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99 thoughts on “Kauai Tourism Plan Will Include New Fees And Enforcement”
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See what’s being envisioned for you next, as part of the Kauai’Tourism Plans.
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If you are going to do this, please improve parking and bathrooms. We were just there for10 days and both were inadequate.
Thank you.
You don’t own the state, property owners do. Tourists that are Citizens have rights. Hawaii is a state the same as Florida. When I go to Florida I don’t care about native Seminoles. I am just going to the beach. Hawaii is just another state of the union. I enjoy going to the condo however, I could go to many. Hawaii is just one of many great places to own a vacation home.
Go then
Funding for enforcement is vital. What’s the point of rules if people know that they’re not going to get enforced ?
I also think a general visitor fee is a great idea. I don’t understand why that’s a problem. There is a severe housing shortage on this island, charging the 1 million annual visitors just $20 each would over time provide funding to build housing for the 1200 Kauai Kanakas on the DHHL wait list.
People love to visit Kauai. The county could charge each visitor $100 and there still wouldn’t be a significant drop in numbers. And although tourism is the main industry here, the island’s resources are limited, Kauai can only handle so many visitors, and residents, especially Kanakas, should come first !
One of the issues from a visitors perspective, is that it creates an “us vs them” atmosphere. It’s not about the money, how would you feel if every time you traveled to another state or even Hawaiian island other than one you live on you were charged a fee just to visit?
The housing issue is not caused by visitors, the cost of housing is driven up by people buying vacation properties or residences on the islands. Ask yourself how many people that are complaining about visitors are native Hawaiians?
The visitors help support the local economy and spend enormous amounts of money to visit, which is fine, however we expected to be respected the same that locals expect to be respected, charging us for everything we do creates division.
We reside in Florida and I heartily encourage you greedy people to charge a “visitors fee” to all of the tourists that come there. It will just encourage more people to come to destinations like Florida and enjoy all we have to offer, without getting nickel and dimed to death!
Amen, arrogance, they seem to forget they’re part of the USA,that’s what Room Taxes are for, but that’s the One Party System, have a great Independence Day Weekend.
You too Randy. Stay safe!
I live in CA but as a haole born & raised on Kauai in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s, I have seen so much change on Kauai. Most of it not good. I know tourism is important to the economy of Kauai but it is out of hand. Locals are sick of entitlements, rude tourists. Education seems to fall on deaf ears. Only thing left is to hit them in the pocketbook. I hate it for myself when I visit ohana but….
Entitlements? What “entitlements” are you referring to? Tourism is out of hand? Explain that to us tourists that help support the Hawaiian economy! It appears to me that YOU are the one that believes she is entitled! You think you are entitled to tell us tourists that we are rude? You don’t even live in Hawaii anymore, so where do you get off making those assessments about “tourists”? We are as respectful of both the Islands and the Locals whenever we are in Hawaii. We are the same way anywhere we go to visit! It is funny, I never see these “rude tourists” that you refer to! Just a lot of people having fun and enjoying all the Islands have to offer. You should try it some time!
By “entitlements” the author means that 90% of the people coming here think that they are “entitled” to do whatever they want, to the point of even having to be rescued from trails and spots they are banned from and then turning around and suing the county for thier negligence. They have no respect for residents or wildlife on our island. Because of the hordes of tourists descending on the island both the roads and beaches are jammed, those of you that have been here recently know what I am talking about. Over the past few years I have watched this island slowly turning into Waikiki, it is so sad. Kauai is a rural island full of beauty, and needs to stay that way, which is what both residents and visitors want to see.
As someone else said on here, people like you want the money that tourism brings but don’t want the obvious inconvenience that tourism has on your every day lives. 90% of tourists think they are “entitled” to do what they want? Really? Let me explain something to you, if we are paying for the privilege to visit Hawaii, then we should be able to do what we want, where we want, as long as it is within the limits of the Law and ethically correct. Those that go places that they are not supposed to go and have to be rescued are less than 1% of the visitors that come there. But you choose to lump the rest of us into that small minority.
(Continued from above)
But they don’t! So we will continue to visit the Islands. Have a nice day!
So driving on roads, parking at beaches and occupying sand is now consider rude?
