68% of all Hawaii visitors used to be return guests. Here’s why thats changing.
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428 thoughts on “Why Hawaii’s Repeat Visitors Aren’t Returning – Does Anyone Care?”
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68% of all Hawaii visitors used to be return guests. Here’s why thats changing.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
I just returned from a wonderful vacation from Kauai. My third time to that island. We arranged a number of excursions which were amazing. I loved all of the native hawaiians we met, they were all so kind. I think if you start out with a big smile and an Aloha that goes a long ways. Everything was really expensive, but then all the hotels I looked at were fully booked two months in advance. The car rental line was so long. I guess as long as people are willing to pay for paradise the prices are justified. I just hope the profits trickle down to the wonderful employees and people of Hawaii. Did not like the surprise transient tax however. Pretty steep. We are looking forward to our return visit however. Thanks.
Fortunate to have just spent a month in Kauai in a friends house. Been going since 70’s. Yes, prices are crazy and so many people (like me) visiting. I try to be respectful as anywhere. I find the Hawaiian people to be friendly, some of the other locals not as much. It’s a beautiful place w too many people. I wanted to return as soon as I was home. Love that water. My husband not so much. My daughter has a job offer at BI Nat Park but no where to live. I see this issue in so many places. Housing for the working people is a big problem w all the vacation rentals. Wish the best for the Islands!
I strongly agree that Hawaii has become very much anti-tourist. More than that, there is a growing sense of anti-mainlander. I have lived on Oahu for nearly four years now and have seen and felt the growing sentiment that Hawaiian woulds be happy to see the mainlanders “go home.” When I leave Hawaii for the last time, probably in two years, I will likely never return.
Aloha! We just returned from Kauai on a trip we had to reschedule 3 times due to Covid. We have been to Hawaii about 10 times since 1984. This trip was a bit of a disappointment. Restaurants are gone and the ones left are typically not open 7 days due to staffing shortages. Costs of everything are through the roof. A loaf of bread was $9.00 for example! Residents say they work 3jobs just to make ends meet! Car rental was as much as our condo for the week. And. .the big one for me. . Where was the Hawaii in Hawaii? Where is the Aloha spirit? No music, nothing special…It was like being in a crowded beach town in the US. We will probably start exploring other places like Costa Rica. .or other islands. Sad. . .
I am a repeat visitor at least 11 times. But the Covid mandate for a vaccination that truly was not run through trials and boosters doing more harm than good, has left me saddened – that 2019 was probably my last visit to a place I love.
Our family has been spending 3 weeks in Hawaii over Christmas for the past 10 years. We’ve always budgeted $20,000 for our annual this past year we saw a dramatic decrease in the quality of vacation that we got for our money. the increase price of rental cars, restrictions on vacation home rentals, an overall increasingly unwelcoming attitude of the locals. We’ve decided to go someplace else this year. I don’t know if we will return to Hawaii in the future. We have already booked 3 weeks in Tahiti for this Christmas because we found it to be cheaper than Hawaii. We love Hawaii and we hope that the citizens of Hawaii can find a plan forward to accommodate yourselves and the desire of tourists to experience your wonderful state.
I was on Oahu for 5 months on a temporary assignment. During that time I was not able to get reservations for Hanama Bay using the reservation system regardless of the day or time of access. Everytime I logged in there were no available slots. Really quite a disappointment. I had hoped to take my grandkids there when they visited… Bummer!
As visitors for more than 30 years and our parents before us we have been saddened by the comments that visitors are not welcome. The Big Island has always been so welcoming until last year when we were walking on Alii and we’re yelled at to go home that we were not wanted there. This year we are debating weather we would spend our month there again or find a more welcoming place to visit. Heart breaking.
Hello, I have never been to Oahu. My family and I will be traveling for the first time ever. Will be visiting family for 5days. Reading all the reviews and seeing the prices are pretty discouraging. Yes, we will be considering tourists aswell but it’s very hurtful to know the prices of everything and trying to plan a good time with my kids is difficult. Diving deep into my saved money for this trip I find myself digging even deeper to plan an enjoyable time. Hopefully all goes well and we have a good time..but if these prices keep going up we may have to consider a new destination. This breaks my heart, not only the Hawaiian community but everywhere. It’s just getting rediculous.the tourists give us regular people a bad impression.
