Hawaii has long felt like an invitation. Now some visitors say it feels like a warning. From guilt-driven messaging to soaring costs, longtime travelers are asking pressing questions.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Leave a Comment
262 thoughts on “Shamed at the Shoreline: When Did Visiting Hawaii Start Feeling Like a Crime?”
Hawaii is a stolen country. We stole there land. If you can’t respect their land don’t go . As a white person I want to apologize for all the dumb things we do to other people’s beliefs land and culture. The south Pacific is beautiful but it came at a hefty sad price. I feel so bad for the real Hawaiian people not the blonde girl that says she’s from Hawaii…. I mean the natives. We are killing there country by calling it ours. Wish they could have gotten that independents there beautiful princess was fighting for . Maybe someday when America finally falls.
Heather thank you for the history lesson, but every peace of land in the world was stolen from someone else. Not saying it is/was right, but that’s how it is/was. Would it be great if everyone left everyone else alone. Hell Yes. But governments suck in general. And how awesome your wish for America to fail, we may have our faults, but we are the only country like this in the world, if you hate it so much move.
Plenty of Americans complained (and still do) about Democrats and how terrible things were when they were governing (which I never understood and I totally disagree with), so did you ask them to move to another country when they complained about their US government then? And now, this being Hawaii. you are surprised that they don’t want this type of tourist in their state? Irony at its core!
No, because I never threatened to move if my opponent was elected. And either be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. And truly, what is wrong with giving a little advice Eva. You are the o n es that Hate America, so how about instead of trying g to bring it down, you try to build it up.
Couldn’t agree more!
It’s naive to think that Hawai’i would exist today as an independent nation. It would probably be Japanese, probably from the early 20th century on. There would have been some tough years there (ask the Koreans, Chinese, etc).
Heather, As a “white person,” I want to apologize for you. What a horrible thing to say about a certain race of people.
This is a naive characterization of History, broadly speaking, and Hawaii specifically. The state is now celebrating Merrie Monarch – recognizing the importance of King David Kalākaua, who traveled extensively, and worked to improve diplomatic relations with other countries, especially the United States.
In 1959, Hawaii residents voted on a referendum to accept the statehood bill. The vote overwhelmingly passed, with over 93% in favor of becoming the 50th state.
Revisionist history may feel good, but it doesn’t make you look good.
I think the disaster this comments section is turning out to be is indicative that people should stay away from Hawaii. Especially Oahu.
The locals want the money.
But the locals hate the people.
You just don’t get to pick 1.
And for all the liberals in here, I wonder how many of them have felt an obligation to volunteer on their vacations.
Disagree with your premise that “locals want the money.” The majority of tourist venues are foreign owned, with profits expatriated out to the owners countries. Most of the back room and groundskeeper are immigrants that came to the islands to work in the visitor industry.
What locals really want is to work on sustainability. With a population of just over a million people, we host about 10 million visitors in a year. That’s 10 peoples trash we have to dump, 10 people’s sewage we have to treat and 10 people in line in front of us for every one person here, all while receiving no financial or other compensation for this.
How many Americans would put up with these conditions?
Would you house 10 visitors every year in your home, without compensation?
(Taxes paid go to the State to cover visitors, so the out of state venue owners benefit, not the locals.
This might be the first reasonable post. Thanks Kohala B. Are you a life long resident? Seems so. So please answer this question. Why keep electing the same sorry politicians to office locally and in your state house? This is not a problem that just arose. It’s been decades in the making. Yet, the same type of poorly educated, poorly prepared, no new idea people get in each election. You want sustainability. Great! Me too! You want alternatives to tourism so you are less dependant? Great! What are those and how do they begin? I fear that citizens of Hawai’i have waited too long and now your natural anger is chasing away the only option you have today. No bailout is coming so what will you do to change your fortunes? Less tourists are coming. I fear you are ignoring the economics of that without any additional options at hand. Don’t fight….fix.
Well I live in Las Vegas. Trust me I know tourism. But without them we would just be cooking in a dessert. The world comes to Vegas and because of that we have a full life. Maybe think about that?
40,000 native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders call Vegas home. Remind me again how locals in the state of Hawaii hate transplants and tourists?
