Hawaii’s tourism plans are in real trouble. Read why.
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167 thoughts on “Hawaii’s Tourism Plans Marooned Again, Mired in Latest Controversy”
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Hawaii’s tourism plans are in real trouble. Read why.
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Mahalo BOH for this extremely interesting debate. I feel that what some are missing here is that Hawaii as a state truly has to look at other was of sustaining itself, 2019 proved to be a wake up call that there has to be controls on tourism, 2020 proved that we needed better ways to take care of ourselves should we be cut off from mainland deliveries. It’s sad that some cannot see what we are dealing with at this time.
Hi Paula.
Thanks for your input on this and your other comments.
Aloha.
Paula,
Not sure about 2019. Other than 2020, we have vacationed in Hawaii for decades. What happened in 2019? I was there but perhaps missed it.
Mahalo.
Rod, I was also interested and found this:
“Then as the vacation rentals market grew, Hawaii had more than 10 million visitors in 2019 — a record that caused some residents to complain about capacity issues.”
So it sounds as if the residents were having misgivings about the numbers well before the pandemic.
We’ve all read about cities worldwide that have been experiencing this for years (eg Barcelona, Venice)
Mahalo PEGM, that is exactly what I was referring to.
Hi Peg,
I went to the HTA, and this is what I found. I admit up front, the numbers were not as clear as I would like, at least to me. But, if I read the charts right 2019 saw a dramatic decrease in tourism in Hawaii:
2016 12,020,545
2017 12,235,608
2018 13,239,175
2019 10,243,165
2020 3,157,946
That’s interesting. Wondering if it was the previous several years that gave residents the feeling that they were being overwhelmed.
We spent Nov through end of Feb 2020-21 on Kauai, and from early December until we left, it was nearly tourist free. A bit surreal. You could easily drive places, always get parking, and good service in places that had employees. If you were not dependent on tourism, it was pretty great. I get that it is not sustainable, but it gave residents a taste of life with no tourists, and they loved it. Now, the crush is back.
Peg,
It’s probably one of those love-hate relationships. Just as it might also be with the military.
It’s difficult – the Hawaiians have what everyone wants – a piece of paradise. But, even in paradise, people have to eat. There aren’t a whole lot of ways to make enough money in Hawaii-the state depends on tourism and the military. In a sense, Hawaiians, are prisoners in their own state – which causes resentment. But, that’s not their fault & not the tourists’ fault – it’s geography & weather.
I did find this, also from HTA:
“A total of 10,424,995 visitors came to Hawaii in 2019, an increase of 5.4 percent from the 9,888,845 visitors in 2018”
So, not really sure of our numbers!
Peg,
Hard to say. One thing is for sure – it’s a lot of people. Especially with a state population of 1.5 million.
But NYC has a pop of approx 8 million and had 65 million visitors in 2018.
I just think that Hawaii has a good thing going – don’t ruin it.
My suggestion: In any tourism planning, Keep Two well respected economic principles top of mind:
1. Supply vs demand: If you mandate reduced visitor flow in the face of static supply (of hotel rooms, rental cars, etc), prices will skyrocket! (Remember rental cars!) And price controls will often dry up the supply.
2. Private organizations and businesses nearly always accomplish the objectives better and at less cost than government organizations. Best wishes! Jim E
Absolutely correct, Liam! When they stopped the Airbnb’s from outside Waikiki the only thing they did was hurt the locals who ran them. I think it is a good idea to limit ownership of rentals to “x” amount per permanent resident with proof of ownership in order to stimulate economy for locals. Also the overdevelopment of hotels by outside corporations has always been an issue. It’s time to convert defaulted hotels into housing for the elderly and homeless. Hawaii has ignored them too long.
You obviously do not live in an area of interest to tourists. Airbnb ruins neighborhoods, this has happened worldwide. That has caused this backlash.
Peg, that’s a “NIMBY” (not in my back yard) comment. While I am in favor of good zoning laws, telling someone what they can or can’t do with their property isn’t fair. That’s why I suggested limited the amount of ownerships of Airbnb’s. It’s supposed to be private people renting their one or two income properties, not a corporate group buying up all the condos in a neighborhood (hence good zoning). It can be done!
