Goodbye to the Golden Era of Hawaii travel that reigned for sixty years.
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273 thoughts on “The End Of Hawaii Tourism As We Know It”
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Goodbye to the Golden Era of Hawaii travel that reigned for sixty years.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
As an islander from Puerto Rico I understand…But sensible tourism while keeping the islands natural beauty and culture is doable.
I’ve visited Hawaii (I’m here for 10 days as I write this) and the government (it’s the same in Puerto Rico) can be tyrannical to appease the radicals while wanting to indulge in the money that sensible tourism brings.
Good thoughts. One question I have is about drinking water. We have always bought bottled water at Costco, but bringing our own refillable water bottles makes sense, if the tap water quality is OK. I remember a previous article where BOH said that the tap water in Hawaii was of better quality than bottled. Really? Comments?
Hi Rob.
We aren’t finding much. Try this for more information, depending on where you are headed. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/state.php?stab=HI
Aloha.
I should have stated we always go to Kauai, stay in Poipu. Thanks BOH for the website. It says that 15 contanimants were found in Lihue-Kapaa water, some many times greater than guidelines, many possibly cancer causing. So, we will continue to get bottled water and not take chances. Mahalo Rob and Jeff.
Hopefully Hawaii can retain most of the return “guests” that frequent the State, the true backbone of the economy that’s responsible and respectful of being there. The New Tourists shall come, some may never return, but always replaced by other’s answering the allure. Governments need to be searching for lasting Industries, Businesses to Drive the Economy into the future. Where are the Innovators, Business Incubators, Chamber’s of Commerce to help Create this New Climate? Without Leadership Hawaii stays just another Vacation Destination reliant on Tourism Dollars!
Aloha, you sited only 68% of people will return for another trip? I wonder what the non returning tourists rate was say 10 or 20 years ago? There must be a certain attrition rate so Im just questioning how bad this not Hawaii for our next trip really is. Visitors ran incredible obstacles, almost gauntlets, to get here as soon as they could. They came despite illness, restrictions, knowing Hawaii had its own problems and yet they came. For me, as a 16 year local, I believe the key is as you mentioned that if the locals are happy, housing, traffic, cost of living then the visitor will be happy. So maybe Hawaii “just” needs to get it’s own house in order and the world needs Kaua’i. Build it and they will come.
Centralized, ivory tower, bureacrats are ruining Hawaii’s tourism. Visitors are voting with their dollars & feet by declaring they will not be returning to Hawaii. The State of Hawaii should invest in much improved facilities at all beaches and improved infrastructure instead of wasting the tax dollars on limiting tourists and increasing their costs.
Hi Rob L, it’s clear that certain portions of the infrastructure are in need of improvement but much of it is currently part of Homeless Encampments making it difficult to achieve and zero hope of it lasting very long. The “Ivory Tower” Assailants control over Every Portion of Hawaiian life, Residents and Tourists, has been Absolute and Counter Productive towards establishing viable Industries to better support Hawaii. Tourism is Their Bread and Butter and They Will Protect It Completely as we all have seen. Until this can be successfully changed and in the past Hawaii hasn’t any real chances to Improve their reliance on extreme Tourism. Will that day ever come?
Visitors love the Hawaiian islands and will always return no matter what.I agree with being a more considerate tourist in regards to the locals.Recycle always and never litter these beautiful islands.Be kind and helpful to All.
You are spot on stating the value of repeat visitors, which my wife and I plus many of our family members are part of. You are spot on with comments about pricing which covers all aspects of an enjoying stay. Prices increased beyond the inflation rate. We typically support local businesses that are much removed from high tourist areas. We get the ‘Aloha’ spirit…we have been practicing continuously since 1976. Last but not least we got the gut punch from Hawaiian Airlines via e mail in the early hours of July 9 that our November and December non stop flights between Orlando and Honolulu have been canceled and ‘regrettably’ they have no further options for us to reschedule. ‘Regrettably’, we pulled the pin on the entire trip.
With Airlines pulling some of their routes, seemingly effecting the same area destinations, it is becoming a bit more challenging to get to where you are determined to go. They cite similar reasoning for the changes and it seems “coincidental” that it’s occurring at the same time as Hawaii is making changes. I Don’t Believe In Coincidence. Good Luck wherever you decide to vacation, hopefully it will be fun for your family and absolutely enjoyable. Hawaii, a destination of dreams, fortunately others do exist.
