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”
I fell in love with Hawaii as child when I first visited in 1978. I studied the history and language, watched every TV show and documentary I could find, moved there (three times) and went to university in Honolulu as well. I now live in Spain and due to the nearly 20 hour + flight time, I don’t go back much these days. When I do though, I find the food to be well…lackluster. Basically a bunch of overpriced junk. Hotels are ridiculously priced and the homeless situation seems to get worse by the year. It’s a shame really. In a way the memory of Hawaii is better than the real thing.
Great! Hawaii could use a break. My family is from there and I just go back to visit, but the less people the better, so fantastic! Enjoy your other locations!
Are they ready to live the old lifestyle? I know many are. It won’t be just a few tourists if it starts trending down. One only needs to look at once famous resorts like Acapulco to see what happens when tourists don’t come anymore or even Las Vegas downtown. Those big hotels need lots of cash to stay alive. As jobs die and people move out the Waikiki jungle will spread across Honolulu. The collapse can become exponential.
I only made for trips to Hawaii in my lifetime. Each one was more expensive than the last one. I felt like I wasn’t welcome and I’m not going back
I lived in Hawaii from 1986-1990 as a newlywed. My husband was serving in the Army’s 25th Infantry Division. I was just 23 and had never been treated so badly by an entire culture. Even then, they loathed our presence on Oahu. I was young and homesick but received nothing but dirty looks from the locals. The military was and is a large part of the economy, yet the locals would rather have us leave. Trust me, I visited home every opportunity I had. I was called the b word and “Haule” (may not be spelled correctly) for absolutely no reason other than breathing the same air. I really wanted to visit Oahu again but it’s just not worth the expense nor the unwelcoming. Florida has whiter sand and just as beautiful water. What a shame!
First of all, *haole* is a Hawai’ian word. Secondly, why do you think native Hawai’ians are frustrated with the fact that they were taken over by the US, forced to become a US state due to their location in the middle of the Pacific which was deemed strategically beneficial for the US military, then colonized by US military bases that were not desired, and now having their language and culture stomped on so rich white people can take lavish vacations there? Why do you think they might be frustrated that they are being priced out of their homes so American billionaires can build ridiculous mansions? Do you think maybe it’s because that’s all awful?
Good grief – the entire world has been colonized at multiple points since the dawn of time… people in my town are being priced out of buying a home and blaming a whole “race” for all our problems is just racist. I blame greed, over crowding, globalization that has created corporations who answer to no one, and the victim mentality for the vast majority of our world problems.
Absolutely No argument about what happened to the Hawaiian Monarchy but You need to realize one very important fact that you sort of mentioned and that is Hawaii’s strategic location in the Pacific Ocean. Maybe you need to consider how Hawaiians would have been treated under Imperial Japan’s rule or maybe that of Russia’s too!
Never liked Hawaii. Been once Too far. Very commercialized. Too Americanized.
Tony, Hawaii too “Americanized”? The twisted irony in that comment is that Hawaii is an American state.
My family were in Hawaii earlier this year and alas, it will be the last time after many visits over the years. All the comments were right on point and it doesn’t look like it will change….too bad for Hawaii.
I come from Indonesia and i’ve been to hawaii 30+ times. I have visited the islands since I was a child with my parents and now with my family. We have also Bali in our country, which is also beautiful. But I don’t know I liked to go to hawaii almost every year. The last time was before the covid pandemie and now in sep.2023. The difference was the price hikes in hawaii is enormous. Hotels are really pricy. Also food price. I don’t know whether we will come back to hawaii again. Hawaii became too expensive for us. Actually it is a pity, ‘coz I love hawaii.
Local Boy (almost 80!) here, …I also will no longer pay ridiculous prices to visit friends on Maui or Kauai! …example: “tiny” vacay rental studio offered @ $351 for 3 nites, cheapest out there! …but, + this, + that, + booking fee, + taxes (almost 20% now!) … final price: just $12 less than Double the advertised price! 🤪 …can U spell “bait & switch”? …or “Gouging”?
One needn’t stay at name brand hotels. There are condo rentals for as low as 100$ nightly in Waikiki.
$100 a night?