I remember watching a YouTube video in the middle of the lockdown from think tech Hawaii. They had 4 panelists and all I heard was tax, tax, tax. One person said add another 40% onto the hotel and rental car tax. Hawaii has so many advantages for tech and other opportunities but as long as they had these same people who looked like they have all been working for the state 50 years nothing will ever change. You have Larry Ellison, Zuckerberg, beZos and others who live that place. Reach out !!!!
Excellent Point Jeff S.
At this point… I really do have to wonder if there is any reason for the HTA/HVCS to market Hawaii as a tourism destination – everyone knows, most everyone would like to go. Save the tax dollars.
Let the airlines do the advertising for you. And the Hotels, if they actually think they have enough vacancies for it to matter.
One thing we can all be assured of is if it a government entity of any kind making decisions the results 100% wrong.
Control tourism count by implementing a destination permit. Establish the cap and issue (sell) permits online. Only to individuals / not companies (airlines, hotels, B&Bs, tourist cos., charters.
That’s Un-American, Bill.
BOH, thank you for summing this all up! I agree with comments that Hawaii also needs to focus on other areas for self sustainability like agricultural advancements however, tourism is such an immediate issue (a huge source of income for the state yet also a HUGE source of problems for the state and residents) that I feel it needs laser focus to come up with a solid plan that will benefit the state and the residents now and in the long term. All the whiny comments from mainlanders…SEE YA 👋🏼
Hi Michelle.
Thanks for your comments and the input on really important topic.
Aloha.
I couldn’t agree more! Even if I AM a whinny mainlander, at least for now.
I agree that Hawaii needs to find some kind of balance and other industries to sustain the economy. The pandemic certainly opened up your eyes to how much you rely on tourism. However, to continue to raise the fees and taxes on those of us who love your islands is not the route to go. As many of the other comments have stated we will take our dollars elsewhere. I’m not sure where some of the people think because we have come to enjoy the “aloha” we do not have bottomless pockets.
It seems to me that the state as a whole is still in the planning/debate phase of their thinking, this is going to take awhile.
Aloha Guys
Hi Roy.
True that; it’ll take a while. And yet some inevitable changes are becoming clear.
Aloha.
Roy,
Hawaii is a desirable vacation state. The problem is most of the tourists end up in few places.
The state working with the hospitality industry should work on spreading the tourist out more. Not everyone who comes to Hawaii needs to stay in Honolulu or Waikiki. And not everyone who comes to Hawaii needs to stay in Oahu. Hawaii has something that states without it can’t create – fabulous vacation weather. Use the weather and facilities to create more interest elsewhere in Hawaii.
Rod, you seem blithely unaware that the other islands — especially Kauai and Maui — are already horribly over-touristed. They need a reduction in the numbers of tourists and cars, for the sake of quality of life for their inhabitants.
And the lion’s share of the tourist revenue goes to huge corporations — the hotel chains and car rental conglomerates, etc. — it does not stay local or benefit local people.
Cathy,
Apparently, you are better at hurling insults than understanding the written word.
Gotta say this: There are other areas that can be developed, but NIMBY is preventing it. Imagine new pristine beaches on Molokai and Lanai. With the money that goes to Waikiki development it could be done. Might need some Eminent Domain. Oh No!!
And the recent tax additions are not in the Aloha spirit. They are Gouging!
Regarding taxes placed on tourist accommodations
I recently visited for one month, rented a modest condo, just the taxes and fees, alone added another couple of grand. No pool or any other amenities. Parking would have added almost another thousand if a car was affordable.
I did a lot of shopping and these charges are par.
Should mention in 2019 I paid in advance for a 2 month stay in 2020. When airlines stopped flying I cancelled…condo owner refused to refund. Rented for9yrs.
They don’t need to try too hard I don’t plan on going back to Hawaii though it used to be one of my favorite places on Earth. Too much nonsense for too long at the cost of those who want to visit. They’ve really messed things up in Kauai. Only the super-rich I think can visit Hawaii now anyway, and maybe that’s all they care about.