We have been traveling to the islands for over 15 years. Just recently stayed two weeks on the Big Island. This trip was our most expensive due to rental car price gouging and lack of. Spent 2 hours setting outside in the heat trying to get a vehicle we didn’t reserve. No cars, not enough staff. We always recycle, but there was no available recycling, we drove 26 miles to a recycling center. When we got there, they said we don’t take those items anymore. Big opportunity. Beach fees were frustrating-$25 & $35 each time you went to the nicer beaches.
We have been returning to Maui and Kauai for 20 years – out favorite is Kauai. We have time shares and do not trade them, we value our time on each island and treat the stay as a 2nd home….we call it that. Yes, we do a couple of tourist things each visit, but have or favorites we return to year after year – spending our retirement dollars. We grocery shop as a local, eat out locally, try no not leave a “foot print” from our stay. But we are tourists. I would not be happy to be treated different because of that, charged exorbitant fees/taxes and be limited in what we can do on the islands. We spend considerable $$$$$ getting there, staying there, and spending there.
Hi, I was a former resident and have been coming back to Hawaii for decades. It’s so beautiful and we’ve had very fond memories with our family. However it’s just been getting so expensive and crowded and now some people are calling for tourists to do community work? It should start with residents first. I’ve noticed an increase of abandoning cars left to rot on the side of the road and overall lack of cleanliness in the parks. To ask a tourist on vacation spending there hard earned money to work while on vacation seems a bit odd. As wonderful as Hawaii is there’s a whole world out there to visit that offer beauty at half the price. Unfortunately you will have to be Uber rich to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii
Thank you
It’s easier to blame all their woes on tourists than to look within. It’s not tourist that are tearing down old Hawaii and replacing it with condos. Really not a great place to visit anymore, it’s lost it’s charm
Hi Lulu! When people begin that inward search they often find truths that are counter-productive to what they want. Truth is what They determine it to be and probably doesn’t align with what we believe. Thus is the inward reflection of the Elite and Many Elected leaders. It’s a tough act to change. They control, or have their hands in, everything and every facet of daily life. Change does not always come easily if at all.
BOE,
2 of 2
In the article, the $29 fare was mentioned (try to get one of those) and a desire for Hawaii to be a year-round destination. Well, one way you turn a Summer destination into a year-round destination is to make the off-season significantly more affordable.
Another thing we used to enjoy in September (Waikiki) was the Block Party on Kalakaua along with the parade (the day before I think). The Block Party hasn’t been a draw for us in recent years (pandemic). But, things like that can help. But, nothing says “comes here on vacation in the off-season” more than deals.
So, if you want the season to be year-round, the visitors need a reason. Can’t have all the good stuff in Summer and expect people to pay the same in slow season.
Hi Rod.
We ourselves got the $29 fares when they came out, so they were widely available, and they will be back. Honolulu is to us at least a year-round place, with great things to do in any season.
Aloha
Year round enjoyment and activities take planning and thought provoking interest. In the DR one resort has an awesome feast and entertainment display, actual Music Artists, Fireworks and all for Every Person staying at the Resort and the Timeshares, yes they sell them. Imagine between 350 to 500 people every Friday Night! What does the Hilton Hawaiian Village do? A pay to go Luau if there’s enough people signed up! Not good enough for Oahu or Hawaii, You/They can do Much Better for the Tourists and People. Every Week, Arrange it and make it happen! Awesome is Needed.
Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Waikiki have yet to even re-open their Concierge Lounges, the Meilani, Beach Club Lounge and The Sheraton Club Lounge, instead offering Coffee and a Muffin at one of their Counters. Across the street, the Hyatt Regency Lounge/Patio 3,000 Sq. Ft. Re-opened with the Property, need a Beach Chair, gratis!
Aloha.
Hawaii has sold Aloha for 60 years.
Aloha is free. Aloha doesnt ruin trails, beaches or housing.
Aloha is gone. Tourists who pay a hefty price for a breakfast lunch or dinner in Waikiki are not being given Aloha with that extraordinary bill. It isnt at the front desk, it isnt there with no housekeeping and it isnt there with workers across the board. Tourists are open season to be the enmy here. Face the fact that Hawaii made itself a one trick piny. Like Vegas. You beed tourism. Repeat visitors Do spend more. They choose a better resort they discovered or a store they return to. Aloha brings them back. Sell Aloha. Feel Aloha. Make Aloha genuine. That is, or should be. Hawaii
As they say, the devil is in the details and a number of these suggestions have the potential to go very wrong very fast if not well planned and thought out.
