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.
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I been reading these comments for a few days, mostly Hawaiians telling tourists “Don’t Come”, you trash our beaches, etc. Hawaii is a US state, not some third world country. Hire police, arrest people who leave trash, etc.
Why is tourism in Hawaii different than any state in the Union? I live Florida… I’m sure we have more tourist than your island? We HANDLE IT… without calling all tourists bad…And why do Hawaiians think they can ban other Americans? And be so racists against whites…Well, worked on me, I’ll never be back.
Population of FL: 21.22 million (2020)
Vistors to FL: 87 million (2020)
Landmass of FL: 65,758 mi²
Ratio of visitors to residents: approximately 4:1
Population of HI: 1.42 million
Vistors to HI: 10 million (2019)
Landmass of HI: 10,931 mi²
Ratio of visitors to residents: approximately 10:1
So, Alan, you have 6 times the landmass of HI, with 6 less vistors per every resident. You try handling it when impact of your visitors to your residents are much more akin to the impact of visitors to HI residents.
Well said Diana….comparing Florida to Hawaii is ridiculous, Hawaii is an island, Florida is not. A handful of people who don’t live here and and don’t have a clue what’s going on are spending time trying to bash Hawaii because it’s trying to be proactive preserving it’s future for the benefit of future generations. These people are coming from a certain point of view. If you have to bring your politics with you on a vacation you really don’t belong in a state known for it’s Aloha spirit. We don’t need those kind of tourists. We do appreciate tourists that are respectful and caring about the environment and respectful of others. It’s good if the haters stay away from Hawaii. Really good.
But my point is.. the visitors are not going to police themselves.. it will take smart government to legislate control over growth. And islanders calling all paying visitors bad people is not going to fix anything.
Orlando has become a terrible place as far as traffic, etc, in and around Disney, but the answer isn’t to call every New Yorker who comes here a terrible person? They just came because Florida made it a place to come.
Hawaii is America. Stop tourism and everyone who owns a AIrBNB, or small hotel, or even a large resort, mom/pop store will go broke…
You might start with not being so open to the homeless and people sleeping in their cars on the beach? And like I said, throwing garbage is illegal in 50 states… arrest them!
You change your point when called on your point. Enough said.
Hal M, I’m Certain that there’s Many that Basically go to the Resort and Stay without venturing out except to Dine and Shop. We easily could have fallen in that catagory the 1 and only time we stayed at a Resort for part of our vacation. Point is that we didn’t, we enjoy traveling Oahu, meeting new people and sight seeing. The Island is more than the Cities, the History, Beauty, Heritage, Understanding and Friendly People that many miss out on.
Ernie, I agree. But the all-inclusive resort lets you golf, swim, shop, and eat all in one safe place. Like a cruise on land. We do it differently.
Diana, there were an average of 228,768 visitors in all of Hawaii on any given day in May 2019.
There are about 1.455 million residents in Hawaii.
That means that at any given time the ratio of Residents to Visitors is 6 residents to every 1 visitor.
Where are these 10-to-1 visitor-to-resident statistics coming from? It’s completely false.
If it’s completely false, take it up with Ige’s office. That’s where I got the number of tourists in 2019. I believe it; you can have an “alternative fact” if you wish.
The number of tourists for all of 2019? That is a meaningless number. What would you be comparing that to? What we notice as residents is how many tourists are on-island during any given day, and the answer, at least in May of 2019, is 6 residents for every 1 visitor. So for every 6 people you see walking around, 1 might be a visitor. That’s not overwhelming.
Lol we’re I live when the ships are in it can be 5 visitors to 1 resident. But we appreciate the business and I am not in the tourist industry. I doubt Hawaii will relieve itself of a vacation destination, so if you don’t want tourist perhaps you should move somewhere else. How many more of your islands do you want to end up like Lanai? Send the tourists away and the big property owners will sell out to the billionaire’s. It’s already happening on all your islands. Your being pushed out and your not smart enough to prevent it.
No need to insult people’s intelligence. No wonder we think tourists are entitled. Clearly, HI has issues and we are working on them. We do not need saviours from the Mainland, but thanks for your thoughts.
