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.
I lived on Kauai many years ago and I’m so saddened by the over tourism now. I think tourism and growth needs to be drastically reduced and managed so that people visiting are respectful of the land and culture!
Preserving the Hawaiian culture for the tourists is a prime concern. Just because pineapples and sugar cane are gone is no reason to make over Hawaii into another tinsel town and lose the plantation town memories
Thanks
My first trip to Maui was May 2019 for my honeymoon. We fell in love with every bit of it. We went to Oahu in 2021 and stayed in an Airbnb near Waikiki. Loved everything there but the horrible traffic but I knew that going in. We spent most days going to every end of the island and enjoyed the less crowded beaches like Waimanalo. May 2022 we took my parents with us to Maui because I wanted to fulfill my mom’s dream of visiting before her health wouldn’t allow it. That visit was sad. The amount of stripped and trashed cars that lined the roads, the teenagers that threw a beer bottle at our car going around a blind corner, and the absorbent costs of just parking at all of our favorite spots that had been free in 2019
The confused Mayor Victorino brought us to this place……..
I’m a disinfranchised local boy seeking to return to my ohana. I was born on Oahu and moved out at age 28 because my home town of kailua became to expensive to live in. That was in 1980. I’ve been home a couple of times and it’s just gotten worse. I plan on relocating to kauai towards the end of 2022, please accept me kauai, im a keki o kaina and would like to rest my bones in the Aina. If tourism and rich land buyers isn’t curtailed I won’t be the only kamaina who’s forced to leave their home land. We can have visitors and local born residents if we think about this responsibly. I love you hawaii but i wont partisapate in burying the aina in money orienred greed. Thank you for hearing my tears.
Reduce prices for rental cars and parking in waikiki. Stop pricing hawaii oüt of the market. We need tourisum to help sustain our high price economy.
Aloha. I moved here from OKC as a retired Army Ranger. I am 31 percent Hawaiian according to Ancestry.com. I knew that I would move here at 60 years young, and so happy I did. I love everything about Oahu. And my family reunion is next month in Hilo. Tourism has changed from the days I remember in 1990-94. But, I believe Waikiki is still the best destination on Earth.
“What we’re trying to do, especially for the national markets like Paris and the French people, is to get people to come year-round rather than during the summer or peak period.”
Well then, say goodbye to tourists with kids in school. Of course, that will be a lot easier for France where millions of people in France and beyond are close enough to drive over, with the kids, for the weekend. Not so for Hawaii.
The uber-wealthy who have bought king-sized estates in Hawaii are unaffected by all this. They certainly weren’t affected by the pandemic or air travel concerns while flying in and out of Hawaii in their private jets. Hawaiian tourism will likely continue to contract, given economic realities, attitudes, and decreased ability to support the tourist industry.
I have been traveling to Hawaii for 40 years,every year and sometimes twice a year.My youngest daughter now attends HPU.We definitely think of it as a second home.But honestly, it’s getting so expensive that we find ourselves sending our daughter airfare to come home, instead of us going to her.We used to stay 2 to 3 weeks at a time but can no longer afford to do that.We’re now looking to buy something but that’s also expensive. We’re hoping for a little change and this article is a little encouraging.
I lived in Hawaii in the late 60s and have returned many, many times since then. I can only afford a 10 day to 3 week stay depending on the economy and my budget.
All of the islands have changed dramatically in the past 50 years.
In some ways, tourism has ruined the islands but I still find them wonderful, lovely and my favorite vacation spot!
Good luck with protecting them,the culture and the people.
Love Hawaii so much I won’t even visit there.
Some of my family live on Kauai and I won’t be going to visit them.
I have read 2 articles articles explaining the proposed changes but neither of them make mention of how “timeshare” holders will be affected.
Should I simply stop using my timeshare in Oahu and use the “trade feature” of my timeshare? Another option would be to “simply” stop paying my annual maintenance fee and simply forget about ever traveling to Hawaii again!
