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.
Hi BOH! The “CNHA” is in a bind and under enormous pressure to perform what many Expect of them. Never having preformed this before will undoubtedly cause an uproar, we are seeing a bit of it currently, with more to come. I wish them well and offer them this unsolicited advice. “Do what you Believe is Correct Never allowing Pressure to determine your actions, Do what is Right for Everyone and not the Specific Few.” Hawaii needs leadership at this level that can balance the needs of the Islands First and Everything, Everyone, else Last. Put aside differences and “opinions” doing your Best Always. Complainers arise from the depths of volcanoes spewing ash and lava, it hardens and everything gets back to normal.
Hi All. I love Hawaii, despite only having been twice in 9 years. And it this love (and respect) for the islands and her people that kept me away these last few years (not to mention COVID-spreading concerns) in response to the over-tourism. If you love Hawaii, give it a rest until tourism is manageable again. Listen to the cries of the natives/residents (rather than the board of tourism). It doesn’t seem complicated to me. Wish other “lovers” of Hawaii felt this way. Thanks for letting me share.
I agree with this. All visitors should go elsewhere for a few years. That will allow the tens of thousands of people who have relied on tourism for the last 6 decades to leave the island, and those left will either get government help, or they will know how to cultivate the land, fend for themselves, and live in peace and harmony free from outsiders. When that is achieved, Hawaii can keep fees, prices and taxes very high, keeping visitors out forever. That will be blissful for the remaining islanders who don’t want visitors, and will also enable the visitors to discover other islands where the mutual experience is more enjoyable. Win-win for everybody.
It’s comical hearing all these anti-SW comments, as to Tourists and Inter-Island, it was not SW that killed off the competition, allowing Hawaiian the dominance in Hawaii, Aloha was once the preferred Carrier, Inter-Island, but the Discounted Model, w/o Long Haul attached forced them into bancruptcy more then once. There was Island Air as well, Mesa’s ‘GO’ ! But none survived, but Hawaiian, until SW picked up the gauntlet to offer Inter-Island Service, but they somehow are painted the bad guy, while increasing Service, controlling Fare’s and most probably also being the Carrier if their customers were going Inter-Island, 737 not ideal to Mainland, certainly works Inter-Island with upwards of 100 Seats.
Actually Randy I don’t disagree that competition is good, SWA likely isn’t going anywhere. However, flying on HA is the same dynamic as buying local.
When you “fly” local you are supporting Hawaii, when you go on SWA the revenue goes back to their corporate headquarters.
Agree 100%, and beginning in 2012 Hawaiian became our Choice, Over Ocean and Inter-Island, after 26 years of HP/USAir/AA. Using Kapalua most of the time for Maui, it was Aloha or Island, Kauai, was generally out of Hono and Hawaiian or Aloha, our only trip to The Big a Island was in ’91 and the Waikaloa was still a Hyatt, with Hawaiian R/T. Over Ocean being in First, Hawaiian is far superior in all respects to American and their Single Aisle, Delta in the late ’80’s, early ’90’s and their L-1011’s were great, but Hawaiian, Reclining, Service, genuine Aloha is tops. SW would not be our choice Over Ocean from Phoenix, and no longer going for Business in retirement, our 7-10 days are spent in one place these days. All the best.
Pat G, You have such a way with words!
Been coming to Hawaii for 20 years now. Have seen a bit of a change but we stay off the beaten path-hiking and snorkeling the bays retiring to the balcony and fruity drinks for sunset. On the last trip we noticed that a number of businesses did t survive COVID. That is a shame since it’s a way for enterprising locals to afford to live there. Unfortunately there is no right to stay on the island. If native Hawaiians ran the islands, they’d simply contract with the same Haoles that run it now and the rules would probably degrade the place. Look at a local area like Makaha on Maui…looks like a 3rd world country or used to. Wealthy Hawaiian visitors don’t want the new experiences touted nor do locals and those of lesser means. Mahalo!