300,000 Hawaiians vacation in Vegas every year, so how about we just let people use the freedom we’re fortunate enough to enjoy (while we have it), and allow them to explore the world? Seems simple enough.
Unfortunately, the “hands out” state of Hawaii wants the money without any inconvenience, the quality of life without the hassle, the benefits without the cost.
Kahola B,
You say ” How many Americans would put up with these conditions?
Would you house 10 visitors every year in your home, without compensation? ” But we all do in every state 12 million illegals living in my, our homes without compensation and taking my money besides. Your point can carry over to that.
All residents of the islands benefit from tourism dollars. If it weren’t for these dollars, property tax would be as bad as insurance costs.
Did you read the article? 200,000 people in the state are “directly” employed in the tourism industry. As you say, the state has “just over 1M people, that means that 1/5th are reliant on the industry for employment. The secondary and tertiary reliance easily brings that number up to 25 or 30%.
Additionally, in spite of all this money coming in, Hawaii ranks 11th in dependency on the federal government, below 7 sad red states.
West Virginia and Mississippi don’t have a tourist “problem”, but they certainly have a poverty problem.
Tourism dollars is The trade for Hawaii and to actually see signs of tourists go home is over the top beyond ridiculous. I’ve been visiting the islands for 50 years, often twice a year and have volunteered on occasions. The divide between residents and tourists has definitely widened, with no compromise and skyrocketed fees and taxes on the tourists.
Your state taxes are lower than ours because of tourism subsidies, a little more cohesive attempts to embrace and welcome your “house” visitor may keep your guests coming back. If not, we can always find other places to embrace and travel.
My wife and I have been to Hawaii several times and every time we come we bring new people with us to share in the AWESOMENESS that is Hawaii. I will admit every trip back has felt a little less welcoming. I get how frustrating it can be dealing with tourists, being from Montana, we get alot as well, with Glacier &Yellowstone Parks here. Not all tourists are great to have in your State or even care for your land or culture. I like to think most return tourists are different, because hopefully they have learned from the people about the land and culture and if not shame on them. I know our family has and Loves and respects the Islands. Just remember as Hawaiians you don’t all walk on water. In Yellowstone a Bison calf had to be put down because 2 Hawaiians messed with it instead of leaving well enough alone. So my point is you are not perfect tourists either!
Thank you for this informative article! We as traveled guests have been feeling the extreme and intrusive push against us just before Covid and now even more so than ever before.
Hawaii has always held my heart as a second sacred home. On average, I used to travel once or twice a year since 1977 .
Now, the strong armed push against our visits with ridiculously high fees, over regulations, and higher costs in basic staples, will forever push us into other places of travel.
No one on the state or local level listens, especially to their own people. I have a trip planned in August and will likely be my last due to severe fees and absorbant taxes. 5 nights in a small average condo, $750. in additional taxes and fees? Now try food and activities?
Don’t complain Hawaii, when your visitor doors are shut by your own visitors…
We come to Hawaii yearly, and we gave never felt unwelcome. As a matter of fact, kanaka have embraced us….why you ask…because we give respect, don’t take for granted, respect the people And the environment….we tread lightly, not because of force or paranoia, but because we love the islands, respect the culture, respect the people. We have seen ourselves, tourist behaving badly and we look at eachother and shake our heads and say ” That’s why tourist are hated”. Running amok, being disrespectful to natives, thinking just because I spent $1000.00’s of dollars ‘I can do what I want’ attitude will get you no where and rightfully so. How would you like it if 1000’s of people can to your town weekly and treated you and your town like s?? You wouldn’t want them to continue to come. Give respect get respect….it’s a two way street.🤙🤙🤙
This is exactly it! Hawaii isn’t pushing out mindful people. They are pushing out entitled idiots. We’ve been to Hawaii 3 times, 2023, 2024 and 2025 and we’ve never felt pushed out or not welcomed. We are very respectful and we don’t leave a mess in our wake. We have actually made friends there now and are looking forward to going back again next year to see them and explore more! Also we’re lower middle class people and don’t find the cost that terribly expensive. And until this year we were working on one income and a small side hustle, that doesn’t make a huge profit.
If you go anywhere staying at 5 star resorts and spend thousands on excursions then yea vacationing is expensive. But staying at 3 star hotels and exploring on your own is very reasonable and so much more worth doing it that way! And that’s anywhere you go not just Hawaii!
