273 thoughts on “The End Of Hawaii Tourism As We Know It”
Emily G
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.
2
Keoni M
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
Ellen M
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.
3
Henry S
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!
2
Wanda D
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.
1
Archie G
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?
14
JT
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.
4
DAT N
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.
STEPHEN D
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
6
Kuka
Aloha is not attractive thank your leaders for that.
5
Lisa T.
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
5
PatG
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.
5
Christine
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
1
Michael R
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.
11
Cathy H
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.
5
Marjorie L
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.
2
Trista M
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.
13
Michael R
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.
4
Ernie S.
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.
2
ValerieO
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
3
Debra M
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.
1
Kathy D
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!
7
Michael R
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!😢
1
Ken T
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…
17
BB
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.
6
Ernie S.
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.
1
Joy
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.
7
David K.
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.
2
Comments are closed.
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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.