Maui was once the place visitors returned to without question. For many, it wasn’t just a vacation but a ritual, a second home, a bond built over decades of trips and friendships. That loyalty is now being tested. Rising costs, shifting rules, and a sense that the welcome mat has frayed are leaving longtime travelers uncertain if they still belong.
“We used to go twice a year. We always felt like we belonged. Now? It just feels… off.”
That’s the kind of comment we’ve seen thousands of times. Not from first-time tourists, but from those who’ve returned to Maui for decades. Same condo. Same beach walks. Same poke spot. They brought their kids. Their grandkids. Some even made friends with local families, swapped holiday cards, and hosted one another back on the mainland.
Now, many are pulling back. Not because they want to, but because it feels like they’re being pushed out, or at least no longer pulled in. Maui travel feels uncertain, including where visitors will choose to stay.
We’ve heard this before, but something’s different now. The tone. The heartbreak. The resignation. A reader who’s visited since the 1980s wrote: “We are sad not to be able to come to Hawaii anymore. The common man cannot finance a Hawaiian vacation as of Jan. 1, 2026. We’re almost 90 years young and always respectful. But we’ve been harassed, and the aloha spirit feels gone. Good bye, Hawaii.”
The short-term rental fight was a trigger, not the cause.
Some of the push-back started with short-term rentals. For visitors, that’s where they stay. For Maui, that’s where the fight is. A crackdown began after the Lahaina fire, aimed at phasing out thousands of units in apartment-zoned areas like Kaanapali. It looked inevitable. A mix of potential lawsuits and declining visitor numbers, as well as a postponement in the implementation until starting in 2028, will all but certainly force the issue to stall indefinitely.
A reader who’s stayed in the same Kihei condo since 2012 told us: “We canceled our next trip. We just don’t want to book if we don’t know whether we’ll even be allowed to stay.” Another put it more bluntly: “They want us in hotel rooms now. But we don’t want to go back to that.”
Many visitors say they’ve been priced out of Maui not just by room rates, but by uncertainty. Some worry that the mix of new tourism fees and the stalled future vacation rental ban is just the first wave of changes that could make even planning a trip feel uncertain.
Visitors who once felt like family are questioning their place.
One longtime reader told us that after their last visit in 2024 they decided not to return. They had owned three timeshares in Maui, but said the aloha was gone, prices were ridiculous, and they no longer felt welcome.
Another reader said it more gently: “We’ll always love Hawaii. But right now, it feels like it needs a minute. And maybe we do too.”
One regular, now in her 80s, told us she had planned to return in early 2026. Now she’s not sure. “I can’t show up and find out there’s no place to stay.”
This isn’t just about condos or hotels. For many, Maui meant decades of ritual, friendships with residents, and memories layered over generations. Losing that doesn’t just feel like canceling a trip, it feels like losing part of their own story.
Maui’s message, if nothing else, has become hard to read.
Part of the confusion is the contradiction. Officials say tourism is down and visitors are welcome. But at the same time, new taxes, fees, and restrictions stare visitors in the face. Some residents openly say fewer tourists would be better. Others warn that chasing away loyal guests will only hurt the island in the end.
A commenter from Kihei told us: “Class warfare isn’t the answer. If we chase away the people who love Maui the most, what’s left?”
Another visitor added: “We poured out our hearts and our wallets after the fires, and this is how it ends? With more fees, more rules, and the feeling that we’re not good enough to come back?”
There’s also mistrust about how new fees are being used. One reader said, “These taxes and surcharges are just a slush fund. If any of this money was helping nature or local people, we wouldn’t mind. But it’s not.”
The goodbye isn’t loud. It’s quiet, but it’s happening.
Some travelers are shifting to other islands. A reader told us, “Maui is making it hard, and the Big Island is starting to look easier.” Others are skipping Hawaii entirely. “We used to go twice a year. Now we’re trying Europe. At least we know where we stand.”
They’re not angry. They’re tired and resigned. One visitor wrote: “We have a Hawaii savings account. It’s just sitting there. We were supposed to go back. But now we don’t know if it’s worth it. We’re road-tripping instead.”