Thanks for the easily-digestible view of the HTA’s plans and problems. A key issue seems to be that many tourism-reliant businesses market the entire state as a paradisaical theme park. This leaves tourists disappointed when locals don’t act like theme park employees, and locals are insulted to be treated as such. Hawai’i is not Six Flags, it is a unique combination of cultures that overtourism is killing.
Hi Robbos.
Thanks for your interesting input.
Aloha.
With respect, if this is the case then the HTA needs to go away and stop spending the Millions of dollars spent each year to “invite” Tourists to come and “experience Aloha”. Especially, if we are contributing to the overtourism. They cannot have it both ways. My family and I come because we love HI and feel differently there. We have been smitten since the first visit in 1995. Others come because this is what they have been “sold”. N opportunity to experience Aloha like the images in the ads.
Kudos to Robbos for a valuable understanding of the tourism dilemma that Hawai’i is experiencing! We have a number of long-time friends who are long time Hawai’i residents and have expressed concern over recent tourism trends, in particular how their state government has not – in their view – responded to the dearth followed by sudden overwhelming influx of visitors. We hope for adoption of a sensible visitor plan. Blessings Jim E
Hawaii let them build their skyrise hotels,ruin the view and make some beach fronts off limits for the locals. Now you say the tourists are too many after you advertise everywhere to reel them in! Too much of a good thing but you were the ones who started it to line your own pockets and see where it has gotten you.
And while I support that the tourists must be careful not to do things such as leave trash behind etc. I was astounded that the rural parts of the islands are in terrible disrepair with old furniture and broken down cars left in front of broken down houses. The locals need to respect their land too and they set the example as well although good manners and respect should come naturally to all of us.
Apparently they want tourism management not tourism marketing. Marketing will reach far more people than just management and it sounds like they are targeting those with money to spend. It all sounds good, but when the local economies start suffering, I would bet they will be encouraging more tourism to anyone. They have already raised the nightly rates and taxes so high, that many are no longer able to consider Hawaii as a destination they can afford, along with rental cars.
Hmm, currently I’m vacationing on the big island and I think it’s nice but after all I read here and that they don’t seem to want tourists in Hawaii I will plan my next vacation somewhere else. I don’t need to visit where not welcomed. Too bad Hawaii can’t see that their main income comes from tourism.
But, point #3 states that there are too many tourists so maybe this is working out just fine for Hawaii. I know I would appreciate less tourists and I’m a tourist.
Peg, I’m a tourist also – since 1965. And, I love the crowds. Sure traffic can be slow. But that has little to do with tourists – the design of the streets and the highways.
Basically, when I go to a tourist destination, I expect to mingle with tourists – lots of tourists. Tourists leaving money for the local economy.
Few tourists = lousy experience or off season.
Well, we each vacation in our own style. Hawaii barely has an off-season.
Peg,
So true, in the 57 years that I’ve been vacationing in Hawaii (dozens of times), I think I’ve visited every season. And, in the early days I visited more islands than now.
But my favorite time to come is June because the daylight is at its peak. And, it’s been only Oahu for many years, especially as my mobility has been challenging.
Rod, the problem isn’t just the crowds, it’s also the destruction caused by the crowds.
Yes Joerg, and when I watch videos of other favored places worldwide, such as Venice, I cringe. One good thing about getting old is that I had the luxury of seeing many places before we all overran them.
Joerg,
“Rod, the problem isn’t just the crowds, it’s also the destruction caused by the crowds.”
Isn’t that what all the taxes are for – cleanup, maintenance, and repair?
A lot of the damage can’t be “repaired”, it’s just too many people tramping around. Somehow, the sheer numbers need to be cut back. That becomes a complex problem since Hawaii’s economy is so dependent on tourism.
Joerg is correct to a point. The reef at Hanauma Bay was decimated by both tourists and locals until controls were put in place. I think that is necessary across the board.
You are right on MC. The anti-visitor mentality is very easy to spot.
It doesn’t end with visitors…too many “locals” look to divide into us/them and expose that “Aloha” is a broken-down marketing tool.
