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.
Our family has been going annually to Maui for 15 years. We’re heading there for 16 days at the end of June. Between airfare, hotel, food, and fun….we’ll spend north of 15k on the vacation. Unfortunately, this will be our last time going as value for our money in the Bahamas and Mexico far exceeds that for what we get in Maui. The anti-mainlander attitude has always been there but it’s getting to be too much. And then the local government with their anti-visitor rhetoric. Uh, no thanks. We’ll go where not only our money is welcome, but where we as visitors are welcome as well.
We’ve been frequent repeat visitors to Hawaii for more than 20 years. We had to cancel our 2020 trip due to Covid. Due to exorbitant prices – places to stay, rental cars, air fare, etc. – plus the extreme cost of dining and attractions – we opted to stay-cation instead. We love Hawaii but will wait for better incentives to come back. Our next Hawaii is on hold indefinitely!
I have been a Hawaii visitor for 30+ years. I love Maui and whale season, but Kauai will always be my favorite island. I love Kauai because fewer tourists, more natural native than other islands. I have the greatest respect for the Hawaiian people, and only admiration and love for the way of life. No matter what the cost it is the best place on earth to me. Supporting those that want to continue Hawaiian native way of life would be an honor to me.
Very well said, and a sentiment I hear from most tourists.
Aloha Una
I support Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
It’s Their Islands.
White people ( and other visitors) have been making a huge environmental mess here for too many years.
It’s not environmentally sustainable
to continue having such high numbers of visitors.
It’s not the people who visit our aina who are at fault. Most come to vacation and see where we live. It’s the Government who allow what’s happening!
So we are turning tourism marketing over to people who don’t want tourism? We’re speaking for the island of maui our community hospital here run by the state and Kaiser is not making a profit and it has to be supported by tourism dollars as do our schools as does our very government itself everything comes from tourism dollars. So let’s not cut the neck of the goose that laid the golden egg please use your heads people!
Last I checked, Hawaii was 1 of the 50 United States. The world of today is a much smaller and different place as compared to when Hawaii was admitted as a state. Your desired isolationism simply is not possible (or wise). And neither is your blanket condemnation of everyone else for the problems Hawaii faces – some of which originated locally.
Since Our 7th February 17 day vacation in Oahu, We have been looking into other destinations. Hawaii wants less tourists, fine. The Same money gets more elsewhere and 2 Vacations instead of just one. Eventually more will stop contributing to an ungrateful society and dig deeper to fund the Upkeep!
It’s interesting to me the number of people that come here to comment that they don’t want to go to Hawaii again. Ok, don’t.
I’d think you might be better off spending your time researching elsewhere.
We all liked visiting Hawaii and are saddened to see the changes for the negative…I would have loved to show my kids the culture and natural beauty Hawaii has, but it all seems fake and contrived now knowing how unwelcome we are. Commenting is our only way to try and get Hawaii to see how we all feel.
My wife and I were some of the repeat visitors. We loved the islands the people and their culture which has parallels to our indigenous canadian culture. Unfortunately we won’t be visiting next year as prices for accommodations car rentals etc have more then doubled. We have never had an issue with any of the local people who have always been friendly and courteous. I believe most of the issues come from their “fellow” Americans who couldn’t be bothered to learn about their culture and values as they have none of their own. Sad really.
I agree with much of what you have said, however, it’s not all Americans causing the problem just some. Just as it’s not all Native Hawaiians complaining. With changes coming that shall drive prices much higher it’s time for reflection and redirected vacations.
So has the cost of living for the people that live there.
Peter,
There is a different point of view to consider here. When we vacation, our destination is selected due to the place – not the people. This is not to suggest we should be rude and insensitive rather to explain why not everyone may be focused (concerned) about the people and cultures. We are on our first trip to Hawaii as I type this and we are finding the beaches beautiful but the city of Kona not so much so. The place (as a memory) lasts much longer than the memories of the people and culture – at least to us this is the case.
