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”
Ignorant and selfish comments run amok. Victims are only asking for space while they recover from total loss of housing and employment. Each of the commenters should imagine their feelings and reactions in the same situation. Don’t take the attitude of “I spent my money so I don’t want to see the real suffering going on all around me”.
I lived on Maui for 3 years. I rarely see what they call the Aloha spirit. I would often say that tourists would leave and not come back due to their arrogance, as there are much nicer places to visit. The reply most often provided was “good, no need them” I love the culture, and language, but never the attitude. I have no need to return on a permanent basis.
Not going back to the islands for a while until the prices stop being ridiculous, but the number of people on here somehow comparing a Hawaiian vacation with a stay near Phoenix AZ (one of the top ten worst places on the planet) is deeply comic.
Aloha, We have been coming to Oahu several times each year for many years and could not agree more with the high cost of flights, food and hotels it is pricing us out of coming back in the future also the homeless here has gotten out of hand, yes there are other places to visit which we will try Mahalo
We have vacationed in Hawaii 2 to 4 times a year for the past 40 years (since I was a kid). But probably very little, if any, from this point onward. Certainly Maui is off the list. I feel for the people in the Lahaina area but the anti-tourist sentiment is just too much. And all the prices in all the islands are insane. There are just too many other places in the world where its more affordable and more enjoyable. And where the locals are really happy to have us. There is just no reason to go where we are not wanted.
It’s unfortunate that Hawaii is being priced out of the market by businesses that are not based in Hawaii. Decades ago, I saw non locals buy property in Hawaii because of the atmosphere, then build gated homes and communities.
As a born and raised local, I go to Nevada or Japan, where the prices are much lower. I can’t afford vacations here either.
I love the Islands, been going there for decades and already have a trip booked to the Westin Villas Maui but after that I’m probably going to take a few years off and travel to other places. Hawaii just isn’t competitive cost wise with what the rest of the world has to offer.
We were in Maui the end of October and loved every moment of it. We stayed at Napili Kai Resort and everyone was just wonderful. We always stay there because everyone there is so amazing. We made several trips to Costco to buy provisions for the victims of the fire. We found everyone we encountered to be very appreciative of everything we did for them. We didn’t encounter any protesters or ill feeling locals. Yes, the prices are higher but how do you put a price on the beauty of the land and the people. We will continue to go to Maui!
Went to High School on Oahu. Used to enjoy winter trips to each of the islands. Big Island and Kauai were my favorites although we had a condo on Maui for a lot of the time. But didn’t enjoy Maui as much once the sugar cane industry went away and lands went mismanaged.
Anyways, I wouldn’t spend money to visit anymore. Not a good value compared to other tropical destinations. I loved Hawaii and kinda grew up over there. But I’m not going back any time soon. No thanks.
Solved most of these problems by going only to the BI. Rented reasonably priced on VRBO, booked car through Costco, and got Alaska companion fare. People on the BI are friendly. Maybe because the island is more spread out. Locals live over on the other side of the island. Too many people in one small area causes friction anywhere in the world. Most importantly I rent a convertible and am happy to be there. I am not looking for trouble or giving trouble. No place like the BI. Mahola.
We love Maui and have traveled there annually for many years. My wife spent two months of her summer working 15 hours a day in Maui as a first responder with the Red Cross. We plan to return as tourists later in January. The increasingly unwelcome environment for tourists is saddening. The experience we have on our upcoming trip will likely determine whether we ever come back or start going to other locations.
My wife and I spent three weeks on Maui in October. We normally stay in Kaanapali but changed reservation to Kihei. We found the businesses were grateful for our dollars and they were very appreciative that we were there. We had a great time and look forward to returning to Kaanapali at some point. While we are devastated by the loss of Lahaina and what the locals have suffered, we feel most of the negative comments regarding tourism are from locals that have never supported tourism.
My wife and I recently spent a week on Maui at Ka’anapali. The people were warm and welcoming. We were thanked by locals several times for visiting. There weren’t protests or open hostlity. We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to visiting again.
The commenters on this article sound extremely entitled. Native Hawaiians and locals Live in astronomical prices. Many Native Hawaiians have already relocated to the states. We’ve been dealing with a housing crisis for years and it has been exacerbated by COVID and the Maui fires. Our wish is to reimagine our economy so we don’t have to prostitute our culture and aloha for tourist consumption. As a Native Hawaiian, I Am Happy long time visitors have chosen to visit other places. Mahalo for taking a hint.
This is exactly what the local government, most locals, and transplant technocrats have been planning. They do not want a bunch of theme park tourists, and budget shoppers clogging the roads & beaches. They want more for themselves and to “severely limit tourism” to the higher spenders. It is extremely expensive to live here, yet so many people want to keep trying to. So the ones that can afford do so, obviously driving up home values and rents. Shipping things out here is insane and people complaining about prices should read about the Johnson Act, and how it creates monopolies to this day with Costco & Amazon. If you want a cheaper more hospitable experience, definitely go somewhere else. Value Hawai’i as it should be.
