Visitors and residents want their share of Hawaii’s beaches. What just happened on Kauai and how that contrasts with the latest Maui beach plans.
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167 thoughts on “Visitors Confused: Kauai Beach Protests + Maui Beach Rules And Fees”
Visitors and residents want their share of Hawaii’s beaches. What just happened on Kauai and how that contrasts with the latest Maui beach plans.
We stayed at deluxe cottages and were charged 40.00 each day for yard maintenance for the 11 days stay. Also, parking 30.00 for parking each day. YWe had to walk far ways to get to our vehicles for there was a luau every night. In our mid 70’s that was an inconvenience. Did not think charging 7.00 a day more for valet was right. Also the cottages were really nice , but there should be a small kitchen included for the prices we paid. Remember for Canadians the money exchange adds up to. Thank you.
Hawaii has had a tourist based economy for years. After 2 years of lock down, lost income, lost job, etc. Hawaii is hurting for money. Some non-thinking locals that were getting “covid” subsidies got used to that and wanted to keep things just like that. The local government is now also hurting for money and is trying to increase the tourist taxes to make up for 2 years of no income.
It’s an Unfortunate and Inconvenient Fact that “some people” want the Free Money to keep going. They, the ignorant and spoiled, Want things their way and none other. Too bad it’s ended and hopefully never to return. Get a Job, Contribute to the Economy and get paid,try something New and Different. Suddenly things may seem better to you, maybe you will appreciate things better.
KAPAPAKI….one of you headlines in large letters spells Kalapaki wrong. Just a note for your editor.
Hi Kalaea.
Thanks!
Aloha.
Am sorry to hear of the new “fees” for visitors on some of the islands. Have been visiting the islands, especially Kauai, for three decades on average of once every two years or so. There has always been the special “Aloha” experience up until the last few trips. Definitely felt the lack of that spirit and a hole in my soul for the transformation. Planned every visit carefully, staying in areas that were more of a local vibe. Always seeking out the native culture as much as possible, including dining, tours, music, even shopping. Have made local friends over the years and have had conversations with locals about local issues, so I understand how some tourism has affected many islanders’ lifestyle. Please bring back “Aloha”
I’m a regular visitor of Hawaii for the last 15 years and I’m all for it! Hate seeing visitors trash the islands like it’s their playground. Since their will be less people on the beach, means it will be more peaceful to enjoy.
I was at a local Subway restaurant here on Kauai. A family of tourists came in, ordered some food and left. The “father” of the group shortly returned, asking the cashier for an empty soda cup. The cashier nicely explained to him that the store policy was that he had to purchase a cup. He became furious and said to her “I just tipped you $7.” I cringed. The cashier quietly gave him a cup. I could see the sadness and humiliation in her eyes. That’s the type of entitled arrogance that visits the islands.
It is pretty cheeky charging for a cup after one has been given a $7 tip. Forget that it was a tourist who acted that way. Would the feeling be the same if a Hawaiian father had done that?
This behavior exists in tourist destinations all over the world
One isolated case doesn’t make Every Encounter the same. It was purely Ignorant Behavior that was uncalled for. Should I take an encounter of several Hawaii Residents at the Beach parking area almost passed out Drunk while cursing at non Islanders a Prime Example of what Every Hawaii resident is like?
Ernie. Obviously you do not like Hawai’i or respect the people living here. I suggest finding another visitor destination that suits you better. Aloha.
Greg you Assume too much. I thoroughly Enjoy visiting the State of Hawaii, have been very Respectful to the residents and have more times than not given respect despite ignorance being the return gift, however, not too often thankfully. Cultures, Lands, Customs…I get and Respect them all. I live in a “Vacation Destination State” that has been for over 2 Centuries, much longer than Hawaii. Hawaii does have the Habit and Reputation of Overcharging Tourists to support the Lifestyles of its Residents, something Residents Dispell as mere Fantasy despite being True. Hawaii’s Survival depends on the Tourism that is Hated by some, try and Survive a few more years with None, then we’ll talk about how well you’re living. Don’t assume, Know!
