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.
I’ve visited Maui twice. Both times I experienced the Aloha spirit in all my interactions. There was a young blond Karen whom shoved me and my bag over to take mine and my husband’s spot on a whale watching tour boat He has a bad back.. My husband and I are in our early 60s. When I asked her why she did that, she justified that she needed i more than me because she had a larger family. No apology. Later that day she stood behind us in line at a restaurant. I confronted her about her rude behavior and she sneered, called me a liar, and then threatened to fight me! People like her give tourists a bad name!
Pele demands human sacrifice, nice of her to volunteer!
I feel like there should be an island just for tourists…….maybe 500 miles or so
from Hawaii? But looks like it to an extent, just full of resorts….run by haoles with dark tans….. But called something….like…..oh well sorry. You know what I mean. It’s hard enough that all the “chains” have basically totally changed Hawaii, and lost almost all of our small local wonderful sweet businesses….. It’s very sad for me….really sad…. (I’m a haole by the way, lived in Hawaii from 1978…married a born/raised local….. but Hawaii and Colorado are my 2 paradises) I believe disrespectful tourists like this should just go to the Caribbean. They do not understand Hawaii.
A couple of bad apples – tourists and locals – happens all over the world. Respect for the place you are visiting. Some people need a primer before taking a trip that you are visiting where people Live!
It’s always with Aloha that we come with to the islands. Raining? Pffft, we’re in Hawaii! Little bit of traffic jam? We could be back home in our true traffic jam. Slow service in the restaurant? We’re in Hawaii! Living in the moment knowing it will pass fast and we’ll be back home way too soon. Smiles and hellos are #1 to everyone you meet, even to the grumpy tourists. It’ll be contagious. Whether tourists or locals, Don’t let a couple of bad apples ruin your trip. 🌴
Went to HI back in 1970 on our honey moon. Very unsettled by the general attitude towards visitors. After two days, we called it quits and hopped on board a flight heading to Sydney, Australia. Spent six weeks in Australia and had a great time. Never been back to HI and never will.
I’d love to hear more about this unsettling experience. I’ve been visiting since the early 80’s and haven’t had any bad experiences.
I have been disrespected by locals many years ago; now I spend my money in Mexico. Nicer people and better food.
The concensus from most locals here is that you get back what you give us; show Aloha, get Aloha. Show ‘attitude ‘ get attitude back.
Mexico can have you.
I had noticed the change of attitude of visitors since the last tourist boom of 2006-08. A large number of tourists just wanted to “consume” Maui instead of experiencing our unique island, its people, sites and culture. They seem to believe that after spending thousands of dollars in travel, they are entitled to be able to do whatever on Maui and local people should only salute, thank and worship them. They are oblivious to the burden they are putting on our environment and local way of life. Speeding on the roads, anger and road rage and cursing at the slightest inconvenience have become common.
The latest surge of tourists has only magnified this behavior where it is affecting every walks of our island life.
I understand how Hawaiians feel about Mainlanders. Living in Colorado we see the same behaviors from tourists trashing the environment with garbage. Treating locals who cannot afford to find housing in resort area, getting paid 20.00 and unable to live properly. We put up with entitled brats with staffing shortages who expect everything in exchange for rude, trashy inconsiderate behavior.
Aloha
Funny, how as a Mainlander I’m very considerate to obey the laws of the land only to find the speeding is done by the islanders themselves, passing me by and flipping me off for following the speed limit.
Thank you from an annual tourist who has had too many Islanders ride his bumper, cut him off and flip him the finger with so many curses. Even when I pull over to let them pass. Thank you.
People in general are ridiculous everywhere. I work with people everyday, they are more agitated and angry. It’s terrible. It’s part of a bigger problem everywhere. Hawaii is obviously experiencing the same idiots I do.
The resort fees are something many of us do not understand, nor do many feel like it is OK. We are expected to pay extra for what….perhaps a newspaper, coffee, maybe a stale roll? We have yet to see it’s for a except as a way for the hotels to charge more for an already overpriced room in many cases.
Other than resort fees, we love visiting the Islands.