BOE,
1 of 2
Hawaii isn’t France: “What we’re trying to do, especially for the national markets like Paris and the French people, is to get people to come year-round rather than during the summer or peak period.”
There are 7 countries within a 1-day drive to Paris. That’s a couple of hundred million who can drive there. Virtually all visitors to Hawaii must fly – usually an expensive proposition.
The Europeans can drive to Paris for a nice weekend – a weekend to Hawaii, not so easy. When you can drive for a weekend, the kids’ school schedules are not so important.
I just can’t feel sorry for Hawaii. Maybe it has just gotten too big for itself and it’s ego, or perhaps it just can’t control it’s different appetites’ like feeling sorry for itself or hating the tourists.
Hawaii has always had the ability to plan it’s own destiny and control it growth. But the citizens have just sat back and watched. Now everyone if freaking out because they have lost a fight they never got involved in.
So now the Hawaiian officials who have greased their palms and filled their pockets with developer’s dirty money have a problem. Uncontrolled tourism, a never ending supply of Hotels and Airbnb’s, cheap air fares anyone can afford and loss of so much natural beauty and environment.
Everyone keeps talking. Thank you.
Such a wonderful idea. Perhaps tourists will look at this and think what a wonderful way to truly learn the culture. Giving back, this would be a wonderful and humbling experience for both families and singles. My grandson did this with my cousin and he loved it. Ever since then he has become deeply interested in his ancestry (my grandmother was full blooded and Grandpa was 50% Hawaiian).
It could be advertised under things to do. Costs should be zero and they can shuttle in Honolulu or Waikiki for a small fee or drive directly.
Hi BOH! Please allow me to clear up some things about myself and my comments. I hold 3 Bachelors and 2 Associate Degrees in varying areas. I comment on a multitude of area’s with confidence and where I can I learn the Facts. My comments are not meant to be Racist or Derogatory, simply Informative and Helpful. Where Historical Inaccuracies occur I correct the “Misconceptions” surrounding the subject. No Offense Meant. My hope is for a Viable Hawaii and it’s Health Overall throughout. Thanks BOH!
Hi BOH! Another Informative and Interesting Article from you, it does put everything on the table. As a Repeat Visitor of many Amazing Vacations I have never been a deciding factor in persuading Tourism, if anything I have Always pointed to our positive experiences. I leave it to the Tourist to decide. Much of what has been said may help others to decide to come or go elsewhere, there’s other markets both ways. Hawaii, the 50th State, will decide for itself the future. It’s done so for a Century+. Tourism will Evolve, Tourist shall also. How this effects the economy will be a part of the Equation. Cudo’s BOH!
Hi Ernie.
Thanks! Also for almost 200 comments to date.
Aloha.
Raising Visitor taxing at perfectly the worst time to do it. My guests have to pay a 17% rate, up from 14% over the last several years, which had been 10%. Taxes on car rentals has also dramatically increased. Hawaiian politicians have always just reached into tourist costs in order to fund their ever increasing social programs, and to keep residents taxes lower. My property taxes once increased 110% over two years for a short term rental property, whereas those Hawaiians who are “locals” property tax rates are capped at a 3% rise per year. This high property tax, plus rapidly increasing monthly maintenance fees will reduce property values
Hawaiian politicians in this very blue state are killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.
I have been coming to the islands since 1960; mostly Kauai. I recently took my family on a trip to Maui. I had never before stayed n a resort area, but decided to for the kids. I will never go to Maui again. It has become Orange County; down to malls actually blocking the beach. But the main reason I won’t be back is the cultural obliteration. The greed and racism that stole Hawaii to begin with, has succeeded in the process of destroying it.
We have visited Hawaii at least once a year since the 1970’s. In 2000 we purchesed a home on the Big Island with plans of moving full time after retirement. We do not rent our unit, we buy local and love and respect the Island and its people. Over the last 5 years we have felt unwelcome for the first time ever. We are not destroying the Islands. It has and will continue to be a difficult transition for tourists and locals.
Guys! Great article! I rarely comment, but always read your articles. We are an elderly couple who have been enjoying special Hawaii vacations since 1989. We just stayed on Kauai in April, and will stay on Big Island in October. This article helps us understand the need for change. “Loving Hawaii to death” was not a concept we had considered, though the recent changes on Kauai’s north shore were eye opening.
