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.
Great information. Visiting Maui yearly since 1984. First name basis with most employees at our condo property. Don’t want to plant taro but we do pick up garbage on our walks, recycle, never buy cases of water bottles & respect the people who live there. We consider Maui our home away from home. As farmers we understand the value of the land & ocean. Please do what you can to preserve the beauty & culture of Hawaii. Mahalo
Really would like to see more direct flights to maui coming in November 2022 for our 50th wedding anniversary not happy we couldn’t get a direct flight
Please understand that all tourism world wide damages the ecosystem of the human tribe. Families forced to serve capitalism over themselves and family. More cars, more boxes, more fuel. Less truth. One cannot know the islands by landing on her. Looking. And then leaving. Tourism is an industry. To protect Hawaii, we should reduce industry.
All humans damage the ecosystem of the human tribe. Both short-term, medium-term, and long-term residents live in available housing, drive cars, and order boxes. Both kinds of people also swim, surf, shop, and go out to eat. And both kinds can be, and are, equally respectful or disrespectful of the environment.
“Families forced to serve capitalism over themselves”? Last I checked, all jobs and all working people serve capitalism.
Hawaii has hundreds of islands, most of them uninhabited. Have you ever thought about going to one of those, starting a farm, and living off the land? The weather is the same, and everything should grow great. The populated islands are never going back to that. Make your own dreams, your reality.
I imagine it’s possible that there are 2, or more, PatG. While many people have vehicles, the amount that doesn’t would astonish you. The Homeless, or more Hawaii “PC” Houseless, seem to be “Carless” for the most part. At least Mass Transportation is available for use to many, if NG or Propane Powered the Emissions are Negligible and primarily H2O. It may not be a “popular fuel source” for the “Ecology Minded” but the Green Initiates haven’t a clue to begin with, just the “Popular” Political Rhetoric can be Acceptable. Alternatives Exist!
Oh Hawaii, you are my heart and it is bleeding now. The short rentals have truly cancelled my return trips in the future. I moved in 2014,helped open Queens Ewa hospital and went to Waikiki maybe 5 times in 2 years. I lived in Makaha and Wailua during my time and would return there for my “reset”. An agent started emailing me recently and all the options were diamond head and Waikiki. Not for me. It saddens me the restriction on where I can stay now and the expense. Friends always said they didn’t care for Oahu, I’d respond you didn’t stay in the right areas. Now there is no option. I have respected the Islands and have always enjoyed my interactions w the locals and learning the history.It is just sad that I am not welcomed back
Time and time again on these threads, people talk about desiring to “live like a local”, “mix with the locals”, and have an “immersive experience” in Hawaii. That’s exactly what is not wanted. The locals want visitors to stay in their designated areas, far removed from “real Hawaii”. They do not want visitors infiltrating their neighborhoods, roads, parks, and beaches. And they have been successful in passing laws and raising taxes and fees to accomplish just that. So you may be correct that now, unlike the past, you are out of luck.
Pat G this post certainly contains what You want, certainly some others too. Keeping these Demands in the forefront is certain to cause problems with the repeat visitors as well as anyone considering a Vacation. Fortunately for Tourists from the Mainland Hawaii is, and Shall Remain, the 50th State and will exert their Rights as such. Native Hawaiians have exactly the same rights, no more. Island Politics should be left to the leacherous and treacherous, the Rich and Wealthy Leaders unlike you. Tourism pays the Bills, puts Food on the table, Sharing is Not a Choice or Courtesy, it’s another Right! Make Way, Tourism is here to Stay and No One gets in the way.
My parents started visiting Oahu in the 40’s. When it became too crowded for them (glad they can’t see it now) in the late 50’s they began going to Kauai. My first visit there was in 1960, at age eleven. There were three hotels on the island: The Kauai Surf (now the Merriot at Kalapaki Beach), the Waiohai, and Cocoa Palms. Today, instead of perhaps 10,000 residents and a few thousand tourists, there are perhaps 70,000 residents and as many as 50-75,000 tourist visits.
We purchased a condo at beautiful Whaler’s Cove in 2014 and spend about 5 months a year on island. Sadly, we are turning into Maui a little more each year, and I see no way to slow down the growth.
Here we have an opportunity to get it right with a growth of the softer tourism interested in preserving the natural beauty of Hawaii and a respect for the indigenous culture which was left out of the deciding making and profit making process. The tourism industry will thrive if these dual values: nature and indigenous thrive.
There seem to be many European countries that are able to handle large scale tourism attracted by natural beauty and unique rich cultures.