Another said: “We love the people, the land, and the culture. But we’re being priced out. And we’re not sure we’re wanted.”
None of this means Maui has lost its inimitable magic. But it has become harder to count on.
Some readers haven’t given up yet.
There are still those watching, waiting, and hoping. They haven’t booked. But they haven’t ruled it out either. They’re remembering the Maui that felt like home and wondering if it’s still there beneath all the noise.
One reader said, “For 30 years, we felt like Maui was our place. That’s not something we say lightly. But now it’s Maui’s turn to show us if it still feels the same way.”
Have you canceled a trip, changed islands, or stayed the course? If Maui was your happy place, are you still going back, or waiting to see what happens next?
Tell us in the comments. We’re listening.
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Loved Maui. Not going back. The parking fees at the state park ended it for us.
I was curious after reading your comment, so I Googled to find out if parking fees at state parks are common. Only eight states provide free entry at state parks. The rest charge entry/parking fees.
roadtrippers.com/magazine/these-states-have-free-entry-to-state-parks/#:~:text=Eight%20states%20including%20Kentucky%20and,its%20entire%20state%20park%20system.
Surprising that this common fee is your final straw.
The comment was specific about parking fees. The article you reference refers to, virtually exclusively, entrance fees. Maybe the author encountered parking fees in addition to the park entrance fee? That is entirely possible given the “tax the haole tourist” of the state government. Maybe encountering parking fees in addition to entry fees was the final straw. Probably would be for me as well.
Per Google:
Do state parks charge for parking in the usa?
Yes, most U.S. state parks charge a fee for vehicle entry or parking, though practices vary by state and individual park. These fees are a primary source of revenue for park maintenance and operations.
Key Points on State Park Fees
Most Charge a Fee: The majority of state park systems charge a day-use entrance fee, which typically covers vehicle parking. The fee is usually per vehicle, not per person, and can range from a few dollars up to $20 or more depending on the location and amenities.
My anecdotal observations:
Charging more for non-residents is 50/50. Some do, some don’t.
Per person charges are fairly rare, usually it is per car. Heck, even national parks are per car.
Set aside parking spots for residents are really rare, I’ve only seen that in Hawaii. (As an aside, I do question if that’s compliant with the 14th amendment. We’re all citizens of the US, and, for better or worse, Hawaii is in the US.)
It makes me want to advocate for as many places in Hawaii be turned into national parks. My $80 a year pass takes me into any federal recreation facility.
We love Maui and have been coming for years. But, when I heard of the climate tax on visitors, enough is enough. It’s too expensive. There are lots of beaches to explore outside of Hawaii.
Yes! the DOJ needs to look into Hawaii policies regarding taxing non resident Americans a separate tax that locals are exempt from!
– The locals are not the ones flying here on fuel guzzling jets.
– The locals are not the ones clogging up the roads.
– The locals are not the ones putting strain on the infrastructure in the form of water use, electricity, waste disposal, beach access, and other environmental impacts.
The outer islands each have single digit thousands to about 100,000 permanent residents. If the transient population is included, the population easily balloons to a million+ people each for places like Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai, and that is on the order of the permanent population of Oahu. Did you know that Hawaii is an ecological “hotzone?” Hawaii is “in the United States,” indeed, but that does not mean it is just like every other state. It is one of the most isolated inhabited places on the planet. It is myopic and a bit selfish to act as if coming here is like driving to whatever state borders your own. Visitor presence has a huge impact here.
Michael, the visitors are not the ones leaving abandoned cars on the side of the road, the visitors are not the ones leaving abandoned appliances wherever they like, the visitors are not the ones trashing the locals yards etc.
It’s a two way street. My family always came to Maui respectfully and spent a lot of money with local businesses and were for the most part well received. But 2021 was it for us. We won’t be missed I know, but we loved coming to Maui for 20 years. Good luck and God bless.
Not buying that analogy, every state has a ecology that is unique to the geographical location.
Hawaii has lagged in building infrastructure to accommodate tourists that bring in the major amount of revenue to the state. Blame your local and state government on how they waste your tax dollars,stop blaming tourists until the tourists close their pocket books altogether.