With my family being from Hawaii, still in Hawaii and growing up back and forth in Hawaii, I’ve seen the impact of tourism. However, the main issue that fails to be addressed and a huge impact on the environment is the homeless crises that many choose to ignore. This is global yes, but even more devastating in the mainland and even now Hawaii. Anyone across the islands can see this with the garbage, sewage and destruction of the costal regions from these homeless encampments. But sure, blame it on the tourism that provides the financial means for these islands. Until the homeless issue is resolved, the islands will continue to erode, fall apart and turn into another lawless encampment like that of Seattle and Portland.
The “Houseless Issue,” see how the Politicians changed the dynamics of it to sound more sympathetic, was for a time more contained to the West Side of Oahu down by the containers from ships. Once they were moved to the East Side the population began to Increase. It seemed as if Oahu had opened its arms to the newcomers, Oahu is “The Gathering Place.” The Problem is out of control, closing down “Their Areas” will drive them all downtown. No Politician or Business wants that. Sending them back isn’t an option. My “suggestion” would be relocating them all to Moloka’i. I doubt that Anyone would do it! Keep Blaming Tourists for what Politicians have caused, works for Some!
Our vacation in April for 10 days was 25k, that is 10k more than in 2019. Ridiculously expensive, we felt abused by the pricing. It’s ok we are going to Grand Cayman for 3 weeks this year at almost half the price.
Hawaiis economy has gotten to expensive for locals and a costly reconsideration for tourists who plan on visiting and locals have moved abroad who wish to return home. Respect the old ways what Hawaii was meant to be like, keep the culture, development to a minimum and the lands sacred and enforced. Too much land has been desecrated by tourism and make the living affordable for residents to return back home, putting living priority on locals, local born compared to non natives because we understand how to preserve our culture
Tourists to Hawaii do need to be conscious we are on a small, fragile place that needs our care. My husband and I visit Big Island every yr, and love the laid back atmosphere. We pick up trash, add $$$ to the local economy, give to the food bank, and treat local hosts and ocean wildlife with respect. The least we can do for being made welcome in this beautiful place.
I have been to Hawaii 3 times in two years and fell in love. We have only stayed in Maui. But look forward to seeing more. I would love to see more attractions which focus on the culture and promote local food and beverages along with the history. While I have heard of the anti tourist feeling I never felt it directly. One thing I noticed was many of the workers were Philippine. Perhaps promoting more natives employees and brining in less foreign works could help foster better ties. Also resorts should spotlight local customs in their programing.
I’m Filipina, My family came here over 100 years ago, so I’m 4th generation, not a foreigner. By the way it’s Filipino/a, not Philippine.
Hi Emily G! Naming those in positions of authority that are responsible needs to occur frequently. Getting All of their names, repeatedly, in the face of voters is hopefully the start of Positive change in Hawaii. Keep up the Awesome work and hopefully get it to keep spreading to everyone. With the Appropriate Attention The RICO Statute could be applied.
Hi! Your article has many valid points about loving Hawaii to death. Our family has been cherishing Kauai since the late 70’s and have noticed a marked change in the “tourists”, (which we don’t consider ourselves to be). It seems to stem from a covid-induced, crazy self righteousness. Which seemingly thinks “me first – &%$*< everyone else". Gone are the days of love your neighbor as yourself, instead being replaced with bad behavior, especially while on vacation. One thing that could help is removing big SUV'S from all HI rentals. (Have you ever seen a bad-@** driving a Chevy spark?)
Return visitors (not tourists) are in HI's best interest too. Perhaps give them deep discounts to encourage the right kind of visitors, not masses of a##**
We just returned from Oahu. We really did enjoy it however, with the Huge homeless population at times we didn’t feel safe. We would have loved to stop at some of the beaches on the west side of the island but did not because of the trash and homeless. It’s too bad Hawaii can’t implement programs for the homeless like Grand Cayman has done- taking good care of them.