I don’t want any of the commenters to visit Oahu. The hotels, the restaurants you talk about their prices are outrageous, and they are not priced by Hawaiians. Those prices are from foreign sources. Hawaii has the most beautiful people and the most loving people you will meet anywhere in the world. It is a beautiful, beautiful place and when you limit yourself to Waikiki, which is also beautiful, that is what you were going to see. I guarantee you very few Hawaiians go to Waikiki and buy a Tesla. Maui has been devastated. People need to leave Maui alone to heal. We look at things like this as Ohana and do not appreciate peoples, making disparaging remarks about our home .
We were on Kauai and BI in April and did not feel unwelcome at all. But if we didn’t own timeshare/vacation club points to cover the rooms, we couldn’t afford to go. As it is, the air fares are way too high (may not be just Hawaii, though) and from the northeast, it’s too far for economy for sure. We used to go annually for over 25 years, but the costs are now keeping us away. It’s sad, the people we’ve met are lovely. We miss going more.
Don’t know what I could possibly add to what’s already been said here. My perspective is a little different. I was born here, grew up here, and have deep local and familial ties to Oahu. I, sure as the Swallows return to Capistrano (they Do. I lived in Capo Beach for years), have come back for visits 2-3 times a year even in the depths of the pandemic to recharge my batteries and tend to ohana duties.
This year instead of visiting as usual during Nov, I went elsewhere. Not because it was cheaper (it was) but because I just can’t stand seeing what our paradise has turned into, I was fortunate to grow up during the “Golden Age” of the 60’s and 70’s and to see what has been lost is getting to be too much.
Best Regards
I have been going to Maui annually for over twenty years with the exception of two years. We actually just went in October, and although it is not the same place it was prior to the pandemic, I still enjoy being able to shut down for a little while. I do miss a lot of the restaurants we use to frequent, but it is still a great relaxing experience. I may not go as frequently in the future, but that has more to do with us moving from California to Tennessee a couple years ago, and now we shall also start exploring the Caribbean and Bahamas, which are shorter trips.
Traveled first time to Kuai, Oahu, and Big Island in 2000.
Bought on BI in 2003. Visited until 2014, when we retired and moved FT. Had no interest in short term rental from 03 to 14, as I saw the type of people, and their behavior. Didn’t want to be part of the problem.
IMO the people complaining the most, are the people with the “I pay good money for this trip, and I should be able to do whatever I want!”
I’m sad if less visitors is damaging to Hawaii, more than those who only want something from Hawaii. It may take a little time, but personally, I think the Aina and the Ocean, is better off!
Aloha
It is a shame to hear so many negative comments about Hawaii. I recently returned home after spending 2 weeks in Kauai. Yes, prices are higher, but not so high for me to say I will never return. I have found every where I have traveled prices have increased. A few months ago I spent a week in Northern California. The rental car price for a week was as much as I paid in Kauai for 2 weeks. From the comments I’m reading I guess I’m never going back to California. I’m reading that tourist are not wanted in Hawaii. During the 2 weeks spent in Kauai I never once heard I was not wanted. We heard many laughs and saw many smiles. In fact I have already made reservations for next year.
Seems like all this Hawaii negativity is a combination of bad communication from the state and probably competitors.
I just heard the same from two friends, one who comes around the new year and the others usually come for 3-4 weeks in Jan/Feb. Both won’t be coming due to cost of the condo, 3-5X more than before. Also couldn’t find direct flights to/from San Diego at that time. So sad.
We have been going to Hawaii since 1985 almost every
year and this will be our last year. . Prices for condo rental are just too high. Taxes and ” service fees” by VRBO and other rental have made it impossible for us to go back . I always told my friends It is expensive to go there ( airplane costs) but once there, the beaches and sightseeing is free. Well that has changed. Now parking at the beach and beach fees along with parking in downtown Kona ( $25) is ridiculously high.
If you consume a lot of Social Media and tend to stay at the resort hotels all of these comments are understandable.
We’ve been going to Maui since 1994 and have been 3 times this year staying at Puamana (May), Hale Kai O Kihei (September), and Napili Point (October, last minute getaway, great deal). Everyone we encountered were pleasant if not downright welcoming going so far as to thank us for visiting and buying local. We did not feel at all like we were out of place. If you’re respectful you tend to get that back from people.
People are going to do what they need to do based on their budget and other needs. I just hope that some of the loudest voices aren’t discouraging travel to Hawaii.
Just returned from a disaster relief trip to Maui. The local people were wonderful and so thankful for any help we could give them. Maui are reeling from the fires, lives and homes lost. Kindness please for the islands.
My wife turns 60 this year, she picked Maui to celebrate. We have been visiting for 11 years, I think this will be our last. I agree with others that the welcoming feel is no longer there, the cost to visit has skyrocketed and add that to the low Canadian dollar it does not make sense to visit any more. There are lots of packages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize or other sunny destinations that are far more affordable and happy to take the tourists and their money.
