What makes for a Hawaii tourist trap? Is it simply too cheesy and not authentic, or is the cost, crowding, or something else entirely? Some recent questions we received got us thinking about this topic, and we’d like your input too.
According to the dictionary, a tourist trap is mainly purposed for visitors instead of locals and could have exorbitant prices. Other tourist traps are from being caught unaware. For example, paying full price for a hotel, airline ticket or car rental without checking for available discount first. Then we all know that airport gift shops are traps because items are priced higher for the convenience of last-minute shopping. Maybe that feels less of a trap because we already know we’ll pay more.
By way of introduction, we aren’t pointing out any businesses, either as tourist traps or as good or bad. We’re merely using some as examples from which to extrapolate.
Hawaii Luaus. Yes or No?
You have to go at least once in your lifetime. But how many visitors go twice or more? Luaus are mentioned most frequently in online searches for Hawaii tourist traps. Some Hawaii luaus we’ve been to leave us cold, but not all. There is an authentic, albeit harder-to-find luau called a Paina, like the one your editors attended pre-Covid that the Molokai Museum hosted.
Luaus tend to be quite expensive, with an average price now about $200, and the food is often mediocre. No matter which luau you look into, scrutinize the reviews. Germaine’s Luau, the video below, is well-known and generally highly rated on Oahu. The comments about it say you either love or hate it. A recent review said, “Best experience I have had in a long time.” Another recent one said, however, “Terrible luau and terrible people who run it. Stay away.” A neighboring Luau, Toa Luau, has the same hit-or-miss reviews. So what the heck?
And on Kauai, the Smith Family Garden Luau is an old tradition and is still managed by the original owners/performers. Reviews include “Our favorite Luau by far. Amazing gardens, good food, and a fun show.” Yet another person just offered, “Oh man, it’s never a good feeling walking away from something feeling scammed. The word “tourist trap” definitely comes to mind… Please do yourself a favor…and take yourself to Gaylord’s… 3 years ago, the luau and food at Gaylord’s were fantastic. Beat of Hawaii has also attended Gaylord’s Luau Kalamaku and would not concur.
We recently saw performers from the Auli’i Luau at an unrelated event, and they were exceptional. On checking those reviews (at Sheraton Kauai), we saw this, “Would not recommend. Worst food we ate on Kauai. No gluten-free entree options. Entertainment was top notch.” Others, however, raved about the food as well, saying, “We took our wedding guests to Auli’i Lu’au after our ceremony at the Sheraton and cannot say enough about how great it was! They were so kind in celebrating us and our special event. The food was delicious, the music and dancing blew us away. Very high quality all around and a great way to celebrate our special day. Would highly recommend this luau. It exceeded our expectations.”
Are these people even attending the same luau?
Or is it related to their expectations? Or something else. Indeed the idea of fake reviews enters into this curiosity somewhere as well.
Hawaii Chain restaurants, including national ones. Yes or No?
Whether it is KFC, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Zippy’s, Burger King, or the Cheesecake Factory, these aren’t either good or bad. But, we often see tourists lined up to frequent these familiar places. We’re left wondering why they don’t try something more unusual or authentic in Hawaii.
Hawaii Souvenir shops. Yes or No?
We’re not calling out ABC. Instead, it’s just those inexpensive souvenirs found everywhere in Hawaii sourced from the Philippines or China. Nuf said. Looking and spending a little more can result in some real Hawaii-made local treasures. The same store that sells lower-cost imports likely also sells those things made in Hawaii. Case in point, ABC Stores. It’s always good not to assume and check where something was made before purchase.
Timeshare presentations. Yes or No?
If this is for you, great. Your editors wouldn’t sit through one for love or money.
Beaches at resorts. Yes or No?
Sometimes wandering away from the beach at your resort, or staying away from the one they recommend, can yield a fantastic result. But not always. Being at the recommended beach may just put you in a big crowd of same-striped hotel towels.
Diamond head hike. Yes or No?
Some have said in other forums that it is overrated and too crowded, even with Diamond Head reservations now being required.
That’s a personal judgment, as BOH gives the Diamond Head hike a great review and something that, at least for us, remains iconic Honolulu.
Only seeing Waikiki. Yes or No?
Honolulu has so much to offer that won’t be found right at the beach in over-crowded Waikiki. Whether that is other beaches further afield like this one, incredible views, waterfalls, and rich and diverse culture.
Waikiki surfing lessons. Yes or No?
