One longtime visitor and commenter who’s been coming to Hawaii for years just announced he won’t be returning—and his candid comment has stirred deeper reflection among travelers. It appeared in response to our recent coverage of Jetstar’s decision to end flights between Australia and Hawaii, but it quickly widened the conversation. His frustration is one we’ve heard often: prices are climbing, infrastructure is aging, and for some, the experience no longer lives up to the cost.
During the same week, we also heard from a new visitor about Hawaii’s profound impact on him and how much he misses it. The experience touched something spiritual for him and went beyond costs and infrastructure. Here’s what Scott wrote:
“I got back from Kauai a week ago and still can’t shake the feeling. I’ve traveled a lot, but I’ve never missed a place like this. Maybe it was the island, or maybe it was what it stood for—slowness, nature, community, honest food, even the roosters. Whatever it was, it got into us. Something feels different now, like our whole outlook shifted after being there.”
And here is the comment from longtime reader Barry that started this discussion:
“Hawaii, unfortunately, has become unaffordable in all aspects,” wrote Barry. “The government as well as the hotels have been sucking in money for years like an uncontrolled vacuum cleaner. The beaches, the roads, the sidewalks, the washrooms, and all the general amenities like water fountains and rinse-off stations require repair or need new ones… We have been coming to Hawaii for many years…but this will no longer be the case. It’s so hard to believe that Hawaii has become an unappealing destination.”
Hawaii changes you—and not always in the same way.
Barry didn’t single out a one-off complaint. Instead, he captured a broader shift many travelers have quietly noticed over the years. While sometimes updated on the surface with refreshed lobbies and branding, hotel rooms often haven’t seen meaningful interior renovations in decades.
One repeat visitor who stays in Waikiki annually told us they were shocked by their most recent room, citing peeling ceilings, rusted fixtures, and stained upholstery. “For the rate we paid,” they said, “we expected better.” We encountered the same thing when we stayed and reviewed the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Others have noted that while nightly rates have soared, the overall guest experience hasn’t kept pace. Resort and amenity fees now routinely add $45 to $60 per night, even as guests encounter broken rinse stations, inoperable beach showers, and sidewalks needing repair. Some of the most expensive properties—charging over $700 a night—are still criticized for dated interiors and service that fall short of the luxury promise.
Yet, during the same week Barry shared his comment, we heard from a first-time visitor who described a profoundly different experience. For Scott, the trip wasn’t about hotel polish or pricing but something more profound. It’s a reminder that for some, even a short stay in Hawaii leaves an emotional imprint with little to do with amenities or infrastructure.
Resort fees—and what really matters to Hawaii visitors.
The most common complaints we hear are mandatory “resort fees,” which now add $45 to $60 per night at many properties. These charges often cover beach towels, Wi-Fi, or in-room coffee—items that travelers once expected to be included in the base rate. These fees feel like a bait-and-switch for some, especially those staying in older or poorly maintained rooms.
One reader put it bluntly: “Enough with the fees. If you want to charge $600, then charge $600. But don’t pretend it’s $475 and then tack on fees like it’s a used car dealership.”
Others say they wouldn’t mind paying more—if the quality and upkeep matched the price. When rooms feel tired or amenities don’t work, those added fees quickly become a flashpoint.
Still, not every visitor is focused on the financial side. Scott, the first-time traveler to Kauai, did not mention what he paid. For him, the value of Hawaii wasn’t defined by line items—it was in how the experience made him feel. That contrast makes this conversation so complex: the costs have become a dealbreaker for some. For others, the island connection overrides the price tag.
Hawaii’s public spaces leave mixed impressions.
Beyond hotel walls, visitors increasingly consider the condition of Hawaii’s public infrastructure a deciding factor in whether they’ll return. Barry specifically mentioned sidewalks, beach showers, water fountains, and especially public restrooms—everyday necessities that can either elevate or diminish the travel experience. It’s hard not to feel let down when these are broken, closed, or neglected.