Stay at the kahala or halekulani. They don’t insult you with these bs fees and kahal parking is free. By the time you add in all the bs fees at the others the price difference is minimal and the hotel and service is 10times the others.
We visit Maui at least once a year. We love and respect the island and the people. I have seen the entitled tourist and I am ashamed of them. I dont blame the locals. We lived in a tourist area. Its frustrating. Tourists visit but locals live there. I feel for people in service. I have seen them being treated horribly but still have a smile on their face. I want to tell these tourists if you cant be respectful and embrace Hawaii. Do not come!!!!
This is a fantastic post– thank you for this! It’s nice to hear legitimate reasons why the “blame” might not just be us locals in the tourist industry but also on unrealistic expectations and entitled attitudes, post Covid. It’s definitely both. Mahalo nui loa for this insightful piece, from Kauai!
Try again I see so many crimes in Hawaii now it’s worse than New York. Some dude just had his arm sliced off at a 711 by a guy wielding a sword. Everyday now is 2 or 3 stabbings, shootings, etc. not the same as when I lived there 10 years ago. I lived righ in Waikiki and felt safe walking anytime day or night.
This is an exaggeration; the crime level in Hawaii is a fraction of what it is in NYC.
The islands are almost as if they are sacred and Hawaiians can not allow disrespectful people to over run as they’ve done on the
Mainland!!
I have been to Hawaii in the 80’s. I have dreamed of taking my sons there when they Graduated from High school well they did but I wasn’t good financially. I still am planning on going. I loved the invironment and my two week vacation then can’t wait to to go again soon Aloha love the lays flowers smell like nothing I have ever smelled. Hang in there Hawaii residents.
Just returned from a marvelous two weeks on the Big Island and saw None of the negatives mentioned here. Are there a few Covid related disruptions from the norm? Sure there are, but nothing enough to dissuade us from looking forward to our return next year. Unfortunately one can look for and find the worst part of anything or any situation but we found nothing but friendly folks who welcomed us with open arms and hearts. Aloha Hawaii see y’all next year!!!
Actually I met the sweetest people this week, yeah and overworked young locals, underpaid and clearly worn out.
my wife and i have been to hawaii 8 times in 15 years , our expectation were met from the minute we stepped off the plane every time ,we enjoyed every minute we spent on maui & oahu.i do not know why people can be so obnoxious in a place so beautiful.
Because vested interests don’t really want your opinion or your pleasant feedback.
Spewing poison about the “Quality” of tourists?!
I met tons of people who are military working on the Destroyers telling me how happy they are to be ashore and ahoy!
Mahalo Patricia! It’s visitors like you and your wife that we locals appreciate & love! It’s about attitude: you receive the same attitude you present. If you’re nice w/out entitlement issues, we’ll love you & treat you like ohana! We might even invite you to our home, to our luau or paina, take you to the “locals only” spots, which can be so awesome! Please come back again & again!
I really think a clarification is necessary. These idiots mentioned in the stories are by no means restricted to Hawaii/Vegas. This behavior is 10% of the population everywhere.
10?
Warren,
I don’t know if you think it’s more or less than the 10% MJ suggested.
In the dozens of times I’ve been to Hawaii, I haven’t seen that. 10% would ruin the trip.
When I go, the tourists and the locals are all just polite or ignore those not in their group. I don’t know what some are expecting or hoping for or experiencing. I go to Hawaii for the beauty and the weather. As long as no one is attacking me, I’m okay. I’ll wait for Heaven to find the Saints.
But Hawaii does seem more uptight than it was, say, 20 years ago. And, that’s the locals. Maybe some have regrets that their Islands are so popular.
I would say most of the tourists are first-timers and very excited to have made it to Hawaii.
Agreed, we live in a small enclave of Residential adjacent to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and the TPC, the less then a mile Private Street Princess Drive between Hayden and Scottsdale Roads is daily covered with Beer Can’s, Big Gulp Cups, bags and wrappers from Chick Filet, In-an-Out, from those using our Street to get across from one street to another, invariably, it’s what we wake up to, so I don’t blame the Hotel Guests necessarily, but an overall lack of respect by those driving through.
