38 thoughts on “NYTimes Is Wrong: This Isn’t Responsible Hawaii Travel”
Don K.
Lining your dog kennel or bird cage with the NY Times would be redundant as it is already full of it! So much so that even the pets will not step on it!
I take a vacation to get away from work. How are the collected fees being used. It’s implied that the fees are to provide a better experience. Red tide is killing fish on Florida gulf coast, but I don’t see tourists cleaning them up. That’s done with equipment and people paid for by the fees. Perhaps a better accounting is in order. (really? A tree fee? What’s that?)
I have to say I have a problem with the very concept of “responsible” tourism. I certainly understand the issue of someone coming to one of the Hawaiian Islands and acting like an absolute bore — the ugly American personified. But if I’m on a vacation and I respect the environment I’m in as well as the people working to give me a memorable vacation, why is that not responsible tourism? I do no damage, clean up after myself, and respect everyone and everything I come in contact with. Do I really need to do more to be “responsible?”
While I Really respect what you two do on this forum, you got me on this one. As a former reporter, I do agree that it seems like the NYT reporter is out of bounds with “reporting vs. endorsing” but I think reporter’s unbiased reporting went out the window a while ago (in my day I would be Fired if I didn’t report the down side of a place like this as well)! And accepting a free stay to do a story would result in the same! But as far as “responsible tourism” goes, I’m inclined to agree with several comments: Do no damage, take no natural artifacts, respect the local heritage in EVERY way.
On a more comedic note, the idea of “roughing it” like native Hawaiians did but then taking a hot shower and dining “at a lodge” is ridiculous! Eat taro!
Implied in your definition of “responsible tourism” is that unless you devote some of your vacation time to building homes or counting seals, you are being irresponsible. That is patently ridiculous and offensive. Being a responsible tourist means you leave a place as good as you found it, you do no harm. Sure there are impact fees in lots of places, and that becomes a financial decision. Money is replaceable, time is not. To suggest that on top of the enormous taxes and fees, people are only being “responsible” if they also commit their time for some perceived social or environmental benefit is nonsense. If a tourist finds enjoyment in performing an environmental task, wonderful. Just don’t label the rest of us as “irresponsible”.
I was curious to read your definition of “Responsible Tourism” My definition of the same is as it has always been over 60 visits since I first came to Oahu for the summer of 1958. Do no harm. Offend no-one, including lifetime residents. Be polite and courteous to all. Express appreciation for the differences in Island cultures and its norms. ‘m 83 now, will visit the islands twice next year and still do so to get away from daily routine at home and enjoy an island vacation. Not to work on a habitat project, nor to count whales or Monk seals. I’ll leave that to the locals but will never criticize them for doing so., and yes, I’ll leave thousands of dollars in the local economy. Aloha.
I have been coming to Kauai to work with the seals since 2006. All of my trips centered around that endeavor as it is my passion. I used to feel happy to, additionally, do beach clean ups to keep seals from entanglements and help the island’s environment, no thanks needed, happy to do it. But, after the abysmal way we were treated by islanders and also island officials when we were caught there and unable to leave during the beginning of the pandemic, I now only come for the opportunity to help save a species. If there were seals in Ohio, I would never return to Kauai. Never knew giving all I have given was “expected”, just felt good to do it.
Relationships are mutual, both partners need to give, and there should an equilibrium. Are Hawaiians appreciative of what they get from the mainland. After all Hawaii is far from being self sufficient. Oil, gas, cars, food etc are imported.
Thinking I am responsible enough to be polite, not litter, learn what I can about local culture and history, and not waste resources, while spending what is fast becoming an excessive amount of money to get a diminishing amount of services.
I’d add Surfrider Foundation to the tourist list. I’m a Kauai resident and volunteer with Surfrider every Wednesday on “net patrol” cleaning beaches. I’m always impressed with the number of tourist volunteers who show up to clean beaches giving up several hours of their vacation time.
I’ll jump back in here because you bring up a Very good point. I am now disabled, but my wife started working with the beach cleanup people while I was in Queen’s Hospital with my spinal cord injury. While we don’t live there all the time anymore, we are back a lot and she always does that. I figure any conscientious visitor would agree that it’s The Beaches that were and are a major attraction and deserve one morning of our time during a visit. Check the Hawaii Malama program.