While this might be great for kids and may spawn a lifelong interest in the sport, that may not be true for adults. You might want to consider something easier and perhaps more rewarding such as snorkeling, kayaking, or outrigger canoeing. Beat of Hawaii editor Rob disagrees and says, “go for it, even if you’ll never surf again; it’s great exercise and a memorable way to spend half a day. Plus, some great photos.”
Always looking for the place rated #1. Yes or No?
One example is shave ice. So heading to Matsumoto’s (pictured here) will be a great experience. But it may also get you into a horrible line. So too, will Little Fish Coffee at Poipu. There may be alternatives as good or better nearby.
Dole Plantation tour. Yes or No?
Some people love it, while to others, it is merely an overpriced tourist trap. One commenter said, “Although it is a tourist trap, you can learn some informative things throughout the whole place.” Another said, “I was very disappointed prices are inexpensive but totally not worth it. Maze was boring and nothing to the Plantation garden. Should’ve opted for the 20 min train ride, but the wait time was an hour.”
Mauna Loa factory tour. Yes or No?
The nut factory tour may not be as rewarding as visiting local coffee farms, gardens, or beaches. In terms of the reviews, they range from excellent to not-so-good. One recently said, “Horrible rancid nuts,” while another said, “Very disappointed, no real tour or explanation about harvest or anything about the nuts. Very expensive store… Not at all worth the visit. Instead, go to the very cute and free Panaewa Zoo.” On the other hand, we’ve been to Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm on Molokai and found that experience to be exceptional.
Only stopping for the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour. Yes or No?
There is much more to see there; it is all within easy reach. That includes the Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (pictured here). Editors Rob and Jeff disagree about placing this here in relation to a tourist trap. Rob: “I don’t see it as a trap; some people may not realize all that an attraction has to offer. And that’s a good reminder to research in advance.” Jeff: “While I always love the Memorial, my favorite part of late has been the aviation museum.”
We welcome your input about Hawaii tourist traps!
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No matter where you are chain restaurants will always be popular for a number of reasons. First, many people travel with children who were raised on the typical American diet which includes fast food for most families. Children eat with their eyes as much as they do with their taste buds. That being the case, lau lau, poi, purple sweet potatoes, opihi, kailua pork, taro, poke, acai bowls etc. become a tough sell to 4-10 year old children who are only familiar with chicken fingers, French fries, hamburgers etc. There’s a place for chain restaurants in Hawaii if for no other reason than to give parents an easy night out on the islands. Many restaurants have learned the hard way that if you want to bring families into eat there has to be a kids menu that includes things like chicken fingers, French fries, hot dogs of the like.
Timeshares are the biggest scam and not only in Hawaii
Good to know. I have never been there and your comment confirms what I already thought about it.
Please go out to the North shore across from sharks cove to the Foodland…they are stealing people’s money locals and tourists.. the prices are absolutely criminal price gouging.. please do a story on it it has to be exposed go out there yourself and check the prices.. i don’t know if you get money from them or not..if you do you should not accept anymore as they are criminals..That Foodland is stealing everyone’s money because they can..it’s the only place out there they have been doing it for decades.. it’s the ultimate tourist trap but it’s also a local trap as well… Please send a reporter out there and check the prices.. they will be sick to their stomach….Mark…
The biggest tourist trap and farce is the Polynesian Cultural Center. There is nothing authentic about it; look it up criticism of it and learn. Moreover, it exploits young Polynesians to rake in a lot of money for the Mormon church. It’s a zoo with humans on display.
Not surprised that somebody here would seek to defame the Church and criticize its mission to provide educational and work opportunities for young adults from across Polynesia. Let’s not forget that the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown and the language and culture has been under attack since then. The community that surrounds the Polynesian Culture Center has a rich history of perseverance, faith and pride in its historic relationship with the ancient Kingdom and the Kanaka Maoli/Hawaiin. It’s ok to not like the PCC; but let’s not devalue their devotion to the Polynesians Islands and their people.
Educate yourself. For example:
juvenileinstructor.org/hawaiian-history-colonialism-and-the-polynesian-cultural-center/
Rent a car for 2 days and explore! There is so much to see and do off the beaten path. Staying only at beach and bars of Waikiki, is such a disservice to the beauty you’ll find all around the island. Other beaches may not have groomed sand, but are so beautiful you won’t miss it. Take full advantage while visiting the Arizona but be sure to see everything else around it. It’s our history. Don’t miss the Diamondhead hike, North Shore, Pali overlook and driving up Tanlus as well. What a view. Spend a day at Bishop Museum. Why do chain restaurants. Taste what makes Hawaiian food so special. Do you really want to spend 4 hours indoors at a timeshare presentation? Talk to local people and find out what they love. And as always, respect the land.