It’s more like the people of Hawaii blaming anything they can for their own issues. Try blaming the likes of Kawakami and Victorino…
Like many, I’ve never seen a tourist being belligerent. Never witnessed a tourist kill a.Monk Seal on Molokai. Not too many tourist bring their washing machine to Hawaii to leave it on the side of the road.
Some of you have serious misguided issues directed at the wrong people
Hi Janet ! I get it , I visited August 2021 & had a hard time feeling/finding the Aloha Spirit. The horrific influx of tourists allowed after Covid is shameful to say the least. We can blame all we want but that does not address the issues. The Hawaiian Government local & federal levels need to be looking for solutions /resolutions to what visitors need to expect from a visit to Hawaii ?.
Respect says it all from both sides of the coin, dig deep and let’s respect each other again. Aloha & Mahalo
I just can’t get over how you people keep saying there is no respect. I have not seen it. Each time we have visited the Islands, we have seen nothing but people having fun, enjoying all the Islands have to offer and the Businesses making good money. Get over the doom and gloom comments.
PS: I don’t care how many down votes I get. They come from people that are downers! I am positive, not negative!
It sounds like a headache. I agree there needs to be something to control and compensate for tourism to keep the island. However, this sounds like an annoyance to locals.
The island is much too crowded. We will soon stop going there. Sad!
I Love the islands, as many visitors do, but…ima gonna wait awhile til I return. this has to calm down. I do not want to add to the problem. I don’t mind paying certain fees but, again, gonna wait. its almost like luau(and other islands) are like Venice. you gotta pay to play. thanks for all you to to keep all of us informed.
We have been visiting Kauai for almost 30 years now, and always feel privileged to be able to do so. That first year following Iniki we were so taken by the resilience and spirit of Aloha. We became timeshare owners of multiple weeks. Our family members have become property owners. I certainly appreciate that some things have to change, as the number of visitors has greatly increased. I love the North Coast shuttle as a solution. More like that please. The list above seems like the right list.
As a person that vists the islands I see the citizens of Hawaii just get by financially and work really hard. I would be happy too pay feed if it went to local citizens and townsips
My family has owned 2 time shares at Hanalei Bay Resort for 20 years. I would like to see a differentiation between a property owner and a tourist who has no investment in property on Kauai.
So you think a “property owner” (in your families case, a “Time Share”) should be treated better than a tourist? How so, please explain! I own 2 weeks of Time Share in Gatlinburg, Tn. I do not expect to be treated any different than the people who are staying at Hotels, or Motels.
Bad idea! For years states parks in the “USA” been advertising to come visit “our parks”. Now we want ” our” goverment to put restrictions on our vacation visit. This nonsense idea is happening on the main land already! No people no money! My be you want more goverment bailout money?
about time something is being done…..! but still its gloomy picture..! instead they should charge a one time fee to all incoming visitors….. and do the simple charge for parking…!
Truly sad that it has to come to this at all …I dont get a gut feeling that the fees are about keeping people to a minimum..it seems everywhere in the US parks and rec are making up lost revenue from covid…Restrict that trail completely if its dangerous and costly to rescue services..Kauai was on my bucket list…Mahalo
I think most of it is a really good idea as long as it’s like Ke’e where locals can still enjoy with Ideas but for kids will they need state IDs also or school IDs or is the adults good enough I hope. Maybe we could get more lifeguards with the fundings too and less money wasted on search and rescues from visitors ignoring signs and getting injured or death because it’s been ridiculous the amount of money spent thousands and thousands every year not to mention lives lost and more cultural jobs for locals to safety and aloha so they may leave and come back again.
I have always come to Hawaii with reverence and respect, but I have seen others who have not. I support and appreciate any experimental methods to preserve the land and the culture. Fees at any or all of the beach parks/popular attractions (Locals should be exempt from paying) might provide resources to deal with environmental problems, but won’t fix bad attitudes. Thank you very much.
Wow ! WOW !
My Mom and Step dad bought Timeshare in Poipu almost 30 Years ago I Took mom for 6 years she passed away just after Covid started
Friend and I went the last 2 years and starting seeing shut downs and park charges I get it .
Have seen Dum ass Tourists and Dum ass Locals over the 8 years I’ve been coming met lots of New Friends.