Hawaiian islands are a true gem. The native Hawaiian people are some of the kindest and big hearted people on earth. When we come to visit and enjoy a vacation from other areas of the world, We need to be kind hearted and be thankful the Hawaiian culture is so open to outsiders as we enjoy their homeland, activities, and beautiful places. Yes it is more expensive than last time you were here. But where else is it not? It is up to Us visitors to be respectful and happy we are welcome here. We are the ones that need to “Live the Aloha way”!
We are frequent visitors to Hawaii (1-2x per year). I’ve also spent 24 years of my life living in Alaska, and have had my fair share of experiencing rude, entitled, and ignorant tourists. So I feel for the residents of Hawaii and understand their frustrations. It makes me sad to hear about the disrespectful tourists–they give those of us who love visiting the islands and being respectful and bad reputation. We have been fortunate in that we’ve never had a bad experience with the locals. Aloha goes both ways. Respect Hawaii, her land, her animals, and her people, and you will get the same in return.
Aloha. I live on the 9th island, Las Vegas. It’s the same here. Disrespectful tourists everywhere and it’s just getting worse. They litter. They treat hospitality workers horribly etc. Insurance rates are skyrocketing here due to many factors which include lots of uninsured motorists driving in from other states. The traffic laws that we have here do not apply to them, in their minds. They can do whatever, whenever and to whomever they chose. I’ve lived here nearly 29 years and it’s getting worse every year. Complete disrespect for locals and other guests. Entitlement, plain and simple. It’s just isn’t as much fun to travel as it used to be. Mahalo for letting me vent.
Hi Ron.
Thanks for sharing that from the 9th island. Very interesting perspective.
Aloha.
I understand your frustration, I feel most visitors to LV don’t see it as a place where people live. In traveler’s eyes, LV has always been touted as a place to do what you want while there. It’s more like an Adult playground and is treated as such.
I don’t think I could ever decide to make a life in a resort or vacation town again, for the same reasons as the aforementioned article describes. I had enough of those attitudes in the ski towns of Colorado, pre covid. I want to visit Hawaii for a few months, one of these days, but it would have to be somewhere non touristy. I don’t think that exists on those islands anymore, does it? Thanks.
Hi Andrew.
Others may comment, but from our point of view, there are many ways to have a less touristy Hawaii vacation. Perhaps consider one of the neighbor islands rather than Honolulu. In fact, we’d suggest the Big Island or Kauai. Then choose where you stay carefully, and avoid mega destinations. Many options. Have a look at the Hawaii Revealed online guidebooks for more ideas.
Aloha.
BOE,
I don’t even think they have to leave Oahu. Once you leave Honolulu/Waikiki there are a million slow-paced destinations on Oahu.
The nice thing about Oahu is you have the choice – fast-paced, slow-paced, and some of both.
Hawaii is aloha, no matter what the tourist or the local says. If you meet a waiter or waitress with an attitude because you’re a “haole,” just chalk it up to them having had to deal with a rude Caucasian visitor or two in the past (or local for that matter). And yes, Japanese visitors are much more polite in my experience.
It’s hard to suggest how to avoid this, except to say opening up the conversation with “Howzit?” and then tell them that’s the only Pidgin English you know and you want to be friendly. See how that works…
Don’t try to speak pidgin.
Wow – as someone who is about to visit Hawaii for the first time very soon some of these comments are quite sad. I really do not know what to expect on this trip as we have never been to anyplace even remotely similar to Hawaii but I am surprised at some of the attitudes documented here. On past trips, we have tried to enjoy each destination for what it is (or is not) and the people there have not been all that influential toward setting / establishing feelings toward a place. I do not expect Hawaii to be any different in that regard – the physical beauty (in all its many forms) of the state matters most to us. I will have to remember to revisit this thread when we return home and update…
Go you’ll have fun. Most who complain about residents feel entitled.
Warren,
I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Hawaii since 1965 – just say it’s in the dozens.
I go for the weather, and the scenery and am never disappointed. The folks in the hospitality industry will be happy to see you and they will show it. The rest of the folks are mostly going about their daily lives and will be like the people walking the streets of any other place in the country.