Beach parks may be the biggest source of frustration. We’ve seen firsthand how overuse and deferred maintenance have taken a toll, especially in high-traffic areas. Restrooms are often out of service, rinse stations don’t work, and what once felt welcoming now feels worn. For longtime travelers, the contrast from earlier visits—when facilities were basic but reliably clean—is jarring.
As one reader put it, “Crumbling and neglected infrastructure, along with substandard public services, is unacceptable for one of the most beautiful places on earth.” Another commented, “In all my travels, Hawaii gets the award for neglected restroom facilities.” And a third offered: “We need money spent on Hawaii attractions which are long neglected.”
At the same time, visitors like Scott barely mention infrastructure at all. For them, the magic of Hawaii lies elsewhere—in the natural beauty, the pace, the feeling the islands evoke. That doesn’t make the frustration any less real, but it does show that what matters most depends on what a traveler came looking for in the first place.
The big emotional cost of walking away from Hawaii.
What makes Barry’s comment especially striking is how long he remained loyal to Hawaii before reaching his breaking point. He’s not alone. Other travelers have quietly told us they’ve stopped recommending Hawaii to friends or are now exploring alternatives. However, some admit that switching destinations isn’t the easy fix they hoped it might be.
In fact, based on our recent travels researching Hawaii and its alternatives, we’ve found that tourism challenges in places like Venice, Madeira, and Prague—among others—are far worse. Hawaii still has time to avoid going down that slippery road.
One couple told us they’d gone to Maui nearly every year since 1999 but are planning future trips to Portugal or the Canary Islands instead. For Canadians, many things make Hawaii feel even more out of reach. Once you factor in resort fees, parking, taxes, and restaurant prices, the actual cost of a Hawaii vacation can quickly snowball beyond what many feel comfortable spending.
Even among those still coming, we’ve noticed a shift in tone. Several readers said they continue to return, but with managed expectations, acknowledging that while the beauty remains, the overall experience no longer quite matches what it once was. It’s not always an angry goodbye. For many, it’s a quiet, reluctant one—made harder by how much they still love the place.
What happens when loyalty fades?
The visitor numbers may still look strong, but a shift in sentiment like this is difficult to quantify—and even harder to reverse. Travelers like Barry often return for decades, bringing friends, family, and thousands of dollars in spending each time. When they quietly walk away, they leave more than just a vacancy. They influence how others see Hawaii, and sometimes, whether they come at all.
This isn’t unique to Hawaii. Around the world, once-beloved destinations are grappling with the effects of too much tourism, insufficient reinvestment, and a feeling of being squeezed out or unappreciated by both travelers and residents.
It’s a pattern we’ve seen firsthand—and one we’ll continue tracking as we explore places like the Cook Islands, Fiji, and French Polynesia. Hawaii isn’t there yet, but the warning signs are familiar, and the opportunity to choose a different path is still very much alive.
But the pull of Hawaii is still real.
Even as frustrations rise, many travelers continue to describe something lasting and powerful about their time in Hawaii. Some say they leave feeling changed—more grounded, present, and connected to nature and people. Others tell us they miss the islands the moment they land back home. That’s why the disappointment stings so deeply: because the love for Hawaii runs deep.
There’s also something fitting—if bittersweet—about the word Aloha, which means both hello and goodbye. For many, the parting feeling isn’t anger. It’s grief. And the hope remains that one day, the goodbye might turn into a welcome again.
Still worth it—for now?
Not everyone is saying goodbye. Some readers remain committed to returning, even as they acknowledge the cracks. One visitor told us, “Hawaii has its issues, yes. But we keep coming back because no place else makes us feel the way Kauai does. I just wish it didn’t feel like we were being punished for it.”
Another wrote, “We’re holding out hope that things will improve, but it’s getting harder to justify it to friends when they ask where to go for vacation.” These aren’t just passing complaints. They’re thoughtful reflections from travelers who have loved Hawaii for decades—and whose continued loyalty shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Can Hawaii win you back?