We were planning our second trip but after we reserve hotel the taxes and fees added doubled the price of a room. Car rental fees were outrageous and then to add nightly partly fees onto hotel bill. Looked at restruant prices. Everything has skyrocketed in price. Visiting other beaches you can’t get parking Decided it would cost 4 x want vacation somewhere else. Good luck
I can see both sides of the story. Hawaii residents got a taste of what it was like without all of the tourists there. No traffic, no crowds, etc. I would imagine that was paradise for a while. Unfortunately tourism brings in a lot of money. Therefore they need tourists. So the real question is, how do you find a balance that keeps everyone happy? I think a great place to start is with education. Showing videos, posting signs telling visitors that they’re welcome, but they really need to respect the culture. I’m also worried about all of the price increases. We are part time property owners. We love staying for a month at a time! I’m not sure how much more we can afford to do that if they keep raising the prices.
A study should be commissioned immediately to determine the economic impact of reducing tourism by 15% and 25%.
It’s legitimate to desire a reduction in tourism, but the impact of that desire needs to be understood. Like it or not, tourism is Hawaii’s golden goose and we need to be sure we don’t kill it.
Doubt anyone leaving comments is an economist. Prices are increasing in the entire US economy and Hawaii is not immune to rising inflation. All costs in the supply chain are riding and thus prices are rising erywhere. Real inflation is 10-11%. I do not accept there is any link with higher prices due to the new tourism board. Everyone is misjudging this and being negative. Haven’t prices always been higher in Hawaii (bread $6/loaf, now $8) as compared to mainland. It doesn’t matter where you travel, due to Covid and now Ukraine, costs to travel are significantly higher than in previous years. Give it a chance and enjoy a rare Pearl called Hawaii!!
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and there needs to be a balance between economic vitality and cultural respect due to it’s complex history. The economy will continue to thrive as more affluent visitors with more economic means continue to travel. Covid easing will allow more international travelers. Hawaii is actually very friendly towards visitors when compared to other destinations. Savvy visitors know they need to respectful of all places they travel. Other destinations similar to Hawaii are also suffering some level of visitor burn out, But in my observation, Hawaii is generally still very tourist-friendly and most tourists can relate & understand the need for balance to protect the islands.
We are the tourists who, over the past 50+ years we have gone to Hawaii. Amazing child good memories that I then passed on and shared with my children when they were growing up. Finally my family purchased a house in Hawaii and lived there for 10 years. We have not returned for the past three years just prior to COVID. Why? The last time we went as family, my now elderly parents had their condo broken into, the younger generation is hateful toward the tourists. It’s impossible to find an affordable condo and the taxation is insane making it unreachable for us for our annual family vacation. We are beyond sad. We love the Hawaiian culture and heritage. That feels lost along with the Aloha Spirit.
I’m wondering if the perceptions about Hawaii by some on here are just an extension of what our country has devolved into. Politicized name calling has become the norm and I’m sensing a lot of people making very “red” state comments about Hawaii being too much of a “blue” state.
Haters can be very vocal and there’s a large swath of those fueled by social media. However I believe there is a much larger silent majority coming here that are loving Hawaii and as International travel opens up we’ll have a healthier more diverse tourism industry. What’s not to like about tourism becoming more focused on sustainability and caring for Hawaii’s core values rather then maximizing growth?
The cost of traveling to Hawaii has gotten a little crazy and it sounds like it’s going to get worse. We own a timeshare in Maui so we will return at least every other year. We went to Cabo a couple of years ago for our first Mexico vacation in years and loved it. We had been going to another Hawaiin island in the years we don’t have our timeshare but definitely plan to go to Mexico in some of our off years in the future. I still love Hawaii and feel we are the kind of travelers that Hawaii wants visiting but they are making it less attractive. I certainly hope these changes end up being a positive.
I recently visited Kauai. I found it expensive but worth it. The people there were friendly.
Last time we were in Hawaii (2/22) we noted lack of service employees. Attractions that we always frequent were either closed or required impossible to get reservations. Other attractions are now charging admission. Some of the residents had a noticeable negative attitude. Overall not as pleasant as it has been the last 30 years.
I totally understand why they are starting to charge to visit many of the parks and rec sites and areas.