It’s Sad that we Can’t expect Aloha from All so something needs to be Done for the Islands to Have Peace so Rules need to Be for all with Respect for the Islands .
Maybe some kind of Volunteer work and you get Comps passes that can be used at parks and Such but have to be Good for ? 2 years or something in that person Name
Aloha Rob and Jeff. Thanks for the new info on current issues over there. Looks like a visitor fee may be a way to deal with funding and having a reservation system like the current one in effect for Haena,Na Pali,etc is working so far. It will be interesting to see how things are going when I come back in October. Happy Holidays and stay safe.
Hi Debra.
Thanks again. And Happy 4th.
Aloha.
Aloha! I have visited the island of kauai twice and I am in love with her, true paradise! I’m not big on politics but I do agree that the island must be preserved and looked after. So having a fee might be very beneficial for all. Mahalo.
Hi Mark, I have vacationed on Oahu 8 times with the average stay being 16 days. Numerous times I have heard that Tourists are to blame for garbage left behind in all sorts of places. From what I’ve seen and experienced extremely little is being done by Tourists. The garbage that I have seen is from locals leaving beer bottles and cans in beach areas, parking lots, etc. as well as other consumables packaging. The garbage cans are only 15 to 20 feet away! Then of course the Homeless Encampments near or on the Beaches with their strewn garbage. Stop blaming Tourists for Everything when they cause very little!
I 100% agree. While large groups in tourism isn’t great for the island, locals (people who live on island to be politically correct) also play a part. I worked at Hula Grill Maui and Keokis Kauai…not one side is 100% innocent and both need to do their part.
Agree 100% some of the dirtiest places , not mentioning encampments are places that are ‘local only’ that tourists are no where to be seen. Not to mention their was still liter around durning COVID lockdowns.
Aloha guys. How can the enforcement of fees be made for visiting Hanalei? Will everyone have to show ID to get in? I consider myself a “local” even though I don’t live there after 45 yrs of visiting.Talk about a traffic pile-up. Like a DUI checkpoint.How much is the fee going to be for a day? Absurd or reasonable. Per car or per person?
Never consider yourself a local just because you’ve been coming a lot let them determine that
Erika,
Once again, who are you to tell others, what to consider themselves. Why don’t you just worry about Erika.
Considering yourself a local just becasue you’ve been visiting here for many years shows your complete lack of understanding of Kauai’s culture.
Has anyone thought to just allow cars with even numbers to park at these access places on even numbered days, and odd for odd days.
Locals are always welcome. Make it simple reservations are a pain in the…
You apply this to the Canyon, and any other super busy places.
I’m I being too simplistic?
If you cut access in half don’t you think everyone tourists and locals would be happy??
Wow…….two Randy R’s, that’s going to be confusing.
And what of the tourist who’s only there for a very few days? His visit would totally be dependent on the luck of the rental car license plate lottery.
Hanalei is one of the best towns and beaches around. As a visitor, I’m good with whatever fees are required to enter for visitors.
Agreed. Especially to help preserve!
I have not been to any other Island/County other than Oahu. I would hope that any implementation begins as a softer touch from the beginning. The softer option progressing within 3 months, at the most, to full implementation will help people be more aware and used to it. Feedback will inform people of the changes. Good luck with the transformation, you may have your hands full and need it.
Kauai is concerned about over tourism, so it approves a new hotel and a 200 plus condo development in a vacation rental zone in Poipu!
Hi George H. It’s most/all of the Islands doing the Exact same thing. Hearing excuses of pre-planned and pre-approved construction means nothing, people have been complaining about too many Tourists for years. Accommodating the Resorts instead of the general public where the Real Need Exists is Wrong! Demand Accountability, Demand New Fair Housing Construction. Allowing Officials to continue ignoring the problem of inadequacies in the housing market will only generate more Tourists and More Resort Construction.
I can understand the need for some fees, but I hope there is the option to pay a weekly fee instead of daily. My family has been coming to Kauai several times a year for 30+ years, and Hanalai has been my refuge and solace since I was a child. I am there almost every day when I visit, sometimes for a few hours, or some days only for a short few minutes to seek balance for my day. Our family loves Kauai as a second home and makes every effort to respect the Island and the people of Kauai, and strive to give in return as much as Kauai gives to us. I’m sad to see the need for these changes for Kauai.
