Hawai'i Doesn't Want Visitors Right Now, or Ever. Here's Why.

Dear Native Hawaiians,
Without Haole’s, you would have been eradicated by the Japanese 80 years ago. Although they may have kept a few of you for medical experiments and sex slaves.

Me and my wife honeymooned on Maui and Oahu in 2021. It was my #1 bucket list place to visit. We talked with locals very candidly throughout our stay and, although there were some cold upon first glance locals; after realizing we were respectful to their culture and respectful of their land. We found that most of the natives we talked with were very nice and shared family stories and history of the islands with us.

I am very saddened to hear so many stories of disrespectful tourists, and I don’t blame the indigenous people and their apprehension to tourism.

This article was wonderful at explaining why people shouldn’t visit Hawaii and hopefully we can foster a society that respects culture in the future so that one day all locals would love to invite us to share in the beauty of the islands ❤️

Mahalo 🌺

This article so accurately and compassionately explains the concern those of us residents have been trying so diligently to share with visitors. The entitlement, lack of any empathy or respect for the aina, people, wildlife, culture, history and environment is more than appalling, it is near criminal. If tourism is not managed, if extractive tourism continues to deplete and overrun . . . there will be no more so-called “golden goose” . . .

Replying to Alex Rodriguez:
In case you didn’t know Hawaii can SUSTAIN ITSELF WITHOUT HELP. People that are not from Hawaii specifically Maui, have absolutely no right to expect a welcoming and respect for a place you have no business going to at a time like this. There are people’s houses that have literally burned down to ashes and you’re mad because you can’t come and visit?! Like are you kidding me. Don’t be calling everyone in Hawaii Hawaiians. Hawaiian is an ethnicity. First of all who said that Hawaiians do not care about your family? Hawaii is all about Ohana ( Family ). Natives in Hawaii sometimes do like tourist but it reflects on how you act while visiting here. Second of all Natives here in Hawaii care a lot about supporting small businesses because all we have are each other here. And how dare you tell Hawaiians to suck a boner, like are you fucking kidding right now. Hawaiians are very respectful towards people and sometimes tourists. Now as a Kānaka Maoli I can say that I am not that fond of tourist but I have met some tourist and my family are close with some. Third of all Natives in Hawaii do not like tourist because of the way they treat us and how they leave Hawaii. Some tourists leave Hawaii with no respect for our land, are special beliefs or wildlife. For example throwing rocks at Hawaiian Monk-seals, leaving trash all over the creation, and expecting respect for acting so poorly with everything. People that are not from Hawaii has to understand that we don’t have a lot out here in the middle of the ocean so we haft to use things wisely and we need to respect our resources.Oh and FYI you spelt howley wrong its Haole. If you don’t know Haole does not mean white. It means individuals who are not Native Hawaiian or is not a Hawaiian descendant. So think before you say something stupid like that. Saying that Hawaiians are not welcoming because you came here. We are going through a time of crisis and some tourists think that its a joke and a place to be sight seeing because its not. Please understand that we need to grieve in peace and we don’t tolerate being disrespected by people who had not been in our shoes. -Thank you.

I honestly think every person commenting on this blog isn’t seeing both sides of the picture here. Coming from a local who is born and raised on Maui, yes it is true that tourists/travelers alike bring a lot of money to our state and yes most of our money comes from them. But, Hawaii can also sustain itself without having tourists or travelers giving us the money. Tourism is a VERY big part in our state’s economy, but we aren’t going to rely on it whatsoever. Yes, it brings in a lot of money for us, but we are able to do it ourselves. In my personal opinion, everyone just argues about MONEY.

People from hawaii (and some other places) don’t rely on your money to support us. Yes Hawaii is a U.S state, but some might not know that Hawaii is a U.S state illegally. Before Hawaii became a U.S state, we had sustainable lives with a sustainable economy. But, the cost of living went up, the food prices went up, and a lot of locals had to leave because it was getting too expensive to live here anymore. So, I think that’s why some tourists might think that they are the reasons why hawaii is getting its money. But the truth is, it is and it isn’t.

