273 thoughts on “The End Of Hawaii Tourism As We Know It”
George F
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?
4
Ernie S.
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.
3
DebiS
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.
7
Ernie S.
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!
2
Kerstin L
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!
Mark R
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.
3
MJ
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!
6
Ernie S.
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.
6
HV
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.
5
Chris W.
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.
6
Dale
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.
9
Enrique G
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??
6
Christine S
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
9
Ernie S.
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.
Kathy O
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.
12
Frank P.
“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.
9
Ernie S.
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.
2
Peggy F
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.
11
Jess
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.
15
Colleen W
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.
11
Ernie S.
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!
2
Maleko
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.
1
Ernie S.
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.
Pablo S.
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.
9
Beth C.
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.
7
Herbie
I agree
1
DebraM
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 ☺️
1
Roy H
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
4
Comments are closed.
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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