We just returned from Hawaii. Will never go back to Honolulu it is out of control. The International market place has been made into a over expensive highend mall.I miss the old market. Maui is my favorite place although it seems to be building more condos and expensive homes. I prefer the beach towns and small markets. They need to stop the massive growth. But I will go back. I will again stay in air b and b’s and use Turo again. I will not give expensive hotels and car rentals my money. Lava Rock restaurant is the best place to eat, love the lava fries. Mahalo Maui for my vacation!
Totally agree about the International Market Place. We visited it every trip to Hawaii – every trip (dozens). No more – it’s just another overpriced mall. Nothing special.
Now, minus Sak’s being replaced by Target, what does that tell us? Royal Hawaiian had Louis Vuitton, Lowe, Cartier, Palm Tree House/Kinoshitaya (major Watch store) all in the ’90’s, DFS was across the street on the corner of Rpyal Hawaiian and Kalakau.
With the rising cost of things to Hawaii and in Hawaii it might be better for people to choose elsewhere vacations
We returned to Kauai for our fifth time last April. It could be last trip. I would say we are part of the upper middle class; a middle class that is shrinking. The cost of our last trip and continuing price increases probably will make another trip unaffordable. I feel for the residents. For the first time, I felt they were becoming the “Have Nots”. Where do all the taxes go?! They should get cut like Alaskans do for oil (if they still do).
Hi Ralph, first off Yes the Alaskan Residents who have lived there for a certain amount of time, it was 6 months but may be a year at the most, receive money. It’s a decent amount from what I have heard. Not a bad deal.
I am 57 years old and have done a fair share of travel. I had always been told that Hawaii is so expensive. When I visited Kauai recently I did not find that to be true. I plan to return and have told friends it is affordable. Travel to Hawaii is a better experience than the New Jersey shore!
As a Kanaka Wāhine, Hawaiian culture has a strong tradition of environmental preservation. In their daily lives, the ancient Hawaiians not only recognized but also practiced sustainability.
UH researchers discovered that more than 75% of respondents reported sustainable experiences are important when visiting Hawaiʻi and they’re willing to pay additional fees for Hawaiian cultural experiences. The researchere says this aligns with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s newly launched Mālama Hawaiʻi campaign and Hawaiian Airlines’ new “travel pono”, placing a stronger emphasis on connecting with the culture, giving back and preserving it for the future.
hawaii.edu/news/2022/02/20/sustainable-tourism-experiences/
The HTA is pushing an agenda that is well meant, however, unprecedented and unproven. That being said I do wish them Success. Sustainability practices in Ancient Times throughout the World was a Necessity that was part of Daily Life, without it certain people’s suffered with many perising, it was Not simply the Hawaiians. Many people do it today as an ingrained habit not as a requirement of entry to a State of the Country in which they live. Hawaii is demanding an “open wallet” policy on Tourists in addition to other demands, it’s not proper and why not just “Ask?” The worst thing you may hear is “No” I gave at the Office! Good Luck Hawaii, You’re Worth the Time and Effort.
As frequent travelers to Hawaii, we really appreciate the ohana feeling we receive when we are there. As I was reading your article about changes coming, it seems like care needs to be as we do at home, e.g., recycle, less frequent maid service (what’s that?!) and thinking of others before draping beach towels over the railings. See you in January 2023!
Cancun is the #1 destination for US visitors. We can’t compete with 3rd world country prices and we shouldn’t want to anyway. Of course, if you’re looking for more than cheap booze and beaches, Hawaii has something to offer. London is the #2 destination for US visitors, so obviously it’s not just about the price.
Hi Alfred H, I found your post interesting in how you have listed it. What it tells me, personally, is that Cancun in the number one spot is probably due to the proximity as well as the Beautiful Beaches, the “Booze” actually can keep problems to a minimum. London though, Really? I would have thought Cruises to anywhere was the #2, but I believe You!