Hawaii still offers natural beauty and cultural richness that few places can match. But the visitor experience doesn’t depend solely on scenery. It depends on value, trust, and the feeling that a vacation here will be memorable—for the right reasons, not just costly ones.
There’s still time to address the concerns travelers are raising. Hotels can reinvest in their rooms and service. Amenities and other fees can be made transparent or eliminated. Public infrastructure can be restored and maintained in ways that benefit everyone. Hawaii’s welcome can be better rooted in mutual respect, not simply fatigue or frustration.
Have you reached a breaking point—or are you still holding out hope? The fact that so many travelers still feel this deeply, even when stepping away, says a lot about Hawaii and its visitors. With Aloha meaning hello and goodbye, maybe that’s where the path back begins.
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As Barry stated, “It’s so hard to believe that Hawaii has become an unappealing destination.” This breaks my heart and unfortunately my heart agrees with Barry!
I noticed crumbling infrastructure too, when I visited Kuaui October 2024, and also when I visited the big Island (Kona area ) , & Maui March 2025 . Mostly noticed public restrooms at most public beaches were in very bad shape , and not very clean . I could sense a negative vibe from most locals wherever I went , I did however enjoy the natural beauty of all the Islands , my favourite was Kuaui, and yes I will be returning for better or worse.
Until Hawaii returns to being affordable for the regular class tourist. Peace Out..
I just spent 2 weeks in Hawaii with my oldest daughter! I grew up there but have lived in Canada over 30 years! I spent one week on the Big Island where my best friend lives! Yes the hotels and restaurants were expensive but we enjoyed every minute! Madame Pele was active and spectacular! Same on Oahu! But I got to spend time with some of my treasured school friends! Well worth every old memory that I hold deep in my heart! Yes the traffic is awful, it’s expensive but we’ll worth it! Can’t take your bank account with you when you pass, but the memories will always be there!
Imagine how great Hawaii would be with competent leadership…
We avoided Hawaii for the past 4 years due to fees and hotel prices. We recently gave the Big Island another try. We booked a room through a popular airline website and when we arrived at the hotel we were told that valet parking was mandatory. My booking showed only self parking available..but it didn’t disclose that self parking was on the street. Ouch. As indicated in BOH comments, the exterior of the hotel and the lobby were great. The rooms were another story. We stayed at this property in 1976 on our honeymoon and I swear the room hasn’t been updated. Total blah. And the sliding door to the bathroom was crooked and didn’t close proper. No more Hawaii for us.
I’m first to say we don’t do Hawaii on the cheap we stay at high end resorts in Wailea or BI, but that doesn’t mean we’re not getting value for our dollar.
We just returned from a 8 night stay at Grand Wailea our 8 night stay included a rental car, 1,220 dollars worth of dining credit, 2 spa treatments at 220 each, no resort fee, upgraded room garden view room which actually had an ocean view, a 357 Costco card and no resort fee. Price 5,833.00, plus another 5 percent kick back cause I used my Costco card.
Yes Hawaii isn’t cheap, but there’s value if you know how to book it.
I’ve got similar packages booked for October for both Wailea and BI I have until August to chose which we will be taking.
To all of you that feel that Hawaii is no longer a place you want to visit; here in Hawaii the citizens are also unable to take a “staycation” because of the high hotel prices. We can feel your pain. Combat this by complaining to the corporations that run the hotels and resorts. It is not the people who take care of the properties it is the CEO’s that want more and give less. The people who take care of you while visiting Hawaii have 3 jobs to keep a roof over their heads, let alone raise a family. Living in paradise is not paradise. Most don’t even see the ocean unless their job takes them close enough. Have you seen the prices in the grocery stores here? If we didn’t have Costco, I don’t know what people would do. I’m sorry that Hawaii is outpricing itself. Just remember it is not the Hawaiians, it’s the corporations that are pricing Hawaii out of your budget. It is not the Aloha that is given to you freely by Hawaiian’s. They are the one’s that are hurting the most.