I’ve personally read some of these comments on this blog and what some people have to say about the locals are very disrespectful and unrealistic. Because I’ve lived here all my life, i’ve seen how locals and tourists can act, and it goes both ways. Some tourists come to the islands thinking that they are entitled to everything because “they give us the money to survive”; some of them are rude to the locals, disrespect us by taking pictures of Lahaina (after the fire that caused everything to burn down) because they simply want too, and act like we owe them something because they simply think so. And yes, some Hawaiians can be rude too. Some of them hate “white people” because some “white people” come to Hawaii and buy/take away the land that we have left, or some Hawaiians think that tourists are taking away everything we built and just disrespect our culture in general. In my opinion, it’s all about how you act and how you decide to react. If you want to be rude, we’ll be rude back, if you want to be disrespectful, we’ll disrespect you back, if your respectful to us and our land, we’ll do the same for you.

I also want to respond to a specific message that someone has said on here. “My taxes are going to rebuild Lahaina”. I want to address this issue because here’s the thing, you don’t know where your tax money is going, the country doesn’t tell you where its going so don’t assume that its going directly to the town of Lahaina. And Lahaina is still is ashes, to this very day. It’s been over 2 months since the deadly fire and nothing has been done, so if you want to help, then help, if you want to donate, then donate, but don’t just assume something that you aren’t even sure about.

I also want to address that some tourists and travelers think that all Hawaiians/locals are the same. The answer to this comment is no we aren’t. Specifically to this comment “Hawaiians in general, can suck a boner.” Let’s be clear, not all Hawaiians will act the same way you do. Us Hawaiians and locals would love for you to come to the islands and visit with your family, please do, but do not disrespect our culture, traditions, and lifestyles. And some tourists will say “we felt so unwelcome and we aren’t coming back.” These comments really surprised me because im not sure how we’re supposed to make them feel “welcomed”. Just out of curiosity, are we just supposed to greet you with a genuine smile or maybe a lei everywhere you go? Lets be clear, coming to Hawaii is a choice that you make, and if you do decide to come, the please come, but don’t expect to be entitled to feeling “welcomed” everywhere you because you want to feel the “aloha spirit”. All we ask when you come, is to respect us, our culture, and our āina.
Thank you,
Mai

I left hawaii for this reason. I’m japanese and i dont stick out much to locals but when i moved there during covid i got so much hate from people who i would talk to socially. i couldn’t tell anyone what my job was or where i was living because i didn’t realize how bad the economic disparities were. i was pretty embarassed for myself looking back, i am only glad that i didn’t post about it on tiktok or something like “come move to hawaii with me” like so many social media influencers do. I didn’t know the island was facing so much modern day colonization. i could sit here and say the same thing happens in san francisco but its really not the same at all. it probbaly was a few decades ago when there were actual indigenous people there but the ive learned that government is so corrupt and hawaiians are owed reparations for what was done to them. honestly there should be some huge tourist tax or just tax people who have multiple homes there. when i moved there and was renting, it was in a really nice beach area in one of the most expensive spots on oahu, and the owners were never around. there was a girl who lived on the property to check on maintenance and stuff but she told me that this was one of the MULTIPLE homes that the owners had and it kinda made me sick. i moved away to hopefully make room for people who are native or born or raised there so hopefully start some generational wealth and stop being dependent on an industry that chooses profit over the people.

I thought about whether I should comment or not, and I really don’t think my comment will make any difference, but here goes.

I’m from Brazil (my grandmother came from indigenous tribes) and I don’t know how to explain it, I’ve always felt connected to Hawaii. Maybe it’s because I grew up seeing the suffering that my ancestors went through in Brazil, and thinking about all the suffering that the Hawaiian people went through.

It was always my dream to visit Hawai’i, and as you said, I didn’t have the money or the opportunity. Until this year and I had the greatest pleasure in the world to visit the Big Island.

Since I set foot on the island I could only cry. It was an emotion that I don’t know how to explain. And I’m crying right now again writing all of this. Being there and feeling the songs, seeing up close a story that I previously only knew from books or documentaries was something out of the ordinary.

I would like to apologize for all those who do not treat the island or the locals with the same respect. And I would like to thank all the wonderful people who found my way on this journey. The hugs from strangers when I was crying with emotion. Hearing “mahalo/aloha” and only good things, feeling like they were being spoken from the heart. I will never be the same person after this place!!! I will be eternally grateful!

