Visitors Confused: Kauai Beach Protests + Maui Beach Rules And Fees

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.

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167 thoughts on “Visitors Confused: Kauai Beach Protests + Maui Beach Rules And Fees”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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    1. 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.

  3. 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”

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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    1. 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?

    2. 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?

      1. 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.

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        1. 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!

        2. 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

  6. 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.

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    1. 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.

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      1. 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.

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    2. 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.

    3. 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.

  7. 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.

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    1. 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!

    2. 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.

  8. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  9. 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

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