But the beauty of Hawaii is worth the trip. Just don’t expect the folks to be excited to see you or any other American tourist. They’d rather have high spending Japanese and perhaps Chinese coming.
I agree with you. I have been coming to Hawaii often since 1970. I have always noticed they cater to the Japanese. My nephew worked many years ago for the Mayor in Oahu. He became fluent in Japanese to better do his job and communicate. Rude visitors are not just in Hawaii. They are everywhere.
The Japanese tourists typically come with their love of HI, its culture, and its people showing.
Also, they do not act entitled.
Finally, many many residents are descended from Japanese families dating back to the plantation era so a lot of students learn Japanese growing up via formal schools for kids, or in HS or College.
That said, the Japanese spend big money here when they visit. Apparently, things are cheaper here than there. Of course, businesses are going to cater to those spending large sums. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Yes.
The key word is entitlement. That’s why a lot of places don’t care for American tourists. Americans are so entitled and stuck up on themselves. My experience is the Japanese are by far a more polite society. And this coming from an American citizen.
Japan has been the #1 Tourist to Hawaii for over 45 years, they traditionally buy gifts especially Wedding Thankyou’s that are not available back in Japan, this traditional culminated in ‘Golden Week’, something that was easier in 1977, then in 2017! Just as Hawaii refers to Las Vegas as ‘the 9th island’, so to Japan has a similar reference for Hawaii, which escapes me at this time. The Japanese normally considered by U.S. To be polite and refined have their moments, jst as we all do, it matters not the Hotel or Resort, just be in an Elevator coming down to the first Floor, and a crowd of Japanese will forget etiquette and try and get on, without Guests being allowed off.
Randy,
A little off topic. But, I was stationed in Japan in 1964. I hated to leave. Just hated to leave. I was a Marine stationed in Iwakuni, about 25 miles from Hiroshima.
But, even though I was raised in a terrible section of the South Bronx, Japan is the only place I’ve ever been physically attacked – twice. Now, it wasn’t like I got my butt kicked, but it was unnerving, to say the least.
Rod,
Never having been to Japan, I can’t speak to it, but I think the world may be pretty universal that way, I remember in Switzerland a patron taking umbrage to myself and an Associate being American, and we were just quietly speaking among ourselves! My wife was there twice in the ’70’s and ’80’s on Business, but they were both pretty controlled trips with a Japanese Company. I’m.glad my travelling is behind me, Hawaii, may be the exception.
That’s funny. Reminds me of a stay I had several years ago at the Honolulu Hyatt. One of the elevators was broken so the other’s were very crowded and slow. We were staying near the top and never had any trouble getting on. But the poor folks in the middle to lower floors were having a tough time getting on. There were a few occasions were I felt like this must be what it’s like riding on Japanese trains at rush hour. We were really packed in like sardines. My poor wife, who has claustrophobia, had to use all her strength to keep from freaking out as we were packed in. Tried to stay near the doors but that didn’t all ways work.
Yes and having lived in Las Vegas I have met many Hawaiians who have moved to this city to have a better life. I have always treated them with friendliness and enjoy talking to them as I love Hawaii. I have been many times and stayed for a while after my first husband passed away. No one was ever rude that I saw but this was in the late 90s.
We still love to go and relax on a beach and read and enjoy the island and all they offer. Mahalo
Warren, Hawaii is just like the rest of the world. There are nice locals and there are others, there are nice visitors and there are others. Expect it to be like the rest of the world, with beautiful places to visit and places that you won’t want to visit. It’s the real world, just do not expect an amusement park.
You’ll have a wonderful time. Just have a smile on your face and be respectful and you’ll get the same in return. I went for 2 weeks last December and that was my 102nd trip to the islands. I used to go once a month for long weekends back in the late 70’s and early 80’s when it was so affordable. I have never had an unenjoyable trip. The locals have always treated me with the utmost kindness, as I do to them. I just booked this years trip for December 2nd. I’m already excited. Enjoy your holiday. The scenery is breathtaking. Don’t be afraid to explore on your own. Aloha.