I ran out of space on previous message. So, we are native Hawaiians that return every year for 4 to 6 weeks.. We don’t do the tourist thing but do enjoy taking our day trips to our favorite places that have memories for us. We take a drive up to the Waimea Canyon and stop for papayas at the farm on the way home. We like to drive out to Polihale once or twice. We make these trips as time and weather allow. There is no way to buy a permit months in advance. It’s a spontaneous trip for us and these restrictions are hurtful.
Aloha
I don’t know where to begin! There are more than on kind of visitor to Hawaii. There are the “typical tourists”. They come to Hawaii for an average of 7 to 10 days, and sometimes visit two Islands in that time. There are the returning residents coming to visit friends and relatives. Personally, I was born and raised in Hawaii. My mother boarded at Kam School for Girls in 1941 for High School. Both my parents worked for Dole.
My wife and I return to Kauai for 4 to 6 weeks every year. We have enjoyed all of the sites you mention. We make it a point to do a day trip to the North Shore when weather looks good. We have fond memories of Anini Beach and visit at least once. I was much nicer before you put a sign on the Highway so every on could
Wow, are you sure’we’re welcome? Doesn’t sound like it
Wait… You realty need to think about how you classify people, and then address your concerns. For example…
Locals – Full Time residents living year round
Locals – Part Time residents living 6 months or less
Visitors – Friends, Relatives, Vacationers who own properties or rent. They are almost always repeat visitors and they come to relax and are not tourists.
Tourist – This group stays at hotels, arrives on cruise ships, it’s most often their first visit and they want to do tourist things.
That being defined, you must address each group differently. Charging a local to go to a park or beach? seriously?
We reside in Florida and to visit the beaches and Parks, everyone pays. Locals can purchase an annual pass, while tourists can purchase passes for the days they want to go to them.
But we all pay. Locals in Hawaii should not be treated any different.
Please do an article on why on the big island do they still have Captain Cook town instead of Kaawaloa. And why has Kaawaloa Village not been rebuilt when it has way my significance to building cultural pride in the native Hawaiian people yet Spencer park in the middle of the desert around no local residents gets an amazing makeover.
Here we go again!
Yes, limiting people flow to Kauai’s beautiful natural attractions. Instead of the current more-or-less free-for-all access situation, monitored access such as the practice at most California State Parks. However that takes park rangers to monitor park entrances which-in turn would in most case require re-design of park entries to control vehicle traffic and route vehicles thru a control point. All of which involves significant up-front capital expenses. In addition to fee based entry, a good marketing tool should include an flat rate annual pass. Good Luck! Jim E
I would happily pay a fee when visiting, knowing that it would be going toward maintaining and preserving these beautiful islands. I think it would be less confusing/frustrating/impactful for visitors. Hoping that they’re able to find a solid solution.
Hi Satomi I, the “Sense” that I have gotten is quite simply “But Will It” when it comes to using the Fee Monies Collected. With the amount of tax money and parking fees generated by Tourism the questions arise about where all of that goes. We have visited 1 park and the Natural Beauty and the maintaining of the land was noteworthy. Hawaii’s Natural Beauty is Awesome, keeping it that way is Imperative. Still, where does all of the money go? Demand an Investigation, maybe nothing is wrong.
To your point, Governor Ige took all the County Revenue and rolled it into the States General Fund, forcing the Counties to come up with an add-collect %, this the same guy who had his hand out for Federal $, as the States Unemployment Compensation went $500,000,000 upside down, when he killed the Service and Retail jobs. I wonder how the Locals would feel about Las Vegas, and only Hawaiians originating in Hawaii pay $100/Head as they get off the plane at McCarran?
I have said in the past that the taxes charged in Hawaii are quite high an where does that money go? Locals complain the their infrastructure is sorely lacking. Why? A good question to ask their Reps and Governor.