Agree 100% the Maui mayor had mis managed the Island and mis guided the locals and needs to be removed he had single handedly destroyed the local economy and real estate market
You are right. Tourism has a huge impact on island life. I have 25 years in Hospitality Tourism Executive Management in an area that relies on Tourism as Hawaiian islands do. If Tourism here went away, very quickly our cost of living would skyrocket so high, most residents would have to move. As your economy is much the same, I suspect Hawaii may quickly go bankrupt without Tourism.
The locals are less welcoming to tourists and the food scene has gone downhill. But no one wants to call it out directly.
We rented the villa at KeaLani earlier this year. The Hotel staff was wonderful with the aloha spirit all the way through, one of the staff at the front desk even went shopping for us on the other side of the island on her way to work next day. Only thing missing was good food exception of the Nick’s. I think most of the workers left the island after the fire sensing lack of the tourisn may loose their jobs or affect their work routine. We opted to take taxi from the airport and back rather than renting the car we never use once we’re in the resort. The drivers were friendly. Going back to the airport, the driver shopwed up early morning after the rain storm with a smile. We felt the weather has changed there, it’s usually warmer and sunnier in Wailea than other part of the island, but it was not that warm, it stayed in the 70’s.
We have been going to Hawaii for over 25 years Maui specifically
Prior to the fire, I never noticed any animosity from the locals regarding tourist
Each year at our homeowners meeting, they will start the meeting with the traditional blessing, the first half hour was devoted through the Hawaiian culture and protecting the land
They still do this tradition
The people in the hospitality industry were happy to see us, we were happy to see them and we tipped them generously
In the beginning, we gave our condo for free to the workers in our building they are like our family
Later, Fema stepped in and paid us
When we returned to our condo, we learned that they opened up our locked closet and stole many of our personal items, this was disappointing, but we have not turned negative.
What’s disappointing as people are trying to drive tourist out, government officials are applying more sanctions/taxes, and no one has come up with a plan of how to change the economy.
We were at Kapalua Bay yesterday to swim and enjoy some beach time. Parking is now paid, unless you are a Maui resident, which resulted in some available spaces. I entered my vehicle license number and sent a photo of my driver’s license and was granted 11 hours and 10 minutes of free parking. No idea how they chose that amount. Who stays at a beach park for 11+ hours? Anyway, nice day until we packed up to leave. The showers and drinking fountain were not working, and the men’s room was so filthy that I wouldn’t even change clothes in there. I really hope that some of the new tax money goes toward clean restrooms. Locals and tourists deserve better!
Tourism is fading fast, going, going go__!
When I read comments like yours, I wonder why our streets and highway are so inundated with rental cars? This should be our “slow” season in Maui, yet the parking lot is full every night at my STR building.
I’m ready for less tourists, yet it doesn’t seem to be happening.
Your attitude suggests you deserve fewer tourists. However, as the popular slogan goes, “be careful what you wish for.”
Residents of a community have a right to expect some degree of normal life. All of the people commenting here in the way you are know very well that you don’t appreciate clogged streets and would not put up with a persistent lack of access to local spots due to an excessive amount of visitors. Why do you act as if Maui and the rest of Hawaii should be different in that regard?
Mike I have been to Maui 3 times in last 4 months and the flights were full both ways and the air port was active as well as the resorts so I have to disagree and the feedback we received from the locals who were very nice seem to think travel is picking up which is a positive sign for the local economy
I have been a long time Maui visitor and am literally at the airport waiting for my departing flight. I don’t know what it is but the magic is gone. The service was not as hospitable, the food wasn’t as good. I couldn’t put my finger on it but something has shifted. I use to love Maui but like the article said something is off. It’s no longer pulling me in. 🙁
Hi Sonya,
What part of the island were you staying at? Which restaurants were not very good. We’re going in the Spring and we’ll avoid those spots. I hope we have a better experience. 🤞 Thanks!
We just returned from Maui. If we go back it won’t be any time soon.