I appreciate your fair assessment of both sides of the tourism issues. I definitely feel for the locals, though we have never experienced any hard feelings or witnessed any altercations while visiting. We are super laid-back visitors and will continue to visit if we can afford to keep up with escalating costs. Thanks!
Hi Jan.
Thanks for the feedback and your input. Much appreciated.
Aloha.
My father first took me to Hawaii when I was 19. I’ve taken my daughter there several times. I have been coming back every year for the last 20 years with my sister. When we come we are respectful and always try to learn something new about Hawaiian culture. And we always shop to excess! It saddens me to see what tourism has devolved into today.
Last year there were so many rowdy, drunk people walking around. It’s got to be the cheap airfare that allows these undesirable visitors to come. I hope Hawaii can figure it out so that return visitors like me can come enjoy visiting your home once again.
We will never return to Hawaii.
The poor decisions that have been implemented by
the politicians have ruined the legacy that Hawaii had become.
This not only hurts the tourism aspect but also hurts the local
economy and the people that rely on it.
My heart goes out to the businesses that will never re-open and
the families that relied on that income.
Why is it that I’m left to feel like the criminal here? I’ve visited Hawaii 15 or more times. I think I’ve been a responsible “resident”. I recycle, I respect Hawaiian cultural sites. Where’s the responsibility for the State that promoted visits and collected millions of dollars from us tourists. Or the counties and cities, or the resorts and attractions. I am responsible for my behavior, but not for what now is called over-tourism. Tourism is the industry in Hawaii, but it won’t last without tourists.
Excellent analysis.
I appreciate any positive efforts to maintain the unique beauty of Hawaii. Thank you
This is a great, balanced vision how humans should behave all over the world. It boils down to thoughtfulness, respect and common decency. This should not only be encouraged by tourist destinations, but taught by parents when bringing up their children. Care for others, ethics and morals here and in the world are eroding at an alarming pace.
In recent days, a man was shot in his car driving down Maui Veteran’s highway, and a report came out about mounds of trash and graffiti strewn on state-owned land on that same highway. I like that you point out that responsibility for caring for Hawaii’s resources is a shared responsibility. Care for the land and each other lies with us all, and proper respect and education start at home.
I personally agree with the plan. I also noticed you didn’t address the elephant in the room – Homeless. As a resident it is disgusting to see all the tents and filth. Driving around downtown and being accosted by drugged up mental people is horrible. The litter, human waste around our oceans is disgusting. Let’s clean up Hawaii. That includes relocating the homeless off our beaches into other areas to be taken care of.
Homelessness has been pre-Pandemic going back to the 1990’s, rather then taking H1, I always make the first right out of the Airport, before getting to Sand Island Honolulu, you’ll pass over very low bridges, underneath are people living there, it’s terrible! Other then the people working the beach trying to get cans from the garbage, on Kuhio just behind the Hyatt and Princess Kailani, there’s a Foodtown, the homeless with open sores on their legs and feet travel back and forth going towards Hy’s Steakhouse. The State has made no effective effort in Honolulu/Waikiki to control this situation. Very sad, hardly Aloha and it’s not the Tourists fault.
Maybe if Lt. GOV. Green had Not wasted $2Bln. with nothing to show for it, he could have tried something simple. Done to the music of “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” a Commercial song “Take a Homeless to Breakfast, let m eat all they want and then take m home!” A Program to House the Homeless with all sorts of Credits and Rebates to help. New Soc. Sec. Numbers, Medicare/Medicaid and other Goodies. Give State Workers something to do. The Beaches and Bathroom Area’s would be cleaner and toilet paper wouldn’t be an issue. Anyone left could get Mental Health Services and follow up care, proper housing. Imagine how much could have been Saved! Another problem taken care of and giving help to residents of the State for benevolence. Hi, BOH!
I think that if everyone is responsible and respectful of Hawaii; then everyone will benefit.
I recycle as much as I can; only buy what I absolutely need; use reusable containers and shopping bags.
Maybe Hawaii hotels may do what I’ve seen in European hotels; they give you the room access card that you put into a room cardholder and this turns on the room electricity for the lights and AC. That could save the hotels money on the cost of electricity when the room is unoccupied, and may pass the savings onto the customer.