Ernie,
We all have our favorite destinations. For my wife, it’s Hawaii. For me, I have a few favorites – yes, London, Sankt Johann im pongau, Cairo, Cancun, and Rome. But, I haven’t been to any of those favorites in at least 7 years, but have missed only 2 years to Hawaii in the past 7 years. Was there last July and we are going again in September.
Why haven’t I been to any of my other favorites – my health. When we travel, it’s a lot of work for my wife. And, safety. While I’m ok with going anywhere, my wife won’t leave the USA anymore. And, I really can’t travel alone.
Hi Rod, I am very sorry to hear of your difficulties, it seems in some ways we have more in common than either of us knew. My Wife is my guiding light also although I am rather self sufficient, I do get around without her but am reassured by her side. Traveling is a release and very relaxing. We prefer Oahu but have been to Antigua twice, Dominican Republican at least 8 times,it’s an amazing country and people but poor. Florida is our latest spot and trying Gulf Shores in 5 months. We do get aways closer to home from time to time. Hawaii will happen again one day, until then I could use some more stamps in my passport. We are both very lucky guys to have the Wives that We Do. 6+ years ago in Hawaii my Wife and I said “I Do!” Take care.
I agree with you. Hawaii is our home away from home. We visit people we know all the time and visit places that teach us about Hawaii, no tourist attractions. I love Hawaii, it is a different way of life. The people living there are so very kind. I have learned alot about their aloha.
We are hoping to come back to melt into the Hawaiian culture again. We have visited over 12 times and each time felt like it was our second home and treated each visit with honor and respect. We can’t wait to feel the balmy breezes and warm surf again. Will check into the quilting guilds and paint-ins once again and the Escape Rooms but most of all just being in paradise. From Vancouver Island to the Hawaiian Islands…Aloha forever.
They want to slow tourism down yet trying to open up a bigger airport to have more visitors ?
State transportation officials abandoned the expansion plan at Lihue Airport after considering community pushback due to Kauai’s staggering tourism growth.
Instead of expanding airport capacity,the agency will focus on efforts to modernize Lihue Airport’s existing gates, facilities and infrastructure.
And 🙏 hopefully Improvements to the Air Conditioning. Without the extra gates the already hot conditions will become oppressive quickly. Tempers Flare, Arguments can progress into unwanted behavior that may carry over into real public animosity.
We love Kauai going on 19 years of visits. Now we stay for 3 months for the last 6 years.have wonderful friends. Love our time share at Hanalei Bay resort and the people there. It’s definitely our home away from home and feel the blessins. It’s our Aloha peace
Hi Bernard D, being a Native Hawaiian has its own special perks from what I have been told. Like the Massive Trust That benefits only Native Hawaiians, the Lands Set Aside for them also. Why don’t you just go there? Understanding your dissatisfaction and anger towards America and Americans seeking anything from them wouldn’t be proper, would it? Tourism is what keeps people employed, for the most part, and is a gravity fed system that feeds other businesses that keep people paid. Without it the collapse would be imminent. Can’t have that! Good Luck, Persevere!
To get a homestead on Hawaiian Homelands, you must get on a waiting list, and wait. My brother-in-law’s mom was on the waiting list so long that she passed away before ever setting foot on this land you speak of. Finally, it came to pass and my brother-in-law and his family are living in Kapolei. It was fortunate that this happened finally as it is the only way that they could afford the mortgage. FYI: The land is not free or owned, Hawaiian Homelands retains ownership and the Hawaiian resident has a “lease” to use the land. Then they have to take out a mortgage to build and pay for the home on the land. Not an easy peasy process. Thought you might like to know the boots on the ground facts of what you mentioned in your post.
Alfred H, Thank You for the information! With the amount of land, and money, that’s under their control why does it take so long? BTW, I am sorry for your loss. The “Leasehold” I can understand to ensure future generations will have the same advantages. I’m surprised by the Unimaginable wait. Hopefully any Mortgages are through the Trust. Just seems that the entire process should be Streamlined and move like it was the 21st Century, not the 18th! Again, My Thanks to You.