Jen, I do the same as you have said. Been to Maui 7 times in the last 8 years. After the fires, I noticed a big change on how whites and tourists are treated. I have been treated unfairly and rudely due to my race many times. and I do not go as a tourist. I go there for other reasons. I am nothing but pleasant, patient, respectful, and follow along with the culture the best I can. Along with that I have been treated nicely and respected by others. Although, It is present, the poor treatment. Your two way street comment is not accurate.
After 10 years and a dozen visits to HI, I won’t be back until the state decides whether visitors are welcome or not. My visits were always quiet, respectful sojourns–not rowdy parties. Last visit, I got screamed at by a local over a misunderstanding. That was the last straw. I love the land and culture, but I know when I’m not welcome.
The culture is now pro-money / anti-tourist. They are literally begging (in fact, paying) to have “high net worth travelers” return to Maui to spend spend spend at the hotels (the ones who butter the Maui mayor’s bread). But don’t rent a car. Don’t go to a beach other than the one in front. Don’t do the road to Hana. Don’t, don’t don’t don’t….but “make sure you spend lots and tip generously.”
I will. But I’ll do it in Canada, or Florida, or Mexico, or Greece, or Japan.
Tom H, thank you. I have little patience for those who try to hijack sites for their tiresome political agendas. This should be an inclusive site based on travels to and enjoyment of Hawai’i.
This caught my eye in your article. ” Iceland, humorous videos educate travelers on how to respect fragile landscapes.” Did Iceland also say they allow whale hunting. The hypocrisy!
Instead of going to Hawaii this year, I visited Fiji…. which was a stark contrast… much more affordable and best of all the people were friendly, extremely happy and made sure you felt welcomed and invited back. Hawaii should visit Fiji and see for themselves.
I lived in HI from 1983 – 1987. At that time the military, tourists & other “Haolis” rarely respected the culture, the land, the traditions. After 37 years, I would imagine it’s only gotten worse. I currently live on the west coast of Michigan. It’s a popular vacation area. The tourists & 2nd home owners are often referred to as “terrorists” because of their total disrespectful actions towards our parks, beaches, amusement parks, neighborhoods, venues, roads and laws. I loved HI, I wish I could live there again. I wish the tourists would treat your home state with more care.
Hawaii has been plagued with overtourism for decades now. Those islands are sacred, and have been stolen. Those people have been forced to accept tourism to hold up their economy when they were a completely self sufficient island nation before colonization. Mainland visitors like to claim connection and tradition there simply because they can afford to vacation there regularly. There should be more reflection and even judgement for all those that think they have claim to those islands.
Wrong. Hawaii residents voted on a referendum in June 1959 to accept the statehood bill. The vote overwhelmingly passed, with over 93% in favor of becoming the 50th state.
I get that we don’t want visitors to feel shamed but the reality is that the tourism industry is very profitable to a select group (owners of tourism based business, resorts and the state to name some) somewhat helpful to those that are the workers in these industries and it greatly hinders everyone living here by constantly driving up our local costs of day to day life (food and housing particularly). I also believe that it creates large physical stresses on these parks and natural places that the article says we need tourism to sustain… But if there was this huge stress of so many visitors would these places need that help? I think what needs to happen is for the state to address the issues that cause problems from outside sources and make it work better for everyone
It’s about time, Hawai’i makes efforts toward eco and responsible tourism.
Next step, diversify your economy away from tourism and dependency on military bases.
Tourism is currently down all over the U.S….
First, due to trump’s mismanagement of COVID in 2020.
Then just as things were turning around, trump’s tariff tax, threats of annexing Canada and thug like behavior on the worldstage forced a boycott of U.S. by Canadians and other Intl visitors who spend lots more in Hawai’i and throughout the U.S. than domestic tourists; while leaving a smaller footprint.
I applaud Hawaiians for attempting to determine their own agency, after centuries of commodification of their culture, foods and lands by non Hawaiians.
Your hate for one person, Donald Trump is really sad to see. He has Zero to do with the state of Hawaii and this subject at hand.
