The most ever long-time readers just left comments about why they aren’t returning to Hawaii. Let officials take note, as this is unprecedented.
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371 thoughts on “Longtime Hawaii Visitors Bid Farewell: The Why Behind Their Leaving”
What all these grumblers don’t seem to get is that there’s always someone with more money willing to pay a premium for Hawaii. Less tourists spending more money? Yes please. I don’t think anyone but money grubbing businesses who thrive on middle class rubes and cruiseship types would mind having only very wealthy visitors in limited numbers. They tend to behave better (though sometimes much worse), and tip better too. Better for the environment as well for less rental cars driving around, and higher margins for businesses because you can charge rich people more because they all think a banana costs $10(｡•̀ᴗ-). Just need to balance with a kama’aina rate for locals(and maybe visitors who come for more than a month?)
Wealthy people aren’t going to visit a place with a poor attitude toward visitors and sub par resorts charging 5 star prices, that is what locals don’t understand, there are too many options.
Just think about it, if you had the means would you deal with this? Nope… Bora Bora for slightly more money and a much better experience, maybe a one night stopover in HNL to catch the second leg of your first class flight.
Others that are getting sick of prices and attitudes will go to Costa Rica, Thailand, Caribbean, Mexico.
My 8 yr old daughter has made new vacation memories the past 3 year island hopping durung the holidays together.This year we were spending it on Big Island for Xmas and plan on taking grandparents. Flights were astronomical and far exceeded our costs of stay, not to mention food plus car rental to top it. We ended canceling our hotel package in Kona and broke our annual tradition in HI.
Seems you did it to yourselves
These comments are so sad but true, we used to love going to Kauai and now got to El Salvador. (We save over $10,000 and are treated well).
The final straw was tipping $20 to pick up my valet car at a hotel and then being told I was a “cheap f…ing Hoele”??
Hawaii just screwed itself and it’s been a slow creep; now we (my traveling circle of friends too) have all written the Islands off. Why pay thousands for two weeks of crowded surf, the locals hate you unless you have dark skin, Everything gouges you. Aloha is dead. Bienvenido is the new aloha
Exactly… the attitude toward mainlanders (white people) by many is called racism and becoming less subtle.
Wow, not one good thing to say about Hawaii? The reasons people are giving for leaving are brutal and self centered. Cost has always been an issue in Hawaii but the lack of understanding for the local community is a much deeper problem. I hope those people never come back to the islands and take their Poison elsewhere.
Signed,
Life time Hawaii lover.
Can’t argue with the commenters.
Have vacationed yearly on Maui since 2023. I can always find reasonable flights and somewhat reasonable car rental, but accommodation costs are breaking my budget. Huge increases in just the last 5 years.
I’ve also had some unpleasant interactions with a vocal minority of locals who think they’ll somehow be better off without tourism money. Delusional.
I’m booked again in March 2024, but I think this might be the last time.
Seriously looking hard at Mexico for 2025.
Hi Greg.
Thanks for your many comments over the past three years! Please let us know how your upcoming Hawaii travels go and what you decide going forward.
Aloha.
I have to add, I feel much empathy for the locals.
There are many social, economic and infrastructure issues that make living difficult on the islands for those who are working class. The homeless encampments on Maui were the worst I’ve ever seen on my last trip. The solutions aren’t easy and govts don’t always act in the best interests of the majority.
It sucks there but I’ll be coming again next year and maybe the year after that.
My mom and I visit Oahu every year and attend the Pearl Harbor commemoration ceremony. We’ve been doing it for years. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re grand vacation club members and my dedication to honor our veterans, we probably would stop coming as well just based on the prices. It’s so outrageous the prices they’re charging for taxes, rooms, parking etc.
We however have never had bad experiences with the locals and have felt welcome everywhere we go. We only eat at mom and pop places and support local as much as possible. We have even volunteered there. Not all tourists are entitled. We love the islands and respect the culture.
Just saw an article on average daily room rates. They’re up on every island from last year. I’ve been a Maui resident for 35 years. Last year we were overrun by tourists. With so many people on the island quality of life significantly deteriorated. It’s unfortunate that some people are being priced out but it’s okay. The money is still going to come in and life here will be less stressful – what it should be
We have vacationed at the Hyatts on Maui and Kauai every year for 25 years but we refuse to pay today’s prices. The islands aren’t even fun anymore when you have to have a reservation to do everything.
We can’t believe how expensive hotels and food are in Honolulu. We may decide that Hawaii is not worth it anymore. Flights are outrageous too.