The Homeless Situation across the State should concern everyone. Imagine this, I’m Homeless and collecting Soc. Sec. Or Some kind of Retirement, you’d be surprised how many do, and Hawaii is a wonderful place. I purchase a 1 way ticket and I’m living in Paradise! Walmart sells what I need, I’m living Free! Better weather and conditions than where I had been. The Downside is what You See. Betwwen Assistance and whatever applies they for the most part are okay, perfect for many of them, not all. Also a “dumping ground ” it seems for some mentally ill. Well out of hand. Thank a Politician for this! Elect more and see what you get.
as a family we visited Maui for the first time in December 2021 and we absolutely loved the island. We stayed in a Condo owned by a local resident and while the place was very nice and clean we were surprised they did not recycle. We saved our recyclables and put them in the recycle cans on the street. We have read about the various increases in fees and other charges for tourist and I personally would love to volunteer to work planting trees for a day on my next visit. Perhaps for those return tourists if they want to volunteer you could provide some sort of discount vouchers on the other park entry increases or something of that nature. Not all tourists are destructive and disrespectful and I for one look forward to visiting again!!!
Something that residents are pushing back on is the fact that Hawaii is Not an Amusement Park or anything near. To give “Discounted Tickets” or Anything similar would certainly qualify. I Agree! If you are willing to give of yourself for a day, that is its own and only reward. Self-Satisfact and Sacrifice to help the cause is appreciated. Think about the Benefits of Generational Visitors and Islanders alike, the Ability to Appreciate the Islands.
Great article.
We are planning our first 2 week trip to Kauai in March 2023
Ed G
Aloha,
We visit Maui every year for 4-5 weeks. Now with the crowds Maui is not the same because you can’t enjoy the island with so many people and those who disrespect the island. Maui was considering prior to 2019 to only allow tourist to come over for at least 14+ days and that would satisfy locals and repeat tourist. What ever happened with this discussion?
Mahalo
Cammie K
Hi Cammie.
We don’t recall ever hearing that proposal. Perhaps someone else does.
Aloha.
Hi Cammie K, if they were to pass a law like that it would probably be appealed and struck down. If the individual Hotels/Resorts and Rentals were required to accept reservations for the minimum of 2 weeks stay it’s possible that it will last a little bit longer. The problem with this would be Loss of Income and we all know that that’s when things get changed, at least for the Resorts and Hotels.
Aloha!
We have been visiting Maui since 1975 and yes, the changes have been enormous. What keeps bringing us back is the natural beauty of the island. We see that slowly disappearing in the midst of over tourism and lack of respect towards the natural resources. Please…protect the essence of what makes Maui unique and special. Mahalo.
According to your blame of over-tourism, protecting the essence of what makes a Maui unique and special means you not coming here. Just sayin’.
Hi Pat G, wouldn’t Legislation forcing Moratoriums on new Resort, Condominiums and Time Share Units benefit Maui as a whole? It would certainly reduce the ability of uncontrolled growth and tourism, wouldn’t it? Being Proactive instead of Reactive might be the Best Approach. A “Referendum” Vote by Residents could change things.
We went to Hawaii for our first time November 2020, shortly after things started reopening. We turned off the AC in our rooms and left the sliding doors open while we were inside. We only did a couple of touristy things, opting to just relax. We were able to walk to most places. I’ve never been more at peace anywhere else and would love to return; the new tourism sounds like something I’d enjoy. My husband is weird as he would only want to go back to watch a volcano erupt.
My wife and I are in Hawaii twice a year, spending a month; and have done so for years. We love Hawaii and it’s people and having Hawaiian friends…we understand the dilemma. We spend our money with locals and enjoy the nature. We hope to afford to keep coming.
Yes Hawaii needs tourism like many places to have the income. If there able to keep cost down in the off season, we could all travel off peak as well. Many of us stayed home this year, do to price hikes. No fun
These changes are ridiculous. Hawaii is a State in the US. It is not a separate country. Hawaii does not just belong to the Hawaiian people. Hawaii is all about tourism. It is too far from everywhere else to have any other sustainable industry. So what are you going to have left? The obscene wealthy rich people that will buy up the land? These ideas are so elementary, childish and short-sighted. At the end of the day what you will literally have is only rich corporations and rich people that own everything and you won’t have any economy so to speak. They will just have very expensive land owned by rich people. How does that benefit anybody?