I joined several Facebook groups on different islands thst we will visit this summer for tips, info. I am shocked by the rudeness of so many that live there telling folks not to come. “Don’t do thi or that and best just to go somewhere else”. Many comments are hateful. I responded to one that my family is very protective of the land and others’ cultures–that we have travelled to all states and are not the ugly tourists that don’t care. We come for the beauty of the island & it’s lovely culture. We are scuba divers who enjoy the creatures and will not harm or disturb a thing. We love nature and will respect Hawaii as if it were our home. I assured him that we are the “good visitors.” That made the person act even more rudely and tell me to go somewhere else.
I am now feeling anxious about this 1-month trip to 4 islands that I have saved for decades to enjoy. Is everyone going to be ugly to us?
Just go! So many people that are on these bloggs have nothing else to do and are just jealous of those that actually have a life. As a diver, Hawaii is beautiful and most Hawaiians are super friendly and helful. It’s in them, it’s their culture. It is unfortunate that some people took advatage of their kindness, but if you respect them and their culture, land and ocean, they will respect you in return. I live in Maui and I am very happy here! Aloha!
Currents are pretty strong on the islands and frankly, the water isn’t that pretty. If you have refundable options, look at Bonaire. The people are truly lovely and welcoming. You can rent a truck and pick up refillable tanks and dive all over most of the island. Lots of hotel choices and Airbnbs. Food is expensive but local markets carry a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options. We’ve been twice and recommend staying close to town so you can walk in for dinner. We will never return to Hawaii after our last encounter with entitled locals. They seem to forget they are part of America. I don’t need to spend 8k for 10 days of people running me down because I chose to support their economy. Honestly, so many lovely dive locations in the Carribbean that are superior to their cold waters. Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are also spectacular. Good luck, hope you can cancel.
Hello. You could not pay me to go to Hawaii. From the racism from Hawaiians to white people, to the exorbitant hotel taxes and fees, and the dangers of thievery on its beaches. A flight to the Carribean is about the same price from the mainland, and is 100 times better, and more welcoming, everytime. Hawaiians can have there place all by themselves. Without tourist $$ of course. Thank you.
You really shouldn’t comment on what a place is like when you’ve literally never been there to see for yourself.
I live there part time. I’d love to tell you all about the racism – from Richard Bissen, to Keani Rawlins-Fernandez to Paele Kiakona, all the way down.
People like to pretend that “haole” is nuanced. It’s not. It’s the n-word of the state.
Hawaiians are so racist that being “born and raised” isn’t sufficient. It then becomes a huge contest over who’s family was here first.
You see this in the inner circle of Lahaina Strong, where people have said in one interview that they have been on Maui for 13 generations, then in another, 17 generations.
If you been here for 20 generations, then you’re inferior to the guy who has 22 behind him.
“You could not pay me to go to Hawaii …?” So, what are you doing on this site? I wouldn’t go on a site concerning Cancun, for example because that’s how I feel about Cancun …at least I have been there, but you couldn’t pay me to go back there ….then again, there are certain US States that I have no interest in visiting (or going back to), so I am not on any bloggs concerning those …
I have always been respectful on every trip in the last 40 years, but if someone is trying to guilt me into be respectful, I tend to go the other way — if it becomes us versus them, I will just go enjoy my trip without concern. I really hope it never truly comes to that.
What’s wrong with HCVB??? It’s terrible. Too bad John Monahan is gone.
After many trips over the last 20 years, we’ve felt welcomed at the resorts and tourist spots, but never really the aloha spirit.
Just an example: I was recently called a “haole” by a 4 year old on Poipu beach and the mom just laughed.
However, Hawaii is the still the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, part of the United States, and we continue to visit as much as we can Every place has their problems, but my family still loves it.
Haole is not a bad word…It means white person.
Hawai’i’s beloved Princess Ka’iulani was hapa (half) haole.
KT, while your statement is true, it is also true that the term haole is often used as a pejorative. I was shopping in a Kihei grocery store when I heard a woman scream: “Haole on aisle nine!” I looked to the end of the aisle and there was a young, blond woman pointing at me. Context is important.
That’s right. Haole can be merely descriptive as a white person( there are similar words for other ethnicities or races) OR it can be used in a derogatory way. There are many nuances.
For example, when you are called a Dumb F***in Haole, there may be some nuance
> Haole is not a bad word
Complete nonsense.
It is absolutely a racist insult the Polynesians use towards Caucasians.