Visiting other places where not just visitors but everyone is treated with friendliness and kindness it really exposes the bad attitudes of so many on the Big Island and throughout the state.
Funny, we just got back last week from the Big Island, and we didn’t have any major ani-tourism issues. Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful. We had a great time there and came home relaxed and rested. However, I completely agree with the previous poster that said that Hawaii is a state, it’s not Six Flags and everyone who lives there shouldn’t be viewed as a park employee.
Alienate tourists? How about worrying about the residents they are also alienating. Hawaii needs a multi-pronged approach that limits tourism, adds other industries, and addresses the ever-worsening local residential housing market. Our pockets are less deep than tourists are. How many of us are visiting 1K per night condos?
Anyone ever heard of not biting the hand that feeds you? You have one thing that attracts people. And many locals are dependent upon that. Anyone with half a brain would conclude the pandemic limitations on travel to the islands would resonate with the government, but, hey, they either don’t understand – or worse – don’t care.
We’ve begun our planning for other destinations and will take our $$$ somewhere else. Good luck.
I feel we need to look at other industry besides tourism to balance our state. We need to put more money into agriculture and other businesses that will promote more sustainability within the islands. Growth of our state in ways that will help our residents live a full & happy life, we certainly want to welcome visitors but not the way it’s been in the past. We’re not wanting to “bite the hand” we just want it to be handled with balance.
Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for the updates!
This is one wild ride here. As a long time local, I can tell you that there’s nothing that will make everyone happy. People seem to want to be miserable these days. It breaks my heart to see this lack of Aloha and discord.
There’s no where on Earth like Hawai’i.
If you don’t want to come, go elsewhere. Just stop tearing us apart.
Aloha and blessings to you always 🌺
Keep on this path and you will be killing your “Golden Goose” We are all sick of the attitude of the locals. Maybe your problems will go away if Tourists stop coming to the Islands. Welfare needs to be funded. Without the Tourists where will the money come??
Sharon K. I agree. Hawaii did it tough through the pandemic lock downs an lack of tourists, all we saw on different travel blogs was ‘Hawaii need their tourists back, we can’t wait to welcome them’. Now it would appear things have changed, but as you say, they rely heavily on the tourist dollar because they have no industries to make up for it. I have visited once, it was the holiday of a lifetime and we took many wonderful memories and new found friendships back home with us. That won’t repeat.
Why not just do away with the Hawaii tourism authority all together and save that multi million dollar budget. Why produce flyers, videos, TV commercials etc when most residents and Hawaiian politicians don’t really want the tourists because all we do is destroy the islands but you sure do love our money. How soon Hawaii forgets how the streets were when Covid hit, yeah they were nice and empty but the shops/restaurants etc couldn’t survive. Be careful what you wish for.
Hawaii is becoming a destination for the rich only! Having vacationed on Maui for several years it is the self entitled rich people who do not respect Hawaii. From leaving garbage on the beach, to walking on the coral, to disrespecting residents. No wonder Hawaii residents have had enough. By making Hawaii accessible only for the wealthy, they will have an even bigger problem down the road. The self entitled are all about me. Be careful what you wish for. I will be considering going elsewhere.
On the contrary, we saw an extreme change in tourist quality when Southwest and other airlines started offering extremely cheap flights. These tourists started renting u-hauls because they were cheaper than cars leaving locals without options. These are the ones who scream loudest that we should appreciate their money. What money? Most of your vacation expense goes to mainland corporations and very little stays in Hawaii. We saw reefs come back to life during Covid and the aina repair itself.
they rented uhauls because the rental car companies shipped their cars to the mainland, no cars were available. I bet you don’t mind spending your $$ in Vegas, you know the 9th island!
We love to visit Hawaii; especially Kauai & the Big Island. When we come, we don’t stay in the ritzy resorts but own in resorts that allow us to enjoy the local area. We hike & explore, we swim & snorkel, we lay in the sun & read a book, we enjoy sunrises & sunsets, & appreciate the time we have there. We treat the locals as we want to be treated & we love the Hawaiian history & culture. We love eating at small local restaurants supporting these businesses. Sad to see & hear these comments.