Greg I’m sure that I must have addressed this prior but in case I haven’t here is my response. Oahu is the Only Island that I have visited, only 8 times so far for a total of a total of Over 180 days, even was married there in 2016. If that’s not an enduring love, what is? I care about Hawaii to a point, that point is Economic not much further. Too much reliance on 1 industry that conrols Every Facet of Life and Politics and is Wrong. The “Fleecing” of Tourists is expected, but when and where should it end? While in Hawaii I engage as many people as possible to learn more, I am always touring Oahu to find its hidden gems and treasures that are aplenty. Respect is given and received. I also don’t only visit Hawaii and recognize Beauty elsewh
I’m writing in reference to Parking fees in south Maui. When did Tourist become victims in Hawaii. These parking fees seem to be a really dumb idea,there are many places on the island to go to the beach, where you can park for free. So let’s victimize the people of Kihei and everyone will be parking everywhere they’re not supposed. This will cause more chaos. We the tourist bring money to your economy and jobs. So let’s not victimize the tourist. If this continues you’ll have a wonderfully beautiful paradise with more homeless people than there are now in Maui. If you were going to enact parking fees let it be reasonable $10-$30 a day is absurd this is just a decision without thinking.
Wow, okay, basic history would let you know that if you are visiting, you are half the problem that has lead to why they need to. As person who lives in a tourist state, you as a visitor are entitled to nothing. Sorry but it’s true. The land was stolen, and taken over, and natives have been forced out of family towns they grow up and are moving to the mainland because it’s cheaper. When you have to leave your home are because you are forced out because people with money think they are entitled, that is a problem. Not up for debate, it’s a fac. Locals have the right to enjoy their land. They pay taxes. I am Southern and there is a simple fix, just don’t go there then if you feel you aren’t getting what you paid for.
Land was never stolen and the people never owned by the people. They own more now.
The concept of private ownership of property did not exist in Hawai`i. The Kings were the sovereign owners of all of the land which was in turn controlled by the ali`i nui or high chiefs and tended or farmed by the kanaka or commoners. This system of land use and control is called a feudal system.
Amen. Well said.
Well, you just said it… Someone else owned the land, therefore stolen.
Allowing this to occur is as obscene as a $50 Hawaii entrance fee, where are the Rides at? For $50 I expect a certain amount of Entertainment just like any other Amusing Park.
Unfortunately Some Hawaiians look at Tourists as Cash Machines and Cows, Moo! Governmental Officials believe that Tourists Must Fund Every Social Program, Budget, Vital Infrastructure through Ever Increasing Costs and Fees upon Us. We even pay for the salaries of the People who dream up these Fees! I Feel Your want for Independence, truly, but where does this start being a “Shared” Experience by Everyone and Not Only Tourists? We all can find a common ground where we all take Responsibility. Start accepting that the Politicians and Resorts are getting a Free Ride and that needs to change first! I Love Hawaii and the Culture, that should Never be allowed to change.
I always find it comical that it is the visitors that say ‘Aloha is dying’. Hawaii is not a magical, fairytale place where everything is perfect. We are an isolated island state that has limited resources that we, as residents, would like to keep from being exploited and overused. Aloha is alive and well on Kaua’i.
Kaua’i would be just fine with a couple hundred thousand less visitors a year.
Watch what you ask for as you may receive it. Imagine the island easing back to a time when money was elusive and jobs didn’t pay much. The amount of free time was spent performing tasks that haven’t been necessary until the Tourists disappeared. Beach time is now Laundry Days. Maybe we can bring this back to you!
We would be just fine. Less tourists will not kill us.
I am Aware that the Aloha is Alive and Well, however, it is too frequently being hidden from many due to anti tourist sentiment. Despite this fact I have met untold amounts of Residents that have given the Aloha Spirit that we all dream of, I have been Blessed. Many never see it, truly, because they hardly leave the Resort or Beach nor engage in conversations like I willingly do. That’s a disservice to everyone including themselves. To Deny that there a “Controversial” Residents would be a lie just remember that some feel that their Culture and Heritage is disappearing and are striking out in Fear, I can’t blame them entirely but violence is not the answer. When and Where Cultures Collide too often Many Negatives accompany it.
So true. It would be different if we could purchase a state pass good for the time we spent there like we do on the mainland. Aloha is dying.
Aloha is alive and well on Kauai. I love most of the people who live here, and I love most of those who come to visit. Sure, there are some “stink-eye” locals and some disrespectful tourists but, all in all, most people display aloha, especially when it is shown to them.
