Locals don't even vacation locally, it's cheaper to go to the Mainland. There are so many other less expensive vacation spots than Hawaii where locals and visitors can get more bang for their buck. Mexico, and Asia are bargains and offer even more beautiful beaches than Hawaii. People are just tired of being price gouged.
All of those problems are due to selling out to tourists. We have gotten rid of all the fishponds and diverted all the streams away from local farms, and now wonder what happened? I can say that the shipping monopolies and hotel boards aren't questioning it and are in fact laughing their behinds off.
Residents have BEEN asking to move away from tourism and find other economic opportunities. It’s beyond time the “state” listen to the people. Tourism has been FAR more harmful than helpful to these islands. Also, tourism is and always has been a very fickle economy. We need stability. Politicians love tourism, it’s a lazy politicians economy, just cater to the tourists, exploit the local culture and throw money into promotion… but it’s past time for a change… it’s time politicians START earning their pay.
@@manateemilk1 Yes, but the US cannot “give back” what it never took in the first place, there is no treaty of annexation, the U.S. never took the Hawaiian Kingdom, in fact the permanent court of arbitration in The Hague has confirmed that the Hawaiian Kingdom exists in continuity, meaning its sovereignty was never relinquished nor extinguished. Nonetheless, you may get your wish, there’s international law associations, political scientists, UN experts and advisors and foreign dignitaries working to end the U.S. occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. So who knows 🤷🏽♀️. Oh btw, we didn’t live under a monarchy, we lived under a constitutional monarchy… there’s a difference.. I’ll let you look it up yourself if you care to know the difference.
Well, without tourism, your income goes down. Then the state raises taxes on everything else to keep itself solvent. So, you pay more for everything. How's that going to affect your life. It sounds good, I know. But because I live in an area that tourism brings in over half our yearly income. The citizens can not make up the difference if we were to place limits or discourage tourists. What does Hawaii have going for it, that would replace tourism bucks? Seems to me, it's like cutting off your hand, and hoping the other can make up for the lose of the other.
@@helenshea3446 Tourism wasn’t our main economy until the late 70’s early 80’s. Prior to that our main economy was agriculture. We were the world’s top supplier of mangoes, bananas, and papaya. That changed when the US got paid millions by GMO companies to be allowed to do “research” here. GMO crops quickly contaminated our local crops into hybrid GMO crops and we lost our international contracts, which were our largest money makers, because at the time foreign countries didn’t allow the importation of GMO or GMO contaminated crops into their countries. This loss of essentially an entire economy prompted “officials” to spend tens of millions of dollars to promote Hawai’i as a tourist destination, something they still budget for annually. You may think tourism is a huge money maker, but when you factor in the astronomical amount of taxpayer money that both directly and indirectly gets spent on tourists and tourism, it’s far less than you think. When we were an AG economy we were all doing so much better financially, almost all locals were homeowners, and we got paid WAAAAY better than the chump change minimum wage pay that tourism pays locals. The ONLY people who make money off of tourism is the resorts and Airbnb owners, unfortunately the resorts also ALLEGEDLY pad the pockets of politicians to keep fighting for tourism. Hawai’i is one of the most corrupt places around… I suppose that’s expected when you have the only international port between Asia, the U.S. and the “Americas”. So respectfully, you’re not from here & you have no idea what’s going on here. We have resources that the majority of the rest of the world don’t, the ability to grow crops 24/7 365, very fertile volcanic soil, and an abundance of fresh water. Have a good day.
@@The.Hawaiian.KingdomThanks for the post. I am in my late 60s and thinking of going to your Hawaii, because I feel every US citizen should go there at least once. It is a US state and unique to all others. US citizens can stay ‘in the US’ and at the same time, have this unique experience. I made a comment above that a tour guide checked on a premium economy ticket for me, and it was $9000. He couldn’t believe it. It will be regular ‘economy’ for me when I go. The prices are so expensive. I don’t know why.
We were regulars to the islands. Over bought with the intention of supporting Hawaii’s economy. Will never go back. Locals had the screw you attitude. And with the bleak economy outlook, don’t think Hawaii will see 10.2 million visitors for a long time.