That’s a bit of a generalization, plenty of our fellow “Americans” came here because we liked the cultural heritage and natural beauty, but you are all starting to sound racist and a bit like supremacists to me, a huge turn off!
Judging from these posts there are a lot of people that love and appreciate that Hawaii is grappling with overcrowding issues and will be coming back and there are people grousing about the locals, or hate what the government has done or are looking for a tropical version of were they’re from (red state?). Perhaps our future will see less of the haters and more of the pragmatic travelers who respect and understand what’s going on here. That bodes well for the future as international travel returns and we return more to our melting pot status as a destination.
I hope the mainland treats you all with the same sentiment!
I attribute the sentiments expressed by folks vowing to “never again” Hawaii as voicing the frustration of three CV-19 years. Message boards allow these frustrations an outlet. Most people posting on boards are exceptionally disgruntled looking for such an outlet. I doubt that the follow through is anything more than getting those frustrations off one’s chest.
Tourism accounts for ~25% of the HI Though repeaters are a valuable asset, our archipelago is unique, and replacements will more than offset the few disgruntled who follow through on their threat.
Couldn’t agree more James, as you said, these boards provide a place for the disgruntled to vent. The vast majority are not disgruntled and don’t need to vent. Simple fact is the issue is too much tourism will kill the golden goose, not people staying away. Hawaii cannot survive being turned into a Las Vegas or Orlando type destination, but it will thrive if tourism is managed properly. Making it as cheap as possible for as many people as possible is not properly managing tourism.
Not disgruntled, saddened that the welcoming spirit and friendly culture was all a lie, it’s just about the money. As for future trips and the one big one we cancelled, those weren’t just comments, I’m hoping for change, but doubt it will come. So future trips will not include Hawaii.
Been going there for about 15 yrs. Sometimes twice a yr. Things have doubled. Had family born there so I will continue to come. My favorite place in the world. Wish I could afford to live there. Even if I a mm not wanted.
My wife and I have been to the Islands 4 times. All of the members of our family have been there at Least once.
Our time there is so relaxing, we love the islands beauty, wildlife, history, and the cuisine. It maybe a bit expensive, but that’s the cost of being in a little bit of Paradise
Hawaii conjures up images for visitors and locals alike. Sometimes images are loftier than reality but that doesn’t mean give up; I think if all parties at the marketing and regulation table can come up with a unified vision, it will help create a thoughtful blueprint for moving forward. Right now, it seems like it’s just tax, tax, fee, tax visitors and that’s not inviting.
Local Hawaiians barred mainland come and visit for vacation. That’s very absurd. I did visited HNL 8TH times from 1997 to 2012. Loved it. Until I saw the local Hawaiian barred the tourists. Why?
Reference to “unwelcoming and unfriendly locals” is offensive. Negative feelings from locals is from enduring years of bad attitude from visitors who trespass private property, display bad behavior towards locals and flagrant disregard for local covid protocols. You treat locals with respect and aloha and that is what you will receive in return. Mahalo nui loa.
Have always treated with Respect and Friendship, have received same. Those who don’t shouldn’t be there. Govt. Of Hawaii wants entrance fee’s raise taxes and less tourism. Was Married on Oahu plus 7 half month + vacations, prices Soaring, Appears Hawaii is Chasing Us Away! Many places Welcome Vacationers and offer better for less money, a real shame. Don’t Blame Avg. Tourist as They aren’t the problem.
Exactly, I have a feeling those high dollar tourists they are after won’t be more laid back and respectful, but rather more demanding and dismissive of the local culture and history.
For the last 4 times to Oahu, 62 days total, we have returned to an Ancient Burial Ground to pay respects to “Auntie” and her efforts. We Respect while some Disrespect Us for no reason. Today isn’t Yesterday, We aren’t the others, Every day is New! Some on Both sides need to Grow Up and Respect. Politicians need to Stop Over Taxing and Handouts. Live within means.
