now majority of our client are amazing- but its the few that ruin it for everyone else.
Aloha BOH Bro’s
One last thing it’s super quiet on BI. We’re at Fairmont Orchid it’s only 50-60 percent cap. It’s a little overcast today 90 percent of the pool sitting is open. All the restaurants we’ve dined at have been half empty. Yesterday Hilo had more activity, but we had no issue with parking or getting a table at one of the most popular restaurants for lunch.
Calm before the summer travel crush storm?
We love having visitors as long as thats it. I’m very disappointed to see these “visitors” moving here. I recently had an “accident” with an vehicle from Florida and they had No insurance. So disappointing. I work in the hospitality industry. My most recent encounter was with visitors complaining about how loud the birds are in the morning. The hotel had so many complaints they are now cutting down the trees to try to get the birds to leave. I say go somewhere where there are no birds. They complain about insects, roaches. Sorry its atropical island we have bugs and birds. Im becoming racist because of they’re attitude and can live without the rudeness and they’re feelings of entitlement.
My husband and I just spent three months on the Big Island. The first thing I always notice (and love) are the birds as soon as we arrive. Don’t get to hear that in Michigan in the winter with the windows closed. We loved the birds greeting us in the morning. Told our guests visiting us, they would be awakened early; we’re kind of early to bed, early to rise people, so no problem for us.
The examples you gave did not seem to line up very well with your argument. None of the examples had the element of enlightenment, really. Just very rude people. And none of the examples particularly had anything to do with Hawaii. There are Starbucks in many places.
Entitlement* I meant to say.
This article is Spot On. Having lived in Hawaii for nearly three decades, we have sadly watched the tourist industry change and become so greedy. I know people need to make a living….. but it should not be at the expense of everyone else. The quality of tourist has definitely slipped and the disrespect is alarming. I don’t believe in calling people names…….but the shoe sadly fits. When we are tourists in Mexico, we would never act entitled, because we are the Visitors!! This is how visitors should see Hawaii, too. The Aloha Is A Two Way Street…… please stay in your lane. Please.
This article is pure fact-free bias, no data, no logic. Relies solely on general impressions, feelings, a few extreme cases. Rude, disorderly, entitled people are everywhere, within every group, not just tourists. My family has been in Hawaii over 70 years. There has always been some resentment, anger, frustration misdirected at tourists. The true cause is the lack of protections for the vulnerable, our land, water, air, life, culture. Big money, big power, big corporations do not have or share or protect Aloha. Many residents could never afford a house, let alone a Hawaii dream vacation. Yet they serve those who can afford it, and do all the menial humble work supporting those dream vacations.
Spot on assessment! I really like the perspective you provided.
My husband and I had a bad experience with a tourist recently. We were at the beach sun baking and an older female tourist was there as well. She was throwing her trash in the ocean. Of course I was rushing out to pick it up. I asked her politely not to do this due to there are turtles in this cove and the plastic will hurt them and the fish and reef. She boldly stated that she is here for the next 2 weeks she is paying all our salaries with her money therefore she owns this f***ing island and can do what she wants. I was speechless.
OMG!!!!!!
I have been visiting the Hawaiian Islands, and every year Maui, since 1974… I realize I’m a guest in your home and behave that way! I’m normally outgoing and was raised with manners. Unfortunately not everyone was. Two years ago I caught 3 young men sitting on Honu under a full moon. I yelled at them to get off and get out (some cussing by me) and threatened them with the police if they came back. No manners. I advocate for locals when other tourists act the fool! Okay
I am so sorry that tourist are acting like this. This is my 1st time visiting and I am at awh on how beautiful the culture is and thankful that we have Hawaii to be able to enjoy in it’s organic state with the beautiful people and culture. Maholo
We’re preparing for our very first trip to Hawaii this summer. I am researching and learning and so am on a number of FB groups and blogs concerning Hawaii travel. What I do note, in light of your thoughtful article, is that many are not prepared for the expense of a Hawaiian vacation. Some people are using terms like gouging, taking advantage, making up for Covid, etc. So maybe there is a feeling on the part of some tourists that they better get everything they are paying for and then some. What they may not realize is that everything is up. We have trips planned in the national parks of the western US. They are just as expensive as Hawaii in many respects. This is no excuse for rudeness or impatience, just thinking about why.
We have found that while travel to HA can be pricy, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy it. We have found relatively reasonable hotels, even on the beach in Kaanapali, certainly within walking distance off the beach, reasonably priced places to eat, and so forth. I am sure you will have a great trip!
I stayed in Waikiki for a month back in September 2021. I have a deep respect for the island because it is after all not my home. I found the businesses there treated me well and I felt the need to give back. I volunteered my time for a few hours of work twice to 2 separate events and feel it is the least I can do for the honor of being able to stay in such a beautiful place like Hawaii. I did however find that some locals (specifically some people I tried striking up a conversation with at Sandy Beach) were a bit cold to me, and I couldn’t help feeling as though they wished I wasn’t there. I could be mistaken but I also thought I heard them call me Haole in a derogatory manner. Made me feel less than welcome and like an outsider.
I agree, there are definitely two sides to this and quite frankly, I am getting tired of reading comments where people are apologizing for other tourists behavior and their lack of aloha, etc.
This is not going to be a popular observation, but some locals and tourists alike can act entitled and create bad experiences.
Sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately some people who don’t respect our culture or environment here on the islands have made a negative impact. Local people love to show visitors the beauty of our islands where everyone is welcome and we tolerate all. I have personally witnessed tourists who are rude aggressive and entitled. When this happens everyone around me is sickened. We cannot be expected to accept this disrespect in the name of profit of tourism. We don’t live for materialism. We live for our culture that is based on Aloha for the brotherhood of man.