Yes, that’s what’s advertised… Then they add the resort fee, booking fee, state tax, garbage tax, air tax, cleaning fee, etc… By the time you’re ready to check out,that $100/night is all of a sudden $180 or more…
I absolutely love Hawaii and have been to every island picking Maui as my happy place, I even got a tattoo of the islands on my leg after talking to a local saying it was Ok since it showed aloha spirit towards them. After the fires it doesn’t seem like it can still be my happy with all the negativity to tourists. I want to vacation Hawaii for my annual 2 weeks a year and happily spend money to support the local businesses. I might be looking elsewhere this year as prices go about out of my budget. Puerto Rico, Barbados, Caribbean also sound nice to explore. I hope things change but August is around the corner and need to decide.
I’ve been going for a month for a number of years. Last year my apartment more than doubled in price. It needed work on it as well. Nothing had been done for years. No way am I paying over $500 per night for one person for an apartment. No clean or change of linen in that price for a month either. Beautiful Hawaii has become a rip off…. .
Hawaii the Aloha state… beautiful and what dreams are made of. I fear however they are pricing themselves right out of the market. As a Canadian I have to considered another 35% on top of our dollar. That’s another issue. It’s a good reason to vacation where you can get a better return for your money! Aloha Hawaii
The high prices at Hotels, Flights, Rental Cars etc. are not controlled by people in Hawaii; those are Big Corporations whose headquarters are outside of Hawaii. But the anti-tourism sentiment, that’s 100% on the people that live in Hawaii. During Covid I heard lots of people on social media, and even politicians Kimberly Pine saying that, We need to diversify our economy away from tourism, but the only option that I saw them offering up was Farming. But they were talking about farming for self-subsistence. That’s fine for growing food to feed the people on the island, but that’s not going to replace the money that comes into Hawaii from tourism, unless you grow enough to Export.
Why would they need money if they have all the free food to eat. Hawaiian Kingdom had zero homeless on the islands. With the u.s. today over a million people homeless and growing. We want to be left alone. We don’t care about your money. We live free in the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Yeah, right because back then they were living in an agrarian society so trying to compare the two is just ludicrous beyond all reason! That ship has sailed so give it up because it is Never going back to what it was back then!
We went on a cruise for under $1000.00 for ten days. Warm weather, pleasant people and cheap food. We can go to anywhere in the world.
Hawaii needs time to heal after the devastating fires that practically wiped out a Spiritually and historically important ancient Hawaii town. Americans and other nations need to allow Hawaii time to come back into balance. There is something called eco-tourism. Look into it. There is another way to travel and not suck up al The natural resources of a natural environment. Hawaii must be allowed to heal and replenish themselves. Send prayers and well wishes. Appreciate the beautiful times you had on her beautiful lands. 🙏❤️🤟🤟🌺
My wife and I were there in HI in May. Hit 5 islands. The prices vary from island to island. But…It’s a big variation in price!!! it was a bucket list trip. So, we bit the bullet. Based on the comments for their leaders and the massive weekly price increases, we won’t be back there for a very long time. If, ever again. Definitely looking at other scenic, cheaper options. Hey leaders of Hawaii…..There are plenty of options on this planet!!!
We were there last month and honestly it was not a great trip. We’ve been at least 50 times and the hostility and protests from the locals is awful. Signs saying All out of Aloha. The devastating loss they’ve endured has also happened to so many other cities and states without the misplaced anger and hostility, such as the cities burned in CA and OR and the flooding in New Orleans. But it was handled with grace and the knowledge that natural disasters have happened before and will happen again.
From 2008 up to Covid, we made 13 trips to Hawaii. Our time was mostly spent in Kauai, though trips were also made to Kona and Maui. Always an min 2 week stay. Our favorite destination is Poipu. Or Was Poipu. With the massive rate increases, we’ve decided to shift our vacation destination focus. We’ve always wanted to support US destinations with our vacation funds. HI wasn’t the only place that suffered under Covid. What a shame that HI government no longer values visitors; they simply are refilling their coffers. Our last trip to Kauai in Dec ‘22, we were shocked that not only is there a parking charge at Waimea Canyon, there’s now also a per-person charge to walk up to the lookout. Nope. Not doing it. Hola, Mexico!