Arnold, no insult intended, the Wealthy, the Corporations and Foreign Entities are already buying up the lands. Because of this, and the established Hotels and Resorts the Political Landscape is tilted away from the average residents already, just look at Rents and Cost of Living Data. How long before Hawaii is no longer for anyone except for the Token Hawaiian Natives they want to keep around for Luaus and Events? It is Sickening to Imagine and somehow wouldn’t surprise me. Things Must Change!
My wife and I run an Air BnB on the Big Island. I know that Air BnB’s are somewhat a contentious subject, but they offer a lot more to the local culture than the typical hotel vacationer. We host in an area devoid of hotels, our guests visit small, local owned shops and restaurants way outside of the big/chain restaurants located near the hotels. We have a one on one rapport with our guests and are able to educate them and instruct them on the pono way to visit and tread lightly. We even compost all their paper, cardboard and food scraps for use in our garden and nursery. Also, by hosting in rural areas, it lessens the overcrowding and congestion in the resort areas. More of our guests $ stays in the local economy compared to chain hotels.
I’ve only visited Hawaii once in my life but would love to return. We tried to be as environmentally responsible as possible, walking or taking the bus system between Kona and Hilo. We stayed in an aribnb and in a very small old inn.
Thank you
I lived on the Big Island for about 12 years. I usually go to the Big Island every year. I used to go for a month or two at a time but it has gotten too expensive, so I go for shorter periods now.
Despite the Negativity towards AirBnB and even Private Residential Rentals, what You specifically add to the conversation is absolutely commendable. Many, unfortunately not all, rentals of various types are similar to your approach. Recycling everything possible and caring for not only the local community but the property and land. The Politicians don’t care about the efforts, they care more about pleasing the Large Institutional and Corporate Entities. They are the True Power Brokers in Hawaii. Until, and hopefully when, the electorate can install real and committed leadership that isn’t swayed by these Entities nothing will ever change for the better. Praying for that to happen soon for a much Better Hawaii, for the People!
Ridiculous parking fees and ridiculous “resort” fees are robbery. Expect your rental to get broke into(What?) I lived in Hawaii ’75-81 and have returned many times throughout the years. Last time all I was was pissed off about being ripped off. As much as I love Hawaii It’s not for me anymore, and that makes me sad.
It’s a Shameless System that Rewards itself, whether observed from the Government or the Hotel and Resorts side of the Issue. Between Obnoxious Fees and Taxes, include the cost of rental be it car or room, They are the only ones Profiting. Taxes typically aren’t “Profits,” however, in Hawaii they certainly are treated similarly. As most residents would like to know, where besides the General Budget does the money go? Somehow it Avoids Many of the Programs that it was “Supposed To Fund.” Why, and How, is that? Where’s the Benefits Due to the People? Don’t blame the Homeless situation, that’s already Wasted $2+ Billion thanks to Ige and Green! Where’s the Accountability, Where’s the State Attorney General, Where’s the State Treasurer???
We are return visitors. Starting from when my son was stationed there for four years. And now my stepson has lived there for five years we love the island and the locals. And have learned many things about the Hawaiian culture. On the next trip when we come in September I will bring my reusable bags this time. Along with my reusable cups that I bring every time we travel. We have even made friends among some of the locals and visit some of our fee favorite vendors at the flea market. Including the master gardener who sells us our Plumerias that we bring back. We make it a point to search out locals to guide us to all the great places to eat and to visit.
I have spent about a year-and-a-half in Kauai since 1995 and was a short term rental owner until last year. Kauai’s locals and tourists are just people….there are nice people and there are people that aren’t so nice…what else is new? The Hawaii government, however, is clearly non-functional. The substantial TAT and GET they collect from the tourists is not wisely invested to improve the infrastructure. Then, when the outdated infrastructure leads to traffic jams and all-around chaos, the government blames tourism.
Hey Tom! You can come right out and Blame Poor Leadership. But Ultimately, over all of this time, it is more accurate to Blame the Voters who keep Elected the Same Type of People, complaints are Not just a recent thing. It’s Time for the Resident Voters to Vote Wiser or Stop Complaining and Suck It Up! Maybe if they do things might eventually get better.