They might be able to handle it, but the locals don’t like it there either. And places like the Amsterdam Airport are clearly overwhelmed to the point of losing complete control. I was just there and can attest to that.
I get your point, though. Perhaps there is a happy medium, where the majority of locals will be happily tolerant of visitors.
Hello Pat G, Tolerance can be Achieved with everyone understanding what’s reasonably offered by the other. I have noted too often that what divides some residents from tourists is the False Historical Inacurracies being learned by some. It endangers peace and is taught by radical liars with their own Agendas. We all Need to find Solutions for peacefulness together. We Love Hawaii, albeit for differing reasons sometimes, but also want it here for generations to come.
Waikiki now looks like Rodeo Drive and seems to be focused on Asian tourists only.Not someplace that average income tourists are interested in. I lived in Honolulu for 25 years and miss the “old” Waikiki. Also,many of the historical buildings look rundown and uncared for such as the museum and Iolani palace.
It is sad the my home and heritage is destroyed and I may never be able to come home again. Tourists homeless population have destroyed my homeland I am proud to be part hawaiian
How have tourists destroyed your homeland, specifically? How are tourists different from locals as far as use of your homeland? Please, something different from “Trampling our forests and invading our beaches”, which isn’t specific. I’m here, and I don’t see anything that the tourists have destroyed that the locals have not also destroyed.
Explored Kauai and Honolulu for the first time honolulu’s like Atlantic City New Jersey and Kauai is like the most beautiful place in the world most of the local people there were super friendly but I didn’t like was the reservations for State Park but nobody tells you about it’s always sold out and they say they can get you in and you get there I want to be treated by a rude guard and he’s totally any tourist so yeah there is that stigma you can use to get away from renting cars from private people was awesome way to go and everything was fairly priced for what we did my first time but not my last unless you guys change everything really bad increase parking at tight spots would be nice or accessibility you have the most beautiful place on
Swiss girl here, been to HI a few times, last in Feb 2020. I’ve never had any “anti-tourist” reaction – because I was raised & taught well. I’m friendly, respectful & interested in my destination’s and its people’s history, culture & every day life. You get what you give. Hope to visit again in 2023; sad about the new Oahu law (I get the reasons though), loved staying close to where I would mostly be anyway, the North Shore (saves time & gas ergo the environment). What I wished for (because I’m used to it from Europe) were improved public transportation & recycling/trash management.
My son is part Hawaiian. From my first trip in 1978 to 2019, I was a outrigger paddler and my ohana aloha for Hawaii never waned. However, due to lockdowns and the Governor’s strict policies…the aloha has declined with nightly costs to hotels increased. I simply cannot afford it anymore. So sad…..Mahalo nui to the culture and history of Hawaiian. No ka oi.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii since the late 70s. Most visits centered on Big Island and Maui after Honolulu/Waikiki became so cold, indifferent and rude. By far the most trips and recently have been to Big Island Waikaloa Beach Resort condos. Although we’ve rented through the same agent, company or individual owner, we’ve noticed a huge lack of caring we were a multiple repete guest. It’s getting very old. We who have visited maybe 30 times. Please pass the word we’re very valued or should be. We need a reqson to come back with these too high prices.
We love Hawaii and will return. Wish the plane fares were more reasonable.
You can go on Alaska airlines and get one way fares from $179. Watch for fare sales. Even Hawaiian air has some great fares one way.
In 2019 I bought a property for my daughter attending UH in the big island. She loves the island so as I.I completely understand the changes for a better good for all, as I personally been observing the rapidly decreasing in tourist quality. We normally come back with 1 or 2 bags of trash left behind by inconsiderate tourist, I assume tourist because the locals and residents are mostly connected and respectful with mother earth.
Hi Zel, anyone and everyone can be littering and defiling the Islands. Blaming Tourists exclusively shows that You don’t know of what you speak. Locals do a good share of the littering, if I were to add in the Homeless as the Residents that they are their combined group would be responsible for a disproportionately high level of the problem. Looking before Leaping can save a lot.
Unfortunately “Assuming” what is and isn’t all too often is a poor, distasteful, way of assigning blame. Does tourism mean more trash? Of course, however, typically in the refuse container. There are unfortunate exceptions. Circumstances note that Beach Parties by Locals during daytime and evening hours have left plenty of garbage strewn about and blowing in the wind. There’s plenty of Blame to go around Unfortunately. Piles of broken beer bottles, seems like a local tradition for some, on beaches and in the water and it’s otherwise Not Sea Glass! What’s up with that?