No, that’s factually incorrect. There is virtually zero nuance to haole. It’s a derogatory term used toward white people. It’s racist, but it’s accepted.
Saying Haole “just means White person” is on par with saying the N word with a hard R “just means black person.” It’s not acceptable for a 4 year old to say that unprovoked to anyone
Many years ago and islander friend told me that one translation for Haole was “souless” based on what his grandmother has shared with him.
I was a travel agent and came on a fam right after 9/11. Everything in HNL was DEAD! We were welcomed with open arms. I have since visited many times and have never felt as welcome.
Aloha,
Could you please expand on “moral alignment with the state’s values”…
While you’re pondering that, the good people of Hawaii need to understand that when a third of my Hawaiian vacation cost is tax, the chances of me tree planting or participating in habitat restoration are zero. Perhaps the state could employ a few “locals” and pay them with my tax dollars. Glad I could clarify that…
Mahalo
This article makes me want to visit Hawai’i even more. All the things you said about what they expect of tourists are things I already believe in. I Want to support local businesses. I Want to engage with and understand Hawaiian culture. I’m HAPPY to volunteer somewhere. The only thing I really Dislike when traveling is putting up with obnoxious, self-absorbed tourists. So, bring it! I’m in!
IMO the only reason Hawaii accepts tourists is that it gets the money to the islands faster than sending it through the mail. Mindful or Mindless which is more like it in that tourist’s with more money than they know what to do with is absolutely welcome. Respectful means to stay in your hotel and look out a Lanai as the way to see and experience the beach. Dine at the hotels restaurant and spend $100 bills like they are one dollar singles. Don”t ask any Hawaiian or locals for any information and when done get the heck off the islands. Expect nothing therefore nothing lost,no resentment, and you leave feeling ripped off,victimized, and a big fool. Aloha,Mahalo,Ohana, whatever you want to call it Hawaii wins and you loose. Just like Las Vegas.
I’ve been to Hawaii 6 times (various islands). Each time we stayed in hotels or Owner Occupied short term rentals. Each time we maintained a large budget for tips, excursions, meals, and souvenirs that we tried our best to always spend at locally owned shops.
Sure, we saw our fair share of signs near tourist spots like “haole go home”, but it wasn’t until the Maui fires that the public discourse seemed to go from “welcome, but be respectful” to “you’re disgusting if you visit Hawaii anymore (regardless of island)”. It was such a bizarre feeling to see news articles shaming anyone still visiting, while also seeing photographers, surf instructors, hosts we followed on social media panicking about their entire livlihoods drying up overnight as people canceled trips and bookings.
While I understand the need for tourism to become more sustainable & I welcome any changes that can encourage it, my family has yet to go back. I don’t want to feel hated on my vacation.
That proves that you cannot buy happiness with money. Change your thoughts, expectations and energy and you might attract Aloha! I live in Maui and although I have encountered a couple of unfriendly locals, the majority of Hawaiians are friendly and I just love their smile!
Love Hawaii, live in Sedona and similar issues here, except, natives there need income to live, not have to be priced out of their own land. Would love to see return of sustainability, self sufficiency and culture directing the show instead of money. Then make money from that genuine aloha, as in a good living for all. We did, after all ,steal Hawaii,..colonialism. show us how to repair and renew, start by listening.
Margaret,
You stated:
“We did, after all ,steal Hawaii,..colonialism“. Really?
Are the any benefits being a US state? Arizona stolen too?
Imagine Japan won WW2?
Would Japan be the open welcoming, respectful, and gracious country it is today?
Hawaii instead would be Japan , as would China and other territories Japan already occupied December 7, 1941!
hao,
Mahalo for finally saying it out loud: you were never coming here with respect in the first place. You were coming to conquer—with a Costco beach towel and a colonizer’s entitlement.
A lot of my friends went to Japan recently and reported how friendly and respectul they are ….can’t say the same of people coming from certain states ….
Margaret,
You stated:
“We did, after all ,steal Hawaii,..colonialism“. Really?
Are the any benefits being a US state? Arizona stolen too?
Imagine Japan won WW2?
Would Japan be the open welcoming, respectful, and gracious country it is today?
Hawaii instead would be Japan , as would China and other territories Japan already occupied December 7, 1941!