Reading articles like this is frustrating as I feel like it just fuels division.
One of my main issues with this article is that these examples are framed like an us vs them mentality, when in reality it really shouldn’t be. I really feel like what may be perceived by many locals as revenge tourism or a lack of respect is not the case, there are a$$holes everywhere and this type of thing happens in day to day life for everyone, it just happens to be easier to blame it on the people that stand out and are clearly not “local”.
I can think of several examples of locals that treated me poorly or acted aggressively toward me because I am a haole, I was even called a haole when checking into a hotel, but I realize these are isolated cases.
I live in a heavily touristed area of San Diego CA. Visitors have always been know for aggressive, entited behavior. They walk and talk whenever or however they want. A pet peeve if mine is entire families wandering the aisles of Transfer Joe’s, haha.
What has become obvious is the amount of first time visitors who want to get on every “ride” as quickly as possible. Tick every box and plan their day to be jam packed. This alone is going to make for tired angry visitors and disgruntled locals.
That being said we’re on Oahu right now and have experienced nothing but lovely people. Aloha
I have had the opportunity to visit Hawaii two times and I really want to go back for a third time. This was in the 90’s. I absolutely loved the Hawaii Aloha spirit. Me, my Mom and my 6 yr old son were walking along Waikiki and met a native Hawaiian who was extra friendly and spoke with us for a while and he gave us the scoop on all the the “must see and where to eat. We found everyone so friendly and helpful. It’s a shame some visitors are so rude. I hope the Aloha sprit remains. Love you Hawaii!
Thank you for your nice reply, but the proper way to speak is my Mom, my 6 yr old son, and me.
Sandi,
I think you should have left it at: “Thank you for your nice reply”
Hahaha, “and I”
Articles like this one only add to the negativity. The example of the lifeguard was conjecture, saying the tourist must have been thinking…you can never know what someone is thinking. That’s wrong and locals as well as Hawaii business owners are also acting more entitled as well as rude. It’s a we and us issue not us vs them. Stop trying to divide people, this is fuel for the fire. Everyone is looking for an outlet, a release valve for the lovelessness and disconnect that is far more contagious than anything else. Hope we can all see the light.
100% agree, this is a divisive article and I can think of many examples of locals being rude to me, including be called a haole when checking into a hotel once.
I also recall on my visit this past fall when a lifeguard at Poipu beach had to keep telling a local to keep her kids away from turtles, these types of incidents should not be attributed to being a tourist issue.
My takeaway is I don’t blame all locals because of a few incidents, there are jerks everywhere, not just Hawaii.
Yes, but this article is not about tourists everywherre. It is about the issue on a small island here in the Pacific, namely, Hawaiian. All you have to do is read social media Hawaii sites and here the division. Tourists (humans) are not being raised to respect land, or others properties. If one can not raise their child to respect, one should not have children because those children will travel and if and when they go to Hawaiian islanes, they will more than likely abuse the islands and all within.
This makes me so sad. We have traveled to the islands yearly since 1993. I love that it is “not” Six Flags! This same attitude is happening to us in rural areas on the mainland too. Traffic is a nightmare and newbys are rude. I feel they ran away and brought their poor behavior with them! I love and respect your aloha. Sadly, our world is changing. I will return to Kauai for Christmas. I will be extra polite. Aloha❤️🌴
We were just in Maui and the employees at places we went were very nice. We saw the day we left in a matter of minutes, two rude men yelling expletives at the employees. They wanted instant gratification and it was sickening. Very rude people and tourists not stopping when people were in crosswalks.
I come to Hawaii each year. Last year was awful. Rude visitors. I’ll not forget the rather obese woman wearing thong type shorts. Disgusting. It’s a different type of tourist coming now.
Hi, I’m a haole from SoCal who has just visited Hawaii (Oahu) last month for the first time ever. I went with my wife who has family there. I just want to say a couple of things stood out to me about the island; people held doors for one another when exiting/entering buildings. I got the chance to drive all over the island on one of those days, and everyone was cruising at 45-55mph, never saw tailgating, no road rage, even on that H-1 westbound at 3:30pm. I feel like “common” courtesy is dead most everywhere else so it was pleasant to find some there. Had a lot of Kona coffee, 12oz for $5 at Island Vintage and Morning Brew, not sure why anyone would waste their time at Starbucks regardless of where they’re from.
We visit Hawaii at least once a year. We love and respect the locals and the culture. I have seen the awful tourist sadly many times. I cannot imagine going to someone elses home and being disrespectful. Hawaii is a beautiful paradise. We need to treat and the locals as such. Lets be respectful and enjoy.
My son lives and works in waikiki and he has been complaining about this attitude since the pandemic and its only worse now
Its really to bad that some people feel entitled to have everything given to them. My wife and I have been on 5 of the islands and have loved every minute of our time there and truly respect the people and our opportunity to vacation there and enjoy the island’s!
Sadly , we’ve all seen or read about those during the Pandemic that ruined the travel experience for other travelers, Employee’s, especially at Airports, drinking too much and thinking they are the only one’s inconvenienced when Flight Delays do occur, I’m thinking of specific incidences in Puerto Rico, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, where Airline. personnel were also assaulted. The reality is, these miscreants shouldn’t be allowed to travel as they do not know how to behave in civil society, they are the worst among us, and took advantage of a climate created by discord and a false sense of entitlement! On the Hawaiian side, BOH broached Locals also becoming more entitled during this period where Subsidy, and reduced Tourism created animas.
Just wanted to say that my extended family and I will be visiting Hawaii for the first time in June, and we will Not be acting like this! These attitudes are an epidemic here on the mainland as well (probably the worst in the world right now TBH) – it’s like people have forgotten that there are other people that exist besides themselves.