Warren,
As you have experienced, vacations are what We make of them. Not, the influence of others.
Have a great time.
I love Hawaii. It is like every vacation beach, mountains etc. People live in these places and we always need to respect them. California, Florida,the whole coast of the Atlantic, Pacific oceans, Gulf of Mexico…so many beautiful places. Many rely on tourists to survive so respect to everyone is needed. I have had tour bus people try to herd us on the bus…leave show early so we get out first etc. For what I paid I plan to enjoy whatever it is but always be kind , Mahalo
I am happy to here how you feel and I understand your frustrations. My plan is to move to Hawaii. Iam an license Esthetician and I am so excited to here you Hawaiian care about where you live. Thank you so much for the update.
Nothing new here. Just isolated incidents that happen even with intoxicated locals.ps: a Starbucks every 50 ft all over Maui is more revolting and entitled corporate takeover and greed than some rude tourist complaining at a Starbucks, capische? People who live on Maui and can afford to spend 5 to 10 bucks a day at a Starbucks are far more entitled and disgusting to those of us who simply brew our coffee at home in the morning and take it w/us.
How do I turn off comment notification. I made one comment and now I have received about 150 emails each time someone comments on the same topic.
BOE,
Why don’t all comments have a Reply button?
Mahalo,
Rod
Hi Rod.
We do see the reply button on all comments when just checking. If there’s a specific comment, let us know and we’ll look. Otherwise, it may be a browser cache-related issue on your device, so you may want to try a different browser and check. Thanks for letting us know what you find.
Aloha.
I cleared the cache less than an hour ago and this is just one without a button on my display:
Xavier S
MAY 15, 2022 AT 11:56 AM
We had a Republican Governor and she did not do anything! So, it is ok for you not to return to the Hawaiian Islands since it is a Democratic State. You are entitled to love anyone, including trump as much as you want to as well. The Hawaiian Island will survive without your visits 🙂
1 2
Thank you for any help!
Rod
Hi Rod.
Thanks again for pointing this out. We’re checking into the problem.
Aloha.
BOH,
noʻu ka hauʻoli
Rod
Not to excuse that rude behavior, I don’t think those folks are lashing out. That’s just how people are here on the mainland especially if they’re from a big city. I live in a small town where people still say Please & Thank You & boys hold the door for you but when we go to The Bay Area/San Francisco oh my goodness, it’s another world. Someone wants your lunch they just take it. They push you out of the grocery line before you’re done typing in your pin #. We’re coming to Maui in couple weeks for visiting aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents etc & promise to be as respectful as the beautiful island deserves.
I think that’s the root of the problem… It’s not so much visitors in general but it’s the rude people that are rude at home bring that attitude with them.
We are making our 6th trip later this summer. We love the natural beauty and try to leave as little impact on the island as we can. We shop local stores, shops, food stands and food trucks. We eat at restaurants that we believe our local.
One recommendation is on flights to the islands that a short video be played about respect and Aloha Spirit. It could be about respect, being safe, staying on trails, and ways to positively impact the local community. Add a few page brochure/magazine for travelers to read, may not help the idiots out there but will make the rest of better visitors. Resorts also have information channels about their resorts add a Hawaii tourist video.
Some people are idiots and don’t deserve to enjoy such a beautiful place. We are visiting Hawaii in the summer and promise to be respectful and gracious
You are making an analogy of a visitor biting a law enforcement officer, to the Hawaiian Airlines rage incident. The enraged person who twice struck the airline attendant was a Hawaii Island resident, so that is a manipulative and unfair comparison.
Let’s all remember none of us have been exempt from “revenge tourism” and entitlement. This includes Hawaii residents, and everyone else in the world post-Covid.
I can’t wait for my Hawaiian Vacation with the family at the end of the month. I love the Aloha feeling and Ohana.
We plan to do some of the manufactured island,, i.e. PCC, but Diamond Head, Volcano National Park, manta rays snorkeling, etc.
Mahalo
Pkease don’t let the 10%, paint the rest of us as jerks.