Aloha Margaret,
Do tell, who is “we”?
Mahalo
Why not just check AI on google …? Here is what it says “AI
The Hawaiian Kingdom was not “stolen” in the sense of being physically taken by force, but rather, its sovereignty was illegally overthrown by a group of US businessmen and the US government in 1893, leading to its eventual annexation. This was a complex process involving military intervention and political maneuvering …
Maximum white guilt! In reality 94.3% of Hawaiian people voted to become the 50th state in 1959. Stolen lands! White devils! How absurd.
That number is made up. “People in Hawaii” and ‘Hawaiian People’ are two different groups, and people of Hawaiian descent all voted No to statehood, or did not vote at all in protest. The problem is that when the vote was taken, people of Hawaiian descent made up only 10% of the total population, so their vote no longer mattered. There was no choice given, it was “Statehood: yes or no” when there are other ways to interact with the colonizer, such as: remaining a Territory; returning sovereignty and establishing a compact of Free Association; Returning sovereignty, which would honor and re-establish the treaty the USA had abandoned in 1898, an other avenues not offered.
One commentator mentioned that some of the beaches in Hawaii are closed to tourists and locals, alike. She is incorrect. All beaches in Hawai’i are public. Aloha, Mike
I understand both sides of this issue, owning and operating a tourist-based business. Most of our visitors are respectful.
I think there are better ways to communicate to tourists that can get the respect where you are message across, but does not insult them or their intelligence.
When they are being told to respect the environment, and they see locals who do not, old cars, trash allover and there are many instances it does not sit well.
Additionally, many of us feel the government is inept at handling the financials. Either because of corruption or incompetence taxes are high but problems rarely get solved. This is not a problem the tourists should be asked to solve, they know it and we know it!
Jason, following the retrenchment of Lockean doctrines on land law, Hawaii moved to a position that all Ocean access must be made available to the public save where it can be proven to be in the public interest to restrict it. This is often used to maintain security on US Armed Forces Locations. You can find the restatement under 2024 Hawaii Revised Statutes
Title 9. Public Property, Purchasing and Contracting
§115. Public Access to Coastal and Inland Recreational Areas.
This is the source of much annoyance amongst mega rich building mansions on the ocean.
I think locals that live in touristy areas all feel similar. I live near the Smoky Mountains and it’s nuts the amount of traffic in Gatlinburg and surrounding towns. However, it’s money and the locals benefit with jobs and customers.
Really? Really? Two words: “What Bullhocky”! If visitors allow themselves to be guilted into signing up for this nonsense then they’re getting what they deserve… Someone tries to sell me this kine I would tell them off in no uncertain terms. Some people need to grow a Spine. Honestly, it’s apparent that reality might as well be Mars for the upper levels of Hawaii’s government and tourism industry as well as an easily influenced segment of the visitors.
Still firmly planted in reality.
–
Hawaii is not fond of visitors, they are tolerated because of economic necessity.
And it feels that way. Less and less inviting every year. Moorea on the other hand………….
I used to live in Hawaii, and as a haole, I did not always feel accepted even in the 80’s.
The last few years I’ve visited Molokai frequently – and there is definitely a “we want your money but not you” feeling from some of the residents – not to mention the yard signs, “Spend and go home” or just “go home.” Not the majority of the residents but enough that I’m always a little bit on edge – over careful with what I say, what I do – not always feeling welcome. It’s sad. If I didn’t have friends on the island I would not go back. BTW – I do donate quite a bit of money to Hawaiian conservation groups because I care deeply about the islands.
Getting to Hawaii and staying in Hawaii is expensive, so it’s easier for tourists to go elsewhere if they feel judged just for wanting to be there.
You’re 100% right I’ve been to Moloka’i an island with a 20% poverty rate and they hate tourist. If they built more hotels the poverty rate would plummet, but they’re too stubborn. You’re an island in the middle of the ocean. Your only viable industry is Tourism.