One’s experience in Hawaii can be dependent on a variety of factors, not least of which is the island you visit, and the season. We’ve gone almost annually for the past 20 years but the value proposition feels less compelling every year as hotel fees and airfares go ever higher, along with food prices. Those things take a away from the magical feel of going to the islands – as if there’s some corporate overlord with their hand out everywhere you go. We’ve been able to find “off the path” experiences every trip which puts some of the magic back and helps balance things out. But it’s getting ever more challenging to do so.
We reached the breaking point after our last visit in 2023. Prices have gotten out of hand. And now we see that they are charging additional fees to visit many of the parks with beaches. We made 15 trips to the islands and have a hundreds of hours of wonderful memories from all 5 islands that we have visited but we’ll look to spend our money in other tropical places in the future. Mahalo, Hawaii!
We will continue to visit HI as we have cultivated friendships with some amazing people over the years. The islands are beautiful with each being unique in its own way. I feel very safe in HI and don’t need a passport to travel there. Not ready to visit a developing country and expose us to crime to save a few bucks on a trip. I will continue to support the islands and the people by leaving a little something extra for the housekeeping team, giving a bigger tip to a valet person and the shuttle drivers who take us back to the airport, tipping the server who gave us outstanding service a bit more than normal. The next time you visit HI, if this is truly your last visit, think about what keeps calling you back to the islands, is it people, the memories, the music, the food, the beautiful landscapes and beaches? Are you willing to overlook some flaws in your accommodations or seek new accommodations on the same island or a different island? I hope to see you in HI. Welcome home…
Well said Cheri!
My sentiments exactly.
Aloha!
We love our Hawaii and everything it has to offer – especially the Big Island! Perhaps I have my rose colored glasses but the infrastructure here looks no different than the mainland. Doesn’t matter where you travel in the US – you still get hammered as a visitor with extra charges, taxes, and fees. Exhibit A is Florida where I think they tax the air you breathe (I know this because I live there)!
Kauai County will receive only 0.5% ( that’s correct – 1/2 of 1%) of the recently passed State biennial budget. Hard to do any repairs and improvements to beach facilities and infrastructure. This is public record. What’s not public record is how much revenue Kauai County generates and sends to the State in Honolulu. That speaks volumes
That is definitely the biggest part of the problem. At least it seems to be. So much money flows into your state via fees and taxes yet it does not seem to flow back out to the needs that support the tourism that generates the income. Corruption? The need to vote out some very dishonest and unscrupulous politicians?
As a resident an active outdoorsman I can attest to the crumbling infrastructure at parks, trails and recreation areas. Where exactly does the $$$ generated through tourism go?!?! I’ve never understood why a place with such God-given beauty is treated with such disrespect by the state failing to upgrade or at least maintain the public lands. And those junk cars scattered throughout the islands…really!
We have made a dozen or more trips to Hawaii since 1995. We just stayed at one of our favorite locations – Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island. The resort has changed significantly and I doubt that we will ever return. The Ocean Tower has been made into time share. The canal boats across the resort are no longer operating. The Boat Landing bar has been closed. The resort was famous for all the statues artwork along its walkways – about a third of it is missing. The lobby used to have parrots which added to the tropical vibe – they are now gone – between parking and resort fees it adds another $100 to the daily bill – we are unhappy with the changes and doubt that we will ever return.
If you think anything will change, How much do you want to bet it will not, it will get worse?