I absolutely love Hawai'i and have been there five times, visiting all six of the main islands. The last time I was there was 2019. One day, I walked from Waikiki to Lyon Arboretum. On the way, I was just walking on a residential sidewalk minding my own business when I heard a car horn blaring. I looked up and saw one of the passengers shoot me a bird and yell an obscenity. Another day, I was driving up the east coast of O'ahu near Ka'a'awa. There was road construction which narrowed the highway considerably. I was in a rental car and was being extra careful not to hit any of the traffic cones on the edge of the highway. A police car was coming from the other direction. When he got next to me, he very angrily yelled, "Move the F over!!" These two experiences pretty much killed my desire to return to paradise anytime soon.
I checked on a premium economy ticket from st louis to Hawaii and the price was OVER $9,000. The tour director that checked the prices could not believe it!! Economy was cheaper…….but still.
Maybe the time is now to become a more self-sufficient island with year round perfect weather any food can grow year round. Quit it locals at least you locals depending on the damn tourists. Not ok. This is not what kuleana is. Malama your aina
I’ve been traveling to the Islands twice a year for the last 26 years. For most of those years, it felt like I was coming to a second home. Since 2022, it feels hostile toward non-native people, and I do not feel nearly as comfortable. 🫤 If we come with respect for the land and people, if we come with good intentions and a good spirit, we are still dealing with open prejudice by local people. The dept. of tourism can’t fix that.
We've been going to Big Island early Nov and February for many years. Lots to do and see. We would usually stay in our favorite places in Hawi or Kamuela. Changes to AirBnb may make us change things up. Not in our budget to stay in resorts on Kona Coast.
Right now airfare is amazing! Lowest I've seen in YEARS! However, hotels are RIDICULOUSLY HIGH! The average family is not going to pay close to $1k/night in this economy. They will either do a staycation or travel to more affordable spots like Mexico. Oh, one more thing... what was your point when you said you were the only one on the plane wearing a mask. Why would you be wearing a mask now (or ever)?
Sooooo if you put ALL your eggs in a basket and the basket only get shells - you're f'd!!!! So by the lawmakers bending to the hotels and pretty much banning STR's forcing visitors into overpriced rooms the basket remains empty. Visitors choose other "affordable" destinations. I say "affordable" because Hawaii "affordable" and other destinations affordable are totally on different scales. Locals AND tourists are priced out of paradise!!!! Dubai? lol!!!! HI wish:)
yup....don't know anyone going to pay $800 plus a night for hotel and parking and crazy expensive food....most family and friends make a good living...but not spending that kind of money on a room when STR changes it gets even worse
Japans economy is in the dumps. Start marketing to Americans. Americans spend. And right now a trip to Mexico is much cheaper than Hawaii. If you can create packages to entice Americans over and make it more appetizing than Mexico then it’ll be a win. Btw this man is amazing. He is articulating even facet of the tourism industry and ensuring to include, locals and where the local experience plays in. He shows he’s mindful of the aina and its people not just catering to tourists
Not funny USER! A mask is the new normal now especially in closed quarters with hundreds of rude coughing and sneezing inconsiderate people. (probably like you)
Like everyone is saying, its simply too expensive. I had an ex-girlfriend visit from Japan and we each spent around $1,000 during 10 days just on food and gas (for her it was like spending $1,500). That was being fairly conservative because neither of us are heavy drinkers. Factor in Hotel, airfare, transportation and thats a lot of money total
A staycation with Kamaaina rates are at least $200+ per night for a room alone. Food in Waikiki is expensive. In contrast, go to and stay in hotels that are at least half the price and eat for much less and you don't have to worry about adding a tip because Japanese don't have a tipping culture. Hawaii has priced themselves out of the market for the middle class and has become a place only for wealthy. This mirrors how Hawaii has become for residents with the very high cost of living.
I wouldn't refer to waikiki as hawaii anymore and I used to live in kapahulu. The surf instructors no longer know what things like pono,malama, or kuleana even mean.
