Think Hawaii travel is bad? Europe’s may be worse. High costs. Crowded beaches. Disappearing perks. If you’ve been to Hawaii recently—or are debating whether to return or venture abroad—you’ve likely formed strong opinions. Many Beat of Hawaii readers say they’re skipping Hawaii altogether, drawn to Europe for better value, fewer restrictions, and the allure of something new.
That may seem like a fair trade. But as we’re currently traveling through Europe, seeing conditions firsthand, here’s a look at what’s happening—and why some Hawaii travel problems may pale in comparison.
European strikes are back, often with no warning.
Travelers arriving in France, Italy, and Greece this spring have faced a wave of strikes, often announced with little or no warning. French unions are planning rolling rail walkouts from April 17 through June 2. The UK Foreign Office has warned visitors to expect labor disruptions and demonstrations, especially in visitor-centric destinations like Paris, Marseille, and Cannes.
Meanwhile, EasyJet cabin crews in Italy are staging walkouts this week, with more expected. That’s on top of earlier labor actions in both air and rail sectors across Europe. When strikes affect air traffic control or rail operators, delays cascade. Eurocontrol, which manages European airspace, has already warned that summer 2025 delays will likely be even worse than last year, already the worst in nearly a quarter century.
The problem? While travel demand is rising, staffing and infrastructure have not caught up. During peak summer 2024, one in three European flights arrived late. Eurocontrol says those delays cost the airline industry nearly €3 billion.
Visitor compensation, missing in the U.S., may soon shrink here, too.
One silver lining—at least until now—has been the European passenger protection law known as EC261. It mandates compensation of up to €600 per person for delays of more than three hours. That helped us personally on a past UK-to-Hawaii flight delay, when both editors received the full payout.
But that’s now under threat. The EU is debating changes that would drastically reduce protections. Under the proposal, long-haul flights might need to be delayed by 12 hours or more to qualify, while shorter flights could require five-hour delays. So much for consumer advocacy.
In contrast, the U.S. has no such compensation system. The DOT has floated reforms for years, but nothing has materialized. For most American travelers, a canceled flight means a refund—and if you’re lucky, a ten-dollar voucher.
Reader comments show rising Europe travel fatigue.
But not everyone is sold. Cheryl wrote, “Europe was magical last summer, but I’m not sure we’d do it again this year. Everything felt crowded, and honestly, the beach in Maui is calling louder again.”
Laurie L. added, “We’ve been thinking about skipping Europe next year—it’s just gotten too stressful and expensive. Hawaii is starting to look like the easier choice again.”
And from Kyle S., this note: “Traveling in the US and Europe is just unpleasant these days…”
Several readers highlighted poor airline service and noticeable equipment differences between Europe-bound and domestic U.S. flights, even within the same airline. (Sidenote: We found the opposite to be true at Beat of Hawaii, and better service going to Europe.)
Hawaii travel isn’t perfect, but it’s stable.
The complaints about Hawaii are valid. Hotels and vacation rentals can cost more than in parts of Europe. Add on rising state park entry fees, increased car rental taxes, and shrinking in-flight perks, and it’s easy to see why travelers feel frustrated.
But Hawaii’s challenges are predictable. Strikes don’t shut down airports, and labor actions don’t typically derail travel plans. Air traffic control issues exist, but they don’t spark widespread meltdowns like those forecast for Europe this summer.
Even the longest flights to Hawaii from the East Coast rarely exceed 10 hours. Under the proposed EC261 changes, that duration might not qualify for compensation in Europe if delayed.
What’s the better deal?
Ultimately, it depends on your travel goals. Europe offers history, culture, and sometimes better value. But it’s not immune to its own tourism challenges. Airline crews, controllers, and rail workers are all stretched thin, and summer infrastructure strains are mounting.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s frustrations—high prices and crowding—are known variables. They’re not likely to surprise you at the gate or cancel your interisland flight. What you see is mostly what you get.
After returning from a recent European adventure, Maleko summarized: “I can have a two-week adventure through Italy for the cost of one week in Hawaii. People will gravitate to what they can afford… then find something else.”
That may be true. But as we’re seeing firsthand, what people find isn’t always easier—it’s just different.
What are your travel plans this summer?
Photo Credit – Beat of Hawaii at Hanalei Bay, Kauai.
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We found a monthly rental for 1,000 u.s. dollars in spain, villa on a beautiful hillside overlooking the sea. The locals were lovely, we
could cook at home or go out and had no issues anywhere. Spain was so clean, and welcoming. We did not hear negatives like we did on Maui last year. The beaches did not have homeless camps on the resort beaches and we did not get abused by the locals about being, “entitled”, which is Maui locals trendy word these days. Lets face it, it is never going to be a comfy flight to Maui or Europe, so flight doesnt come into the decision factor. I got so tired of hearing locals on social media telling us to tip more than 20%. We do tip appropriately, but it is so unclassy for people to bring this up. There is no choice anyway when you get your bill, the little machine starts at 20% and goes up from there. I don’t necessarily have to go to Europe, there are 49 other states to discover.