Diana, your math is probably correct but Your Assertion that Tourists Clamor to the Entire State of Florida is Wrong! Most Tourists are Area/Attractions Specific and Beaches Are a Large part of it. Same as Most to Hawaii they are There for Specific Places, Reasons and Not to be Cumbersome nor Abused! Nice “Attempt” but a Poor One at Best! Try Acceptance, We Do! Thanks.
Very telling that you make this a White people versus Hawaii issue. All that’s going on is Hawaii is trying to preserve and protect itself for future generations, regardless of skin color.
I should clarify that was to Alan.
Here’a a thought on the (possible) decline of repeat visitors. Years ago, especially before the all-in-one resorts, you had to get out and interact with folks. Public beaches, public restaurants, public stores, and so on. Now, you go onto an resort (Gated Vacation Community-GVC), never leave, and never really have to deal with folks different from you. And, since you are there for the resort, and not Hawaii, you can easily go elsewhere to another GVC.
Hal M, I’m Certain that there’s Many that Basically go to the Resort and Stay without venturing out except to Dine and Shop. We easily could have fallen in that catagory the 1 and only time we stayed at a Resort for part of our vacation. Point is that we didn’t, we enjoy traveling Oahu, meeting new people and sight seeing. The Island is more than the Cities, the History, Beauty, Heritage, Understanding and Friendly People that many miss out on.
“..We are entitled to these benifits not tourist…”
The problem, illustrated by one quote.
Good luck attaining any decent standard of living.
Warren M, you’re spot on. Some Believe that They are Entitled, it’s Their Property and they don’t want Tourists venturing to the Beaches or Anywhere Else. The So-Called Preference of Millennial and Gen. X Tourists is Problematic, Some of Them have the Exact Thinking and are the Same that Will leave Garbage Strewn, Graffiti, Disturb Sacred Area’s and are a Nuisance wherever They Are. As I said “Some” of them. Enough to destroy the Sanctity and Beauty. They Will See! BTW, Many Don’t have Much Money to Spend!
I believe having the Native Hawaiian Advancement will definately change things for tourism. Being a Native Hawaiian, I’ve seen the over tourism.The disrespect of tourist entering desicrating neighborhoods,sacred places, our resources and beaches are being destroyed because of the unmanaged allowance of tourist entering Hawaii for economic benifits and no respect for the people whom live, work and play here. We are entitled to these benifits not tourist. Just because you all come here and spend money does not mean your supporting us,if we had our way, we wouldbt want all you tourist running a muck all over our islands treating our home as if it were the wild wild west. Hawaii is seen as a play ground for tourist, No its our home!
I’ve been fortunate to live all over the world period I have seen tourism ruin so many places. I’ve enjoyed Hawaii as one of the best if not the best because of the relative conservation of the Hawaiian way of life. I’ve been blessed to see the oceans and a very natural state, and visit the tourist places on the islands that allow me to appreciate the culture of Hawaiians. It stresses me that this seems to be all about money or not, and that any visitors to the island would be anything less than respectful and appreciative of the way of life. My goal is to immerse and preserve what the natural Hawaiians have, while trying to maintain the economy may need. I have no problem paying extra to preserve that way of life. I try to not contaminate
Ha! “If we had our way…..” and with that, can all the islanders on the mainland head back to the islands as well? You all can have it all to yourselves. Sound reasonable? Let’s do it.
What would you call a white person who made such blanket statements of other races, and touted their superiority and privilege like that?
Not every tourist is disrespectful. Not every hawaiian is respectful. What do you call the abandoned/stripped/torched cars inextricably strewn throughout the backcountry, or the beer bottles filling remote sites? “Kids will be kids”? How about the cars spewing smoke or trucks filled with garbage flying out at every single pothole? “Mistakes happen”?
I would claim most tourists are more respectful of the land than most locals, from my experience. But I can easily see many blindsided by locals who expect special privileges. “Here comes a local: we need to exit the beach and give them our parking spot.”
Thank you Kapiolani, Very well spoken!
I,as a Maui resident, agree with every word you wrote!