@@granta3044 I haven't been to Waikiki in a very long time. Such a contrast because growing up in Hawaii we used to go to Waikiki for nice dinners and the movie theaters. Waikiki is no longer a place for locals, just like Ala Moana.
Purely from a Japanese tourism perspective, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bali/Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and even Guam is more affordable, and they offer many interesting and unique cultural, culinary, and resort experiences. I hate to say this but Hawaii has become increasingly less Hawaiian and more American over the decades. Regardless of short-term issues like disadvantageous currency rates, I really want to feel and experience Hawaii culture when I'm in Hawaii. It's the single most important treasure of Hawaii.
Interesting how all of this is my fault for not being “respectful” as a tourist. The last 8 or 9 times we visited the islands, i don’t recall abandoning my rental car in a gully. Or throwing a old appliance down a riverbank. It isn’t the € vs the usd exchange that makes European travel cheaper. Its the almost complete lack of taxes and fees. Since we forgot about Hawaii we have travelled exclusively to Italy, Spain, Greece. I don’t appreciate being taxed to death in Hawaii. I then read on Reddit, how Hawaiians think the rich mainlanders should be taken for all they own. You two are living in an imaginary world where you can blame all of your problems on me and people like me. End rant, good luck, the world has forgotten about Hawaii and moved on.
@@D-bk7lc Who are you talking to? We weren't blaming tourist for what Waikiki or Hawaii has become. I personally don't know how anyone can afford to come to Hawaii anymore. I worked in the tourist industry when I was young and going to college and always appreciated tourists.
yes, Hawaii sells itself. All I hear is good words from tourists. Undeniably i hear from the tourist and classmates that ive talkedbwith Online. Some mention getting married here or having a vacation. I've been working in Waikiki for almost 1 year. It just needs a bit of adjustment from the locals who portray this Kamaina vs mainland attitude. Also, this ignorance with call others haole, I think everyone's ancestors has migrated from other places for a better opportunity. It's the old way of thinking! In comparison to the phillipines, whose cultures are based on serving the tourist, Hawaiis culture is subpar. That's why there's millions of dollars streaming into the phillipines from outsiders. They've got their service to others in lock! Thanks for the share.
The Philippines were conquered, hawaii was stolen, two totally different paths. The white guys said we needed tourists after destroying our ways of life and giving it to the english speakers, when noone at the time spoke English except the foreigners/haoles. What happened to the fishponds, some of the most elaborate and technologically advanced at the time, what happened to the springs which were used to farm? Guy it's been a shtshow from the start, hawaii needs to protect its assets not pimp them out to the world
Well this “haole” knows how locals treat haoles so I won’t spend a penny for Hawaii. I would rather visit Philippines where they welcome tourist and their money instead of Hawaii when the locals tell tourist to go away.
@@sailordave1000 thats cool. Its only the seldish white guys and those convinced by the selfish whites who invited you over here anyway that are the problem. That would fix most of whats wrong
Why> Hawaii is too expensive.
Hawaii has become too expensive and has too much VIOLENCE now!!!!
Locals don't even vacation locally, it's cheaper to go to the Mainland. There are so many other less expensive vacation spots than Hawaii where locals and visitors can get more bang for their buck. Mexico, and Asia are bargains and offer even more beautiful beaches than Hawaii. People are just tired of being price gouged.
High resort fees, high parking fees, overpriced mediocre food, overcrowded beaches, smelly homeless 💩…..better options around the 🌍
All of those problems are due to selling out to tourists. We have gotten rid of all the fishponds and diverted all the streams away from local farms, and now wonder what happened? I can say that the shipping monopolies and hotel boards aren't questioning it and are in fact laughing their behinds off.
agree....i do like plate lunches and shave ice tho
Hawaii has gotten too expensive for many, value has declined from what it one was😮
Residents have BEEN asking to move away from tourism and find other economic opportunities. It’s beyond time the “state” listen to the people. Tourism has been FAR more harmful than helpful to these islands.