We have family on the islands a visit often and usually try to embrace true Hawaiian experiences. But.. I kept hearing ads for McDonald’s guava pies and had to try one. We went to McDonald’s and shared the dining area with two lovely and talkative young mothers with their children, a couple of tweens with skateboards and the usual friendly group of retired men meeting for coffee that every small town seems to have. That seemed to have been a pretty local encounter. No touristy hype at all. Don’t write off everything that does not have deep island roots. You never know what you may find!
We have been to Honolulu several times for my husband’s work.if you don’t venture out and go to the Mom and Pop places you have missed a fantastic time. We very rarely eat
In Wakakii, it’s over priced and crowded. Take a drive around the island you will find beautiful views and great people..
This happened at Bloody Mary’s on bora bora but goes to what some tourist choice to eat on vacation and explains why they eat at chain restros. Like something out of the classic snl cheeseburger skit everyone of 5 couples ordered a cheeseburger for lunch despite the place being world famous for fresh fish as idk bora has tons of exotic fish swimming like 1 km from their table. I had the barracuda and loved it.
I like the ABC stores. I got the familiar things in Waikiki (Subway and Cheesecake Factory) but I tried island things too. One of these was Poi. I read about two luaus which were recommended to be the best: Old Lahaina luau and the Feast at Lele. I enjoyed them both. Pearl Harbor was very emotional for me. I didn’t visit the Missouri but I would like to. I liked the Dole Plantation. We went to the North shore on Oahu. It was crowded. I think most of Waikiki was there! The line at Matsumoto’s wasn’t too long. I had one shaved ice with the Japanese beans on top. From the picture it looks Diamond Head has a concrete path. If so I would like to do that. I have a son in a wheelchair. We rode in an Outrigger canoe at Waikiki. Great!!
When one considers the fact that 90% of the Hawaiian economy depends on tourism, then one must conclude that pretty much the whole state is a tourist trap. I don’t mean that in a perjorative sense. It’s just a logical conclusion based on an economic reality.
Hawaii to me is a beautiful place. I don’t consider it to be a tourist trap. Tourism is a significant part of the island. If tourists would treat the island with respect they would be more welcome. I had read that some of the natural resources actually did better without the tourists presence.
Aloha! My name is Kathi. I was born in Hawai’i and I’m native Hawaiian, Portuguese, German. I love showing visiting friends and family around the beautiful Islands I’m from. There’s a few must do things on Oahu that I tell them. Polynesian Cultural Center for the entire day, including the Luau and incredible show HA breath of life. Upgrade your package to fit your price range. You can also GWT transportation from your hotel and back. On the ride everything is pointed AR and the legends and stories add an awesome touch. Second thing I tell friends and family planning a visit is come during whale season!! And go on an amazing whale watching cruise! Many offer delicious buffets and shows. The captain alerts everyone where the whales are
We have never been much of a fan of the national fast food joints in Hawaii or on the Mainland. We do very much enjoy the Food trucks ” Manapua Man” Those trucks can be special, especially those that specialize in the locally caught fish.
We’re Kama’aina and have a favorite Luau where we take our visitors. Excellent 5-course dinner served during the show not before, exceptional alcoholic beverages included in the price, private table (no buffet) with entertaining and informative show about 4 different islands. Worth the price. I would like to tell you the one, but I don’t want it to get overbooked!!
Then why are you posting this, if for no other reason than to brag, like “I know something you don’t know, nor ever will”.
Well then, why mention it? I thought this is supposed to be a forum for sharing, for making others’ visits more meaningful. Sounds like you’re just bragging. Thanks for nothing. nothing.
For the benefit of everyone else, it sounds like you may be referring to The Feast at Lele in Lahaina, Maui? I haven’t been to that one though I’ve heard good things, but I do love and recommend their sister lu’au, the Old Lahaina Lu’au, which has both great food (buffet) and wonderful show (I am a hula dancer on the Mainland so I do know my way through a hula show 🙂).
Lala L – the luau you described sounds similar to the one my husband and I went to on Maui. We liked having our own table, and it was right up front by the stage to boot! We enjoyed learning about the different cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand and the history of their music and dancing. The dinner incorporated different dishes from each as well.
We paid $3.00 for a large soft drink at the Burger King in Kappa last year. The McDonalds down the street still had their large soft drink for $1.00.
The real traps are the fly by night companies or visitors who decide to make a quick buck. Unregistered, in licensed n sometimes even dangerous. You see them listed all over facebook but rarely is a biz legit n registered.