We are time share owners who have returned to Kauai regularly for 20 years. Your article was informative. Particularly agree with what tourists can do to help the industry such as fewer housekeeping demands, bringing own containers, upholding recycling efforts. We love Kauai and have always had fantastic experiences there. A little different this year (we were there in May) having to reserve some activities prior to arrival; but we applaud the residents and those in the hospitality industry for their care and hospitality. We wish the State of Hawaii the best in figuring out how to best serve tourism and residents. Mahalo!
We have been to Hawaii 5 times. The first 4 we’re when we were young B4 kids. The 5th the time was recently…just B4 COVID. I love it. I wish I could afford to live there. I feel as though I am coming home each time I come. We are nature and landscape photographers and senior citizens. Our lives are now focused on seeking fulfillment in our passions, shooting this beautiful earth. Being able to get a direct flight would be so awesome! We have talked so much about Hawaii for years…our daughter plans a trip there. I believe Hawaii would benefit tremendously with redirecting their efforts to more ecotourism,limiting the numbers of people similar to the Galapagos.
Thank you for your article about Hawaii. I love Maui and all the beautiful sights it offers, like the road to Hana views, Lahaina sunsets, the beaches in Kihei and the lavender farm up country. My oldest son has been there 26 years and my other children followed. I have a granddaughter and three great-grandchildren. I’ve been going to Maui for over 20 years and have explored the island of Molokai, Kauai Lanai and the Big Island. They’re all have such a different beauties. The last several trips It’s become so expensive and being debt-free at 71 makes me know if I keep going back I won’t be debt-free much longer staying 4 months each year. Thank you Jenny
I love Kauai! I go as often as I can. I’ll be there next year for a month. I feel it has become over crowded and some people don’t seem to care about the people or the islands. I’ll be retiring next year and if fees and things continue to go up it’s going to be hard to go. I really like the changes that Kauai has done that is protecting the north shore. Kauai is my happy place and like a second home. I love the people. Thank you! Anna
I think Hawaii is a place that avoids problems by talking story until people forget for a while. This on repeat while ignoring solutions. Tourism will be no different. Those who benefit are fat and greedy and only see profit. Getting rid of airbnb experiences is only adding to taking more money from locals and keeping tourists away from a local feel. It’s time to create an annual 3-4 week reset or pause where vacationer numbers are reduced or even shut down. Build this into the unjustified taxes and redistribute the money to the businesses to reduce or shut down during that time. This pause will not only give the locals a break but the environment too. Just like it did during covid. But I guarantee the greed will never see it done..
Not to mention that because Hawaii is a state, it is unlawful to stop people from traveling state-to-state. They have done other, more indirect things to stop people from visiting, though, so you may soon get your wish.
Born and raised on Maui, currently a business owner in the tourism industry. Sadly us every day citizen’s can’t stop the hundreds of millions of dollars coming to Hawaii. Sadly it’s out of our control and the people in control are on that payroll. The best thing we can do is spend more money on education of our lifestyle and teach the visitors how to respect Hawaii before they get off the plane. Educate the airline staff, the rental car agents, the hotel concierge etc. to better educate the tourists before they make a bad name for themselves.
I don’t know about “Bali, or Machu Picchu” but I live on Oahu and visit Barcelona once a year.
Barcelona has limits on STRs and does levy STR taxes, but they don’t consider 30+ day, rentals as a problem or try to discourage normal month to month rentals.
Bill 41 was over-reactive.
Hi naloboy, these days, recently, have seen many mid and long term Tourists disgusted with many things about their trips, or possibly booking another, to Hawaii. They have decided to either have a prolonged absence or not come back at all. This will be a problem. Paying a “nominal” fee or tax at another destination isn’t a problem when the total price is so much Lower. With people that are happy you are there, impeccable service and foods, All Inclusive Deals in Many, and the Beautiful Beaches and Surrounding areas are an Allure. So many “other” destinations closer to home exist, and further away, it may be a chore getting many back, very Sad to say. Your Prices are too High, Taxes are Outrageous, Rules are too burdensome! Car Rentals Too!
The decades-old irresponsible development and tourism model has been at the behest of those who profit from them and their bought-and-paid-for political allies — not the people of Hawaii. Example: had there been a referendum, no one would have voted for more high rises in Honolulu. No one. But politicians like Kirk Caldwell were happy to permit more in a new version that involves intimate relations between the moneyed and Hawaii’s business-as-usual politicians.