Also, tourism is and always has been a very fickle economy. We need stability. Politicians love tourism, it’s a lazy politicians economy, just cater to the tourists, exploit the local culture and throw money into promotion… but it’s past time for a change… it’s time politicians START earning their pay.
I think we should just give the Hawaii back so you can live under a monarchy again.
@@manateemilk1
Yes, but the US cannot “give back” what it never took in the first place, there is no treaty of annexation, the U.S. never took the Hawaiian Kingdom, in fact the permanent court of arbitration in The Hague has confirmed that the Hawaiian Kingdom exists in continuity, meaning its sovereignty was never relinquished nor extinguished.
Nonetheless, you may get your wish, there’s international law associations, political scientists, UN experts and advisors and foreign dignitaries working to end the U.S. occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. So who knows 🤷🏽♀️.
Oh btw, we didn’t live under a monarchy, we lived under a constitutional monarchy… there’s a difference.. I’ll let you look it up yourself if you care to know the difference.
Well, without tourism, your income goes down. Then the state raises taxes on everything else to keep itself solvent. So, you pay more for everything. How's that going to affect your life. It sounds good, I know. But because I live in an area that tourism brings in over half our yearly income. The citizens can not make up the difference if we were to place limits or discourage tourists. What does Hawaii have going for it, that would replace tourism bucks? Seems to me, it's like cutting off your hand, and hoping the other can make up for the lose of the other.
@@helenshea3446
Tourism wasn’t our main economy until the late 70’s early 80’s. Prior to that our main economy was agriculture. We were the world’s top supplier of mangoes, bananas, and papaya.
That changed when the US got paid millions by GMO companies to be allowed to do “research” here. GMO crops quickly contaminated our local crops into hybrid GMO crops and we lost our international contracts, which were our largest money makers, because at the time foreign countries didn’t allow the importation of GMO or GMO contaminated crops into their countries.
This loss of essentially an entire economy prompted “officials” to spend tens of millions of dollars to promote Hawai’i as a tourist destination, something they still budget for annually. You may think tourism is a huge money maker, but when you factor in the astronomical amount of taxpayer money that both directly and indirectly gets spent on tourists and tourism, it’s far less than you think.
When we were an AG economy we were all doing so much better financially, almost all locals were homeowners, and we got paid WAAAAY better than the chump change minimum wage pay that tourism pays locals. The ONLY people who make money off of tourism is the resorts and Airbnb owners, unfortunately the resorts also ALLEGEDLY pad the pockets of politicians to keep fighting for tourism. Hawai’i is one of the most corrupt places around… I suppose that’s expected when you have the only international port between Asia, the U.S. and the “Americas”.
So respectfully, you’re not from here & you have no idea what’s going on here. We have resources that the majority of the rest of the world don’t, the ability to grow crops 24/7 365, very fertile volcanic soil, and an abundance of fresh water.
Have a good day.
@@The.Hawaiian.KingdomThanks for the post. I am in my late 60s and thinking of going to your Hawaii, because I feel every US citizen should go there at least once. It is a US state and unique to all others. US citizens can stay ‘in the US’ and at the same time, have this unique experience. I made a comment above that a tour guide checked on a premium economy ticket for me, and it was $9000. He couldn’t believe it. It will be regular ‘economy’ for me when I go. The prices are so expensive. I don’t know why.
Less is more. Keep our neighbors local
God yes, I can't imagine going to Hawaii now. 20 years ago it was an over priced shithole with ever local filling their yards with garbage.
We were regulars to the islands. Over bought with the intention of supporting Hawaii’s economy. Will never go back. Locals had the screw you attitude. And with the bleak economy outlook, don’t think Hawaii will see 10.2 million visitors for a long time.
@@ashepherd7922 Trying to get away from tourism. STRs have ruined neighborhoods all over the world. Tourists should stay in hotels.
