243 thoughts on “Nickle-And-Dimed To Death | Hawaii Visitors Reeling”
Carl W
Just got back from the Big Island and yes everything is much more expensive than before Covid. I love Hawaii and hope it is always cared for. Putting everything on the backs of tourist is not the way to do it. If you drive the tourist away things will deteriorate until there is no money to care for these beautiful Islands. I live near Yosemite National Park and am sickened by the amount of trash thrown out car windows by tourist from all over the world on our beautiful drive to Yosemite. There will always be people who live there and that are visiting that act like “pigs”, we can only hope that more of us care than don’t. Hawaii is special but a lot of places are. God has created our wonderful planet, let’s share it with everyone.
I’ve been reading for years about how the rising costs will kill Hawaiian tourism – and as the crowds continue to grow, the comments continue to be made. It reminds me of something Yogi Berra said: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Hawaii is still paradise, tourism will continue, and people will complain.
I’d rather pay a $100 entrance fee to the state, but if people complain about paying some extra parking fees after forming out to fly, rent a car and stay, perhaps they should go elsewhere and leave the islands to the rest of us?
Random fact, pre-contact, the Kingdom knew of neither nickels nor dimes. (Lots of different paths to drag this comment down, discuss amongst yourselves.)
Aloha,
As a Native Hawaiian living in Hawai’i, it’s important for all visitors to note that our state has the highest cost of living in the country and our people barely make a living wage working multiple jobs. With that being said, visitors should expect a to pay a higher rates for items, lodging and “Hawaiian Experiences on their vacation. It is expensive to visit paradise, but can you imagine living here?!
The exorbitant hotel rates are set by Large Corporations not locals. The locals who work at the hotels earn just above minimum wage. We work for the large hotel companies to help them maintain their wealth, not ours. Aloha is alive but not free. If Hawai’i is too expensive please consider visiting another state or saving up!
I have traveled to Hawaii over 40 times in the last 50 years. after seeing the outrageous increase in taxes I will not be going back!
we even considered retiring in Hawaii and I can say that I’m glad that we did not choose that option.
My parents and grandparents and extended family have owned properties in Hawaii and it’s truly sad what has happened to the aloha spirit and the Hawaiian paradise.
Tourism to Hawaii doesn’t seem to be affected by the exorbitant fees and taxes. Everyone I know is either going to Hawaii or returning from the islands. I am not willing to pay outrageous prices, deal with the crowds and wait for service in the restaurants. Unfortunately our annual trip to Maui is on permanent pause and we have decided to do more local road trips around California. I work too hard for my money to spend on a vacation where I’m complaining about how much everything costs and I’m contributing to the crowds of tourists invading the islands.
Hawaii is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. My wife and I have made our last trip to the islands. What if every state charged people from out of state a fee to go or do anything? Greed is going to be the death of Hawaii tourism.
Greg, Tourism is certainly not the “golden egg” to most Hawaiians. California, and every other state I have visited absolutely does charge a fee (tax) on hotel, car rental and attractions. “Greed” is not exclusive to Hawaii. I live in Calif as well, and there are times when I wish the tourists would go home.
I agree! I just moved from Oahu to Tampa and it’s aggravating having to pay tolls daily, parking at every beach, and fight the traffic and massive amount of visitors while trying to learn and enjoy our new location. It can be draining in so many ways. But definitely thankful to live in such a beautiful area and the blessings we had living in HI!
You are 100% correct, but alas this is old news. I have been commenting on thsi blog for years about how the multiple fees added to your accommodation booking just continue to grow. I do believe many now charge an admin fee to sort out all of the fees – this is not a joke.
Clearly, the real life tourist/guest is not wanted in Hawaii. Due to having a real life budget, Hawaii will have to remain on my bucket list and will never be realized. This is so heartbreaking because I have always wanted to learn about and experience Hawaii through the eyes of the locals. Caribbean, here I come. At least I know I will be welcome in my ancestral land of the Barbados.
I went to Hawaii for the 1st time to visit family and stayed in a Waikiki hotel. The amount of money spent and the crowds was honestly not worth the trip. I can go to most Caribbean islands for less. The value for what you pay for is not worth it.