Just like the parks on the mainland…too many visitors who do not respect the land and beauty and end up trashing the facilities and landscape. I can understand that upkeep and maintenance are expensive, especially if Hawaii wants to preserve those areas for future generations. I agree with you that times have changed and it is not as pleasant as 30 years ago, but the people are still lovely and still a paradise to enjoy..
I lived in th FL. keys for 19 years. Every year more & more tourists came. US-1 was bumper to bumper every weekend & holiday. But I think the locals came to realize that tourist was our “ goose that laid the golden egg”. Everything is tied to tourists either directly or indirectly. Ya can’t live with ‘em & ya can’t live without ‘em. I have family that lives on BI, I visit when I can. They’ve seen the way the locals don’t liked them, as have I. I would suggest the Hi. people think long & hard before turning their backs on tourists. Don’t shoot your “Golden Goose “
We just finished our second trip to BI in 6 months, this was the first time we had returned since the pandemic. I maybe the odd duck but the way I have been traveling to the islands appears to have a different experience. I typically rent a condo and my first trip is to farmers markets to gather food to prepare on our own throughout the week. Our vacation experience hasn’t changed a bit. We don’t spend a lot eating out and support small local restaurants and coffee shops, among visiting local farms to bring back goodies to the states. Everyone we encountered and continue to encounter are very polite although I am a bit more personal and respectful. I will continue returning to the BI and I really enjoy every vacation.
We will continue to return to Hawaii because of family. My husband is from Palolo Valley. But things have changed since my first visit as a young bride in 1972. More traffic,homeless people,tall buildings.I do have a nostalgia for how it was in 1970’s. But there is a beauty that calls us, food is terrific, family is sweet. Good luck to our 50th state!
My family has been coming to Hawaii since 1968. My husband was stationed at Barbers Pt. Naval Air Station from 1977 to 1981. We continue to come to Ohau till 1990 when as a family we bought a time share unit on Kauai for the month of November. Someone in the family has been congratulations every year since we bought it except 2020. I feel sad when I get lumped in as a “tourist” by locals who don’t take the time to know or want to know my family. We clean up mess we see left on beaches. We talk to others about staying away from wild animals, we spend money at local markets, shops, we feel Kauai is our home too. As long as we can afford $$ we will come. Aloha Tricia K.
We have been to Hawaii about 6 times. The last three to the big island which is our favorite and always have stayed at the Hapuna Beach Hotel but not anymore. They have priced themselves right out of reach for most people, prices used to be around 3 to 4 hundred dollars a night now it is over 9 hundred for the same rooms. Sorry but they have priced themselves right out of our business! We will be looking elsewhere for our family vacation.
We have been many times and this was our last, way to costly, the aloha spirit is gone, and Waikiki is like visiting Vegas… far to many people. Was super sad to leave knowing it would be our last … way to much to see mainland girls dar cheaper
We have been coming to Hawaii for years – Kaua’i / O’ahu in September for our anniversary trip and Maui in February to watch the whales. Although we currently have our September trip booked, we are seriously considering canceling. The accommodation we stay at is easily 50% more than last year. Car rental much higher. Airfare is higher. We can only take so much.
We just returned from a wonderful 2 week trip to the UK and it cost far less than our trip to Kaua’i is going to cost. I’m currently searching for somewhere international to go to replace our September Kaua’i trip.
Mahalo, BOH. It’s been great!
Hi Ed.
First, thanks for about 200 comments. We appreciate it. And happy travels, wherever you choose to go. Lastly, we hope you’ll return again sometime.
Aloha.
We definitely will return to Maui in February to whale watch. Just can’t get enough of it! Just hope Kaua’i is cheaper next year…
Aloha!
Hi Ed.
Great to hear! Who ever tires of watching humpback whales, right? Have you taken part in the whale count? https://oceancount.org/
Aloha.
Thanks for that link. I’ve always wondered how to be a part of the whale count. It would be amazing, I believe.
Aloha, BOH.
Many people here don’t appear to realize that these price increases are everywhere. I live in a heavily touristed area of the mainland. We have been inundated with visitors in the last year and they are paying outrageous amounts of money to stay in hotels and rent cars. Our restaurants are understaffed, lines are long.
Until US citizens feel comfortable traveling outside of the country, this situation will remain the same.
