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427 thoughts on “Why Hawaii’s Repeat Visitors Aren’t Returning – Does Anyone Care?”

  1. Our first time in Hawaii was 1992. Two weeks in Waikiki cost about $2500. Since then we’ve been back 8 or 9 times (3 Kauai and 5 Oahu).
    We love your islands and the aloha spirit of the people but find the prices getting too high (especially with low Canadian dollar.) The price now would be close to $1000 can. Per day. Hopefully the government will increase my pension, then I will be back. Aloha.

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  2. Making it more expensive ensures only the wealthiest will be able to visit. Unfortunately, many times this means corruption and bad behavior that comes with the rich and privileged. Less tourists means more financial hardships for locals. As I’ve heard it, many locals are already struggling. The challenge the council faces now is honoring the heritage and natives of Hawaii and at the same time integrating ideas into the culture to be more tolerant and accepting of the non-natives that want to visit. Though other states tax tourists, for example, Floridians do not penalize their visitors or make them feel unwelcome. It seems state to state (within the U.S.) cultures vary greatly and yet most are accepting of visitors.

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  3. Hell-o my name is homer and i love hawaii and i ave been about 30plus times from pa,a long trip but worth it and i love it can’t wait to get back.being there gives me peace.its to bad bad some don’t respect the islands. Never had a problem with the Sheraton princess hotel and the people who work there.cant wait to get back this year again
    Homer m

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  4. We love Hawaii and respect ciultire and the people. We are repeat visitors. We expect to pay more for food. We very much dislike car rental prices.They were ok before covid. They are now out of hand. That needs to be fixed before tourists will come.

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  5. Our family’s been vacationing almost yearly to Hawaii for 20 years. I have no problem with fees to protect the eco system of the islands. They probably should have started that years ago, although it seems as if big corporate interests get whatever they want no matter the ecological impact to the islands. Some of this blame lies with the local elected politicians allowing more & more… I do take issue with skyrocketing car rental fees and the cost of hotels is insane. Private rentals & timeshares are also charging much more & I’m sure with rising fuel costs airfare will become more unaffordable and anti visitor media doesn’t help. We’ve been pushed out due to rising costs. Guess it’s finally time to see the rest of the country/world.

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  6. I have been going to Maui for about 30 years! In that time I hav seen such change in attitude, such as being yelled at by local for even walking in the park! The local people remind me of Mexico in that that want all the money they can get but don’t want you there! I own a condo at Maalaea Bay and have been paying taxes and all the fees ext! For 30 years! I have a trip planned in Oct. I am very discouraged about there attitude! Probably won’t go!

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    1. I live in Alaska, we have a super busy cruise ship and tourist season, and it gets very hectic but I guarantee you this. We welcome the tourists, help them, answer all their questions, and appreciate their business! Without them there would be fewer jobs, more expensive groceries and fuel and the list goes on and on. We love to share the beautiful State we live in. Hawaii used to be that way. No More Kauai for us.

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  7. We had a trip planned to Kauai for Sept. 2020 which had to be canceled due to the pandemic. We’re now scheduled to go over week after next and so excited to get back there! But it’s made even better this time as we’ll be celebrating three milestone birthdays and a 10-yr anniversary of cancer survival. Pretty special.

    Here’s the wrinkle: We’re booking almost the exact same trip as we’d planned in 2020, but this time it’s going to cost double what it would less than two years ago. We’re up for the splurge given this special year of celebration, but I frankly don’t know when any of us will be up for returning, the one and only reason being the cost. So I guess we’ll just have to make this the best trip ever, right?

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  8. I am one of these many visitors that you refer to about why people arent returning. But your bed is made. The horse has left the barn. Etc. Demand is high and tolerance for budget tourists is extremely low. Like most resorts you’re willing to put up wth unpleasant tourists and their ‘baggage’ as justification for the high rates and excess fees (plus more fees for administrating to all those fees). I would like to go back enough that I might even plan for a trip some years down the road, but only if you dispense with the greed factor, and I just dont see that happening. I am extremely grateful for the good old days not that long ago when i could come for a resonably priced trip, meet locals, treat them with respect, and enjoy Kauai….

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  9. According to State statistics, tourism related jobs are about 21-23% of the economy (depending on the island) which is large, but residents pay for the infrastructure that supports tourism, while profits from tourist related venues mostly go out of State. There are currently 10 visitors for every resident, which stresses resources where resources are limited, and foreign workers-who work for lower wages, make up the bulk of the work force-not locals.
    The pandemic showed us while tight, we *can* survive w/o tourism.

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    1. I understand how you feel. When I visit there I speak with most of the locals that work there.Even before the decline of tourism, they spoke of having to work three jobs just to make ends meet, they welcomed tourism, And I’m sure a lot will lose their jobs if your going to push not welcoming terrorism in the future.. Thank you

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