We’re sick and tired of selfish,disrespectful tourists overrunning our beautiful island homeland, and disrespecting our culture, trashing our beaches and other special island environments.
Hal M, I’m Certain that there’s Many that Basically go to the Resort and Stay without venturing out except to Dine and Shop. We easily could have fallen in that catagory the 1 and only time we stayed at a Resort for part of our vacation. Point is that we didn’t, we enjoy traveling Oahu, meeting new people and sight seeing. The Island is more than the Cities, the History, Beauty, Heritage, Understanding and Friendly People that many miss out on.
It’s been a few years since our last visit. We would go to the islands every 2 years. Visit different locations and enjoy the culture.
Costs continue to increase but services slowly decrease. Friendly ness also decrease. We understand tourism help the local economy, but if the warmth and friendly atmosphere decrease, so will the people who love to visit.
My wife and I purchased a timeshare on the island of Oahu forty years ago. We periodically have returned to Oahu not every year, but frequently. At almost 80 years of age, we are in the process of legally transferring the timeshare over to my son.
Realistically, we do not see us using the timeshare many more times, but perhaps he will.
I am a native Hawaiian in Colorado and go back to the islands just about every year. One thing we noticed during covid is the island people needed for visitors to understand that they had not yet been vaccinated yet the “tourists” seemed to have had a sense of demanding entitlement during their visits when covid was still rampant. I saw many locals asking the tourists to put their masks on yet tourists chose to disregard and respond with inappropriate language and hand gestures – my family was appalled at this we are Hapa (1/2) and are fair skin -so it was very hurtful to witness this. We also saw visitors yelling at locals for not having all the elements to serve. Guess what the high prices at grocery stores that’s what locals pay everyday
Overwhelming locals with tourists traffic parking on your driveway etc Does not help locals to give out a lot of aloha to many people especially on Oahu
I want to go back to Kauai, but last yr finding a car to rent and their prices were a problem. Any suggestions?
I think that’s a great idea. Hawaii is more than good beaches and a fun times. Our culture, ohana and aina are unique and very important to us. Understand our history, show us respect, we will give you aloha.
Humor me: imagine a white man saying that sentence to a black man in Alabama.
Aloha, as a resident of the state,we understand the necessity of tourism,however it seems as though they are more taken care of than we are.I believe hence why the people here are so frustrated and not as inclined to be as welcoming as they would like. Majority of the residents here can’t even afford to island hop to see families because of the costs associated with travel.Our people have to work 2 and 3 jobs to live and are also being booted out of housing due to catering to tourists.It would be extremely nice if we were considered first before we get drenched by those who feel entitled. Mahalos for allowing us to comment.
I see history recently rewritten, saying the US overthrew the island. Not true:
o Liliʻuokalani was going to take the lands of her brother’s entourage, blaming them for his alcoholism.
o His entourage (mostly citizens) instead overthrew her.
o It was a decade later Teddy Roosevelt accepted Dole’s offer to take over. Prior to TR, the US had worked to put Liliʻo back in power, but she wouldn’t agree to not execute those involved in her overthrow.
It was Great Māhele instigated by Kamehameha III that took the land from the commoners (who, to own property, needed to register the land they worked on, but most didn’t).
93% of state residents voted for statehood in ’59.
The new history seems to coincide with the fall of the ag economy in HI.
A lot comes from social media: facebook groups on Kaua’i travel filled with locals telling folks how much they hate tourists.
Folks that have moved here recently were hoping the door would shut behind them, and are just as bad when it comes to bad-talk about tourists. Note that, at least in Kaua’i, there is more immigration from the P.I. than from the mainland.
The county government racism adds fuel to the fire. Not just Kawakami trying to push the tried-and-failed concept for “one stop resorts”, while making TVR rentals illegal, but worst at the beginning of the pandemic when he ordered vacationers to leave immediately, sparking “Haole go home” protests in tourist areas.