Yes, it’s sad to hear so many angry people. Not being sarcastic, I sure hope they do, indeed, not return to the islands.
Sad days.
HTA lol more positions made for the useless children of politicians where nepotism and chronyism runs rampant. Do you really need these?
I agree, what HTA has been doing in the past has been ineffective. But I think that UHERO is underestimating the difficulty involved in what UHERO is proposing as a “solution”. Governance across stakeholders with conflicting interests isn’t easy. Without the teeth that UHERO refers to, the ability of HTA to implement Any plan is going to crash on the rocks of those competing interests and injecting More politics isn’t going to help.
An ongoing concern is that tourists, as the lifeblood of Hawaii’s economy, are regarded as cash cows where resort fees and taxation appear to have no limits. It is expensive to get to Hawaii and expensive to stay there and as the world opens up there are those–me included–who may reconsider travel plans to Hawaii, especially when tourists are not treated with the aloha they expect but rather as burdens to be tolerated in exchange for money. Any tourist board will need to consider these
All this talk about the HTA or whatever you are on about is irrelevant to the average joe’s decision to vacation in Hawaii. Price is the number one factor that will drive supply and demand to the islands. I personally loved it during this past December, it was perfect, like being in Hawaii during the 70s – not crowded at all as all the restrictions were in place. It was a nice change. No international tourists, and no yahoos, it was glorious.
Trying to tent a place for a month. Beyond the other costs we are paying 900 taxes. We are there and spend a lot of money usually. This cuts our budget so we don’t spend as much with the local businesses. I don’t get it.
After reading this article I am still clueless as to just what “tourism governance” really is. Are they talking about better ways to promote Hawaii tourism or are they talking about setting new rules, regulations, fines, taxes and fees for tourists? If they want to reduce the number of tourists, just continue to do the latter. Before long they will get what they wish for, and as we all know, granted wishes can come back to haunt you for a very long time.
Hawaii as of late, seems so out of touch with tourism. They are implementing or raising rates on tourists for everything. They are going to price themselves out of tourists. Their Covid-19 requirements were changed so often on every Island that you couldn’t keep up with what was required. There was no single unity requirement for all shot verifications. If they keep adding charges to tourists they will lose my visitation trips. The government of Hawaii needs to get there priorities straight!
If you continue to hire the same people to do the same job the outcome will remain the same. We know that HTA have not been good stewards of the marketing money that they receive. Perhaps it is time for a whole new look … a whole new campaign and a whole new way of thinking. I have spent my entire career in marketing and this type of thing happens all the time. That is why big accounts leave big agencies … because they get lazy and comfortable.
Keep government out of tourism! This is a no-brained: If you like the post office, you will love having tourism promotion handled by the disfunctional Hawaii state bureaucracy! How long will it take for leaders to realize that private enterprise always does things better than government bureaucracy?
Jim E
Do you still buy into that old trope that business feeds you? The tourism industry in Hawaii only cares about one thing. That’s making more money today than they did yesterday. That means they need to continue to grow the number of tourists coming to Hawaii indefinitely. What that does to Hawaii’s environment, the culture, or anything else they could care less about. So, how do you suggest that Hawaii address the issues because leaving the tourism industry isn’t going to work.
Denigrating the post office is just silly. Are libraries next on your list?
Respectfully but, Oh Brother. Leaving this to the state is a scary thing from my viewpoint being in the tourism business. Nobody should be making decisions about tourism until they walk in the tourist slippas here in Hawaii. When you live here your day to day is much different than the tourist’s experience and state workers haven’t been a Hawaiian tourist for a while if ever. I’ve worked in locals only businesses and tourism and my viewpoint was completely different. No solutions but stay tuned
I love Hawaii, I’ve vacationed there almost every year since the mid 90s, mostly on Maui and the Big Island, but it’s becoming more and more expensive now that although I’ll continue to come, it will be with much less frequency, It would appear that the solution to Hawaii’s tourism problems is to charge alot more for your vacation which will cut down on the crowds while maintaining revenue. Hawaii will become a playground for only the rich. Aloha
We’ve loved going to Hawaii for years. But the taxes and fees are getting to the point of being ridiculous. Costs are going up so much and the Covid requirements are hard to keep up with. I feel like Hawaii is making it clear that tourism is not wanted. We usually spend a good amount of money there. We don’t go cheap, but want to spend our money where we can go and know that we won’t be nickeled and dimed. There’s a lot of other easily accessible tropical areas that we will be visiting instead.