I love visiting Oahu each winter but with the current 90 day minimum in place I won’t be able to do that anymore. I understand both sides but am sad that it passed.
It’s rather ironic, so many “true Hawaiians” hate the tourism and want “ their land” back as long as they can continue to stay on the government handouts. While visiting Molokai I talked to the locals who despise us tourists. What will you do if we’re all gone? “Same thing we’ve always been doing.” When the locals who want the tourism gone demonstrate a way they can be self sufficient without the continued social aid of the government then I’ll be happy to oblige and vacation elsewhere. Until then it’s one of the 50 states I’m allowed to travel to and spend my dollars at.
Hi Shiloh, yes the government teat is hard to wean off. Unrelated but relevant is ever the “big one” rolls in, Native Hawaiians will survive. People living in the best abodes will have greater difficulty coping with catastrophe. Just making a point. I pray everyday our Island Community stays safe. All working together now translate into working together in the future.
Can you handle a dose of truth with your Maitai? If this is a serious inquiry into soothing the savage beast, I am the best person to be honest with you and tell you exactly what needs to be done on all sides of this issue. There are several factors but I will start with the first and most important. This first part is simple to fix.
Hawaiian Elections for verified person of Hawaii Descent Only.
No more of this misguided “Conklin Fix” of the Hawaiian problem. There is not a single American Indian Nation/Tribe that has an open door to non-Tribal Census members from having any say in anything having to do with their ability to control the destiny of their people. Return to sanity as existed before the “Conklin Fix.”
Just because a place makes it’s money off of tourism doesn’t mean it has to be abused by the tourists that come. People are rude and inconsiderate, they speed and push, toss their garbage all over the islands, don’t respect locals or elders. I hope the council works to strengthen the on island economies to reduce the reliance on tourists. While I understand the need to keep the industry moving, more focus needs to be brought to balancing tourism with the lives of people that actually live their. Yeah, you’re on vacation and want to “slow down” but people live here, work jobs, pay bills, go to school. Your vacation is someone else’s work week, so be respectful.
Florida here. I get it Hawaii about the tourists. There is a saying here (leaving Florida take a friend) so many slow drivers, lost and stopping to look and poke alligators. They get stuck in rip currents. Throw trash all over the beaches and have no respect for people that live here trying to get to work or school. I love Florida but yes it’s Hot. We have hurricanes, and flying cock roaches as big as a mouse. And we have to put up with the tourists. Just don’t say Gay. I love Hawaii and it’s people and culture. We had a great visit and the people were kind and answered questions I had about the islands. My husband proved his worth to the locals and surfed. At 55 the locals were blown away. I wish people would just be respectful of others.
We have been time share owners since 1995, we love Hawaii but agree that the locals aren’t very friendly.
I just went to Hawaii to Honolulu it was paradise. It was a normal price not to bad i went for a week. But yes even AirBB price is extremely high specially if your trying to go with your family of 5+ ridiculous another thing is your shows are expensive they make it not affordable
An thats upsetting.
After two vacations in Hawaii in the 1990s, I went back to Kauai the year before the pandemic hit. I stayed at a three-star hotel and with taxes, the room rate was over $300 a night–the highest rates I have paid for not so fancy room. I have paid much less for suites in other places around the world.
The hotel stock on Kauai seemed old and either extremely high end resort or cheap, old and worn out. The American hotel chains always add resort fees and I avoid them when I travel around the world. Most only provide breakfast at a pricy rate or not at all. Breakfast is provided in the room rates when you stay outside the United States, unless you stay at a American chain.
My week was mostly rainy or cloudy.
We just recently visited Honolulu from 5/27 thru 6/3/2022. Hawaii itself was beautiful and as far as the people they were very friendly. The problem we had was our booked tours kept canceling on the night before. Example is the Arizona Memorial tour we went but couldn’t get tickets for that tour which was kind of a let down. Was told that there buses were unsafe to operate then told would we would be picked up by other means nite there happened. If asked am I going back I would have to say no there are other places I will spend my money going to. Thank you for letting me express my opinion.