I can see both sides of the discussion. However, every dollar I spend with a small or local business does get recirculated into the Hawaiian economy. Personally, I try to avoid chains when shopping or dining out as some of that makes its way back to corporate. But your implication about staying at an “all inclusive,” of sorts argues against spending with small or local businesses. The “all-inclusive” might also keep tourists from some of the overcrowded parks that seem to be a huge concern. I would turn this around, when you travel to the mainland, do you volunteer at a soup kitchen, or do clean up in a park or roadside project? Do you vacation to do community service? If you do, you’re a better person that I am.
If I choose to do community projects while on vacation (I do), that’s a bonus. I shouldn’t be expected to do so to qualify as having been responsible.
Vacation is just that – a break. But whether one is on vacation or not, responsible is taking care of wherever you’re at; home or away. Cleaning up after yourself, leaving things as good or better than you found it, respectively the culture.
When someone from Hawaii visits Las Vegas, do they volunteer to help feed the homeless, or clean up the desert?
What exactly are you asserting is not responsible about Kulaniapia Falls?
You mention staying in one of their rooms and loving it. What is wrong with adding these cabins as an additional option? Guests seem to love them…
If I understand correctly, the property is entirely off grid, and generates all of their power from hydro and solar. There is a natural farm, and low impact experiences like hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, rappelling and farm tours.
How would you recommend they be more responsible? This is surely better than staying at some big corporate resort, no?
Hello BOH –
Please investigate this ordinance update that Iliahi is describing.
It is a hot topic on B.I. presently.
Lots of disinformation being thrown around. Mahalo, Kurt M.
This has got to be a result of the hotel industry trying to muscle out individuals from renting to tourists. If they eliminate these rental places, properties where the owner also lives (and works like the farms), really, how can you rent a vacation home in Hawaii? You’re left with timeshares. I hope all the folks renting homes for vacationers fight this.
I believe Kulaniapia Falls started recently to promote their sustainable business model/ eco-tourism. Their social media profile (IG) was dormant for 1-2 years and as of recently, it’s very active. A profile in a national paper supports the increased business profile idea.
Lining your dog kennel or bird cage with the NY Times would be redundant as it is already full of it! So much so that even the pets will not step on it!
I take a vacation to get away from work. How are the collected fees being used. It’s implied that the fees are to provide a better experience. Red tide is killing fish on Florida gulf coast, but I don’t see tourists cleaning them up. That’s done with equipment and people paid for by the fees. Perhaps a better accounting is in order. (really? A tree fee? What’s that?)
I have to say I have a problem with the very concept of “responsible” tourism. I certainly understand the issue of someone coming to one of the Hawaiian Islands and acting like an absolute bore — the ugly American personified. But if I’m on a vacation and I respect the environment I’m in as well as the people working to give me a memorable vacation, why is that not responsible tourism? I do no damage, clean up after myself, and respect everyone and everything I come in contact with. Do I really need to do more to be “responsible?”
While I Really respect what you two do on this forum, you got me on this one. As a former reporter, I do agree that it seems like the NYT reporter is out of bounds with “reporting vs. endorsing” but I think reporter’s unbiased reporting went out the window a while ago (in my day I would be Fired if I didn’t report the down side of a place like this as well)! And accepting a free stay to do a story would result in the same! But as far as “responsible tourism” goes, I’m inclined to agree with several comments: Do no damage, take no natural artifacts, respect the local heritage in EVERY way.
On a more comedic note, the idea of “roughing it” like native Hawaiians did but then taking a hot shower and dining “at a lodge” is ridiculous! Eat taro!
Implied in your definition of “responsible tourism” is that unless you devote some of your vacation time to building homes or counting seals, you are being irresponsible. That is patently ridiculous and offensive. Being a responsible tourist means you leave a place as good as you found it, you do no harm. Sure there are impact fees in lots of places, and that becomes a financial decision. Money is replaceable, time is not. To suggest that on top of the enormous taxes and fees, people are only being “responsible” if they also commit their time for some perceived social or environmental benefit is nonsense. If a tourist finds enjoyment in performing an environmental task, wonderful. Just don’t label the rest of us as “irresponsible”.
I was curious to read your definition of “Responsible Tourism” My definition of the same is as it has always been over 60 visits since I first came to Oahu for the summer of 1958. Do no harm. Offend no-one, including lifetime residents. Be polite and courteous to all. Express appreciation for the differences in Island cultures and its norms. ‘m 83 now, will visit the islands twice next year and still do so to get away from daily routine at home and enjoy an island vacation. Not to work on a habitat project, nor to count whales or Monk seals. I’ll leave that to the locals but will never criticize them for doing so., and yes, I’ll leave thousands of dollars in the local economy. Aloha.