Mahalo BOH
Hi Reg.
Thanks. Yes good point about the industry participating more. We have seen some hotels in HNL that do card-key-based air conditioning. It sure helps insure the desired result.
Aloha.
What makes Hawaii attractive. Is the local and their cultures. Are you changing it to please the tourists that has no regards to Hawaii and their cultures. Instead of accommodating tourist tourist should respect the Aina. And it’s people.
Hi Catherine M, Most of the Tourists do Respect residents, the land, heritage and culture. Your problem is with the few that don’t due to their Immaturity, Entitlement and lack of Respect. These few conduct themselves the same way wherever they are. Of course there are others that do as they please because Wealth deserves Privilege. Eliminate them and maybe things improve!
Its interesting that Hawaii wants to prioritize return visitors–it doesn’t feel like it. But you are trying to fundamentally change why tourists come to Hawaii–and pay a lot of money to do it–to be on vacation! We are all for leaving a trail, beach, etc. better than we found it, but to expect visitors to go work in taro fields while they are there–not going to happen. Hawaii needs to remember what made the islands what they are–tourism. If you make visiting Hawaii more trouble than its worth, the state will suffer!
This week will be our 45th stay on Kauai and we have learned to love returning visitors such as ourselves. Yes, everyone should have the opportunity to visit this Paradise but once-in-a-lifetime-so-I-can-check-it-off-my-bucket-list visitors who come to stay for a week so they can say they did and of that group, particularly the ones who expect that there be no traffic, no trouble getting reservations, book themselves to death – and then complain when things don’t turn out the way they want – those folks, we wish they would stay home. Visiting Hawaii is visiting a culture not just a place. We wish everyone would stop, listen, learn!
Hi Barbara.
Please be in touch. Thanks for your input on this, and more than 600 comments!
Aloha.
Everything in life changes, know that well. ‘The Goose that laid the Golden Egg’, is now shunned, and a period of uncertainty and change are upon us. It is no coincidence that the United States of which Hawaii was the 50th State added in 1959, and Japan were the largest contributors to Hawaii’s growth during these 62 years, balanced by Canada, Australia, more recently China, though Western Europe 12 Hours east or west continued to supply travelers. The Paradigm shift that is being initiated will not be smooth or without issues as it is being driven politically for ‘Control’, not by ‘Freedom’. At 75, happy our 95th trip is near, Mahalo and Aloha.
Hi Randy.
95 trips. Now that’s an accomplishment! Have a great time.
Aloha.
Thanks very much, never had a bad time, including Iniki. Oahu-Maui Business and Pleasure, every trip through 2014, Kauai was always R&R, and the old Waiohai, then the Grand Hyatt Poipu are spot. Since 2015 and retirement, Oahu annually, drive the Windward side to the North Shore one day, everything said about Kauai is the North Shore as to crowds, parking, but a day to break-up the beach in Waikiki. Keep up the great work, fair and informative, Mahalo and A Hui Hou.
I have notice more locals that are more anti-tourist than in the past for some reason, especially on Maui
My husband and I traveled at least once a year to most of the islands since 1990. We watched Hawaii degrade over those years. We kept going We picked up beach trash we picked up sidewalk trash. Waikiki was the best known advertisement and we watched it Degrade. When the charm of Beach walk and Lewers was “upgraded” to a facade of Rodeo Drive a lot changed. I have reservations for next March but they are in jeopardy as I can’t stay for a month I have to stay for 3 months so I may not get to come at all.
Cheryl’s quote in your story was spot on. To her point, the post Covid reopening was telling. The so called “SWA effect “ in action. Hordes of people swamped the State from throughout their system and many were first time visitors looking to come here on a bargain. I recall these tourists being discussed on a TV round table discussion. Low spenders that contributed less to the economy and taxed the environment. Hawaii cannot support tourism like LAS or Orlando. The SWA effect works there, it doesn’t here. We simply cannot handle overcrowding and something has to change before it’s too late.
Could not agree more. I have been accused of being a snob or prejudice against SWA travelers numerous times on this forum but SWA has been a huge factor in the problems we now face. Profits for SWA at a huge cost for us residents that get little benefit from their customers.