Spent $25,000 for a five day family trip on Maui last week…. after 20 years of Hawaii vacations I’m calling it quits. The islands are just too expensive and the island vibe is anti-tourist when compared to the past and I think this is actually the fault of too many tourists along with mainland companies and home buyers that have created animosity (I don’t blame the locals either).
We don’t need visitors who can’t get along with people. People can disagree, but they must do it politely. This is Hawaiian land. Whoever comes here is a visitor. Respect!
Hawaii residents are outnumbered 10 to one. If it wasn’t for our trade wiñds the sewer and garbage trash smells would be overwhelming. Covid changed everything. The fishes and seaweed returned. Traffic was minimal. Illegal vacation rentals were selling like hotcakes. We finally had a timeout to reset the pendulum that had swung too far off course.
Aloha is not for sale.
Many Hotel prices are insane. vacation rentals of homes are the only options for many families. Our legislators must get $$$ from the hotel industry to pass legislation prohibiting short term vacation rentals. Its the Only way some households can stay afloat.
We were visitors for 15 out of 17 years, spending three weeks every October in the Islands. On our last visit before the Wuhan outbreak (2018) we detected a clear attitude change during our visit. Watching the fiasco during the pandemic, and the many changes implemented regarding dual pricing for locals and visitors has taken Hawaii off our travel rotation. Seemingly arbitrary restrictions and the very obvious antipathy that has manifested itself regarding visitors made the decision easy. We were high value guests, top end accommodations, ate out 95% of the time at all types of restaurants, always did a half dozen paid excursions during our visit, and we are generous tippers. You’re killing the golden goose. Good luck, you’ll need it.
Just the fact that you refer to the “Wuhan” virus seems to indicate you might have a problem with people from Asia and
perhaps wear your politics on your sleeve. You appear to have a “red” state perspective on the world. Trying to impose that mindset on Hawaii as it navigates the issues with overcrowding would definitely indicate Hawaii is not a good fit for you.
Sorry this is so long but I just had some things to say. I used to come at least 3 times a year for many, many years. When Hawaii Express Airlines was flying I was flying over once a month for a long weekend. I think I came 6 or 7 times that year. Now with the prices through the roof on everything I can come only once a year but I’m grateful for that. I used to pay around $100 a week for a rental car. Now it costs that much for one day with all the taxes and fees. Plane tickets were $99 from LAX and that included 2 pieces of luggage and a hot meal. I live in Las Vegas now and if I can get a ticket for $700 return , not including luggage, I’m happy. I always fly Hawaiian so you get something to eat. $65 a night at Ohana Hotels. Not any more.
My family and I have visited Hawaiian islands more than 14 times. We love the islands and the native Hawaiian people. We respect their heritage and believe the hawaiian heritage is very important and tourist should never suggest any changes that would cause losing the heritage. Yes, hawaii is expensive, but look where you are. Its paradise. Maybe less tourist will save the islands on so many levels.
I’ll never forget my first trip to Hawaii. It was in August of 1973. My family flew Continental Airlines nonstop from LAX to Hilo. After a few days on the Big Island we flew to Kauai on Aloha for a few days and then on to Oahu. From the moment I stepped foot off the plane I was in love with Hawaii. It was, and still is, the most beautiful place on the planet. The locals have always treated me kindly and with respect and I have reciprocated the same to them. Last December was my 101st trip to Hawaii. I’ll by flying over again on December 2nd. I will never stop coming back to Hawaii. It’s where my heart is. It’s honestly the only place that I am completely happy. I’ve had a bank account at Bank of Hawaii for over 30 years. It’s like home.