Big Island “a Big Volcano/”?😂
More expensive? Yes.😢
…but moh betta than Maui 🤙🤙
So many of these comments reveal the absolute lack of Aloha, Malama, and kokua that defines the type of tourist we don’t want visiting the islands. I say good riddance to anyone without empathy for the deeply embedded struggle of the Hawaiian people, the land and the place that is Hawai’i. For so long, locals have been at the mercy of first plantation owners and now tourists. I truly hope that the State can shift to a more sustainable economy that doesn’t leave us at the mercy of selfish, cheap visitors.
That’s more of the wrong attitude that turns people off. So many of these comments are from people who have been going to Maui for years or decades. I assure you, there are very few, if any, such people who are cheap and selfish — this group cares more about Maui than even many who live there. Those are the people that the Maui mayor should be begging to come back to spend money again and again, but so many are saying it’s not worth it. That’s a problem. I guess it is easy to call them cheap, but I think we all know that is not the truth.
Mike L you are so right! We have been going since 95 – every year and sometimes 2X in one year. For many many years, there would be 11 or 12 and we would stay at Puamana for more than a week. It is our Happiest Place on Earth. When prices got out of control at the rentals due to the Pandemic, we bought weeks at the Hyatt Residence Club. We save our money for Maui because there is no place like it. When I hear people say we are entitled and don’t care it really hurts. We wept for Lahaina and all of Maui. We sent $$ for food and clothing. Not looking for a pat on the back, but we do care. Thanks for saying this.
Having been to Maui and Oahu numerous times, the last in 2022. I’ve noticed changes each time I go back. Higher prices, everyone saying to stay away and too many visitors.
With Hawaii having a shortage on healthcare workers I have applied to jobs only to be turned down with the open jobs still unfilled over a year. I meet the qualifications but it seems they don’t want any tourism or people to work over there, but turn around and complain about not having tourism and healthcare workers.
I am working elsewhere in other countries and islands where tourism and people who come to work are welcome.
We’ve loved visiting Kauai once or twice a year for the past 15 years. As of now we plan a return trip in June but if we’re treated like unwelcome visitors we have favorite places in Mexico to go that welcome us. As a state dependent on tourism, Hawaiians need to remind themselves that their economy and jobs require visitors and the dollars we bring.
We enjoyed KoOlina 2 years ago and looked to go back… the same room went up by 75% per night!! I looked into Maui at a condo we rented before on the beach and it was up by 80%! There’s no way we can afford a vacation. When I reached out directly to the condos they said prices were part of their cost recovery plan and not predicted to go down anytime soon. He use to visit this lovely island each year, but have to rethink where to go… it’s gotten too expensive I don’t understand who can afford prices like this, but clearly someone’s paying them because they still fill up?
I have enough miles to fly r/t to Oahu for free but my room rate for 5 days is around $1,000. Ridiculous.
This is all so interesting to watch. For years there have been discussions on TUG (the Timeshare Users Group) about how Hawaii’s policies indicate timeshare owners are not valued as much as those that stay at hotels because the spend/person/day is lower for timeshare owners.
Now, I really appreciate my timeshares in Hawaii because while maintenance fees do go up, compared to hotels they are a bargain, even with big-name brands (Marriott, Westin, etc.)
Plus, I will keep coming back 1-2 times per year regardless of those high hotel prices. So, over the long haul I think I actually spend more in Hawaii because of frequency and provide a more stable influx of dollars.
Plan on continuing to visit and helping recovery while there.
As a local we used to love going to Turtle Bay or our sister Islands for frequent “staycations”. The exorbitant hotel prices recently are an insult. It’s more reasonable to fly to the mainland and see the rest of this beautiful country. Even kama’aina hotel prices are way too expensive.
Yup, it’s super obvious Turtle Bay, Aulani, Ko Olina and other similar resorts clearly do not want locals there. $700+/nite kamaaina rates are hilarious! And that’s during the off season.
We just returned from our yearly family trip to the Big Island and Oahu. We stay in a time share so the room costs have not risen, but the increases in the costs for both groceries and restaurant food took us by surprise. We will definitely continue to visit as we have kids on Oahu, but may not go as often, especially with the insecurities around the Hawaiian/Alaska merger. Saw far fewer people at the resorts on the BI this trip. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Hi Lee.
Thanks for letting us know. We appreciate the multitude of comments from you over the past seven years!
Aloha.