Oahu Resort Time Share Construction is Booming in an already saturated market, is this one of the Driving Motivators for less “Average” Tourists and More Wealthy ones? The Vocal Minority of Islanders simply shows that they do care, however, inappropriate their tactics. Claiming “Ownership” and Revisiting how the Islands eventually became a State equates to Non Slaves wanting Compensation. Currently the “few” Islanders that might have survived Japanese Occupation would be very silent and fortunate. Be Thankful for what we all have and enjoy about Hawaii, it’s a Beautiful place. Maybe one day we will be back, that is to be determined. Until then we shall be elsewhere spending money and enjoying the people, culture, heritage and Beauty!
Reality check..
While a handful of angry people have taken to spread the misconception that the “locals” hate tourists based on either an isolated chronics comment or perhaps a lie, I think a little perspective is in order. All the state is trying to do is summed up here….
“The HTA, and now CNHA, have been charged with producing results, and supporting a healthy, thriving Hawaii, with well-cared-for public spaces and infrastructure, robust economic opportunities and effective environmental stewardship. Should this new consortium move the needle toward this ideal, it will be a welcome transformation indeed”.
No hatred, no animosity, just simply trying to keep Hawaii viable for all over the long term.
Now for you anti Democrat folks you do have a point, I’m concerned that our officials could bungle this. Problem is, it’s all we have and in fact the so called Red States can’t exactly hold their heads up high with their many missteps and divisive politics either. I’m not a big fan of Democratic Cronyism but even less a fan of Republican divisiveness and support of outright lies.
JohnW, seeing Hawaii reshape certain aspects is admirable,to keep it Viable Generationally is perfect. It’s Our Hope that everything is taken care of properly. My Question is Why isn’t the Money coming from the Resorts and Similar? They Benefit Most from Tourists. Many Tourists, Not All, are on Thin Budgets and to Add Suspicious Fee’s and Forced “Community Services” for even 1 Day Will exclude many from coming. Yes People will continue to come but may also be More Demanding, Unwilling to be Abused by Anyone!
We have been coming to hawaii since. 1968 probably been there 15 to 20 times lost count. Of course its not the same as in 1968. So amazing back then and still is. The culture is so beautiful. I am 76 and hubby 79. This may be our last trip. Can’t believe how expensive it is now. We will stay at the Manago in captain cook and Wild Ginger. In Hilo. Old hawaii and best prices. Hawaii has to be a wear that not all visitors can afford the high priced hotel’s and fees.Its such a beautiful state. Make it so ALL can visit. The memories we have of your magical Islands can not ever be replaced in our heart’s.
It’s strange. I moved to Hawaii 25 years ago and have never felt discriminated against yet other ‘haloes’ do. I think it’s their attitude reflecting back on them. When I lived on the mainland I did feel discriminated against by some for being liberal looking (or Jewish looking, whatever), so I think those who come to Hawaii with that self centered perspective just feel discriminated against because of their own inner needs. This is self selection and it is a good thing if they don’t want to come here. We have enough guests already.
… I know those of native hawaiian descent but are white but have endured anti-haole racism their whole life… so guessing you live in a bubble somewhere.
Just a few weeks ago, I was cut-off by a fellow running a stop sign who then shook his fist at me (holding the cell phone he was distracted by) and yelled “F* you haole” (without the asterisk) at me! Unsure how that met my inner need in your delusion?
… I think “locals” should take a hint from many racists in the deep south, and just not be publically racist, even though it seems perfectly acceptable and politically correct to them to be publically racist against whites?
I don’t live in a “Bubble” and Believe that Racism has no place in my life. I’m Not going through life with blinders on, I have been Racially Stereotyped before until the person gained some insight into how I approach people. While driving in Oahu I haven’t encountered anyone that’s not been Courteous even in bumper to bumper traffic, not even an Irate Horn Blower. Calling out Insults and Slurs shows the Ignorance and Lack of Respect that exists in some Unintelligent Islanders. I have been very fortunate to have spent time in Oahu meeting many decent people, making friendships and learning. Unfortunately with Increased Animosity, New Fee’s and Other Increasing Costs future visits will be put on Hold.
The local authorities of Hawaii used the covid pandemic as an excuse to mistreat tourists. Some were even arrested for being on the beach. We will not forget this abusive behavior.