Lived and worked on Oahu in the early seventies a lifetime ago. Taught at a local high school, met my husband there, two kids proud to be born there to this day. We go back almost every year and see friends and enjoy ourselves. BUT I think
The biggest problem is the makeup of the tourism population has changed. When I was first there it was all about how magical and special the islands were: palm trees, tropical fruits, unusual birds and music, multi ethnic population etc. Since the internet these things are not special anymore and as Americans travel to more far flung places they have begun to feel entitled and that they require the biggest and best of everything. They live life fast at the pace of instagram and TikTok and want it all at their fingers. Unfortunately it is not just Hawaii that is struggling with these travelers but the whole world. Travel is meant to be eye opening and astonishing not just for the excitement but also for the littler things.
Lori
Disney isn’t the Happiest place on Earth anymore as well!
Expensive and Mickey just wants our money.
We miss you in Hawaii, Lori. Even when I visited Honolulu in 1989, it was magical. But, you had people from Hawaii working in hotels, not employees from California. Back then, tourists and residents got along just fine. I loved it so much that I am living in Maui now, but I do visit Honolulu once in a while and also went to Kauai which is much more “natural”. Plan to go back to the Big Island, too, trying to disregard the bloggs of residents who complain about tourists …I love Hawaii and although we will probably never be able to bring it back to what it was, I think a step back is the way to go in this case.
Eva B
You are the one that made it political. We love Hawaii and Maui especially. We have had great experiences and some not so great, both in Hawaii and in other places. I agree with you get what you give, and we always try to give love and grace. At the same time we are not wishing for the failure of America. It would be nice if we could have a little more conversation and a lot less animosity toward one another, maybe a Mai Tie (spelling?) and break some bread together we would find we probably are not that different after all.
I just re-read my comment just above yours and don’t see where I made that one political (although I have done so in response to others) Sure, would love to have an honest conversation with people who have different opinions. Have had many friends like that in the past, just can’t do it with Trumpers. That’s My limit.
I spent my early days growing up on Oahu and there is not even a glimmer of that lifestyle left. Sad, but this can be said about many places around the world. I am thankful BoH is addressing this directly and especially in the manner of “what can we do better” rather than rant about all the legitimate challenges. Now when I visit (when I can afford to) I still experience and try to live aloha. The world is changing and so is Maui – but it can change in a way which preserves the kindness, welcoming, pono focused culture which I love and will support. How can the community face the realities but keep the Hawaiian culture strong? BoH – Please keep your reporting and discussion going. We must all find a way.
Is it really possible that visitors taking sand adds up to a significant problem compared to the natural shifting of sand at the coastlines?
Over these years, they have watched as the wealthy buy up property and land, rebuilding them into condos or palatial island homes, all while Hawaiians seek reparations that will never come—buried in bureaucracy. Hawaiians are a proud people, much like Alaskans, Indians, Samoans, &all Polynesians, or Jersey’ian . Colonialism in the 21st century is Wall Street—alive and well. A takeover. Maybe real estate should be limited to locals at this point. When traveling, have respect for the culture, the people, and the footprint you leave behind. And perhaps non-native locals could step back, allowing the true spirit of Aloha to shine—if they truly want tourism to continue.
I have a special place in my heart for the Hawaiian people. My lineage goes way back—I am Hawaiian, but not a local. Over the past 40 years, I have witnessed the plight of hardworking people striving to remain on the Islands, and many do. But many, many leave in pursuit of the American dream on the mainland. Ironic, isn’t it?
I did come to Hawaii once every month or two. I never felt rudeness, but the prices and fees on accomodations sort of put me off. It’s gotten unreasonable and there are other places. I would still feel uncomfortable going to Maui after the stink everyone made after the fires.
We visited the HawIian Islands annually for about 30 years. The short term rental discussion on cuts was the final confirmation we were no longer welcome. Add to that crossing the US border and safety issues Canadians are facing at those crossings now has made our decision not to return final. We will always miss Maui. 😢
‘crossing the US border and safety issues Canadians are facing at those crossings now has made our decision not to return final.’
You can either buy into the msm rhetoric about entering the US or live your life without undue fear. If you haven’t done anything illegal, you have nothing to fret about. Either way, the reasonable logical tourists will still support our 50th state.
Another of those phrases that Trump lovers just repeat and it doesn’t make them true …I don’t know if it’s ignorance or …??? There was an article about a young German couple who got arrested by TSA in Hawaii even though they had an ESTA visa and didn’t do anything wrong ….I am taking that example instead of others by immigrants actually living in the US and being deported. In the case of the young couple from Germany, they were simply visitors …I believe they were coming from New Zealand going to Japan (I would need to find the article), and their only “crime” was that they wanted to stay a few days to visit Hawaii ….