I absolutely love Hawai'i and have been there five times, visiting all six of the main islands. The last time I was there was 2019. One day, I walked from Waikiki to Lyon Arboretum. On the way, I was just walking on a residential sidewalk minding my own business when I heard a car horn blaring. I looked up and saw one of the passengers shoot me a bird and yell an obscenity. Another day, I was driving up the east coast of O'ahu near Ka'a'awa. There was road construction which narrowed the highway considerably. I was in a rental car and was being extra careful not to hit any of the traffic cones on the edge of the highway. A police car was coming from the other direction. When he got next to me, he very angrily yelled, "Move the F over!!" These two experiences pretty much killed my desire to return to paradise anytime soon.
Mindful traveler is a stupid idea.
High Crime, Inflation, homelessness and record Blue Democratic state
I checked on a premium economy ticket from st louis to Hawaii and the price was OVER $9,000. The tour director that checked the prices could not believe it!! Economy was cheaper…….but still.
Maybe the time is now to become a more self-sufficient island with year round perfect weather any food can grow year round. Quit it locals at least you locals depending on the damn tourists. Not ok. This is not what kuleana is. Malama your aina
I’ve been traveling to the Islands twice a year for the last 26 years. For most of those years, it felt like I was coming to a second home. Since 2022, it feels hostile toward non-native people, and I do not feel nearly as comfortable. 🫤 If we come with respect for the land and people, if we come with good intentions and a good spirit, we are still dealing with open prejudice by local people. The dept. of tourism can’t fix that.
The Caribbean is closer, cheaper and has far better snorkeling. I skipped going to Hawaii 20 years ago.
Hotels & fees are outrageous compared to last year ill spend my time in mexico 🇲🇽
We've been going to Big Island early Nov and February for many years. Lots to do and see. We would usually stay in our favorite places in Hawi or Kamuela. Changes to AirBnb may make us change things up. Not in our budget to stay in resorts on Kona Coast.
Good thing this is America and I can travel to wherever the f*ck I want on that sh*thole.
Right now airfare is amazing! Lowest I've seen in YEARS! However, hotels are RIDICULOUSLY HIGH! The average family is not going to pay close to $1k/night in this economy. They will either do a staycation or travel to more affordable spots like Mexico. Oh, one more thing... what was your point when you said you were the only one on the plane wearing a mask. Why would you be wearing a mask now (or ever)?
One of the good things about tourism is it keeps the homeless camps out of Waikiki.
There wouldn't be so many homeless if mass tourism didn't price them out of their homes in the first place.
Sooooo if you put ALL your eggs in a basket and the basket only get shells - you're f'd!!!! So by the lawmakers bending to the hotels and pretty much banning STR's forcing visitors into overpriced rooms the basket remains empty. Visitors choose other "affordable" destinations. I say "affordable" because Hawaii "affordable" and other destinations affordable are totally on different scales. Locals AND tourists are priced out of paradise!!!! Dubai? lol!!!! HI wish:)
yup....don't know anyone going to pay $800 plus a night for hotel and parking and crazy expensive food....most family and friends make a good living...but not spending that kind of money on a room when STR changes it gets even worse
Japans economy is in the dumps. Start marketing to Americans. Americans spend. And right now a trip to Mexico is much cheaper than Hawaii. If you can create packages to entice Americans over and make it more appetizing than Mexico then it’ll be a win. Btw this man is amazing. He is articulating even facet of the tourism industry and ensuring to include, locals and where the local experience plays in. He shows he’s mindful of the aina and its people not just catering to tourists
I think it’s the experience people are having. Hawaii is losing it’s culture
He was the only one wearing a mask LOL
Not funny USER! A mask is the new normal now especially in closed quarters with hundreds of rude coughing and sneezing inconsiderate people. (probably like you)
@@travisgrant5608 Actually, no. I would not be around others in close quarters if I had any contagious symptoms.
Lol.
@@kylegreenwood469 Did you read the rude comment that is next in line?