In August will be my first time going to Oahu. The taxes are very high and because of that this may be my last trip there. We hope to have lots of fun anyway. It will be a great vacation even with the high costs. Wish you well
To go to the bahamas is much cheaper and just as nice and they have all inclusive so all we have to worry about on vacation is to have fun you have to be a millionaire to go to hawaii to afford all the fees and prices a family of 4 can not afford to even eat in hawaii
We love Kauai and it’s people. We’ve visited Oahu a few times for business, but once we visited Kauai – we knew we found our island home. 15 visits since our first in 2005, we have a week timeshare and use it every year with the exception of during the pandemic. The locals made it clear we were not welcome (protests) and we took them at their word. We visited again in March 2022 and were sad to see some of favorite local businesses had not survived. Those that did were happy to welcome us back. Let’s see what this new org can bring. Visiting the islands has never been a budget vacation. Save up, brace yourself and enjoy. Thanks for the content.
We visited Hawaii for the first time at the end of March, first of April. We loved the weather, as well as the history that we received from our tour guides. The weather was great for my arthritis, I didn’t have the stiffness in my joints. We listened to what the tour guides told us about everything that we asked about and what they added. We know that you should always respect other people’s way of life when in there home, (when in Rome, do as the Romen’s.) We visited Oahu, and would really like to visit the other islands and experience more of the Hawaiian culture. Thank you for the wonderfull experience.
I am in love with island life! Especially Kauai. I was there for the first time 12 years ago and as recent as last year. I even jumped off Kipu! I’m coming back in 2023 for my 5th visit! I have no plans of stopping. Costs are up everywhere… live your life! 💜
Multiple time visitor to Maui
Island is becoming very user unfriendly
Car rentals are unaffordable
Love the island
Love the Hawaiian culture
Love the people
Can’t afford to be there more than every other year
Mahalo
We are going to Bali this year from the East coast. Great prices there.
“Perceptions linger that Hawaii is anti-visitor.”
I feel like we should welcome all visitors. Who else would stimulate Hawaii’s economy? Just keep all the visitors confined in Waikiki/Ala Moana though.
We will continue returning to Hawaii. We love the islands. We respect the local people. In our 20 plus years of visiting no one has been rude or unwelcoming. We expect higher prices and save for our trips. I have seen the horrible behavior of some tourists which ruins it for all of us.
Hawaii needs tourism to survive. Pricing people out will lead to a reduction in the one sector that keeps the islands afloat. Many tourists that come are Americans. We may have different ways of living and dealing with the world, but most of us come to Hawaii for a gentler way of life, andfto slow down. We are in a teachable moment. Don’t resent us. Help us see your way of life. You may find we are not so horribleI came to Hawaii some years ago to celebrate my ten year anniversary. I am a quilter, and when I saw the beautiful Hawaiian quilts I decided to buy fabric at a local store to make my own. I could not believe that the women in the store (who were Japanese) would not serve me. That is how barriers, not Aloha is built.
Yes, it’s hard living in a vacation location. I have homes in San Diego and Aspen. Nothing is respected, trash, and poor behaviors. However, I know that I am lucky to have this every day of my life. I can walk on the sands in Coronado anytime I want. I don’t have to pay 1K for that plane ticket. I don’t have to pay for hotel. I am blessed. So, I’m respectful when I am on vacation. However, I don’t understand the attitudes of island people. You live somewhere special and you get that everyday and moment. Be happy and feel blessed, I pay. Therefore, only moments of my life will be remembered in Hawaii. Try to understand other people deal with tourists too. Maybe you will be in my town someday. I will make sure to treat you better than I’ve
I grew up in Anaheim, right next to Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium, not far from Knott’s Berry Farm and the beach. Southern California has had lots of tourists my entire life. I was taught by my parents to feel grateful for all the tourists because the money they spent made our lives better. We always respected the tourists and still do. I grew up just a few streets away from Disneyland. I still live only a few miles from Disneyland. Tourists are around me everywhere I go. I appreciate tourists.
P.S. I love and respect Hawaii and its culture. I’m always trying to learn more and more about Hawaii’s history and culture.