We had three separate incidents with local residents including someone with obvious mental health issues who was (sadly) threatening everyone on the boardwalk between Westin Ocean Villas and Dukes, a group of locals who made it clear that we needed to go somewhere else for sunset (we were in front of Westin Nanea) and a very angry guy down by Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina. It left a bad taste in our mouth. We heard other stories when we talked to local business owners about how frustrated they are that the messaging is that visitors should stay away.
Among other things, my heritage is Hawaiian, but also w. European – I look white. I am treated differently when I am with my dad. Losing aloha is the saddest thing that I have seen. Now Maui is like everywhere else.
It isn’t that aloha is being lost. It’s that residents (of the outer islands, in particular, since Oahu has already been spoiled) want to maintain the magical quality of this place we call home, and that is very difficult to do when you are overrun by people who think they are entitled to things and certain treatment. The business owners are speaking from a purely capitalist mindset…the money. The outer islands are a different world–a special world–which is not so much driven by capitalism. You guys are upset that you can’t afford things here? Well guess what? Neither can the residents, because capitalism has run amok, turning the state into a congested playground with jacked up prices so people somewhere else can make a buck. The difference is that the residents make do, and the culture reflects that. If you look white but are of Hawaiian ancestry, you should be well aware of some of the reasons for negative feedback from locals.
We visited Maui this year, February 2025, and stayed at the Aston Mahana Kaanapali where we’ve been staying for 20 plus years. We were there in 2020 right before covid and skipped 2021. Fortunately we visited with our grandchildren in June before the horrible fire destroyed beautiful Lahaina and the lives of so many wonderful citizens. During our visit this year we were treated warmly everywhere we went. Yes, things are more expensive, but we live in San Diego and we thought prices were comparable especially while dining out. We are returning next Spring 2026 and staying at the same property. We are looking forward to another wonderful vacation on the beautiful island of Maui. Aloha!
For those of you who say you are moving on, I hope you are able to do so without rancor.
By all means, try out the Carribean Islands, Mexico, Maldives, Tahiti, etc. After the newness wears off, I predict that many of you will return to Hawaii. It is simply like no other place and is more convenient for travel.
Maui, in particular, has been through some very difficult times, and our politicians are stirring up resentment among local people over the shortage of housing. However, turning Short Term Rentals into LTRs is not economically feasible, nor is it fair to the owners who bought condos, only to have the zoning changed 50+ years later.
I believe life here will go back to normal after this period of uncertainty and if our current group of visitors choose not to return, the next generation surely will. Mahalo!
I agree with you 100%. I just returned from a 6 night stay in Maui and still plan on visiting at least 3 time annually. September is supposed to be a super slow time but the flights from San Francisco and back were full. The restaurants were also busy so it looks like people are visiting that was the case on the west end in Kaanapali and Wailea so a good sign
We had been going to Hawaii(Maui) since 1996 and were heartbroken at what happened to Lahaina, where we spent so many happy family moments. But it seems the government and hotel associations keep pointing their fingers at each other at who is responsible for rebuilding Maui. In the meantime, they keep raising fees, taxes and nowhere does it show what exactly they are doing with the money. We now go to San Diego instead.
I have no real desire to return there, at least not anytime soon. The last time I was there, we drove out past the winery on the back way to Hana a ways and stopped at the little overlook near the wind mills. There, a local had left a bright sticker that read, “Aloha means hello and good bye, Haole,” and then something about leaving and not coming back. Now, you’ll say that was an isolated incident but no, not really. There were other little signs that we weren’t wanted there, glances, things locals said just loud enough to overhear, the endless taxes and fees… We’re good visitors – we tip well, don’t make a mess, usually fly first class and spend that way, drive well – in short, we’re the kind of tourists that Maui should want, but we’re increasingly treated like the great unwashed. I’ll save my money and travel again to French Polynesia instead of Maui, or perhaps to Kauia for a change of pace. However, right now I’m just Mauied out.
Been following this and I guess it mostly revolves around condos and what’s refered to as private hosts. I’d have to agree that both are a problem, particularly private hosts. It’s not right to turn your home into a boarding house.