The comments are not wrong. I consider myself a “local” as I was raised on Oahu, continue to return 3-4 times a year and am as “local” as anyone once I land (nobody can tell I have lived/worked off island for 40+ years). But the ridiculous cost to stay as well as rental cars, has even made me turn away from home, and start to seek alternative warm weather destinations that are closer, and significantly cheaper. I won’t ever stop going home, but it may be 1-2 times a year now, and certainly not 3-4.
I was arrested on Kauai after I phoned 911 when attacked in my car by locals. They were arrested also, but why me? Bohunk cops. No way I’d put my family at risk in Hawaii.
Hawaii is Paradise !Aloha! The Fire in Maui🔥took priority. The Locals are priority over Tourist I support Hawaii for standing on their ground It’s a hard living in Hawaii however the Mocals must jave a place to belongs too as they first moved there before the Tourist I belive that having a Law of buying a Land Must Be Only for Locals Not everyone else that doesn’t live in the Islands It’s only to serve the purpose of Locals having their residents in own Island Tourist purposes to visit one place Not take away Locals lands or belongings & over stayed their vacation
In addition to all that has been commented on, add the homeless camps and mentally unstable vagrants on the streets of most of Hawaii.
we’ve gone as family of four for three years this is our fourth and final. even if the fires didn’t happen, it’s just ungodly expensive,unless u r super wealthy, celeb, pro athlete type. spending over 25k for flights and accommodations for 10days, is just ridiculous. factor kn food, entertainment, shopping, excursions, it’s too much. with that kind of money u can live like a king and do alot more, probably for half the price of Maui. now esoowith front st gone and lhaainau, it’s just not goijg to be the same. front st was a place to go and pass the time on a budget, shave ice and people and sunset watching. the people were fine to me and kaanapali and black rock are amazing, but after four years of it, time for a change and show kids
I don’t understand all of the griping about high airfare cost and high lodging costs. I booked our Maui trip last June for October travel. $360 round trip from Phoenix; $250 (all fees included) per night for a fully equiped 1 bedroom condo. When we arrived on Oct 3, gasoline was actually cheaper in Maui than Phoenix. Yes, governor’s and tourism board’s message was confusing. We were thanked multiple times by people for not canceling our trip.
I hate to say it, but why do I want to be abused when I am on vacation? Overpriced rooms, restaurants staff are un happy, car rental companies over charge. To spend thousands of dollars for a vacation and feel when you leave , I need a new vacation just to make up for the abuse. Florida keys, Auba any place with ocean water and friendly people for one third the cost is good for me. I loved Hawaii and was looking to permanently live there, but the island charm in no longer.
I love HI but the prices are just insane and the constant mantra of tourists are not welcomed is just too much. Then you need permits months in advance to go to many attractions. Nothing is free and there are fees for everyrhing. Resort fees are out of control. It just isn’t worth a 13 hour flight each way to be sucked dry And be told how I am not welcomed? Nope.
My wife and I have been going to Wakiki for New Years for several years. Not this year, the airfare is insane and we are up in the North West with several non-stop flights to choose from. Normally we can find a flight easily for reasonable price but this time around with the high cost of Hotels no way. We usually pay less than $3000 to go and this year closer $5k.
People are mad about the prices and the terrible messaging. They think Hawaiians should be more grateful. So they vote by sounding off, with threats and boasts of never returning. This amuses me. Hawaii is like the stock market — always buy when times are bad. Now is some of the best times to go. There are Many ways to enjoy Hawaii on a smaller budget than you are used to. BOH shows you how! You don’t Have to stay at hotels (unless you can’t get by without maid or room service)(in that case you can afford it anyway – so why are you complaining?). Flights are cheap – if you can adjust your dates. Even securing a car is workable. It just takes more effort than it used to…is that what everyone is upset about?
Retired in 2010 and made Maui home for 5 weeks each Jan./Feb. every year since. This past Feb. we agreed we had enough of the fake aloha spirit, high prices, and anti-tourism practices. The fire had nothing to do with our decision because it hadn’t happened yet.
You know we tried coming back again last summer but staying just one week instead of two at a much lower end hotel then we ever have before and then treating ourselves to just two nights at Grand Wailea. In the past we have done an entire week at Grand Wailea. The island was still beautiful of course but every meal and activity was absurdly overpriced. The hotel pricing is insane. I think we are going to try Key west and St. John this year instead. Too bad, we have gone to Hawaii, one island or another every summer for two weeks since 1998. Really sad.