Oahu Resort Time Share Construction is Booming in an already saturated market, is this one of the Driving Motivators for less “Average” Tourists and More Wealthy ones? The Vocal Minority of Islanders simply shows that they do care, however, inappropriate their tactics. Claiming “Ownership” and Revisiting how the Islands eventually became a State equates to Non Slaves wanting Compensation. Currently the “few” Islanders that might have survived Japanese Occupation would be very silent and fortunate. Be Thankful for what we all have and enjoy about Hawaii, it’s a Beautiful place. Maybe one day we will be back, that is to be determined. Until then we shall be elsewhere spending money and enjoying the people, culture, heritage and Beauty!
When rules are applied they’re meant to be followed. I’m a resident here whom lives on the beach.During covid I couldn’t even use my own beach.When I would see tourists on my beach during covid whom thought they were entitled because of visiting? I think NOT!hopefully you won’t forget to follow rules if ever they’re implemented again…Aloha
Some friends who live on-island recently returned from a Fiji vacation. Their biggest take-away: how friendly the locals were!
“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Just like those of us in some states are tired of Californians moving in and changing things, I feel your pain…but truth is, Americans have the right to free movement. I think trying to limit that will only backfire.
I believe that we all have the right to Interstate Travel and if we have the proper documentation we can travel worldwide. Our Favorite Destination has been Oahu. A total of 8 trips and a total of 143 days should attest to that. We accept that we will pay much more, Everything has to be Shipped in. Accommodations are Expensive due to a Closed Market in certain areas and the Taxes levied on Rooms and the Properties Themselves, it’s a Blue State and they operate that way. It’s Obvious that the Resort Industry is being Protected by State/Local Government, the Restrictive Covenants and Legislation against personal Rental Properties is Abusive! If there’s to be reductions in tourism all of this Shall Suffer along with the People by Higher Taxes
As a return visitor to Hawaii, me and my family of 7 will be going elsewhere. I never have liked Hawaii’s liberal government and they and the locals made it very clear we are not wanted on the island. Too many other choices, Florida, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, etc that are way more welcoming and not trying to extort every nickel they can from us and then openly talk about how much we are hated and unwanted. Maybe once the industry collapses and your politics change I’ll give it another chance, but until then good luck. I also believe you will start feeling less welcome on the mainland as word is out how much you all despise us.
There’s a great saying Basco that’s so true. If you meet a jerk, you’ve met a jerk, if you meet a lot of jerks, then you are the jerk. Most people come to Hawaii and love it, have no problems whatsoever and are richer for it. Now with the internet and people that love to “hate Liberals” and tell everyone they do we have a new breed of aggro hater. Of course those types are going to dislike a multicultural melting pot like Hawaii. There’s a lot of beauty and Aloha in Hawaii, it’s up to the individual to find it.
Go to Mexico. Nicer, much cheaper. Closer. Local love to see you come.
I think what some people are missing here is not that we (the residents) want to totally stop tourism, but that we would like it to continue in a measured way. Short term vacation housing made it very difficult for a family to find affordable housing while working, sending they’re children to school. Too many tourists at one time (or constant) makes it difficult for anyone to get around (driving or walking) and inevitably causes wear and tear on any city, town or parks. When it comes to the higher prices in Hawaii (we as residents) have no control so please don’t throw rocks at us – complain to the big hotels and commercial car rental agencies & the airlines. Food has always been pricey here because we import just about everything.
Most spot-on comment so far!
Not spot-on at all. Most of the legal short-term rentals in Hawaii are in condos located in resort areas. These condos were not built for long-term renting and are not the type of housing any local could live in comfortably (no adequate parking, no storage, etc.). These condos were *not* removed from the rental stock for locals. They’ve always been vacation rentals.
Illegal rentals in residential areas are another thing entirely, however. These need to be eliminated, and the municipalities of each island are working on that with new, recently-passed legislation and enforcement.
There is a definite “anti local” vibe these days. My vacation dollars will go to places that are more welcoming. It’s always been expensive and crowded in Hawaii, but we tolerated it because we felt welcome. I see graffiti ripping on tourists, and get snarky treatment more often than I would like. Thanks!
We have been visiting since the early 1990s and there is a distinct lack of aloha from the locals…you can see it in that the only ones wearing hawaiian shirts are those who have to! The only time locals wear hawaiian shirts is when they are doing it sarcastically!