The natural beauty of Hawaii, especially Kauai where we visit, is still there and is the main reason we return almost annually. However, we’ve also noticed the deterioration of the parks, roads, beaches and beach bathrooms- the one between the Kiahuna Plantation and the Kauai Sheraton Hotel is atrocious. It makes us wonder where all these extra fees aimed at improving these places actually go, if not to the General Fund permitting legislators to do whatever they want with them. Hawaii has significant problems, but the residents keep voting for the same people and political party, thinking things will change, which is a commonly used cliche, but in Hawaii’s case, it’s all too real.
You are missing the point. The locals are getting exactly what they voted for. They keep their taxes low, and charge the tourists. Eventually there will be less tourists and then they will see the true cost of paradise.
Not maintaining and caring for the source of all that income is pretty unwise. I pray the citizens do wake up and vote for some serious leadership changes.
All the micro-analysis continues to point to the reality expressed by Milton Friedman: “Put government in charge of the Sahara, and it will run out of sand in a few years.” Its the death of a thousand cuts imposed by the people running the state that will continue to diminish the state’s allure to tourists and the resulting economic damage the good people of Hawaii will experience. No “solutions” will change anything until the core problem is addressed by the voters.
For every past traveler who says their most recent visit will be their last, there is a new first-time traveler just dying to come to Hawaii to take their place. While Hawaii continues to struggle with maintaining infrastructure, let’s be honest, a significant part of that is caused by overuse by too many people. That doesn’t excuse deferred maintenance, which seems to be the official Hawaiian pastime. But most places around the globe face similar struggles, with facilities and services buckling under the relentless demand from overtourism. I don’t have a solution other than letting natural equilibrium sort it out.
Been going to the Hawaiian Islands for 20+ years and will try the Caribbean this summer for a change. It’s more difficult to get to, so I’m not as excited for this trip as I am to return to Kauai next spring!
Hawaii is still the most beautiful place I’ve been to, feel safer since it’s in the US, and the aloha spirit is still there, even if it’s less obvious lately.
We’ll continue to visit.
If the money collected was actually spent on what they say it’s for, that would be one thing. Both the resorts and the State of Hawai’i. All the fees collected by the State go into the general fund, not for any “Hawaiian cultural/ecological upkeep.” They have been plucking the golden goose for years and years and I’m afraid she is bare naked. With Green only wanting the rich and famous and willing to sell Hawai’i to them, the “average” tourist is a hasbeen. Until Hawai’i has an industry other than tourism, they need to wake up.
My last trip to the Islands is going to be in October. Between rising costs and the decline of loyalty benefits with the Alaska purchase of Hawaiian, I’ll take my business elsewhere. You can get 5 star hotels for under $100 a night in Asia.
Excellent thoughtful and insightful article. After 60 years of traveling to Hawaii I can honestly say that mentally I agree with Barry regarding the public infrastructure and hotel/resort deterioration, but my heart is with Scott in the emotional pull of the islands. These are indeed very challenging times for all who love Hawaii.
Aloha to all.
We’ve been going to Hawaii for about 35 years, mostly Kauai. We’ve been timshare owners since 1995 – we knew that we would want to keep coming but wouldn’t want to pay the cost when retired. It has been wonderful. We have gone from being able to do the Kalalau Trail to having to rent a scooter from Gamies to do the Kauai Bike Train, but it’ still beautiful and meaningful to us. Our timeshare has been wonderful and was renovated last year. The people who work there are wonderful, helpful, and friends now.
We also spent a lot of time in Europe, Australia, South America and various places on the Mainland, but Kauai is the one we go to now, and every year. Its beauty and charm haven’t worn out after 35 years. Nothing is perfect, whever you go, and life goes on. Accept any thing less than perfect and enjoy the rest. Aloha and Mahalo.
Although I have only been able to visit the Islands twice, I want to
say how much I agree with Scott: from the first moment that I
experienced the spiritual depth & beauty of Hawaii, I knew that
no other place I had ever been could compare. Last year we stayed
at a small economy hotel on the Ala Wai, & ate market food on
the beach. The Manoa Valley, Lanikai hike, Kei Iki beach, Waimanalo…
no need to spend $$$$ to receive the gift of Hawaii. And Kauai? There
are no words to express the life changing beauty there!