Aloha; I was stationed at Hickam AFB (11/69-3/72.) I have been back several times over the years (not as often as I’d like) but I’m not likely to ever return. The state has seen fit to start charging for everything under the sun, practically. The last time I was there, I was surprised by the number of vehicles parked on the Diamondhead side of Tantalus to watch the sunset. The state has probably figured out a way to charge for that. I gather that now tourists are being charged a fee just because they are tourists. (Or at least that’s the plan.) I have great respect for the Aina, but since I’m now retired and on a fixed income, I’ll spend my money on the Mainland. Mahalo
I am not a local but spent my teen years growing up there. Since then, I have visited for lengthy stays there on Oahu. I walked, drove and used The Bus mostly all over the island. I have seen the wealthy areas and the poorer areas. It seemed to me that decent affordable housing for working locals was scarce. That there was a fair amount of homeless people. I also observed major land and business buyout from foriegn Asian entities making Hawaii less Hawaiian and more Asian culturally as well as Aesthetically (scenery, skyline etc.) I believe Hawaii would do well to promote and preserve its rich culture and aesthetic which is unique to Hawaii, especially the way it was pre 1920.
With the ending of an era, no sugar, pineapple, even construction has come to a almost dead stop. Making Hawaii only tourist oriented. I myself never wanted to work in the tourist industry. Now that’s all there is!
I am a returning visitor q ho once lived on island. I love the people, I appreciate the beauty of the island and am always mindful of the people. Their traditions n culture. I spend my money at small businesses when possible. When I’m there it’s my second home. I travel back n forth 3 maybe 4 times a year. My youngest starts school in the fall so Oahu is OUR home. As a Puerto Rican I have roots there.
As a visitor, I have always been very concerned about all the floating plastics I see at the boat ramp between Waikiki and Ala Moana (dunno what that area is called). Healthy young adults haul outriggers in and out on that ramp, but ignore the trash. I asked a U of Hawaii biology grad student at Waikiki Aquarium if he thought we could get students interested in cleanup. He said, “You’re asking me? I’m just one person.” In my home town I (one person) organized coastal cleanups. So why don’t Hawaii’s students–especially a grad in biology–care enough?
I have been a resident on Hawaii for more than 34 years.There are still many, places that are a fraction of the price of what you would pay and Kauai. The counties that make up Eastern Europe and Costa Rica to name a few. is one of them. The people are super friendly the food outstanding and the prices super reasonable. What isn’t mentioned in this piece is who’s going to work For these people. Whether it’s in a restaurant or a hotel or even in the Taro patches. Kauai is becoming such an expensive place to live, there is a mass exodus.
We recently vacations for 6 days in Oahu, 2 days in Maui.
Monarch hotel was our problems. They charged service room but no room service + no new towels + no soap + no AC in 6 days.
Overpriced in Lahaina, Maui: $18 for a Mahi sandwich, $8/ orange juice.
I wish The Bus will provide more Bus when the Uber and rent a car in Hawaii is too expensive.
The ever visible homeless encampments on all islands are a real concern. The old perception of fishing and living in huts and eating pineapples and coconuts is very real. Inform visitors as to the reality of cost of living. Nice to visit. Trust me. You really don’t want to move here.Almost anyplace is nice when youre on vacation! Mahalo
Aloha is not attractive thank your leaders for that.
My family visited Oahu for the first time in March of 2020, the first week was great, but as the pandemic hit – everything shut down, there were protests telling us to go home & I read awful comments blaming tourists for everything… I would like to go back someday but will always remember the hatred. I think Hawaii wanted our money at all costs, & obviously pushed those costs off on residents & the local environment. I am glad to see that changing. Lisa T. from MN
I’m so sorry that happened to you. What an unfortunate time for you to have been here. If it helps, just remember that there was a lot of fear at the time, and fear makes people lash out and start playing the Blame Game. I don’t think any of us were ourselves during those first few months.
We have been returning to the Island of Maui for 25 years. I guess that would make us return visitors. My Mother lives there and she has taught us a lot about the culture. As you mentioned we love the Island like it’s our own home. We are sustainably conscious always! We have noticed a shift in the level of “welcoming gestures” over the last 3-5 years. It doesn’t take much to make someone feel welcome and the same goes to feeling unwelcome. Idea; tax breaks for Hawaiian Growers when supplying “Welcome Leis” at the airport. Love that past tradition! Mahalo 🌺 Christine
I’ve been to Honolulu and other places on Oahu and it was all lovely, but my heart is in Hilo. I lived south of town on an acre in Leilani, had a catchment tank for water, and had so many trees in my yard that I could hardly see my neighbors. The 23 years I’ve been gone from there have been rough. I’d like to live long enough to return as a retired person, to not take a job from a local person, live with less, and generate way less garbage than the average person does here, which is appalling. Thank you for this article. Tourists don’t have to, or have a right to, act like rowdy immature college students on spring break like they do here in Texas on San Padre Island.