That is not true, but it is business attire. Special occasion attire. Funeral attire. Most locals do not wear aloha shirts for fun during their days off, why would we? Do you wear your business and special occasion attire on your days off?
Never heard the concept that Aloha Shirts are worn sarcastically?? I normally wear shorts and a t shirt but like most residents wear one of my many Aloha Shirts when going to a formal gathering or in an office environment. Funny story, I recall after the Jan 6 attack on our Capital that the Proud Boys had taken to wearing Aloha print…Auwe! I thought, besides disgracing our Country, they’ve stolen my favorite attire too! Fortunately that doesn’t seem to have happened. Time fixes everything at some point I guess.
We do our best to be good “Guests” wherever we go. We love Oahu, the laid back lifestyle and treat everyone as We want to be treated, respectful! The “Targeting” of Average Tourists, to make them unable to Afford Visiting with New Fee’s Will also see the losses of Revenue. Having a “Target Tourist Type,” the Wealthy, will not make up for what We Happily Spend. Hawaii as a Whole is digging itself a Hole that will affect Everything in the Wrong Direction! A Shame.
We have been to Hi 28 of the last 30 yrs. Always stay at the same condo/ hotel. We split a 2000 sq ft condo with another couple and paid just over $8k for 17 days.
Same accommodations, same time, 2022 vs 2021,$19k.
Goodbye Hawaii
I have been coming to Kona for 20 years. We’re going to skip next year as the town has been overrun with homeless.
That is Something that I have not touched upon in my posts. You’re seeing what is occurring on Every Island. I have mused that I could live as a King if I did the same. They allow it and then Condemn the Average Tourists, I know that Hawaii is Democratic but Really!?! The State is getting to the point where even Homeowners of combination Properties are being run roughshod with Unrealistic and Unreasonable Restrictions on Renting. They Cater to Resort Timeshares and Screw with Everyone Else. I Pray 🙏 things change, Government For and By the People.
I took the family to Oahu, Big Island, Maui last Xmas, paid the big bucks, paid the &3000 for a rental car, paid the $5 for gas, the $50 got a hamburger and a beer, delt with the paranoia of COVID, like we were lepers… but if I made the same comments about native Hawaiians visiting Florida, I think I’d be killed, or at least socially shunned…Hawaii is a state. Just like the other 49, you are part of the United States! What’s with all the anti white comments?
I want to protect the environment, and the Hawaiian way of life, but not allowing mainlanders to visit, or reverse racism is not the way. How about stopping developers from building more hotels?
Visited HI back in the early 70’s with my wife.So disappointed, after two days, we took a flight to Australia. Had a great time there and stayed six weeks. Will never again visit HI, Due to high prices and worse, superior unfriendliness!
Keep HI – we don’t need it, so many more friendly places to visit!
Good for You! The Prices are unbelievable compared to the 70’s, you might Stroke Out. I doubt that We shall be back until or if things change. It’s a shame that We can fly to The DR for 10 days and later Fly to The West Indies for 10 more and Save Money! There’s the Truth! Hawaii is Beautiful But there’s Many, Many Other Places Too.
So true, the Hawaiian government and tourism bureau are increasing tourism, just not to Hawaii, we are all going to more friendly and affordable locations where people like our business and value our culture instead of having a superiority complex.
I have lived and worked in Hawaii for almost 8 years now. The physical island will always be beautiful–that’s God’s handiwork, but the socio-economic side of the island needs revamping. Taxes, food, and housing costs are extremely high…so is the homeless population. I have nicknamed Oahu, “home of the homeless”.Ohana does not include visitors…they love you in the stores, but disdain you in the streets…I mean really,which native resident wants to see a non-local faring better than they???Mainlanders more than anyone else should understand this concept…look at how immigrants are treated in a land that is built on immigration…hmmm…guess we don’t “like the taste of our own medicine”
In Pennsylvania there are people visiting all of the time. We are too often looked down upon and this is Our State. We don’t treat people any different unless there’s a really good reason, they support the economy and encourage them to come back. I see the similarities but the Differences are uncomprehensible. Hawaii is becoming more Racist towards White Tourists, Most of Which are Very Good People. When Tourism bottoms out to Your Accepted Level Blame Yourselves for the Huge Loss of Revenues. You won’t do anything about the squatters, but, You will Chace away Us, Great Move?!?