I am amazed at how entitled people are. How hard is it for someone to understand that Aloha is a 2 way street? Why expect it if you don’t even understand it or give it? Your vacation is never more important than your attitude or the people who live there (and whose home it is in the deepest sense of the word). I’m not even Hawaiian in the least bit, it’s just really not that hard to understand. No wonder the “Ugly American” tourist trope exists.

Sacred rocks and hula hoops what a joke. Of course your white masters don’t respect the silly traditions of ungrateful savages.

To those who are using this comment thread as a platform to express, “You say you don’t want us but look – you actually NEED us…” have some compassion. People are suffering. Whether your agree with them on not, whether you like them or not – show kindness.

“Learn to do good, seek Justice, correct oppression, bring Justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:7

Perhaps if we stopped worrying about receiving respect from people who have been pushed down for generations and started offering respect without expecting reciprocation, we’d begin to mend a broken fence.

Praying for Maui.

I’ve been to Hawaii twice and had a great time. Because I’m Asian and dressed like a non-tourist I think I flew under the radar a little. But I could tell when talking with locals it was a bit icy. Now I better understand why.

I have a bucket list of places that I would like to travel to before I meet my maker, and Hawaii is on my top 20.

However, I understand the resentment by native Hawaiian’s towards tourism. My mother (GOD rest her soul) came from Puerto Rico, and I hate what tourism has done to island. I hate that non natives own all the good land, and have beautiful mansions, while the natives are basically a permanent underclass.
IMHO, Hawaiians (like my friends and family in PR) have suffered many historical wrongs at the hands of non natives, and they should be allowed to live their lives without a bunch of entitled tourist ruining their islands. I know, its never going to happen, but I would like to see every square inch of land on Maui and the surrounding islands returned back to native Hawaiians.
I realize that many people, especially white people from the mainland are going to be upset with a blog like this, but the truth is often hard to hear. Tourism doesn’t help native Hawaiian’s and no amount of liberal talking points is going to change that.

If I never get to visit Hawaii I can live with that … preserving the eco system of the islands is way more important than a few pic’s of myself on a beach at sunset. I think I can do more good just by donating to a few Hawaiian charities and organizations.

So funny all the comments on here getting angry and not one of them addressed the part with all the links of tourists in the news stealing sacred lava rocks or getting too close to the seals. Got a lot of talk saying how they disagree with the authors but won’t comment on the literal factual news articles of tourists using our fire department & putting our underpaid medical first responders on the line & desecrating & disrespecting our land.

My family lives on homestead land and we talk all the time about how the economy could “tank” as you guys are saying and we wouldn’t care at all. We grow our own food and own our land. Thats all we need or want. Like go ahead and stop coming. We encourage it. It will just leave Hawai’i to the real Hawaiians left or anybody else who really wants to be here. All this big talk from visitor acting like we eat outta their hand. Go ahead and leave. From a 6 generation Kanaka Oiwi, please don’t come here & be so entitled. If you already have a ticket, just spend money and go home. The charities mentioned above are good. There are alot of other good ones too.

To the author, Thank you. Sincerely. And, please hear my heart when I say I’m hurt and upset. Not at you, but at tourists who don’t deserve the right to visit such a sacred place in the first place and have ruined so much for so many. People who have no heart, wherever they travel, whatever they do. People who think it is okay to take up beds at shelters in the name of VACATION while they have a perfectly good airline ticket to return home. Instead, after such a tragedy they still expect to go on excursions while on the same island thousands of people are in deep mourning. People who SNORKEL just off the shore of Lahaina while first responders and volunteers and are still in the process of active search and rescue. Shame on you, people who wouldn’t understand Kokua in any language. You actually don’t deserve to set foot on such sacred ground. Never did.

Growing up in California, I am fortunate to have visited the islands several times over the past 30 years and was hoping to return again in October. You’ll have to take my word for it but I’m not just a respectful traveler, I believe in service as a lifestyle. Which is why for me it is so hard to contemplate never visiting such a sacred place again. It has been a temple for me—literally saved my life as an adolescent by getting to experience the incredible beauty and energy on the islands—changed me.