Sadly I canceled my February reservation for Maui because of all the press about not wanting tourists, needing tourists confusion, and the high cost of staying there. Getting a plane to get there from the East Coast is nearly impossible which was the final straw. I was looking forward to another trip there after having spent more than 20 previous trips to the gorgeous island but will be trying new places in the future.
It’s so darn simple. Reduce accommodation prices and fees. People love Hawaii and will want to come back when they feel welcome and can afford something comfortable.
It’s not rental cars – it’s not airfare and food is pricey at all resorts. It’s accommodation providers’ Greed pure and simple. Everything else is secondary.
Rachel H: Honestly, I don’t think you are going to find anything different about Maui. We were there in late October. No protesters, we were always greeted with Aloha and Thanks For Being Here – We Need You. Go to Maui – they need your tourism dollars.
We frequently visit the islands and I can agree with other comments that there’s a real feeling of being unwelcomed by some. Kauai in particular with complete strangers being obnoxiously rude to our family unprovoked. Some uttering profanities, and one group of teens threw rocks at our vehicle as we were just driving down the road. Like any place, there’s a minority that can skew things and Hawaii is no exception. It’s real though and it’s unfortunate.
Mike, I agree with you. We Love Kauai and that was the only place where I was ever greeted with hostility. It was in 21 during Covid. A man on the Pier in Hanalei was aggressive and angry tourists for returning to the Island – he loved it while Kauai was in lockdown – and of course he liked the Government money it provided. It made me very sad, as it was the only time in more that 30 years that that as happened.
It was always there, Gloria G. Ever since the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown by the U.S. government. You just didn’t notice or didn’t care. This isn’t something new. Please read history and learn to understand.
Well said Johannes. We have been to Hawaii 20 some times in the last 41 years. We love all 5 of the islands. But it is getting where we can’t justify it even in condos. We’re just there in August on Oahu and Kauai. B&B in Oahu was OK but expensive. Kauai was definitely lacking the warm Aloha feeling this time. Well known Poipu condo company was nothing like a few years ago. They definitely said and implied we were whiny to complain the oven didn’t work and mice were everywhere in an upscale condo. We needed the oven and I thought they would want to know there were mice. Just bothering them. Never a sorry or anything. Not even a how was your stay when leaving.
Mexico is booked for February.
Hawaii wasn’t able to handle the amount of tourists that HTA kept promoting. I truly hope this means less tourism for all.
No doubt the message is “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”
Aloha, The focus on tourism is understandable, and of course disappointing. Hawai’i’s problems are serious and pervasive. The tourist complaints are symptoms in those same way that the homeless population is a symptom. Hawai’i has become a third world country that relies on tourism and the military. It is an unsustainable situation that is in the process of failing. The above comments reflect the authors’ legitimate observations about the failure. As a longtime resident I am saddened by the loss of Hawai’i and the Aloha Spirit. The old Hawai’i still exists, but it is not as easy to experience. We are killing what we love.
We live in Florida, but we go to Oahu & Maui every 2 years. We stay for 2 weeks on each Island. The Aloha spirit is missing from Oahu. No longer do you see the girls greet visitors at the Airport with Leis dressed in grass skirts. (Yes, an option tourists pay for) Upon entering most stores the ” Aloha “greeting ” is missing. I do miss that. I’m more welcome at Aloha Stadium Flea Market then most retail stores in Waikiki. So what’s wrong with this picture. ? Enough has been said already about the increased Hotel rates, tours & a it’s a minimum of $ 75 for a dinner of 2 at a restaurant. So for what it now costs to vacation in Hawaii compared to just a few years ago it’s become very expensive, for the experience and no Aloha
The hotel fees having more than doubled, the decision to crush the (competitive) rental market leaving no reasonable options. I used to own there (until government made it impossible to vacation rental my place). Used to come three times a year. It is hard to say good-bye, but I don’t see any option. Are there really enough filthy rich people to keep Hawaii afloat without the mid-range and budget travelers? I doubt it. Waiting to lower prices until we all have found new favorite places is a pretty dumb strategy.
Since I haven, t actually been in Hawaii, therefor I can not make any comments, but it seems like if you like to feel a bit of Hawaii, you must go there with at least 500,000 $ which I Don, t have, right now I, m worth around 100$ totally and living in sad & confused land of Iran, so for now Aloha ahola Hawaii, iam 62 age, man.
Imagine a place going through a historic disaster and people being so entitled that they get mad about being told not to come when the local infrastructure can’t take them.
All these “long-time” visitors to
Hawaii clearly never bothered to truly get to know this place they’ve been visiting, or read up on any history. Good riddance to all of you with your attitudes.