Alfred H I remember several years ago a house in Kahala being demolished, I asked a local why. The answer that I received was that the land was a Leasehold, a double sized lot, and the lease expired. I was surprised that a house in seemingly good condition was demolished. The land stands vacant for years now, it has been put on the market for sale. Kahala area should bring an Excellent Price and a return of money to the fund to help other Native Hawaiians I hope! I had heard about leaseholds before but this was my first time experiencing one. Thanks for my continued Education of the Islands! Thanks BOH for the Forum!
Lease is $1 a year.. the land would cost $700,000 Plus.. so not a bad deal, what was happening is everyone jumped on the gravy train, built the houses, then sold them, I think its restricted now to just people that qualify like in the original purchase of the lease.
Beni when a waiting list is as long as it is to take advantage of the program like that shouldn’t be allowed, ever. Native Hawaiians are in Need yet the Greed of some people disturbs me greatly, what else are those people capable of. I appreciate the information and help that you have given, it helps me to understand, first hand, so much. Mahalo!
I agree with some of what you say because tourism does bring support to many locals. Without it some would not be able to sustain, live and feed their families etc. But then again we have the wealthy like Mark Zuckerberg who has no respect for the native Hawaiian, the history, nor their sacred lands. Just like he has no respect for the rule of law and honest voting, nor the will & voice of THE people.
Not to mention my former boss Larry Ellison who owns the island of Lana’i, and Besos acquired a prized oceanfront estate consisting of 14 acres on Maui at La Perouse Bay, south of Wailea. They are the wealthiest billionaires who owns part of the Hawaiian islands.
You forgot Oprah owns a mountain on Maui….
We love to visit Hawaii and have been many times. We were raised to leave a place better than you found it but unfortunately not everyone has that frame of mind. Hawaii has become over toursted, which leads to destruction of the land. There are increasingly large plots of land being purchased by those with money, this is a larger threat to Hawaii than the tourist
Hi Dan H, 👋 the Blame Issues towards Tourism, the more I think about it, is the way to clear the current batch and bring in the new ones from other Countries at least partially. A new crop of timeshare buyer’s for what is currently being built, new money for the downtown businesses, less expectations from Resorts/Hotels. Car Rental Agencies getting plenty of Business too.
My wife and I have been traveling back to the big island for atleast 2 weeks a year for the last ten years. My cousins are 3rd generation Hawaiians and it’s sad to read that the governments in Hawaii are doing this but in a way I understand. My cousins have complained about the amount of tourists for many years and how they tend to leave a lot of trash and disrespect the nature and the culture. I fear it will soon be too hard to see my family.
Not tourists leaving dead refrigerators, couches, and bunt up destroyed cars on the side of the roads.. smh
Hi there Pablo S! Oahu to us is anything but boring, even after 8 vacations totalling over 140 days. We spend time exploring the island by vehicle and always find new things while also revisiting past discoveries. That’s us, others may eventually be bored. Oahu is such an Amazing Island with such a history. We have been very fortunate and Blessed to have met wonderful people and been back this many times. Hopefully we will be back, that will be great, until then we will keep you all in our Prayers.
Ernie,
“That’s us, others may eventually be bored.”
I think that’s just about right. We all enjoy our vacations in different ways. For some, laying on the beach is it. Others enjoy meeting new people. Some like to take tours and get some history of a place. A lot of people enjoy different foods.
So, I won’t be taking vacation instructions from anyone but my wife.
Hawaii has forgotten about the native people that have roots here going back a thousand yrs. We’re actually a sm country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and America has mistreated this country from the get go. We’re angry! Tourist come and seem to think this is like the rest of America, Not! Government and elected officials are sworn to the American way and there goes the Hawaiian ways, the Aloha, the Love to share, the love for each other. It should be it’s people first tourist as a market. Help the Native Hawaiian to become owners of their lands, it belongs to be that way so the Aloha comes back to Hawaii. Mahalo for letting me share
It would seem your argument is with your own elected Official’s, in an all but a One Party System, in Hawaii. From Ige, to Schatz, Hirono, they are all Elitists of the same Party running the Plantation, not unlike on the Mainland in California, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. They Profit, they make the Rules, they get the Notoriety!
