34 thoughts on “Which Are The Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid?”
Brad B
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 HawaiÊ»i 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!
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.
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 HawaiÊ»i 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.