I know a family that recently visited Cabo San Lucas, a favorite destination for many Americans. The resort was about 1/4 full. It worked great for them but is indicative that Americans are biding their time regarding foreign vacations.
I can tell you this, as a repeat visitor and someone who grew up in the islands, I won’t be back for a while. In fact, I’m leaving for a month to Costa Rica for more than half of what I would spend in Hawaii. It’s a shame what’s happened out there.
I lived on Oahu for 5 years and my family has returned every year since for vacation. Our last trip was in November when our son got married there. The island has completely changed. The feeling of ohana is gone. My wife and have decided we will be going to the Virgin Islands instead of Hawaii. It saddens me as I have many freinds there and many fond memories.
We had our first visit to Hawai’i in February. We had 10-days of delightful adventures. We also saw encampments of homeless people. We hope that some attention can be given to that. We visited Maui and Oahu on this first visit. Looking from our balcony in Maui we could see whales. From our balcony in Oahu we had a postcard view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Things were a little pricey, but it seems that all grand experiences are a little prices. Next time we hope to visit The Big Island and Kauai. Surely, we’ll be bach!
We have traveled to Hawaii 4 times in the last 10 years. Prices are expensive but so are the prices on the mainland since Covid. I have never been treated rudely. Quite the opposite! Everyone is so helpful and friendly.
I have visited the islands as a tourist and lived on Oahu for three years. I always found locals to be kind and generous. There is truly an Aloha spirit. But the old adage of treat people how you wish to be treated will always apply. People complaining about pricing need to realize this isn’t locals, it large Mainland and International companies that are raising prices.
I was born in Hawaii,dad was in the military.Moved to the mainland at 15. His change of duty station.I was stationed there myself. It is paradise but tourist are selfish.Hunama bay has to limit operations because tourists destructive behavior. The wife and I go back every few years and will continue to do so.Every cost more.Homelessness is rampant because of construction of mega hotels. Corporate greed has ruined the peaceful atmosphere.
I see the comments about rudeness prices and not coming back.
1- it’s unfortunate if people are rude. Just give them kindness back and move on
2- prices everywhere have gone crazy. I have seen hotel/airbnb prices double for other vacation spots on the mainland.
3. Hawaii is actively trying to reduce number if visitors. Threatening to not comeback, is fine with those in charge.
Good luck Hawaii! Secede while you are at it.
You are in a very precarious position out there with China and Korea so close. I flew and traveled there regularly as part of my job and vacation for over 37 years. It was always my favorite destination in the world. Why? You could drink the H2O, spend the American dollar, and the people welcomed you with Aloha Spirit.
One of the biggest cons in Hawaii is that the people who live here have been sold the idea it’s endless tourism or nothing. Mass tourism is not wanted nor is it the only answer.
I also would imagine repeat visitors are less likely to crowd as many of the sites that new visitors do. As mentioned, from personal travel, we like to think we have an appreciation for the islands, and respect culture, citizens, and try to shop locally owned businesses.
Well, we’re coming back one more time, after the summer rush. But it’ll probably be the last time because we simply can’t afford it any longer. When you consider that our income is in the mid six figures, and we’re empty nesters, if we can’t afford it, who can?
We love Kauai and its people, and have not traveled to the other islands. Our trip earlier this month was wonderful, and long overdue. For us, it is just the cost of everything that will send us elsewhere for the foreseeable future. This trip cost more than double what any of our earlier trips cost, and we can’t afford it. I do hope to see Kauai again in the future, it just won’t be for the next several years. Mahalo.
Hi!!! I’m no islander, and long story short I just got back from traveling Honolulu on Monday May 30th for a study away program. From my perspective and what I learned. I can understand why it more expensive and all. Mainly 90% of everything on the island is Imported. I also notice some area are charging non residents to visit certain area because how some tourist treat an area like leaving their garbage, and/or being disrespectful to it. Never once did an islander treated me with disrespect, But as the old saying goes respect goes both ways. So with this I say I can’t blame the natives if their being disrespectful or not. With the way certain people are treating the home they love with disrespect can blame them. Not saying this is everyone
Continue. Not saying this is every tourist, but know that there other issues that going on that we don’t know about until you do research. So to the native Hawaiians. Thank you for letting me visit your island home and I hope to return and learn more.