Ernie S we totally agree. We’re long stay, once a year visitors since 1984. For eons we’ve been asking why there are still huge condo/ hotels being built. Soon there will be nothing to see in Maui but upscale lodging with mini water parks. Each room added is potentially another car on the road. Voters need to elect someone who sees these issues. How many homes for residents could’ve been built instead? Maui is a true treasure & needs to be treated as such
Karen K, Thank You. What perplexes, and Upsets 😡 me, is the Abhorrent and Blatant Disregard for the People who are in need of Low Income and Lower Cost Housing in the State. Why are the Requirements not being Enforced by Any, and All, levels of Government? If they were, the Needs would have been met and surpassed in most areas! Reexamine the need for Politicians that have their own self-interests and Greed ahead of Your Need. Failure to do so shouldn’t be an option. Better Hawaii or Status Quo? You Choose Your Own, and the Islands, Destiny one Vote at a Time. I can only “Suggest” and Hope for a Better Hawaii for All. Thanks BOH! Without You things would be entirely worse.
We were part of returning visitors as we went there every year. We absolutely love the Big Island! We feel at home there & love that we know our way around. We encouraged everyone to go there. Now in our senior years, the extra costs involved will keep us away from our beloved Hawaii. We took our family with us for we wanted them to see what a wonderful place it is there. During the pandemic, we managed to go with so much added to b a deterrent of going. We felt that we were no longer welcome & feared the return to normal. Our memories are full of our adventures & we long for our continued return to the island we love feeling welcome & loving as the people there are.
Aloha! We’ve been coming to Hawaii since 1979 and almost every year for the past 20 years…one island or another!! Each island is individually breath-taking and beautiful! I would live there if my family would join me. I love the people, the history, the culture, its natural beauty, the ocean, and will keep coming back! Mahalo to all the people who have made our stays wonderful!
My wife and I have been enjoying Maui for a decade.This article has truth regarding the cost pricing average people out of the market. I make good money but I will not be back as I just can’t justify 4k for a little over a week.I feel for the local community that has to pay 20% more for basic food than I do in Seattle.I could not imagine trying to raise a family and save for retirement in an city that keeps raising costs because tourist pay any cost as they are just here for a week or two.It’s time for these massive properties to dedicate 10% of their units to their employees to respect the Hawaiian people and maintain the culture they sell and profit from. Hotels should build housing communities and new schools for locals for free.
I love Hawaii, but it is expensive.
Better deals during non-summer periods, may encourage more to consider alternate times for travel. Hidden rental costs add to the frustration. Whatever is listed on Expedia or Trivago on the original list that comes up, should show the final cost with all taxes and fees included. Car rentals are high. Perhaps having a continual shuttle bus that goes from Kihei to Lahaina, that makes it easy for families to shuttle around back and forth, would help. Pricing is much better in Kehei than Lahaina. As well as a bus shuttle from OGG to Kehei.
I love going to Maui and staying in Lahaina.The cost of accommodations and flights have gone up in prices all over the world .Love the sunsets and I dont mind paying up to go on a vacation there.
Use of tourist trolleys to popular sites with frequent availability to decrease rental cars adding to congestion. Increase local community market s and faires during off peaks.Entice travel during non peak periods with decrease in entertainment taxes and hotel taxes.Have a mall for made in Hawaii only up to 11 pm. After long day but still wanting to do more , tourists traveled west. They are ready to shop for unique made in Hawaii not made in China or phillipines. Bars do not attract most tourists that return regularly. I travel yearly to Hawaii. I want to see more evening culture events or try programs of historical interest at the hotel.Have church opens for attendance late,remember we traveled west.
The day starts land ends too early.
The Sheraton at Waikiki used to have Hawaiian dances and the Embassy Suites at Waikiki used to have Roland and his family play music some evenings.
These were great. Hope to see them or something very similar when we return in September.
I have only been to the Big Island 2 times, In my opinion if you stay away from the shops it is a beautiful place. You need to go see all the Native stuff,itcant be done in a day, so take a better part of a week and go see everything native. You won’t regret it.
I love Hawaii been there 7 times and will be back.