Voters keep voting in the same party, get zero satisfaction, and repeat the same formula. If it gets really, really, bad then possibly the opposition gets voted into office because of the conservative values. 4 or 8 years later when everything is financially secure and going strong the other party is voted back in to begin the downward spiral yet again. When will the Voters learn that a Financially Secure Hawaii is needed. Don’t let things go for a decade or longer then wonder what happened. Be smart Voters and mix it up, no more status quo.
Sounds good in theory, looks good on paper. However, just take a drive throughout the streets of Honolulu and look at the endless, incredible amount of homeless and destitute all over the streets and sidewalks of the city. It gets worse every day; until that problem is solved, Hawaii tourism will never flourish.
We love the island of Maui. Our last two vacations have been there. We are relatively new but we understand the importance of taking care of the island. On our third trip we took our granddaughters and preach to them the importance of taking care of to not leave a huge footprint. Unfortunately we have been priced out of the market and are seeing that Maui will now be for the rich. It was getting that way already with billionaires buying up the island. Love Hawaii going to Puerto Rico next winter
A couple other destinations to check out would be the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is affordable and all inclusive. The People are welcoming and friendly. Another would be Antigua in the West Indies but Never stay on the Atlantic Ocean side, totally different experience from the Caribbean Waters! Plenty of places to wait out your next trip to Hawaii some day.
Check out Oahu, the prices are still reasonable here. Ko Olina for a relaxed vibe. (Think Wailea on Maui.) Also the North Shore where I grew up is the country. (Think Kapalua but less crowded or Hana.) Waikiki busy touristy (Think Ka’anapali.) However, that has made airfare to HNL much more expensive than OGG. So we fly into OGG and then take HA or WN to HNL. It’s an extra hour of time but it saves 50% of the fare sometimes. We’d love to visit the other Island but even the Kama’aina rate is $500 a night! When the Courtyard Marriott at the OGG airport is $700 a night, it’s a little insane. You could rent a 3br/3ba condo in Ko Olina for that price.
What do you see in the future for people like my wife and me who have owned a condo in Kihei since 2003, love Maui, stay for months at a time, own a car on island, have Local friends on island, go to the beach everyday, rent our condo out when we aren’t using it, pay property ( at hotel rates), income,TAT and GET taxes? We are at crossroads. Should we just sell it and move on or continue as we have, hoping the changes aren’t too bad?
Hopefully the Court will decide in favor of Property Owners next year and repeal the restrictive rental property rules that effectively cripple the Owners. Seems like 1776 isn’t fresh in the minds of Council. Successful, or not, it may help you make up your mind once and for all. Good luck with your decision making.
I love Hawaii, and have many friends on Hawaii and Oahu, but I don’t feel welcome to return, so I won’t. I wish the people of Hawaii much Aloha and blessings.
Debbi S, I feel similar to how you do and wander back and forth in my mind from time to time on what to do. I have forged amazing friendships, experienced wonders of the Island, paused to watch a natural blow hole spew copious amounts of sea water into the air. Experienced so much natural beauty and friendly people, married my beautiful Friend who is still 💗 my wife. Walking away from all of this, and assuredly more, is not an option for me, just a short pause. Thanks BOH, 😊 Hawaii is Memorable!
I believe in developing Hawaii loving people, starting with exchange students who come at high school age. Then extending this to the younger travelers with low cost options such as hostels. Experience Hawaii as an adventure, as a local, water sports, hiking, culture and music, etc…
Da best kine!
Hawaii is our vacation destination of choice. We have went every year since 2006. We Have not returned since covid lock downs. We have a 2 week vacation scheduled in September. We will evaluate after that vacation. We do hope we can continue our family tradition in Hawaii.