Hawaii will start looking pretty gross when all the hotels close down and it starts to look like a rundown ghost town…this is a move that along with their liberal government could forever alter Hawaii.
I agree with the article. We’ve been to Hawaii several times with the last being in 2019.We were actually stationed there back in the mid 80’s when it was much nicer. We’ve decided with the rising prices and fees for just about everything things like Hanaouma Bay, that it’s just not worth visiting anymore. We love Hawaii and will cherish the memories but that’s what they are memories.
Being rooted in Hawaiian culture is not a bad thing, in fact I bet majority of the residents would say the natives back then had it right and us haole have ruined this Aina. Can I just ad that I bet this was written by a haole. Lol. (HTA) has only done one thing and that’s line there pockets. I hope the council of native Hawaiian advancement can help to fix this broken tourism industry in hawaii. As for economic hardship you must be rich coz us native are currently living thru it everyday and this is our home. That’s sad. Finally tourist will always come to hawaii if covid hasn’t already proven that. We are barely past the pandemic and already past pre covid visitor numbers.
From One set of Pockets, hopefully Not to the Next. We are far from Wealthy or even Rich, we work hard to afford the Vacation. Saying that it is Your Island, I understand that “Feeling” but Hawaii is a State, one of 50. Other than the land put aside the rest is either Commercial, Government, Privately Owned or Public. Not being confrontational. IF, as has been published, Entrance Fee’s and Other Additional Things Occur, Culling Tourism to those Truly Wealthy will certainly raise Taxes on you. Then try and convince Tourism to come back! They’re going to find savings in just as Beautiful of a Spot.
I already have, cancelled a trip worth over 15k just in accommodations for our family of 7, too many other options and had just as much fun, relaxation, if not more since it was a place we hadn’t ever been.
Hotels in Oahu, have become ridiculously expensive, and are pricing themselves out of the tourist market.
Tides have turned… had a love affair since ’95 with the Hawaiian Islands, but we’ve canceled 3 trips (flights and accomodations booked & paid) in less than two years. Covid caused us to look elsewhere and we’ve since discovered many other wonderful places to enjoy. It looks like we’ve broken up with the islands and while it may not be forever(still have lots of miles on Hawaiian Airlines) but the thrill is gone, for now….
That is What I Am Saying. If Hawaii implements the new Entrance Fee’s and other Unsavory Ideas is it the place to go. They want the Wealthy and Rich to be most of the Tourism betting they will spend the money and make up for the Millions they no longer want! A Crazy, Losing Proposition that will never last. My Vacation Plans no longer include Hawaii, that’s sad. But plenty of Other Places to Vacation!
Covid proved that our state needs to be self sufficient and not so reliant on the U.S. mainland and tourism. We need to grow our own food and continue to support local businesses so we can keep our economy going and growing. Ho’omaika’i for Native Hawaiian advancement, without Hawaiians there would be no Hawai’i..
Anela… what would you say if I met you at the airport in Miami and said we don’t want any Hawaiians in Florida, now get on the plane and leave? We are keeping Florida for Floridians! Whether you agree with Hawaiian statehood or not, you are part of the USA, and discrimination or making citizens pay went out with the KKK. But don’t worry about me, I won’t be coming to a place I’m not wanted…
I was given up for adoption and recently found my Ohana. Discovering my heritage and learning all I can has been amazing. It was an eye opener. Native Hawaiians should come first. Tourist should think of themselves as guest. I say make all tourist volunteer for a day and get a good history lesson as requirement for the privilege of experiencing the islands. I was lucky to go twice last year two different islands to meet family. The grace extended to me was true and amazing. Yes expensive, think of the Natives! And lack of affordable housing! More to the beautiful islands than meets eye. Find ways to give back
I disagree, I do live in Maui.
Before moving here I traveled to Maui twice a year for many years.