I get what the tourist are saying but some locals are affected by the outrageous prices that we pay. Rent is mortgage plus and food is killing us
I was born and raised here and now at 70 years old I have to either learn to live in a box home or move to the mainland. I will return as ashes one day. Aloha
I am a property owner and split time between kawaii and northern California. There is a very visible attitude toward visitors and non full time residents everywhere I go. Hawaii has lost its aloha!
Everyone is missing the point hawaii has been taking advantage of for many years yet when people come here they are uneducated about everything that’s going on in hawaii. Hey it’s perfectly fine to go elsewhere hawaii don’t benefit from hotels anyway only rich hotel owners gain while every employee is getting paid a slave rate that’s not even enough to live in a tool shed smh. Have you people even wondered how residents are being treated in hawaii
Yeah. I get every commenters point. Hawai’i is turning into a lose-lose situation rapidly. As a tour bus driver here, I see the rapid decline everyday, both in tourist counts, attitudes, as well as tips (which we live on), especially now during this winter season. It hurts. Don’t know what is driving this seemingly absurd situation economically, but I fear it’s just corporate greed. It makes it hard for all of us.
I just returned from Maui after an 18 day holiday. I’ve been many times. Yes it is expensive for everything. Very expensive. Fortunately for me I have a very great deal extended to me by a private owner who is a good friend otherwise I also would go elsewhere. The island was at 20-30% occupancy and for a week before Christmas that’s unheard of. Prices are soaring everywhere but Maui is extreme and really only for the rich.
I wonder what people who post and complain about not coming here for their holiday hope to achieve. Are we supposed to feel sorry for them? Are we going to contact them and say “Hey, you’re right. Come have a free couple of nights on us!” Better they keep their sour attitudes off island to leave more room for the people deserving of Aloha.
Keith R – yes people are Complaining … A LOT! But I believe BOH asked for input so that officials would take note.
Hi Gloria.
Yes this thread of comments is being forwarded directly to Governor Green.
Aloha.
Coming back to Maui in January, staying in Kihei. If prices continue rising and the anti tourism stuff continues we will check out other places like south Florida. Hawaii’s our first choice but want our tourist dollars to be appreciated!
Aloha,
BOH – Maybe literally start calling out Hoteliers and their offensive rates, because the Governor and the Mayor of Maui are trying to take it out on STR owners. They hated, over-taxed and restricted us, but now all of the sudden they love and need us. The elephant in the room is our taxes pay the locals low property tax rates. Couple that with the attitude towards tourists and Hawaii’s leadership’s absolute lack of income diversity all points to leadership. It’s actually simple – you cannot have all your eggs in one basket. No company sells one item…
Having spent 5 years at Pearl harbor when I was in the Navy, I’m moving my new family to Lahaina by New Year’s Day. I love it there!
Agree with Emeline R. The irony of it is that the “they don’t want us” narrative is a minority viewpoint that has been disproportionately magnified by the media because it elicits these very reactions. My husband and I stayed in Kaanapali in early December, and we lost count of the number of times we were thanked by staff and locals for visiting (with a few of these locals having some choice words for those telling tourists to stay away). Our cabana attendant thanked us profusely for not cancelling our reservation. She is a single mom trying to pay bills and send her son to college. Most locals are acutely aware that their economy currently depends on tourism dollars.
Yes, I can relate to what others are saying. Prices have taken a very steep upswing, over such a short period of time. The price of rental cars and rental properties have gone crazy. However, I also understand what the fires on Maui have done to short time rentals. I’m not sure there is a good answer to any of it.
Personally after traveling to Hawaii, primarily Maui, since 1989 and I am at the point where I have one more trip to Maui for my friend’s Celebration of Life sometime in 2014. After that all bets are off. It would appear that the hotels and resorts are content to have fewer, higher paying guests that require fewer service staff in order to increase their profits. That has been why I have been renting condominiums for decades in order to save money on meals so going out to local restaurants was more easily affordable. Sadly, Hawaii is messed up right now from the top down in any and all ways possible with no clear pathway forward that appears to lack all focus on the issues facing All of the Hawaiian Islands today.
I am a lucky guest living in Hawaii. I watch tourists every day disrespect the islands and its culture. I could write a novel on the subject. My autistic son goes out to a restricted area (illegal to access) every day to pick up trash discarded by tourists so it doesn’t end up in the ocean. Hawaiian people are beyond words loving of people and have patience beyond measure for the behavior of people who visit. Judging them for hurting after a tragedy that killed many of their Ohana breaks my heart for them. They love you but just want a tiny bit of respect when you visit. I live in their backyard metaphorically speaking and I feel deep seated pain for their suffering…it never seems to end. My daughter was in the Lahaina fire…
We went to Hawaii in oct 23, we hated it so so expensive. It cost us over $12,000 for 1 week in a very cheap hotel not near to the beach, the small pool was in shade the whole time dues to all the high rise buildings surrounding it. Basic hotel no entertainment, restaurant, shop, just a coffee machine in reception and popcorn at 3.30pm. Food in restaurants so ridiculously expensive
Would not reccomend it at all.