However, knowing how real the sentiment is from native Hawaiians, we are in the process of cancelling our travel plans to Kauai for October, maybe forever, out of Aloha, love, and respect. And, as always, we would have done all the right things mentioned in some of these posts: community service; shopping local; demonstrating love and respect to people and nature. I just wish there was another way. I wish the government could put a sustainable cap on the number of visitors allowed per month (like a visa). Put taxes directly into the hands of locals. Practice actual Stewardship. But money is the root of all kinds of evil so I guess I’m not surprised that responsible tourism management hasn’t happened.

I also wonder if my decision not to return to this place that I care so deeply for, that awakes my soul, just opens up one more seat on a plan for someone else who will not understand or treat the place and people I love with nearly as much respect my family and I would. I wish there were applications required to visit Hawai’i. People like me will hear you loud and clear, and stay away. People without the ears or eyes to understand will still come, and do the same selfish stupid shit that they do everywhere they go.

To the comments comparing places like California, Colorado, Florida and so many other places… You aren’t wrong. But Hawai’i is different. I probably couldn’t win a research based scientific debate on the topic against you. But I’m right. :)

I realize Hawai’i rightfully belongs to Native Hawaiians. And my sincere hope is that you gain independence and return the Kingdom of Hawaii to a sovereign nation. If that happens I also hope you’ll consider the right way to allow people to experience real Aloha—as we are all ultimately citizens of the world here on Earth, and for such a brief moment.

Sincere Aloha! (And, prayers and tears) – Sean

Some people have to move to Hawaii. My husband and I moved because he was stationed here at Schoffield with the 25th. He is over in Maui helping RIGHT NOW. We are white. I’m trying to do as much as I can right now to help. However, my husband went over to help, so did everyone. Yes we are Haoles, but I can tell you this hatred you see online is not the majority because they’ve shown nothing but kindness since we’ve moved here. When there is any natural disaster or people need help, the national Guard, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Army all go in without question and their families know they may not return. Due to the state of the world I don’t know if my husband will be sent off and go to war, however I know his sacrifice and it’s our sacrifice too. They don’t hate everyone from the mainland or from other countries because whenever I have met someone they thank him and Mark told me everyone is thanking him. They don’t hate all Haoles, they know there are people that genuinely care for the community and would do anything for it. My husband and I are one of them. As long as you are respectful and understand that there are places you should honestly not go then they’re cool. Also, know your limits don’t go to the beach and try out a 10 ft wave if you’ve just learned how to surf…that’s not Haoles mindset thats just plain stupid mindset. Like going up to take a selfie with a bison…stupid is what stupid does. All in all they really are kind here, just like anywhere as long as you respect their culture and environment.

I understand and empathize with the hatred the hawaiians have toward tourists as I know what irresponsible tourism means and that civilians don’t see the money.

This is my question, have you ever been to Florida? We don’t see the money. Like you, some irresponsible tourists come and go to our coral reefs and they are damaged, they’ve fished on the beaches and off shore bringing sharks closer to our waters making us the shark capital of the world for shark attacks, they chum the water bringing sharks, we have people by the millions flock our roads in Orlando and Miami making it harder to get to work, we are theme parks, and they have colleges come yearly with drunk kids.

Yes this boosts are economy, we have learned to accept it, learned they have devastated our national wildlife parks, but we have no voice because the wealthy talks. So if you don’t want us to visit- don’t visit Cali (they have same situation), NY (devastation in tourism is real there), Chicago (talk about murder capital), how about South Africa and any country that has a safari?, or Italy (no one is kind to their culture), Mexico/Peru/Costa Rica (some tourist litter), Thailand/Japan/China (some will go to sacred sites and take selfies)- in China people have gone to the forest that people are known to kill themselves and there is a heavy presence of iwu there.

Staying in one place for the rest of your entire life, never visiting, and being a RESPONSIBLE tourist that shows respect to the culture and locals-to get an understanding of the atrocities they’ve gone through but also appreciate the wildlife is also irresponsible.

That leads to people thinking they are the best because they are close minded. No country or culture is clean and perfect throughout history. While people that don’t appreciate your culture should never come, those that want to learn and educate themselves should. Therefore they can learn the world is far greater from themselves. To appreciate nature, to see the depletion of coral reefs and that 90% will be gone by 2050. Someone from a landlocked state or country may read/hear this, but if someone they trust tells them this isn’t true who are they to believe if they don’t see it with their own eyes.