Those complaining about prices have legitimate concerns. Hopefully that calms down. But maybe the islands should be priced what they’re worth to keep a healthy balance of tourism. Hopefully the prices aren’t affecting locals in the same way.
We are kamaaina and we can’t afford the outrageous prices our favorite locations and hotels are charging here in Hawai’i. These hotels are owned by offshore entities. Greed? Making up for losses during covid? I hope it’s because their employees are finally getting a living wage. The other turn of the screw is their desire to rid the islands of vacation rentals. I say Bah Humbug to hotel conglomerates!
Shoots the parking lots here are all taken over by out of state companies making it impossible to park anywhere. Driving away business for small local businesses too.
Went to Maui a month and a half ago, after Hawaii has been on my bucket list for over 45+years of our married life. Sorry. Doubt we’ll ever go back. The only reasonably priced thing about the entire week was the car rental. Getting there was a nightmare. We could have gone to México 3xs! in the same amount of time the flights and layovers took. Understandably, no control over weather, but the drought made most of the area where we stayed look like a desert. What a disappointment to go for tropical bliss, but have to spend most of our time around a pool, as the wind made it miserable, and dangerous to snorkel, or play on the beach. The locals glare at tourists as trespassers (while wanting our business). Not a comfortable environment
We just came back mid December from islands hopping to the four big islands. It was my first and will be my last time there. The prices were astronomical and the amount of people and tourists everywhere was incredible. And yet, there are many places I’ve been to with as good or better beaches and hiking for a much lower price and with fewer people. I was waiting to be blown away, but what blew me away we’re the prices and amount of people. I can’t wait to return to the Bahamas, amazing beaches, way fewer people and much closer too!
We missed our anniversary trip to Kona because of Covid, tried the next year but hotels still not back to fully operational, looked the the year after that and room rates higher than pre – covid, so opted for Tahiti, again. Will try one last time for this September, but judging by current hotel rates, will probably give up and return to Tahiti where tourists are very much appreciated and welcomed.
We’ve been to Hawaii six times since COVID (twice this year) and never once felt unwelcomed. We are going to Maui in February, a trip that was planned 10 months ago. But that being said, we will probably avoid Maui for a while due to the wildfires. I don’t want to be met with protestors, angry residents, and sign waving. I am planning a big Hawaii trip with friends for my 40th birthday next fall and was originally looking at Maui, but have since decided on the Big Island instead.
I’m a local who has seen our government run our state into the ground. The locals feel it just as much as the tourist who comes to visit.
We have wages that are not in alignment with the cost of living. Even multi generational households are struggling. Locals are leaving the island so fast that Hawai’i will not be Hawai’i soon. Our government for decades treated the residents like second and third class citizen and focused on tourism instead of finding ways to keep the residents here. N ow there looking down the blade of a double edge sword. Which will cut deeper?
The government needs to incentivize the locals and make that the focus. Locals cant even afford to staycation here anymore. No Aloha for the Aloha State.
These comments are completely on point! Prices for hotels, rental cars, airfares are all ridiculous. If that is not bad enough, the Transient Tax Rate “TAT” is now close to 18% on top of all of that! The state relies on tourism for it’s revenue and employment, but now they are trying to get blood out of the turnip! Locals are leaving because they can’t afford housing, so now there is a shortage of workers to do basic jobs. It’s a shame that the beautiful state has now such a bad taste to visitors, based on ridiculous pricing and taxation! Many other great places to visit for much less!
40 year Haole Big Island resident here. This is awesome news! Hawaii has too much potential in other areas to be so dependent on tourism. New technology, coupled with traditional, sustainable practices, can make us food and energy self sufficient. Let the resorts go broke, and turn them into low income housing, schools, and other infrastructure for locals. Allow visitors to appreciate Hawaii for all that it is; other than a costly tourist trap. Aloha.
We stayed at Twin Fin in Waikiki steps from the beach in Novemeber. It was under 200 a night and our round trip tickets on Hawaiin air were 400. You can still get deals!
Hi Raina.
The lowest off-season pre-paid rate at that property starts at $441/nite including taxes and fees.
Aloha.
Sorry guys, but currently on Twin Fins website there’s a 30 percent off deal several days are available end of January for $179.00 a night.
6 night 7 day stay $1,609.00 Partial Ocean View that’s $268.17 per night including all fees
Hi Richard.
Thanks. Yes you’re right. The pre-paid rate in January is $270 per night including taxes and fees. .
Aloha.