My husband & I have traveled to Hawaii since the 1990’s & visited most of your beautiful islands. It’s a very long trip for us coming from Mississippi but the reward of arrival in paradise has always made it worth the extra effort. We’ve never felt unwelcome, most recent visit being in April 2022 visiting both Oahu & Kauai. We treat everyone with Aloha, recycle when we can & treat this as we would our own home but for those who act like us tourists are causing so many problems with trash, how about not leaving old abandoned cars on the side of the highways?? Oh and we also fly Southwest- gasp! We’ve flown American, Delta there too and I’ve seen some people removed off a Delta flight in Hawaii so airline choice is irrelevant!
Chris S …
Just curious what benefit you’d like to receive from us “lowly SWA passengers” flying thousands of miles to visit Hawaii???
SW passengers, like all airline passengers, put money into your state’s economy , pay the same amount of excessive hotel/resort & rental car taxes, etc as ANY other airline flying there so what makes a SW passenger different? And no, I am not a SW employee, I just find your comment rude by acting as if one airline is the source for all your stress and troubles. I don’t think Hawaii really knows what it wants. Not every tourist is a bad one, in fact as Cheryl commented some of us are repeat visitors and we act respectfully whether it be at home or traveling
I’ll field this since I started it Wendy. It’s not you individually. SWA came to Hawaii and flooded the market with passengers from throughout their huge domestic route structure. It’s called the SWA effect and it’s all about expansion for them and no regard for the impact it has. In Hawaii’s case it was a bad fit. Think mainland Haole come here and telling people there is a new Sheriff in town. They were rude in many ways when they entered the market.
I should also add they fly inter island and they do a poor job. Nothing like when there was an Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines. Two very professional inter island operations. SWA uses mainland crews who happen to be in Hawaii on a layover to staff inter island. Their lack of experience shows.
I’m Hoping and Praying 🙏 that this SWA Effect is a Fad that will end bringing the unruly, rude, inconsiderate passengers to Hawaii as a whole. Expansion is going to happen and especially when others cut and reduce routes. This type of Tourism helps no one. BTW, these “people” are what so many were touting as the Age Group that was Preferred, something to think about. As they say “Watch What You Ask For, You May Get It!” In this case please reconsider and rethink your desires! Hopefully the cheap SWA fares will disappear taking the malicious Tourists with it. Hawaii Does Deserve Better.
oh and finally Wendy, SWA’s inter island operation takes money out of the state, while Hawaiian’s inter island supports the local economy….and no I do not work for Hawaiian, but I care about Hawaii.
I’ve made 10 trips to Hawaii over 20 years–though not since 2019–and hope to return next year. On one hand, I get it, the crowds. At same time, you don’t have to work hard to get away from the masses if you try.
When you do, that’s when you have the best experiences. We try to live more like locals than tourists in HI, not to feel good about ourselves but because it makes the trip–and coming from NY it is a trip–that much more special.
More people should go to Molokai. But Molokai really doesn’t want them even though it needs the money. There needs to be a happy medium and it starts with tourism and marketing pros making it easier to have more “genuine” experiences and not gouge people at the same time.
I am interested in reading about resources for finding opportunities to give back to any island I visit- Beach clean ups, tutoring, Community based volunteer opportunity of almost any kind.
Hi Tracey.
The development of the entire ecosystem for this new travel paradigm is still in its infancy. We wish it was further along, and are hopeful that it will be soon. Our concern remains the entities in charge.
Aloha.
We are returning visitors for over 30 years and own deeded time share property. We purchased with the idea we could pass on the deed to our children and their children. We are educated environmentalist and respect and support Hawaiian culture, however, I can tell you for a fact, we will not be planting taro, until field owners are willing to pay travel , lodging, and food plus reasonable rate for our efforts. Instead the commission should be more interested and spend time on how to preserve iconic features like Coco Palms.
Due to Covid prices, I was able to travel to Maui for two weeks in March 2021 and two weeks in January 2022. We did it all and realized there are much better places to vacation than Maui and Hawaii in general.
Hawaii isn’t for everybody, just as I would never visit Florida again. We’ve been there several times on business junkets, never on our own dime, thankfully.
But, I certainly don’t continue to read Florida travel sites. I’m surprised at the number of people that don’t like Hawaii but continue to read and comment here.
I have pointed out that some comments are more than likely from what I refer to as “12 year olds” on summer vacation. Maybe they’re older! The comments are Negative and meant to harm, much like those giving hotels/resorts/Attractions Bad Reviews and have Never been there. It’s just trouble making for their own personal pleasure. It’s terrible what damage they can do by their comments.