273 thoughts on “The End Of Hawaii Tourism As We Know It”
Karen K
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
1
Sharon C
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
1
Angelique
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.
1
PatG
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.
2
Ernie S.
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!
SM
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
4
PatG
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.
4
Ernie S.
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.
1
Hal D
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.
1
Dick D
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.
1
PatG
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.
1
Ernie S.
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.
1
Val F
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.
4
Dottie
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
2
PatG
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.
7
Fritz H
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
Diana
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.
4
Cathy j
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.
3
Mark m
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.
3
Mary V.
We love Hawaii and will return. Wish the plane fares were more reasonable.
2
Cathy J
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.
1
Zel
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.
3
Ernie S.
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.
4
Ernie S.
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?
Sue R
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!
5
Carol Ann T
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.
Jenny S
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
6
Anna R
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
8
Candice D
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..
4
PatG
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.
4
Taylor D
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.
4
naloboy
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.
4
Ernie S.
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!
1
Comments are closed.
Aloha!
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Stay abreast of the latest island travel news, tips, deals, and more. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and let Hawaii come to you. Mahalo!
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!