Our entire family spent just one week on BI for our grandsons wedding. For the first time since the early 80’s, we felt unwelcome. Nothing overt, but being ignored at two restaurants (one of which was the reception dinner) and then the curt responses from the staff have convinced us to vacation elsewhere in the future. Aloha Hawaii.
We will be in Kauai on Feb then Kona on March 7 . Maybe Oahu for a couple days. Want to stimulate the economy
We had spent 10 days this past spring on Kona near downtown. This was prior to the fires on Maui. We all felt and heard the comments from locals, we weren’t welcome. We will never return. Cost and local attitudes equal an easy decision. We will go elsewhere.
Gregg, I’m so done. Owned property on Kauai, many good friends but the attitude and costs drove me away. Bought an oceanfront penthouse in Puerto Vallarta 2 years ago and just love it. Friendly people great prices, tropical beauty at one 6th the cost. And very safe too. Screw HI!.Bye
They are correct. I’m doing my last Hawaii trip in Jan. only because I can’t get out of it. Way too expensive and horrible attitude of locals. I will never return.
Aloha all,
We were just on Maui in early November. I was struck by the resilience of the locals. They were all cheerful and expressed how happy they were to see respectful tourists.
People need to keep in mind that they have barely recovered from covid shutdown and now this. They say pls come!
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Totally agree. It’s not worth visiting Hawaii anymore. You get better deals and better experience in SE Asia.
For many years we’ve been going to Maui annually, often more frequently, to stay a month or more. But, sadly this year will be our last. The prices of rentals, hotels and car rentals have reached the absurd level.
Plus the tension over the last 5-6 years with the locals has become too uncomfortable to deal with. We get it…they don’t want us there. When the #1 source of revenue is tourism, I hope they recognize what that means to the livelihood of many families who depend on visitor traffic.
It’s dear to our hearts, with many great family memories in Maui so we’re sad. We’ll head to Mexico, Arizona, and the Caribbean for our sunshine.
The fire was a major catastrophie for many families. Having read the posts I am worried, but will come again to spend part of this winter as we have done for many years. I will reserve judgement. Have met many great people with lots of Aloha. If it’s as bad as some of the posts, I’ll spend my retirement dollars elsewhere. Not sure what the natives want. Some economies are based on healthy tourist spending. Hopefully when the planes stop coming you all will be satisfied. Dont hope for a gvvernment handout’ They are already broke, morally and financily.
I hate to say it, but why do I want to be abused when I am on vacation? Overpriced rooms, restaurants staff are un happy, car rental companies over charge. To spend thousands of dollars for a vacation and feel when you leave , I need a new vacation just to make up for the abuse. Florida keys, Auba any place with ocean water and friendly people for one third the cost is good for me. I loved Hawaii and was looking to permanently live there, but the island charm in no longer.
There is no Aloha spirit. That is a tourism tag line. They don’t want ppl there. If you are not native they don’t want you. We owned a house on a Kauai for 50 years! We sold it because I no longer felt comfortable being there.
With Maui they don’t want to be a state, but they want the Government to fix everything. Now when has the gov ever gotten a natural disaster response correct?
Vacation elsewhere. Without tourism dollars they will be forced to find another economy and maybe be able to go back to what they had and what they want.
We love Hawaii and have a condo on hawaii and timeshare on ohau. Getting there is the challenge. Airfare is off the charts. My daughter and family are flying from Phoenix and it will be 3-4000 for their flight. We can all go to Cabo for half of that. I think this may be the last time, my grandkids want badly to see hula dancers. Polynesian CultCenter is costing us 800 for our family. Next year we will go somewhere else unless things change
I live on Oahu. As a local I have seen the aloha spirit dwindle over the years. Crime is up, prices are astronomically a punch in the gut. Locals could never afford to stay in the hotels they work for. It’s really sad. It’s not that we don’t want people here at all. We want you to have a great experience. But we are suffering in the place we call home. Our government and hawaii tourism can do better!!!
I live on Maui and I agree with many of these comments. The fire may have destroyed Lahaina but antitourism will destroy Hawaii. The antis have done long term damage to the state that is resulting in economic contraction with reduced services and quality of life. Bring out the gong. Cut their mic.
My wire and I are from Oahu and I hear you Keanu.