I love Hawaii. Truly paradise. Every aspect is perfect. I look forward to returning fourth time early 2023. I hope to return every year until I can no longer travel.
Excellent article, a rethink on tourism is desperately needed, and has been shifting for a long time. I moved when it was still provincial. People are seeking adventure travel, not Don Ho travel of old. It is not about buying lots of trinket stuff that will never be used again. I have wanted a new approach for the travel industry in Hawaii for years. I have watched the changes after Sars. All the consumption, the trash. None of this is ever considered.
My family has been visiting the state of Hawaii every year for thirty years. I kept close watch on Hawaii during Covid. During Covid I read articles blaming tourists for everything even though travel was not an option. My family and I have made a decision to stop visiting Hawaii and spend our hard-earned money else where. Aloha should be practiced in Hawaii, not said with empty meaning.
I used to live on the Big Island and I too kept up with cases there. When it was running rampant over here, there were hardly any cases on the Hilo side, where I lived. This was yet another reason why I wished I never left. I’m sure those articles you mentioned didn’t represent everyone there, but it’s kind of understandable. I mean , who knows how many people were infected before anyone knew what it was. And, from what I understand (and I could be wrong) but I believe the white man brought a few diseases to the island that had previously never been there, kind of like snakes but they’ve had more success in catching them (when one escapes from the idiot who brought it over) than they have with diseases.
Racism is a Despicable thing that should have disappeared at least half a century ago. Disease has been spread throughout the World by many different things that include Humans. Everything from rodents, birds, animals and insects have been identified as Hosts.
We recently vacations for 6 days in Kona. 2 days traveling 4 days vacationing.
Transportation was our problem. $165.00 per day for a rental, Taxis were reasonable but not available without a reservation. Lyft & Uber apps. We were unable to download or didn’t show.
We walked to town trying to use the Bus system and local downtown trolley but they didn’t always follow the printed schedule. 4 hours for a trip to Walmart that is less than 3 miles away.
We love the islands, but I think they need to recover
Kathy D, Yes you can volunteer to do different things on all of the Islands. Travelhawaii.com was a website I was looking at earlier this evening. You might like to check it out.
I have visited Hawaii many times. Mostly the Big Island, at least lately, and usually for a week or more at a time. I would love to volunteer for at least a day on my visits. Is there a clearing house that can be accessed in advance of a trip so I could sign up ahead of time?
I will start to bring a trash bag on my hikes, and pick up any trash I find. I just never thought of that before. I did meet a man on one of my hikes to the green sand beach who was picking up sea nets that had washed ashore and was making art with them. Made me wish I had some creativity!
That’s a good idea about the trash bag on hikes. I’ll remember that. Sadly, a trash bag where I live in Texas would be filled after a two block walk!😢
If Hawaii is so concerned about “over tourism” and protecting the aina, as it should be, why did Hawaii County just approve +900 new timeshares to be built in the Waikoloa Beach area on the Big Island? Given the environmental impact, increased traffic, negative impact on the local natural resources, seems pretty hypocritical to me. Follow the money…
Brother, as a howley, I could not agree with you more bro. It breaks my heart to see what they approve. I’m a Lahaina boy, and what they’re doing to our cane fields you wouldn’t believe. It’s sad. But I’m glad you put this up brother, maybe more will listen.
Excellent Point Ken, another 900+ units while being concerned about “the Islands future Viability.” Growth in that area will certainly bring more tourists weekly/monthly/yearly. It may be “only” an additional 45,000 to 90,000 annually, rest assured eventually more will be built. Just like in Downtown Honolulu the timeshare units being built are intended to be purchased and used contributing to more tourists. Money, Money, Money….Money! Only “Other” Tourists cause the problems, not Timeshare Owner’s.
The only place I see anti tourist thoughts are on this website comments. We visited Maui last month, found the people lovely (May have been tolerance not friendly) but seemed genuine. We had a wonderful vacation. Would we visit it again? Probably.
Good article!
I and my wife have returned to Kuaia every December for a number of years, most recently in December 2021 when we also hosted our son, DIL and two grandchildren. We have always found good hospitality, and marvelous places to hike. We stay for 8-10 days, never in a hotel, and always recycle and try to minimize our impact on the local ecology, while trying to have a positive impact on the local economy, by shopping in local grocery stores, and dining in local restaurants (when not cooking at home). We love Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii, but have stayed on Kuaia most often.