This was an interesting read. Mahalo. We’ve been to Hawaii 6 times and have yet to attend a luau. The closest we got, and the the way I would recommend, is waiting in the restaurant’s lounge have a pupu plater with a luau just outside. (Grand Hyatt Kauai)
Another substitute was eating at a fabulous restaurant with good entertainment. (Hui Hui Maui)
We never eat at a chain that we could’ve on the mainland. Why would you do that?! Honestly, BOH offers articles from time to time about where locals will go to avoid tourists. Do a little research, dress down to try to blend better, slide in quietly and do yourself a favor.
I particularly enjoyed the luau at the Aulani. It had all the elements of the other luaus like the food and fire show. The added Disney touch made it all the more special. The pre-meal activities were a hit with the kids. The only downside is the lack of access to see the sunset. I had to rush out of the luau area, catch the sun setting and then rush back in to make sure I got back on time. The bottomless drinks plus free parking made it my go-to luau going forward. It’d be nice if I could afford to stay there, but that’s another post for another time. Mahalo.
Thank you for your informative & fun blog. I think most people overthink this topic. I’ve been visiting Hawaii regularly since 1979. I owned a condo on Kauai for 16 years, and still return to that island multiple times each year. People find what they’re looking for. Whether you’re attending a luau, going to the Fern Grotto, or visiting the Hindu Monastery in Kapaa, just open yourself up to the experience and let it come to you. Treat everyone and everything with respect, and realize that 99.9% of everyone is working hard and hoping that you will enjoy the fruits of their labor. Whatever the activity, take it upon yourself to have a good time.
When did they put in chain link guardrails on Diamond Head? For that matter – that looks like it is quite a distance away from where you crawl out of the lookout to get to the top of Diamond Head – have they extended the trail system around the rim?
The first thing that came to mind when I saw the title of the article was national chain restaurants. Specifically, I thought of the Cheesecake Factory–and then I scrolled down and saw a picture of it! I like the Cheesecake Factory near my home, but would never go in Hawaii. My wife thinks people go there on vacation because they’re from towns that maybe don’t have that kind of restaurant. I will confess, however, that on a recent trip to the Big Island, I ate a meal from McDonalds! I was hanging out with locals and we had a limited amount of time for lunch, and they opted for McDonalds, so I went along. Tourist trap? Not really.
Enjoyed this article. I guess we are easily pleased. We have attended a couple luaus over the years. Our expectations weren’t too high and we were satisfied. Of course, we didn’t pay $209 pp either. Don’t think we ever would. As far as souvenirs … sorry, I am a sucker for the little solar hula girls. No doubt from China. But, I love to visit the mom and pop shops and found lovely hand made dresses for our granddaughter that were high quality (also, not cheap) but are nice enough for granddaughter #2 to wear. It isn’t always easy to find ‘made in Hawaii’ but definitely worth searching.
I always Avoid Tourist Traps for all the reasons listed in your Great Article. Visitors miss out on Wonderful experiences by Not asking Locals of Places They eat and go to. I Always ask Locals the Best Places and I have Not been disappointed! Group Tours Are My Biggest Tourist Trap! I took one on Oahu which was Supposed/Billed to be 90% Beach Activities and 10% Sighting seeing but it was the Reverse because the Tour Guide did it His Way! I will Never do a uided Tour Again!!
We’ve been to Hawaiʻi 15 times. 5 islands. The next time we go to a luau will be the first time.
Our son and DIL went with us last month. Did Maui and O’ahu. It had been 10 years since our son had been and he wanted to go to the Dole Plantation again because he said he had fun memories of the first time. After leaving, he said he was really disappointed and it was nothing like he remembered and now his memories were ruined!
Aloha, BOH!
I loved the aviation museum at Pearl as well. People don’t allow enough time there. You need a full day to experience it. I personally love the ABC stores. The founder has a great immigrant story and I love tacky kitsch.
I went to school with the owners of ABC. As a former kama’aina I visit there when ever I travel to The Islands. Quick stop for souvenirs, soda, sun lotion at reasonable prices.
Hi guys
Great perspective on businesses purporting to be original Hawaiian, but are really just good or not-so-good American style. Your perspective downplaying time shares is at least 50 percent warranted for some of the schlock operators not to be compared to quality offerings from some of the hotel-related organizations such as Marriott or Hilton. We have owned six timeshares at 6 Marriott resorts and have been pleased with the quality! Jim E, Santa Barbara
If that Burger King is the one on Kalakaua Ave we ate there several times. It was very convenient, right across the street from the beach & a quick walk from our hotel.