I do find it interesting that in other articles, locals describe not wanting to treat the island like a theme park, but the marketing folks want to charge for the privilege of the beaches, just like going on rides! Maybe they should issue ticket books, like Disneyland used to do (just kidding). I am a long time visitor of the islands, and I am willing to pay an entrance fee to parks and such, but the beaches should be open and fre to both the public and locals. Remember, increased tourism brings additional revenue in taxes. Use that money to maintain the beaches, hire additional resources to police the problem areas, and let the public enjoy their vacation without having to pay additional for every destination.
Exactly… it seems like some locals love to say that visitors treat Hawaii like Disney, when in reality it is the exact opposite, the local government is turning Hawaii into Disney with fees for everything (not to mention trying to implement a visitor fee just to visit).
Their plans to charge for access to everything they can, and from what it sounds like, they are trying to find a way to restrict access to Hanalei and the north shore at Hanalei bridge, what a joke. I would be interested in knowing how many generational Hawaiians live from the Hanalei bridge to the north shore, I bet it is mostly transplants.
Wailua falls needs a bigger parking lot and an exit or start half hour parking. Something needs to be done 20 yrs ago.
We are middle class Midwesterners. We were gifted “trip money” in 1999. First visit ever to travel agent, who said “Kauai”. My grown kids still reminisce.
We agree to fees, “malama aina”, kindness.
Let’s preserve Kauai!
Aloha BOH,
We will be making our 2nd trip to Kauai in Sept for the Kauai 1/2 marathon, staying in Poipu. We’re excited to bring our 3yr old granddaughter along & visit the Salt ponds. We don’t mind paying visitor fees to preserve local areas. I actually rather do that than pay all the tacked on hotel fees & taxes that keeping growing exponentially! It would nice to be able to go to a website & learn how the monies are supporting conservation. Ex. This past Feb we became members of the Pacific Whale Foundation & appreciate seeing how our donations is used.Mahalo!
My wahine and I have a trip planned for Kauai in March 2023. I’m all for paying a fee to visit some of the beautiful places on the island as long as the money goes back into the community and towards maintaining the beauty of these places
BOH, your perspective is spot-on, ‘Solutions in Search of a Problem’! Without the return of Japan or China to date, it would appear that Hawaii as a State (D), by vast margin believes anything can be cured with a Tax (see Fee or whatever the vernacular accepts). So one stays at the Hyatt Grand Poipu, they cannot use the beach, without a Fee if this is rolled out? Not trusting Politicians, one would have to ask, how likely is it that American Citizens, Canadien’s and those from ‘Down-Under’ would bare the weight of these Fee’s with Asian Tour Operators skirting the issue, and Hawaii being complicit, selectively deciding by Race, who pays the Tariff! Closing in on 100, with 95 finally here in September, this could be the last.
Better vegetation management around the parking area of Wailua Falls is important to help keep people from going around to get a better view. A bridge would be great, if possible.
Less flights into the islands would solve this overcrowding of Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Defund HTA.
Really unfortunate that Kauai will be adding fees to the beaches. I can understand State parks but beaches, no. I pretty expensive traveling & staying in Kauai now.
I discovered Kauai 13 years ago and kept coming back, eventually buying two houses. I have never seen it so crowded. While I’m not a “tourist,” I’m not a permanent resident, either. That makes me a visitor, although property ownership makes me a stakeholder. Clearly, Island life is less beautiful and less peaceful. There is less Aloha, no doubt about it. But what to change? I park at Black Pot Beach to surf almost every day I’m on the Island. I would gladly pay for a parking spot!
Micro managing a visitors Hawaii experience may turn a lot of people away from visiting there. I know that when I go on vacation, I expect to be free to move about and enjoy everything the destination has to offer. Of course, I always respect my surroundings and those I interact with during my stay. But having a possibility of “limiting the number of visitors” to the Islands, I find to be counterproductive to profit margins for the Local merchants and businesses. Just my opinion!
Our state sells a $10 state park pass when you renew your registration. It’s good for all state parks.
Hawaii could do that and then have a higher “Visitor Passport”, like $50-$100.
I don’t think anyone would mind that.
Kellyp, we might not mind for the State Parks but very much mind for the beaches!
Well, Kellyp, according to all of your “down votes”, most people mind!
I would gladly pay a “vistor’s fee” rather than be nickel-and-dimed every day when I want to visit a beach. I totally understand that concept of visitors participating in maintaining Kauai but please don’t hit me over the head every day of my stay!