@@travisgrant5608 new normal to 🤡’s like you 😉
Like everyone is saying, its simply too expensive. I had an ex-girlfriend visit from Japan and we each spent around $1,000 during 10 days just on food and gas (for her it was like spending $1,500). That was being fairly conservative because neither of us are heavy drinkers. Factor in Hotel, airfare, transportation and thats a lot of money total
A staycation with Kamaaina rates are at least $200+ per night for a room alone. Food in Waikiki is expensive. In contrast, go to and stay in hotels that are at least half the price and eat for much less and you don't have to worry about adding a tip because Japanese don't have a tipping culture. Hawaii has priced themselves out of the market for the middle class and has become a place only for wealthy. This mirrors how Hawaii has become for residents with the very high cost of living.
I wouldn't refer to waikiki as hawaii anymore and I used to live in kapahulu. The surf instructors no longer know what things like pono,malama, or kuleana even mean.
@@granta3044 I haven't been to Waikiki in a very long time. Such a contrast because growing up in Hawaii we used to go to Waikiki for nice dinners and the movie theaters. Waikiki is no longer a place for locals, just like Ala Moana.
Purely from a Japanese tourism perspective, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bali/Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and even Guam is more affordable, and they offer many interesting and unique cultural, culinary, and resort experiences. I hate to say this but Hawaii has become increasingly less Hawaiian and more American over the decades. Regardless of short-term issues like disadvantageous currency rates, I really want to feel and experience Hawaii culture when I'm in Hawaii. It's the single most important treasure of Hawaii.
Interesting how all of this is my fault for not being “respectful” as a tourist. The last 8 or 9 times we visited the islands, i don’t recall abandoning my rental car in a gully. Or throwing a old appliance down a riverbank. It isn’t the € vs the usd exchange that makes European travel cheaper. Its the almost complete lack of taxes and fees. Since we forgot about Hawaii we have travelled exclusively to Italy, Spain, Greece. I don’t appreciate being taxed to death in Hawaii. I then read on Reddit, how Hawaiians think the rich mainlanders should be taken for all they own. You two are living in an imaginary world where you can blame all of your problems on me and people like me. End rant, good luck, the world has forgotten about Hawaii and moved on.
@@D-bk7lc Who are you talking to? We weren't blaming tourist for what Waikiki or Hawaii has become. I personally don't know how anyone can afford to come to Hawaii anymore. I worked in the tourist industry when I was young and going to college and always appreciated tourists.
“Your prices way too high you need to cut it”
yes, Hawaii sells itself. All I hear is good words from tourists. Undeniably i hear from the tourist and classmates that ive talkedbwith Online. Some mention getting married here or having a vacation. I've been working in Waikiki for almost 1 year. It just needs a bit of adjustment from the locals who portray this Kamaina vs mainland attitude. Also, this ignorance with call others haole, I think everyone's ancestors has migrated from other places for a better opportunity. It's the old way of thinking! In comparison to the phillipines, whose cultures are based on serving the tourist, Hawaiis culture is subpar. That's why there's millions of dollars streaming into the phillipines from outsiders. They've got their service to others in lock! Thanks for the share.
The Philippines were conquered, hawaii was stolen, two totally different paths. The white guys said we needed tourists after destroying our ways of life and giving it to the english speakers, when noone at the time spoke English except the foreigners/haoles. What happened to the fishponds, some of the most elaborate and technologically advanced at the time, what happened to the springs which were used to farm? Guy it's been a shtshow from the start, hawaii needs to protect its assets not pimp them out to the world
Funny how it seems like its mostly haoles saying hawaii NEEDS tourism. Why is that?
Probably because Niʻihau is what happens if you have no tourism.
@@uss_cushing nope. Kauai doesnt have tourism. Its still an island.
@@granta3044 That’s a BS statement and you know it.
Well this “haole” knows how locals treat haoles so I won’t spend a penny for Hawaii. I would rather visit Philippines where they welcome tourist and their money instead of Hawaii when the locals tell tourist to go away.
@@sailordave1000 thats cool. Its only the seldish white guys and those convinced by the selfish whites who invited you over here anyway that are the problem. That would fix most of whats wrong
It's way too expensive in Hawaii.
Well good thing the greatness of the place doesn't require money. If you're haole maybe.
@@granta3044 they don't make panties like they used to.