Just got back from the Big Island and yes everything is much more expensive than before Covid. I love Hawaii and hope it is always cared for. Putting everything on the backs of tourist is not the way to do it. If you drive the tourist away things will deteriorate until there is no money to care for these beautiful Islands. I live near Yosemite National Park and am sickened by the amount of trash thrown out car windows by tourist from all over the world on our beautiful drive to Yosemite. There will always be people who live there and that are visiting that act like “pigs”, we can only hope that more of us care than don’t. Hawaii is special but a lot of places are. God has created our wonderful planet, let’s share it with everyone.
I’ve been reading for years about how the rising costs will kill Hawaiian tourism – and as the crowds continue to grow, the comments continue to be made. It reminds me of something Yogi Berra said: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Hawaii is still paradise, tourism will continue, and people will complain.
Albert I agree.
I’d rather pay a $100 entrance fee to the state, but if people complain about paying some extra parking fees after forming out to fly, rent a car and stay, perhaps they should go elsewhere and leave the islands to the rest of us?
Random fact, pre-contact, the Kingdom knew of neither nickels nor dimes. (Lots of different paths to drag this comment down, discuss amongst yourselves.)
Aloha,
As a Native Hawaiian living in Hawai’i, it’s important for all visitors to note that our state has the highest cost of living in the country and our people barely make a living wage working multiple jobs. With that being said, visitors should expect a to pay a higher rates for items, lodging and “Hawaiian Experiences on their vacation. It is expensive to visit paradise, but can you imagine living here?!
The exorbitant hotel rates are set by Large Corporations not locals. The locals who work at the hotels earn just above minimum wage. We work for the large hotel companies to help them maintain their wealth, not ours. Aloha is alive but not free. If Hawai’i is too expensive please consider visiting another state or saving up!
I have traveled to Hawaii over 40 times in the last 50 years. after seeing the outrageous increase in taxes I will not be going back!
we even considered retiring in Hawaii and I can say that I’m glad that we did not choose that option.
My parents and grandparents and extended family have owned properties in Hawaii and it’s truly sad what has happened to the aloha spirit and the Hawaiian paradise.
Ditto…I lived on Oahu for 1.5 years and hubby and I planned to retire there. No more.
Tourism to Hawaii doesn’t seem to be affected by the exorbitant fees and taxes. Everyone I know is either going to Hawaii or returning from the islands. I am not willing to pay outrageous prices, deal with the crowds and wait for service in the restaurants. Unfortunately our annual trip to Maui is on permanent pause and we have decided to do more local road trips around California. I work too hard for my money to spend on a vacation where I’m complaining about how much everything costs and I’m contributing to the crowds of tourists invading the islands.
Hawaii is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. My wife and I have made our last trip to the islands. What if every state charged people from out of state a fee to go or do anything? Greed is going to be the death of Hawaii tourism.
Greg, Tourism is certainly not the “golden egg” to most Hawaiians. California, and every other state I have visited absolutely does charge a fee (tax) on hotel, car rental and attractions. “Greed” is not exclusive to Hawaii. I live in Calif as well, and there are times when I wish the tourists would go home.
I agree! I just moved from Oahu to Tampa and it’s aggravating having to pay tolls daily, parking at every beach, and fight the traffic and massive amount of visitors while trying to learn and enjoy our new location. It can be draining in so many ways. But definitely thankful to live in such a beautiful area and the blessings we had living in HI!
You are 100% correct, but alas this is old news. I have been commenting on thsi blog for years about how the multiple fees added to your accommodation booking just continue to grow. I do believe many now charge an admin fee to sort out all of the fees – this is not a joke.
Clearly, the real life tourist/guest is not wanted in Hawaii. Due to having a real life budget, Hawaii will have to remain on my bucket list and will never be realized. This is so heartbreaking because I have always wanted to learn about and experience Hawaii through the eyes of the locals. Caribbean, here I come. At least I know I will be welcome in my ancestral land of the Barbados.
I went to Hawaii for the 1st time to visit family and stayed in a Waikiki hotel. The amount of money spent and the crowds was honestly not worth the trip. I can go to most Caribbean islands for less. The value for what you pay for is not worth it.
SN what do you mean Marriot is not even taking points?