Ok, but how Do you solve the problem of overcrowding? Seems to me that increasing the cost to visit is one way. How else do you do it without reducing revenue? Unfettered growth just isn’t sustainable, even though that’s what the tourism industry wants.
Please unsubscribe me. I’m so tired of all the negativity. Thanks. We can vacation elsewhere.
I believe you need to unsubscribe yourself.
“Oahu will live in joy, abundance, and resilience because visitors and residents understand what is pono, and have respect for each other and the environment.”
Whoever came up with this needs to back off the pakalolo.
Based on how we are being bashed as tourists, I truly feel I need to spend my money and time elsewhere. My favorite suggestion so far was to reduce the number of rental cars available and increase the price. That way only the rich can enjoy the tropics…
So, I literally Just got back from the Big Island. We detected No “anti-tourism”, and Aloha was abundant. I think that perhaps a way can be found to deal with the problem of unfettered tourism growth without losing Aloha.
People rarely comment because they like something. Those who grumble are the same ones that Hawaii would ask that you find another destination. People who live here do notice the grumblers and car honkers (very rare that any local would use their horn).
Then just don’t go, vote with your money. Georgia needs tourists.
Based on the list of federal and state representatives that reflect GA’s priorities (MJT comes to mind), my ex-home-state needs a bit more than tourists.
Tourism only constitutes 20% of Hawaiis annual income, tourism has been overplayed since the early 1900’s. Hawaii after being illegally occupied by the US and it’s military, has become a place to frolic in the sun on our beautiful shores. Hawaiians became the entertainment for rich white people that came to Hawaii for pleasure. Over 128 years our beautiful islands have been overrun by tourist that have no regards to the sensitive culture and resources. Preservation and restoration is crucial.
Only 20%? Sure, let’s cut tourism all together and take a budget hit of 20%. While you’re at it, kick out the military and take another 25% hit to the budget for a combined (minimum) 45% budget hit. Regardless, you say the tourists have no regard for the Hawaiian culture or the state’s resources. I see the same thing but it’s perpetrated by locals. You drive out in the country and you see dozens of broken down, abandoned cars rusting away dumped by locals. You see old refrigerators dumped
From your tone, I can understand why you need a vacation. I hear that Florida is available.
Let’s keep in mind that there’s a difference between “locals”, and Hawaiians. Just because you live in Hawaii doesn’t make you Hawaiian. Hawaiian is an ethnicity, not a location. having said that, I suspect that those rusted out cars were dumped there by “locals”, not Hawaiians. So I think that some of the problem is, indeed, not just tourists and over tourism. Too many people are moving from the mainland to Hawaii and aren’t respecting the land, the culture, or the native people there.
I work in an industry that supports Hawaii Tourism which makes traveling possible for families to afford vacations to Hawaii. However, the union & hotel industry doesn’t like competition. The City Council is looking to pass a bill that will kill the short term vacation rental industry and their contribution to our state.
Tourists from the mainland,like myself,look forward to experiencing the enchantment of our 50th state. My wife & I our planning to celebrate 42 years together & ringing in 2022 New Years in Kauai. We know the importance of being respectful to residents & the land & local culture. We have many tourists coming to Colorado where we live so we can understand. Thank you!
Andrew,
Happy anniversary! In 1975 or 1976 my then girlfriend and I took a multi-island trip to Hawaii and visited the Wedding Waterfall in Kauai. I promised myself that we would marry there.
Fast forward to 1978 & I married someone who I met only 4 months earlier & we celebrated our 42nd anniversary, in Dec/2020. Made our final trip to Hawaii in July of this year. Sold, or should I say, gave away our 2 bedroom, 2 weeks timeshare at Waikiki for a total of $2 to a niece & boyfriend.