For those who want to connect with real life in the islands, I suggest googling “farm stays” for whatever island you have interest in. You may even want to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, helping small farmers to feed those around them.
I’ve felt the “anti-tourist” vibe for years. Most of us love visiting the islands and show Aloha to whomever we meet. However I am disgusted with the “make them pay” fees and will be taking my money to the Caribbean where I feel more welcome and I hope more people follow.
Mahalo
I as a tourist love to come to Hawaii. This aggressive behaviors toward tourists is unwarranted. Most tourists pay a pretty penny to visit Hawaii and come with aloha. But now the people who subsidize your economy are being victimized by whom ever make the rules. So with regards to paying 10–30 dollars every day for parking in South Maui is a joke. So everyone will be street park everywhere and will make business and local even more disgruntled. Bad decision and where is the aloha. You shouldn’t be mad at tourists. But you’ll have a paradise of homeless people if you run off tourists. There are many place on the island to go to the beach. So screw the Kihei business. Don’t bite the hands that feed you.
Many non residents believe they are free to go any where. Not realizing the space they take means a local cannot. Multiply that by the ten of thousands traveler. Travelers have to be realistic. So, how does heir want begin to be ok to replace the generational resident in their home spaces and public places? Very invasive attitude. There has to be limits especially when the demand for these spaces and places are high, over capacity, unreasonable.
I do agree with you partially, more than you are aware, and Tourists seem to be “mostly” self contained in certain high traffic areas for as much as I have seen. My only experience has been with the County of Oahu and the overcrowding of Waikiki and Honolulu, okay Dole Plantation too. Most Tourists stick to certain areas and don’t traverse the Island as I do, that’s the truth. Why some would go into neighborhoods in greater numbers I can only imagine from Experience, a closer look may prove informative of the activities of some neighbors or a problem with roadways. I prefer learning through seeing and talking with Native Hawaiians and Respecting Cultural Areas, they show us the Past.
Wanna go have fun?
Just check the
Live Beach Camera’s.
Every time I do they
appear, essentially empty.
Something has changed.
Aloha,
Tim
Tim this is not just a recent occurrence. From my first vacation on Oahu over a dozen years ago and right up to the present I haven’t noticed much of a change. Where it is typically overutilizing is Waikiki and beaches around the resorts. Most of Oahu’s vast beaches are not being used that much at all. On several occasions I have seen more people at Turtle Beach than at many others. Of course the North Shore is unbelievable when there’s Competitions, what a good place to be when they are. Tourists for the most part stay in the Tourism Area and don’t venture out too often, just enough to feed local hot spots economies.
Like many visitors, we visited the state of Hawaii with respect. Our first visit was Kauai, 1999.Were gifted the trip. Our children loved it. Did our research, went local, picked up garbage.
Subsequent trips were always local based. Shipped back local products. Always aloha!
Had trips scheduled at a tourist condo, at pandemic start. Condo said do not come. We cancelled.
Now we feel like we are being grouped with the bad tourists.
Never would have gone to Hawaii, in 1999. Travel agent pushed Kauai hard. Agents Still pushing Hawaii hard.
When Hawaiians visit the Ozarks, we have seen disrespectful behavior toward locals and the land. It cuts both ways.
The only solution I see is for Hawaii to become a sovereign nation.
It’s one possibility and another is to stop the Tourism for a 3 year period, absolutely none. When 3 years is up we allow 5,000 tourists to test things out. Every 6 months we test it until at year 4 we begin again with full Tourism. How much do you think the Islands will have changed by then?
I just visited Hawaii and it is magical and I can totally understand. Why tourists are frowned upon there. I find it fascinating that it’s always the “money aspect” with them. “We bring money”. Many don’t care and they rather you stay away and keep your money. There is a reason why Molokai is the way it is. The west always believes they are some sort of “positive presence” when all of it was stolen, taken over, colonized like all of these places around the world. Natives have not forgot
I totally understand why local people should have special priorities to access beaches. Soooo many tourists coming to the islands, that have limited resources, has turned paradise into a congested nightmare.