Hawaii is home for me ,yet I live in Florida My Keike and moopuna still reside at home in Hawaii. For many years I was a tour guide in going back to the days of Aramaic tours, Club coac and so on. Best job I ever had despite not making the most money I ever made. This thing of entitlement i don’t belive is just in with Hawaii visitors, I think our country is infected with ” Self ” I miss home the ways and mannerisms of Hawaii unique spirit of Aloha. To this I say keep being Aloha filled its who and what Hawaii is we can’t change anyone else, so just be greatful to God you live Hawaii and that the rude ones will go home
Me Ke Aloha
Melanie
As a Canadian who Loved the islands this really saddens me that people think they can ‘power trip’ over other people, honestly stay away, if don’t have an Aloha spirit and honor that locals than go somewhere else in this world. Leave paradise to the people who truly appreciate it. It’s a Blessing to even step foot on the islands. These words like ‘Ohana’ and ‘Aloha’ are from a culture that is infused with a Living spirit, and as a Canadian I will Always be as kind as humanly possible. Aloha❤🤙
Thanks Herb. Have found Canadians to be generally kind people. Sort of their own kind of Aloha.
Aloha my sister and I have been coming to the the Iland for years and love the culture and the spirit. It is very disrespecful of these visitors to conduct themselves in that manor.
I am apulled with this mahalo.
I’ve been visiting Hawai’i now for many years and am always so impressed with the patience and care the locals have shown me. I fully understand I am stepping into their home and can’t imagine acting with anything other than respect and thankfulness. Unfortunately, there are inconsiderate, demanding, and entitled folks everywhere and their attitudes can tarnish an experience in moments. I hope there can be a comprise that supports everyone in the local community to feel the true beauty and history of this place is being respected.
As a tourist and friend of a resident i feel ashamed for tourists. Hawai’i is one big home so treat the land and people like you were invited into everybody’s home. Treat others as you would want to be treated. It only takes a few to ruin it for the many
My wife and I lived on Maui for 2 years, during the covid period. Prior to the shut down visitors were OKAY. We noticed a big uptick in hostitatly when the island opened again. Yes the visitors do feel entitled. Such a shame.
I’ve been to Hawaii many times. I love it. The beautiful foliage, the warm air streams,and all the different animals. I’ve not had a bad meal there and all the natives have been very welcoming and friendly. I love the slow, easy lifestyle. I will continue to go back for visits again and again. Thankyou Hawaii,for your welcome.
All the “natives”? What?
Hey, I’m a native New Yorker. Let’s not be ready to jump at every word people utter.
Alohaaaaaa…I believe over tourism is an issue and the State needs to put a stop! The Islands don’t need 10 million visitors a year! Also, the State in conjuction with hotels, your companies HVCB, HCC and others need to create awareness of the importance to respect Hawai’i Residents, Hawai’i Culture, Hawai’i way of life, it’s flora & fauna & the land. Leave your entitlement bs wherever you came from….or instead, go to Cancun!
The only part of your comment that I agree with is the HVCB comment, and it’s the CB part of that I mean. Some companies hold conventions which bring people who have little interest in Aloha, but instead big interest in company paid power drinking, which results in bad tourists. Here’s a hint: if you are here for the drinking you are missing the whole point!
Take pictures, leave footprints. Mahalo.
As a first time visitor, Hawaii has been an incredible adventure, the people are so very nice and while expensive, worth every cent spent. My life has been enriched by this experience here in Big Island. Thank you for sharing your home and culture. sincerely, Viveca
Aloha!I have visited Hawaii over 25 times, and I have loved the beautiful islands. My husband and I have toured Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, Kauai, and Lanai. There is an o much Aloha spirit from most of the local people. Hawaii is not an amusement park. That’s the challenge with Hawaii. it is a real place, not Disneyland! Treat Hawaii and it’s people with respect. Mahalo.
I am so saddened to read this lack of respect for culture and individuals. I visited Hawaii in January and could tell the difference from the last time in 2014. It is getting over run with the exact thing you describe. I love aloha and view it as real and authentic just like the beautiful ocean, flowers and warm weather. Please let’s all show love and respect for each other and this beautiful earth we live on!
Aloha 🌺