273 thoughts on “The End Of Hawaii Tourism As We Know It”
Jan M
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!
3
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Jan.
Thanks for the feedback and your input. Much appreciated.
Aloha.
1
Janis L
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.
1
Dan H
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.
2
Lowell W
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.
8
Sally C.
Excellent analysis.
2
Bonnie
I appreciate any positive efforts to maintain the unique beauty of Hawaii. Thank you
3
PatG
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.
3
Mike D
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.
10
Randy R
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.
1
Ernie S.
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!
1
RegY
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
1
Beat of Hawaii
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.
Catherine M
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.
2
Ernie S.
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!
1
Mel P
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!
3
BARBARA M
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!
1
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Barbara.
Please be in touch. Thanks for your input on this, and more than 600 comments!
Aloha.
Randy R
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.
1
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Randy.
95 trips. Now that’s an accomplishment! Have a great time.
Aloha.
1
Randy R
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.
1
Dan
I have notice more locals that are more anti-tourist than in the past for some reason, especially on Maui
2
Lindaa B
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.
1
JohnW
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.
9
Chris S
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.
7
Wendy P
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!
Wendy P
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
1
JohnW
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.
4
JohnW
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.
3
Ernie S.
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.
2
JohnW
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.
4
Steve
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.
Tracey W
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.
1
Beat of Hawaii
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.
tom m
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.
3
Treza K
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.
2
PegM
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.
3
Ernie S.
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.
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
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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.