I have been coming to Kauai to work with the seals since 2006. All of my trips centered around that endeavor as it is my passion. I used to feel happy to, additionally, do beach clean ups to keep seals from entanglements and help the island’s environment, no thanks needed, happy to do it. But, after the abysmal way we were treated by islanders and also island officials when we were caught there and unable to leave during the beginning of the pandemic, I now only come for the opportunity to help save a species. If there were seals in Ohio, I would never return to Kauai. Never knew giving all I have given was “expected”, just felt good to do it.
Relationships are mutual, both partners need to give, and there should an equilibrium. Are Hawaiians appreciative of what they get from the mainland. After all Hawaii is far from being self sufficient. Oil, gas, cars, food etc are imported.
Thinking I am responsible enough to be polite, not litter, learn what I can about local culture and history, and not waste resources, while spending what is fast becoming an excessive amount of money to get a diminishing amount of services.
I’d add Surfrider Foundation to the tourist list. I’m a Kauai resident and volunteer with Surfrider every Wednesday on “net patrol” cleaning beaches. I’m always impressed with the number of tourist volunteers who show up to clean beaches giving up several hours of their vacation time.
I’ll jump back in here because you bring up a Very good point. I am now disabled, but my wife started working with the beach cleanup people while I was in Queen’s Hospital with my spinal cord injury. While we don’t live there all the time anymore, we are back a lot and she always does that. I figure any conscientious visitor would agree that it’s The Beaches that were and are a major attraction and deserve one morning of our time during a visit. Check the Hawaii Malama program.
I can see both sides of the discussion. However, every dollar I spend with a small or local business does get recirculated into the Hawaiian economy. Personally, I try to avoid chains when shopping or dining out as some of that makes its way back to corporate. But your implication about staying at an “all inclusive,” of sorts argues against spending with small or local businesses. The “all-inclusive” might also keep tourists from some of the overcrowded parks that seem to be a huge concern. I would turn this around, when you travel to the mainland, do you volunteer at a soup kitchen, or do clean up in a park or roadside project? Do you vacation to do community service? If you do, you’re a better person that I am.
If I choose to do community projects while on vacation (I do), that’s a bonus. I shouldn’t be expected to do so to qualify as having been responsible.
Vacation is just that – a break. But whether one is on vacation or not, responsible is taking care of wherever you’re at; home or away. Cleaning up after yourself, leaving things as good or better than you found it, respectively the culture.
When someone from Hawaii visits Las Vegas, do they volunteer to help feed the homeless, or clean up the desert?
What exactly are you asserting is not responsible about Kulaniapia Falls?
You mention staying in one of their rooms and loving it. What is wrong with adding these cabins as an additional option? Guests seem to love them…
If I understand correctly, the property is entirely off grid, and generates all of their power from hydro and solar. There is a natural farm, and low impact experiences like hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, rappelling and farm tours.
How would you recommend they be more responsible? This is surely better than staying at some big corporate resort, no?
A New Bill is being wrote up for Hosted Vacation Rentals on the Big Island and you cannot rent out Ohana’s, farm houses and detached rooms anymore!
Hello BOH –
Please investigate this ordinance update that Iliahi is describing.
It is a hot topic on B.I. presently.
Lots of disinformation being thrown around. Mahalo, Kurt M.
Interested in this as well. I thought you could continue to rent out Hosted Ohanas (aka where there owner lives on property).
Hawaii County Proposed Hosted Vacation Rule:
Drive.google.com/file/d/1y_mSV8yv0FaSO7GaauqYeya-MpCD9DXI/view
This has got to be a result of the hotel industry trying to muscle out individuals from renting to tourists. If they eliminate these rental places, properties where the owner also lives (and works like the farms), really, how can you rent a vacation home in Hawaii? You’re left with timeshares. I hope all the folks renting homes for vacationers fight this.
Sad to say but the revelation New York Times is spinning a pr piece is no surprise.
I believe Kulaniapia Falls started recently to promote their sustainable business model/ eco-tourism. Their social media profile (IG) was dormant for 1-2 years and as of recently, it’s very active. A profile in a national paper supports the increased business profile idea.