Hawaii is where we live and where so many of you choose to play. For us, it remains the best in the world: the light, the water, the people, and the trade winds that can change your day are just some of the reasons we never left.
But not everyone feels the same. Readers often ask whether Hawaii is still delivering a top tier experience or if something has shifted. One reader, Makana, surprised us recently when he put it bluntly: “Hawaii is not a world class destination.”
So much of what we write starts with you. The comments you leave shape the conversations here and often spark the very articles we publish. That back-and-forth has become the pulse of Beat of Hawaii, and it is why we are asking the question now.
With tens of millions of annual visitors to our website and endless opinions, this feels like one of those moments where your voices will help define what makes Hawaii world class to this day.
What still feels among the best anywhere.
Hawaii continues to inspire devotion like few other places. Visitors return year after year, often to the very same beach, trail, or small restaurant that has become a personal tradition. I
t might be the golden stretch of Polihale at sunset, a walk through Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, or a quiet dinner at a family-run cafe in Waikiki. These places create memories that keep people coming back, even as the world around them continues to change.
Our article on which Hawaii destinations still deliver showed clearly that readers continue to find the Hawaii they dream about, even if it takes a little more intention to get there nowadays.
There are also practical reasons why Hawaii keeps its grip. In a world where safety and stability are never guaranteed, the islands offer a sense of reassurance. You are still in the United States, and everything remains in place, with excellent hospitals, banks, and services that many competitors lack. That balance of exotic and yet familiar is unique, and it remains part of Hawaii’s global appeal.
Where the promise falls short.
Even with all the beauty and safety, the cracks are hard to miss. Readers often tell us that Hawaii’s basic infrastructure lags far behind its reputation. Roads are congested and in need of repair, sidewalks are missing where they are most needed, and public restrooms are often closed or in poor condition. Parks and trails can feel overrun without enough maintenance to keep them safe or welcoming.
Rental cars add to the frustration when fleets are overused and vehicles do not match the price paid. One reader shared with us the story of a broken-down Charger that turned a mountain drive into a test of nerves rather than a vacation highlight.
These are not minor complaints. They are reminders that a destination must deliver on both scenery and service if it wants to be seen as world class.
The price question that will not go away.
Hawaii is expensive, and it has always been that way. The question now is whether today’s cost still matches the experience. Many readers say it is not, citing rising fees and resort charges. Others argue that Hawaii’s mix of natural beauty, safety, and cultural depth still makes it worth the premium, even as they look for creative ways to manage costs.
Our article on whether Hawaii is still worth it in 2025 revealed just how divided this has become. Some readers said the magic was gone, while others said that even at higher prices, the experience was still worth every dollar. That divide is sharper than ever, which is why the debate matters.
We also explored how other places are far cheaper, but they’re still not Hawaii. That comparison speaks volumes. Many travelers are willing to pay more here than they would elsewhere, but there is a point at which the premium no longer feels justified.
Awards and recognition are slipping.
Hawaii was once a fixture on top destination lists, but lately it has been at times overlooked. Does that even matter? Some readers argue that awards overlook what makes Hawaii special in the first place: its deeply personal and unique experiences.
Others argue the lack of recognition reflects real issues, from aging infrastructure to inconsistent service, that rivals have managed to address more effectively. Our piece on Hawaii being largely overlooked in the latest awards asked whether the islands can still captivate, and your answers again reflected both pride and disappointment.
What would restore confidence?
Hawaii does not need to be perfect, but the fundamentals have to work. Airports that feel cooler, cleaner, and more welcoming. Rental cars that are newer and reliable. Public facilities that stay open and accessible when people actually need them. Clear communication ensures that visitors know what to expect and how to plan, considering all the new rules. And transparent use of taxes and fees so both residents and visitors see results.
These are the kinds of changes that could bring Hawaii closer to world class again, not only in scenery but in the whole visitor experience.
In Hawaii travel, it is often the smallest things that make or break a trip. Get the basics right, and visitors overlook plenty. Get them wrong and nothing else matters.
Voices from you that define the debate.
The clearest way to see this tension is in your own words. One reader called Hawaii a “world class destination with second world infrastructure.”
Another said the islands still have “the best collection of world class beaches on the planet.”
Others pointed to airports and lounges, asking how a place with such natural wonders could offer such a tired first impression. Taken together, these voices show precisely why the question remains unresolved.
Readers, your turn.
Do you consider Hawaii still world class? If yes, tell us what part of your trip made it feel that way. If no, tell us what fell short and what needs to change.
The beaches, the people, the prices, the service, the airports, all of it is on the table. Your voices have already shaped this debate, and your comments here will help determine its next direction.
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It really depends on your definition of “world class” and your budget. For those staying at the growing number of 5-star resorts, I’m sure they receive world class amenities and service. For everyone else, you have to remember you’re visiting a state with 1.5 million residents who call Hawai’i home. It’s not Disneyland. Don’t expect everything to be polished and shiny, especially in a tropical climate, where even the most basic maintenance takes twice as much effort. That said, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, and rank #1 as the happiest state. If you adjust your expectations, you can have a wonderful time in Hawai’i.