It’s hard for the messaging, not to feel personal sometimes, but I think that can make us miss the point at hand. This isn’t about censoring or politics, though some will make it out to be. And it’s certainly not about you or me.
It’s about respecting a people and place that have historically been abused by others who want to own and extract from them. Hawaii has a complex history worth learning about and acknowledging before/while you visit (which is true really of anywhere). Don’t go with guilt or resentment, go with knowledge and respect (and yes, $$$).
I want to say that the most important thing is to have a tax structure and a legal structure that preserves the majority of the coast for public use and does not allow more than a certain percentage of each island’s coastline to become private. Here in Oregon we have laws that protect the entire coastline that make it public. You cannot own the coastline or the Riverside. You can own access to it within certain boundaries, but you cannot own the coast itself. If something similar had been combined with a property tax whose purpose was to keep that coastline clean, with good bathrooms and parking periodically then would always be access to the richness of the island’s nature to the locals
Well spoken. Will do 🙂
When did “common sense” become so uncommon?
Another Nanny State imploding due to overbearing political mandates. Life is full of choices, including many other South Pacific vacation destinations, where tourists are openly welcomed.
Ummm, hello?? I’m American and I respect everywhere I go. I research cultures and traditions of all places I visit .I come to Hawaii every year and have complete respect for the land and people. I support local mom and stores and restaurants and donate to Hawaiian causes. Not all American travelers are jerks…….
Did you write the article? That’s what she’s talking about, not you. Though taking a random comment as a personal affront is pretty telling.
I agree with you, except I would say Some American tourists are disrespectful. Not all of us. Unfortunately, the disrespectful ones stand out more, which degrades the world for all of us.
They actually were given a choice. In 1959 94.3% of Hawaiian residents voted to become the 50th state.
Skeeter, go back further. Why was Hawaii a territory to begin with? It wasn’t a choice.
Kim, well said. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The Executive Documents of the United States House of Representatives, 53rd Congress, 1894-95, Appendix II, Foreign Relations, 1894, Affairs in Hawai‘i, volumes 1 and 2:
I lived on Maui for 8 years and owned a vacation rental on the minatoya list for 10yrs
I find it ironic that Hawaii call for responsible tourism and respect of the land. Even prior to the fire locals left abandon cars all over the island . I saw locals dumping trash regularly with dirty beaches and run down facilities . And don’t get me started on locals breaking in to visitors cars and stealing items from beaches .. you might want to practice what you preach
We paid tat taxes state taxes and GET taxes in the many 100 of thousands over the years
We helped put in the fire and donated money
But we saw first hand the vitriolic anger and hate from the likes of lahaina strong during the hearings on short terms rentals
We got the message loud and clear you are happy to take our money but you don’t want”us” here ..
we sold and moved back to the mainland and we will never return to Maui . We will visit more friendly places and I would encourage folks not to visit. S
“I lived on Maui for 8 years and owned a vacation rental on the minatoya list for 10yrs”
And therein lies the problem. Some move to Hawaii and integrate effortlessly into the rich and rewarding culture. Others move to Hawaii and exploit. I fear you fall into the latter.
Drew
What did John exploit?
I read it differently, that he invested into the community. Earning, saving, investing, and becoming a positive addition to community.
Your attitude towards success and community is the problem of the Blue mentality.
Which talks inclusive but instead judges what does not match your feelings.
Respect goes one way ?
Aloha!
How so? It took us a while, but beginning with the Lahaina fire more and more of us are finally catching up to the fact that, while vacation rentals offer the possibility of extra income for some and additional tax revenue for the state, most of the benefits go to non resident investors, off island condo owners, and people not really living here. We want our neighborhoods back ! Wouldn’t you?
The condos on the Minatoya list were not built as familyresidences (never been there, just read about it, I live in Hilo). They have one parking space each and very little storage space.
Thank you Warren for seeing things for what they are
John, Maren said what you wanted to hear. As far as I am concerned, all kinds of vaca rentals harm Hawai‘i. The Bissen admin chose the Minnetoya list condos for its own reasons. But you gotta start somewhere.