I think the whole “anti-AirBnB/anti-VRBO” laws have absolutely killed the moderate tourist prices for Hawaii (specifically Oahu) and started the “elitist only” comments on the internet. The idea that a normal mainland family with a couple of kids can afford, not only have, a 30 day vacation is ludicrous! The lobbying done by hotels and luxury condos in Waikiki of our legislature has done nothing but line their pocketbooks and allow them to jack up prices and fees to record levels! If these other rentals are really the problems for locals looking for apartments, then how does requiring a minimum 30 day rental alleviate the issue? It’s a lie!
So you’ve seen through the smoke screen that’s been deployed and see what is actually happening too, Great 👍 With the reporting of the “Campaign Contributions” received by the State Leadership, think past and present Legislature, and a Conviction, along with other problems here and there should much surprise anyone that pays attention? They All should have been forced out of politics immediately. Then discover who else needs new jumpsuits and a long Destination Vacation! No wonder why Taxes are so high and only certain things move forward quickly.
My family has been coming to Kauai, at least twice a year, for 3.5 decades. My father instilled a great love and respect in all of us kids for the land and the people. I am now teaching those same values to my adult kids, as I share Kauai with them. That’s three generations of those beneficial return visitors, who consider Hawaii and its culture to be “home”. I hope a balance can be met that best serves Hawaiian interests and still allows visitors with respectful mindsets to keep returning.
As a repeat visitor, if I am in Hawaii for a week or two, I would actually enjoy participating in a beach clean-up or other community-oriented volunteer activity. It’s a great way to meet people and feel like a part of the ohana.
I grew up on Oahu and before Covid went back regularly. Because I lived there I have always shied away from the tourist areas and ate at Rainbow Drive In, Leonard’s, Zippy’s Anna Miller’s, Etc. I “was” renting accommodations from locals. But Hawaii recently ruined that too. I Love Hawaii and consider it home but it’s simple gotten too expensive and difficult to manage another return home for now.
When I left Hawaii for the mainland I. 1968, I said don’t kill the Golden Goose.
Entrepreneurship in the mid-60s, led to the creation of the Hawaii Students Visitors Bureau, led by Jesse Sartain. Directed to the “kumu” who came in the summers. I served as Activities Director. The students wanted social interaction with the environment and the community.
What happened??
I lived in Hawaii in Mt teens in 1975 and fell in love with the island and its people. I use to go back every year, the last time was 2018 and all I did was cry. This beautiful island is just a floating city. I see the sadness in the kama’ainas eyes everywhere. The island I love and respected is gone. I support their fight for sovereignty and beg that the islands be returned to its native people. Maholo
Sovereignty of a State of the United States 🇺🇸 of America, seems that sounds somewhat familiar to me. The Civil War, that’s it! It really didn’t end well then and isn’t a consideration now, sorry. I understand that there is a longstanding problem over this but it’s Not Feasible, a Non-Starter, to “Give” an Island or All of them with all of the Development and Investment, Private/Corporate, away. Sorry to inform you that as much as you and others would like it to occur, the Opposition to it far Exceeds Your wants.
We have traveled to Maui for seven years as snowbirds. We consider it our home away from home. Because of the increase in airfares and housing, we are not sure how long we will be able to continue doing this. It is our paradise and cannot imagine not being able to spend our winter with you. We are shocked at the lack of respect we have been seeing in the last few years and it concerns us greatly. Too many treat it as a playground instead of a place to respect.
“Too many treat it as a playground instead of a place to respect.” I think this gets to the heart of many of the issues. Once travel started again in 2020 I noticed a more people asking where to go for nightlife in West Maui. They were dressed for and looking for a Miami Beach atmosphere. I knew they wouldn’t find what they are looking for, but hoped they’d find something they’d appreciate. Since then I’ve noticed more return guests who understand what we are and what we are not. There’s still the folks doing u-turns in the middle of the road and recreating episodes of the Jersey Shore, but it is less often. I think that trend will likely continue until first-timers get their yayas out and realize this is not Disneyland.