Ok… But what is the definition of “World Class”
I hear about World Class this or that but that’s usually just marketing jargon to make whatever you are trying to sell look good.
No one can really define what it is.
Of course Hawaii is world class. I’ve been around a lot of places and everywhere I’ve been, people dream of coming to Hawaii. We need to tidy up a bit. Clean, sanitize, and always update public bathrooms. This is probably the most important point. Next, manicure public places. Cut the grass, sweep the leaves, make things look clean. Next, limit use of wilderness areas. Right now everyone thinks it is their God-given right to go hiking. Let’s set up a reservation system to limit use and preserve our wilderness areas before they are destroyed. There’s other things we can do, but this is a start!
Aloha. I live on O’ahu and it’s the most populated so you miss some of that rural Hawaii charm. But Big Island and Maui are a short flight away and my family goes there often and we get a different Hawaii experience than our daily lives on the big O. It’s awesome and we only go to the mainland if we have to (ie, family obligations, etc). Mostly we stay inter-island and it’s the best. Hawaii has it all. Aloha.
Agreed JohnnyMo, all the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, but IMHO, Kauai no ka ‘oi!🤙😃
Regarding that headline…
What exactly does “World Class” even mean?
I wondered about the tram that’s been constructed in Honolulu. It seems like it’s mostly not of much use. It’s not Waikiki convenient, and I thought the original idea was to alleviate congestion in Waikiki.
Honolulu and areas around Waikiki are shockingly run down and neglected. No city/county maintenance on sidewalks, traffic islands, common areas. Abandoned buildings in areas frequented by tourists sit empty and dilapidated for years. Motorized vehicles of all types are flying down sidewalks that are filled with pedestrians. Best way to see things for yourself is to get out of your vehicle and walk around. Go to Ala Moana mall and smell all of the areas of the parking lots. The odor is unreal and is getting worse. This is not top tier.
Weird because I see it as one of the cleanest cities ever. Homeless yeah… that’s a problem. But still, it’s a nice city and safe too. It’s just not the Disneyworld stuff everyone wants and demands these days. People who live here, like me, think it’s pretty great.
I have no idea, it’s just home for me. I Do know that things aren’t remotely what they used to be in terms of quality of life, affordability, infrastructure maintenance, vibrant small businesses, effective education system, there’s a homeless epidemic, soaring violent crime rate, corruption, collapse of competence in government, drug abuse, pollution… Yada Yada Yada… The list goes on. Aside from that it’s just Great!
Best Regards
For decades the island of Maui was voted the #1 favorite island in the world.
Lahaina was voted the #1 favorite town in Hawaii for many years.
Since the tragic wildfires of 2023, opinions have changed.
Visitors to Maui are now finding new favorites on the island, like upcountry attractions including Kula and Makawao.
Maui’s natural beauty is still intact from the beautiful beaches to Haleakala’s majestic views.
See for yourself, lots of Aloha to be loved!
Agreed 100%. Big Island too. Last time there, we went upcountry to ride horses and then stood on the mountainside and looked at the stars at night. No light pollution. You can see the whole Milky Way. You just can’t beat that kind of experience!
I have been coming to Hawaii since I was a small child in the 70s. I always find a way to come back – there is an aura and an energy on these islands unlike any other – perhaps not everyone is tuned into that. It always hits the moment I’m off the plane. Something in the air, the water, the sea, the foilage & flowers, the sounds, the very ground…the Polynesian culture that shaped these islands is still alive, running under the surface. For me, the Caribbean or Mexico are pale imitations, not even in the same league. While it’s not cheap, and the Islands have their problems, it will always be world-class to me.
Ani, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Bravo, and Mahalo Nui for that!
The flora and fauna, the clear blue sky, the ocean and the mountains, the Hawaiian people, all of the natural beauty is spectacular! Nothing else compares with it in my opinion.
Aloha to all
There’s a reason why Californians love Hawaii. It’s a tropical paradise just a few hours away. But the critics are right about the flying and infrastructure. Hawaiian Air has gone downhill since their upgrade strategy was waylaid by Alaska Air. Instead of a nice start to a Hawaiian vacation, the flying is now something you hate, but tolerate since it’s only about 5 or 6 hours.
We go to Maui and the airport is tolerable at best. We use National for our rental car: expensive even for rental cars, but then you get a good car without a long wait in line. Since Lahaina burned down, tourism in West Maui is down, but the restaurants are all crowded (no more restaurants in Lahaina). Dinner reservations are a must, so advanced planning is necessary. Despite all that, there’s a great meeting of land and sea, along with diverse areas to visit at your discretion. Finally, there’s Mama’s and Ho’okipa. So it’s Oh so worth it.
I find the comments about the airports interesting. To me the airports are a wonderful change of pace from the highly institutionalized versions on the mainland. I love the openness and fresh air.