Excellent article BOH, and couldn’t agree more! Visiting Europe, Mexico, Central America or Southeast Asia is a wonderful adventure and experience, but never at the expense of cutting your Hawaii vacation time. It should be in addition to your Hawaii travels. Language, currency, and familiarity along with shared culture make Hawaii an easy choice for Americans. US residents have the advantage of traveling to another state that gives you as a citizen all the guarantees of US Constitutional Law and protections. Many foreign locations, particularly Mexico, central America and some carribbean countries are clearly not safe for Americans. Sorry, been there, done that, not doing it again. I’ll take today’s challenges of Hawaii travel, and still go there because I can navigate them among fellow citizens even now when economic and some cultural issues are straining our relationship just a bit.
It’s still as the song goes: “you are Hawaii, you are forever, you are my love.”
Scandinavia is where the fun is. Down south after where the tourists go.
Travel in Western nations is just bad value for money in general. When I was in South Africa last month a bottle of wine in a restaurant was $15 and you could easily get a drink, appetizer, and entree for under $30. Good luck get a drink and appetizer for that price in Europe or Hawaii.
Clearly Europe is a better deal. But it all depends on when you go. Our kids are grown so our trips to Europe have both been on the fringes. All between late February and Early May. No crowds, affordable prices. Disneyland Paris was even a deal. The complaints come from summer travelers and I don’t blame them. Neither do the locals. They all say the continent is overcrowded from May to September. But are happy to tell us “You came at the best time. No crowds.” PS. Just returned from New Zealand (via Honolulu). Another great trip at a downright bargain. The dollar is strong there. Very much like Hawaii…could even make a case it’s better because of its affordability.
Have been to both Hawai’i and Europe in the last couple years and have had a great time once to our destination. But no doubt, the current process of traveling sucks.
2025 is probably only our second year of the last 18 years in which we do not have a Hawaii trip planned. We are going to Spain instead, but it’s more out of just wanting to do something different and it doesn’t represent a protest or decision “against” Hawaii. I hope my spirit can survive a year without Hawaii!
We’re in Ireland as I write this. Been here for 12 days now. Absolutely wonderful place. Welcoming, friendly people everywhere. We’ve been traveling to Europe for 15 years. There’s always a threat of a labor action somewhere. It’s nothing out of the ordinary.
Rented a car for 8 days for $345 from Avis. Try that in Hawai‘i!
Just got back from three weeks in Spain. We were shocked at how much cheaper literally everything is compared to the US mainland – and double that for costs in Hawai. A week in a beachfront, two bedroom flat for less than $1000. Car from Hertz was $11/day without ridiculous taxes and fees. And the food! Fresh, delish, organic, and so so inexpensive. I still love Hawaii, spent at least 6 weeks a year pre-pandemic for 20 years. But us middle-class era have been priced right out of the islands. A sad reality.
I’m heading to Great Britain and the beaches at Normandy for 3 weeks. I’m much more concerned about being an American abroad than flights and rail strikes.
If you have cash, you have nothing to worry about.
We’ve just returned from 2-1/2 weeks in Kauai. Not only was the weather delightful, but all the people were kind and helpful. There were a few places that were crowded, seemingly due to more cruise ships than usual, but not unbearable. As BOH always suggests, plan ahead, know what to expect, and keep going to Hawaii. We come from PA, so it means one 4 hour flight to Denver, then 8 hours to Kauai, but it’s definitely worth it.
Kauai will be my new Maui from now on. There is still green space and smily face!
Mrs. B and I are in Argentina as I type this. Their unions decided to call a “national strike” that (among other things) means all flights canceled today and tomorrow. We were down in El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier if you know it) when we heard about it, and ended up losing 3 days of beautiful Patagonia El Chalten in order to get back north to Mendoza (two separate flights) before the strike started. We are out about $1000 between prepaid rooms, rental car, and added flights. But worst part is losing 3 fall Patagonia days with great weather. BA airports absolute zoos of humanity (next week is Holy week, which is big travel week for locals). Welcome to Argentina!
p.s., Mendoza is a must visit if you like wine and steaks.
p.s.s., the newspaper front page pictures of our president are hysterical (I think is his mug shot from Georgia …).
Spent 7 years in Europe. Really enjoyed it, however, the points being made by the editors are very valid. Traveling to the Continent is much like traveling to Hawaii. You have to be prepared to abide with the rules, customs, and rhythm of life there to really get the most out of your visit.
I’m headed to HNL in May – second visit this year, but subbing Oz for my usual Autumn/Winter visit. Longer flight for sure, but a better bang for the buck.
Best Regards
Jay H –
Good choice. We spent a month traveling Australia last year. Everything (except alcohol and petrol) was 33% off. If you are there during May-September, I highly recommend Western Australia, especially from Perth to parts south. Plenty of nice beaches, friendly people, lots of wineries, etc. (e.g., in Margaret River area – pronounced “Maaahgaret”).