I truly hope that the “Jersey Shore” Stupidity will disappear into Jersey and then go away forever. Tourists that are unprepared for the Culture Shock of certain islands lack of “their” normalcy will be disappointed at first. Once they begin to enjoy what is available to them during certain hours many will adjust. Then they can, and will, enjoy what the specific island has to offer, the Rich Heritage and Customs, the Amazing Natural Activities and Spectacular Features. Those coming back will be there for the correct reasons and know what to expect. These are Treasures to be Admired.
I just came home from 2 weeks in Hawaii. One week in Oahu and 1 in Kaui. I did most of the things mentioned to consider the environment and my surroundings. I am respectful to the people of Hawaii. It’s a sad day when people have to be told how to behave. They probably are no better when they are at home.
It’s been so sad watching how Hawaii’s local government (infighting) and tourist bureau have responded to Covid … and inevitably tourist interaction. We have been coming to Hawaii over ten years- every island- and have felt welcomed and valued. But won’t be coming back. We just spent time in the Cayman Islands and will book Europe next. From masking to high car rental prices to not being sure you even want us there, we will adventure elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
I love Hawaii and the people each time I visit. I went the end of September and middle of October 2021. Both times were relaxing and enjoyable. Not opposed to helping clean beaches, doing my part. Will be back this fall to visit.
Hi Rob L, that question about the water is kind of a tricky one from what I have discovered for myself through numerous conversations and research. If you ask anyone in a governmental capacity they’ll inform you that the water is perfectly safe as they open a full bottle of water. Actual residents have concerns and typically drink bottled water bought by the case. Some have installed whole house water filtration systems and still won’t drink the water. I have heard from others that they heard about poor water quality through the news, I drink bottled!
So sad. Once upon a time the entire state had some of the best artesian well water in the world! Keep in mind that the problems with the Navy Red Hill tanks is concentrated to a small area on Oahu.
Hi Maleko, Red Hills was a Disaster unto itself, the fact that it occurred is tragic in so many ways. Artesian Wells are an Awesome source of clean, earth filtered, fresh water, We have one. Recently we were informed that in order to sell or remortgage our home we need a deep hole well into the aquafier, I wonder if this is what has happened on the Islands. Artesian Wells and similar can be over sourced where deep wells are more abundant sources 🤔 Something to look into just for curiosity.
Treating tourism like a business model is a good way forward. It helps identify and target the ideal visitor when advertising. It can also help develop the right experiences that bring them back time and time again, while phasing out the ones we don’t want. When the right people come, the perceptions will slowly change. After living here almost 2 years, though, what I see is that experiences on island are either too expensive, or just kinda boring here (Oahu). It’s also really hard to immerse into Hawaiian culture as an outsider. There are many beautiful islands around the world that are more affordable, easier to access and friendlier. Tourists will go where they can experience the most for their money and time.
I have been coming to Hawaii for the past 50 years. I love Hawaii. Over the last 10 years a few times a year. Years ago it was just as crowded with foreign visitors. I think the problem lies in the fact that many businesses are closed and not enough people want to work and hence service is not as good in restaurants and hotels. There are impatience people in Hawaii and on the mainland. The rising costs are a hard pill to swallow but I will enjoy my trip next week.
I agree
Hi Rob+Jeff.So it’s just a way of moving ahead with a lot of patience. Kuhio Hwy could add an extra lane through the stretch by the Coconut Plantation Marketplace just to open up traffic a bit. Only higher airfares will regulate the numbers that travel there. The Council(?) needs to get going though,no delay, in getting the programs into place or the situation is only going to get worse. Mahalo as always ☺️
Your article is making Hawaii tourism sound like a GE portfolio investment. However, in the real world what you expect to get and what you really get are two different animals.
Aloha