I just came back from a trip to Egypt. I felt more welcome there than I have the last 2 years in Hawaii. I only know a few Arabic words but everyone was so accommodating. They wanted to make sure I saw all the sights and were proud to show them off….I have so many places to stay when I go back! Lately in Hawaii I feel like everything has become sacred, but each sacred area is treated differently on what you can and can’t do. I’m not sure I will be back for my 3 month stay next year.
I love Hawaii! It’s my favorite place to be. I am going next week and am already planning my next trip which will hopefully be next year. I don’t worry about how much it costs because it is always worth it to me.
The value proposition (what you receive for what you pay) has been slipping for years.
All this occurs as the touchpoints for tourists continue to decline. The broken facilities described in this article, airports that don’t function well, infrastructure that has been broken for *years* yet continues to get worse.
All of this while costs for tourists continue to increase via fees, taxes and hotel prices rising much faster than the rate of inflation. The obvious question is where are all these tourism dollars going? The fees are always pitched as being a mechanism for mitigating tourism impacts, yet there is no visible evidence that they’re being used for this purpose. The money disappears into the General fund and is spent with no accounting to the electorate.
The citizens of Hawaii should demand a full forensic accounting of their government. I believe they would be amazed at the results.
We used to come to Maui every year,sometimes twice. We used to own three timeshares. The last time we were there(2024) will more than likely be the last! Even with the fire damage in Lahaina and Kula,it was a cold and unwelcome feeling. That was something we had never experienced before.
Aloha Hawaii!! We are so incredibly sad. We had planned on moving there at some point,not anymore! The feeling just isn’t the same anymore. There was no place on earth for us like Hawaii, now no more.
Aloha! I agree with most of this article, but let’s look a little differently. It’s true that people feel nickel and dimed with all the fees. And now a council member wants to use fees for sewer upgrades because “the tourists use them”. Isn’t that what they’ve been charging the hotels, etc. for all along? One way to overcome the perception is one cost out the door. By showing extra fees, the receipt looks like you’ve been to CVS. The council could go further: charge for water, charge for trash disposal, charge for street cleaning, charge for maintaining stop lights, ( oh wait. That’s what the red light/speeding cameras are for). Bottom line is, you need more Aloha. It is a fact more visitors are coming, but it’s due to more population in the world looking for escapes. Setting times and limits on attractions or helping with cleanups makes it a job, not relaxation. It’s a lot of expense for the privilege of getting to work on your time off. Thank you.
Aloha from a Canadian who regularly spent 2 months on Moku O Keawe for the past 10 winters. We won’t be returning in 2026.
It has nothing to do with the cost or Spirit of Aloha, it has everything to do with the uncertainty of and anger towards your National Administrstion in Washington, DC.
Their back and forth on Customs and Immigration rules and recent detentions has made us reluctant to even travel to Hawaii. Add to this the ’51st State’ BS and tariffs (after the “greatest of all deals” USMCA was circumvented) we just can’t support the USA right now.
We will Never visit the continental US ever again.
We are fully aware that Hawaii is not the mainland, but its too risky at this time. Maybe an administration change will make us feel more open to travelling there again.
Mahalo and E kala mai
I’m with you. Happy to live in Hawaii, but deeply saddened by everything. Big fan of Alberta!
We just returned from a short vacation (4 nights) on Oahu. My daughter had decided to elope and was married on Secret beach. The officiant was wonderful. It was such a moving experience for the couple and for me. The spirit of Hawaii and magnificence of the islands in the middle of the Pacific is awesome and that is what we return for year after year. Yes, it’s expensive. We save up for it. We usually stay in rented condos, but we stay in the Royal Hawaiian too. We aren’t looking for a slick shiny hotel. We are looking to float in the Pacific, see fish and whales, smell the floral scents and absorb and give aloha.