I could handle and accept the high prices.
However, in my opinion Hawaii is getting a little full of itself lately. The aloha and welcome vibe is missing.
Now you want to require people to volunteer for a day? Give me a break, vacation is a vacation, forced to come and take a day, a high priced day, I might add to to volunteer is another hoop to jump through.
Bottom line, either embrace and welcomeour loyal visitors, or simply close the torism market all together.
lately,
Did you volunteer on your expensive vacation?
I returned to Maui 30 years after my first visit. The memories of the spectacular beauty and wonderful Locals never faded in my mind. I was delighted to be able to stay for 7 glorious days and find the Aloha spirit was still strong. My only disappointment was the abundance of broke down, burned out cars on the road sides. I just hope I am allowed to return before another 30 years passes.
This seemingly boomer-centric publication fails to capture how excited *the right tourists are* that this shift is underway, and perhaps that’s generational. Millennials and Gen Z especially stand in solidarity with the native Hawaiian people, and we embody a respectful anti-colonialist approach to our visits in an effort to minimize our impact and preserve the native culture our mainland predecessors destroyed. Tell us how we can be better visitors—we are listening and we support the Hawaiian people.
I agree with your comments, but I am a Boomer from Canada and also welcome this shift toward preserving the Hawaiian culture! We just returned from Maui after spending 3 weeks and we enjoyed the Aloha spirit. We found the people welcoming and friendly. We respect the people, their culture and their environment.
Let’s hope that knowledge and wisdom truly increases with age.
Having Always Respected the Indigenous and the Island History and Traditions, we have enjoyed everything except those who Don’t Return the Same. To be called Racist and a White Supremacist shows the Ignorance and Feeling of “Some.” When the State finds Selective Tourism will show those Responsible for much of the Offenses and the Loss of Money and Businesses where will the Losses be made up? Higher Taxes on Residents! How long before You realize just how much the Average Tourist is Necessary? You Want until You Get It. Everyone, including Us, Lose. Keep treating people like crap,there’s an Enire World to Vacation without the Cost or Attitude. Aloha.
There is a T-shirt and bumper sticker I have seen several time around Oahu over recent years. It states:
“Hawai’ian by Birth
American by Force”
That says a lot about the attitudes held by some, surely s minority on island
We lived on the big Island for 5 years and understand the truth in that bumper sticker, Hawaii was taken by force for American capitalism and the Hawaiians were forced to become Americans and as we have seen all over the world selfish Americans take what they want and leave a mess.
The Hawaiian people deserve their heritage their traditions and their beaches
Interesting comment. When you think about it, Americans saved the Hawaiians from Japanese invasion. Selfish? Perhaps. Hawaii was a strategic location, and remains so. If the Japanese had been successful, Hawaii would now be Japanese territory, inhabitants of Hawaii would have been subjugated and eventually would have dissapeared, and Japanese would have been the new stewards of the rock. Hawaii and those who commit to living there benefit a great deal from belonging to the USA. Lucky you.
That’s a bit rich. They “saved” them? Sure, after an illegal overthrow of the sovereign nation. No one can say what would have happened had a group of greedy American descendants of missionaries not overthrown the nation. Perhaps Japan would have had no reason to bomb Pearl. Or perhaps another country would have overthrown HI. No one can say, because that dice was already rolled long before the bombing of Pearl.
The atrocities of the imperialist japanese army are well known. Hawaii didn’t have a chance.
I Agree. It’s those that believe, and I don’t refute their stance, that slogan who don’t want the average tourists. With that Attitude hopefully the Beautiful North Shore Competition can be held Somewhere Else, reducing Tourism More. It will be a Great Loss to the Income but will give better access to Islanders and the Wealthy Only! Turtle Bay can be Occupied by the Indegent Squatters,no lines at the food trucks, and Dole Plantation can become a Ruined Establishment. The Swap Meet, gone. Annie’s, like Tony Romo’s gone too. No waiting for Tee Times, the Kahala Mall can reinvent itself. Little Congestion on H1&H2, No One rushing to get to non Existant Jobs. That’s what will change Oahu, but Crime Will be Up. Keep Up The Good Work, You want it