Access to the Beaches have never been a problem when we have visited as many people have claimed, it’s amazing how few tourists bother with any Beaches that are not near the downtown area. Maybe on a couple of other islands an issue may exist, is it where the resorts and hotels are? With all of the Beaches available don’t tell me that there’s no access, I didn’t buy the Brooklyn Bridge and wasn’t Born Yesterday!
born and raised on the big lsand I also work in the tourist industry for 33 yrs. They are not the same as they were before. They have the mindset they have the right to party and trash hawaii because they’re spending money but that’s not true they dont support local bussiness they over crowd out beaches and trash our islands not
To mention spreading covid. We just had the ironman and it was the worst I had ever seen. Things need to change and we want change. If they want to go somewhere else fine there’s no shortage of tourist. Things to be regulated and boundaries set.
How would you feel if where you lived had tourists come in droves and inundate your once local quiet spots, leave trash and beer bottles to watch the sunsets every night and you can’t find a parking spot to surf or go beach at your once local fav spot?
I would tell you that unfortunately it happens too often everywhere that is popular and it has gotten worse. Some of the Same People, age groups, that Hawaiians desire to come are the ones responsible. Driving tourism away will result in disaster, others will decide not to come also. Police should patrol and keep the order, Fines instead of Fees!
Unfortunately, talks to get the state of Hawaii less dependent on tourism by legislators have only remained all “talk.” We are too entrenched in tourism to realistically move to a more self-sustaining economy. Agriculture and green tech continue to be industries we hope our younger generation can focus on to make the state less dependent on the tourist dollar.
The Younger Generation doesn’t want to work as exhibited by the amount of job opportunities. Agriculture is a viable enterprise but Costly due to land valuation, equipment and such. Hawaii needs to be inventive, creative, and with the correct industries to help break away from tourism. Hawaii isn’t ready to make any commitment for the future other than Tourism. Tried and True Money Making off of the backs of others!
That’s hilarious! How many of the hotels do you think are owned by Hawaiians? I think the Hawaiians we’re fine by themselves until the colonizers came and started exploiting the islands. Do you really think the colonizers came before the Hawaiians?
$30 is usury for beach parking outside Waikiki. Guess we’ll go to other beaches, or park elsewhere and walk.
BOH Guys;
I’ve done a little research. Here are the stats for the number of (total) visitors to Hawaii past and estimated: (from debt . Hawaii. gov website)
2019 (pre-covid) 10.2M
2020 2.7M
2021 6.7M
2022 (estimated) 9.2M
2023 9.8M
2024 10.2M
2025 10.5M
Note that the number pre-covid is less than the projected number for the next two years. What really is going on here? Perhaps there is a bit of over-reaction? Would really like to hear your opinion on this.
So while I understand that QOL and sustainable tourism
So while I understand that QOL and sustainable tourism are important to all concerned I am at a loss to understand why there is so much animosity.
Hi Mike.
Overall tourism numbers are, at this point, mostly down due to the lack of international visitors. So when you say overreaction, do you mean the state or residents are overreacting?
Aloha.
Not to beat a dead horse… Im an older gent and remember a much more mellow Kauai, but what do you expect when you have so many flights going in and out. Now I hear Delta is adding another direct flight. I don’t see how adding more fees is really going to do much to stop the inundation. The cruise ships are another problem. But that is a subject for later. Aloha
Thanks for the reply. I guess I would phrase my question this way. I see (over)reaction on all sides of this issue. I think that the HI residents got spoiled during covid not having all those visitors around (understandable). The state reacted to residents concerns by coming up with a plan to get fewer tourists who spend more thus keeping revenues the same. Visitors are reacting because they don’t like paying more. The debate seems to be getting more vituperative.
It’s all pretty simple for me. I don’t go to HI at the drop of a hat but I am willing to pay more if it guarantees a better QOL for residents and a sustainable, enjoyable visitor experience. I’m just entirely not sure this plan will work.
Hi Mike.
We aren’t sure where this will all end up either. It’s a work in process and the state and its marketing partners are – well, don’t get us started. At the end of the day, Hawaii has to provide an excellent product where the perceived value is equal to or greater than the amount visitors spend. And that in relation to other current options, which are definitely going up in cost at the same time.
Aloha.
Simply Put, Covid restrictions forced people to hibernate and now that it is over people are fulfilling their bucket list for travel. After a Transitional phase of a few to several years things may reduce to a more normal number. I believe that much of this will depend upon world events. 3 to 5 years it should be normal again if the numbers are close to accurate. If Hawaiians dissuade tourism all bets are off.