We need to protect the world and show the devastation that man has created. Creating travel semesters where tourists may not travel that way everything can recover a bit may be helpful. However, we can’t stop everyone from visiting new places. That would be along the same parallel as banning books and erasing history. Humans need to know their history so we can try not to repeat itself-even though history repeats itself all the time. However that’s just my take on it.

I don’t think any of the angry haoles commenting on this blog post are even reading it. The post is called “Hawaii doesn’t WANT tourists.” All these idiot commenters talking about how tourism is 21% of Hawai’is economy when one simple Google search will tell you Hawaiis native people don’t see any of that money. The money might as well not even go there at all.

Reading the comment from the deplorable human saying they’ll laugh in the rear view of their mustang, I hope your plane doesn’t make it.

It is absolutely valid for Hawaiians to ask for money and tell you not to come. We owe them reparations for stealing their land and holding their queen hostage. I encourage the author of the blog post to not approve any more ignorant comments from idiots.

The people who are comparing tourists in San Diego and nantucket to tourism in hawaii has to be a joke. Or any of the “native Las Vegas person here!” Like no you’re not. The indigenous people of that place are long gone because of you. Native Hawaiians are experiencing colonization and the killing of their people RIGHT NOW and you uneducated tourists don’t want to listen. Why do tourists not want to be told that they aren’t welcome?

Biggest colonizer mentality. I’m so sorry for the rude comments. This blog post has every right to complain about tourist. Maybe they’re offended because the blog post is accurate. If you guys weren’t stepping on heiau and moving there and asking for local discounts and having the biggest level of entitlement I’ve ever seen, they wouldn’t be having their conversations. STAY OUT OF HAWAII. You’re obviously not wanted.

Why do most of the hate comments have fake emails? If you’re going to say that shit, say it with your name and don’t be a coward.

The gods reply was wildfires.

“If you like Hawaii, f*ck off. We would still appreciate your money, so please donate to these charities while still f*cking off. Did we mention to f*CK off?”

LOUD AND CLEAR

I appreciate reading this article as I’ve read and learned much about the history of Hawaii in the past weeks. In addition, I learned more about the history of Hawaii during one of my tours in Hawaii in Oahu specifically last month. I did visit Hawaii, and I respected the land and fell in love with it. I didn’t know anything about the history until I got there. The tour guides are incredibly informative and it saddens me to learn this on vacation!

I never felt unwelcome. In fact, they make you feel so happy and welcome they make you want to return over and over again if you could. I tried to eat local as much as I could, and tipped as best I could.

Time has passed since I returned home, and as I’m settling in, and trying to find ways to help Maui even after donating some money,

I worked three jobs for a year and a half to save money just to take my 18-year-old autistic son because he begged me to go to Oahu when he graduated high school.

I wish I knew then what I know because while I want to help you preserve your culture and land, I also don’t want to be somewhere I not considered a “colonizer “ as if I was not alive over 100 years ago and created the current situation. I’m the daughter of immigrants!

I never knew that the money I was spending there wasn’t helping anyone!

I respect your feelings and the land, and empathize with the hardship in Hawaii, and especially with what Maui is experiencing right now.

To the people that are speaking harshly to the innocent people in the mainland, remember, tone is everything and there are many people on this side that are really looking out and want to do better and help on your side. They want to help and make change for you. Just like there are a handful of people that are rude, there’s a huge outpouring of people that are kind helpful and just want to be there and be kind and hopeful.

Lastly, as we can see many people visit Hawaii, and even when I was there, it’s not only people from the mainland, I can’t tell you how many Japanese were they are spending a fortune in the malls and stores. According to a tour guide, much of the revenue from the Ala Moana Mall goes education in Oahu.

I’m sure people from the mainland will slowly stop visiting Hawaii. Just remember, as I previously stated, it’s not just people from the mainland, while I was there the majority of people that were there weren’t even from the United States. There were so many different languages being spoken, There are people from all around the world visiting, trying to embrace that beautiful culture and island.

I came home with this wonderful feeling of how wonderful the Hawaiian people are with so many beautiful things to say about them. How wonderful they treated me how beautiful your land is …. Feelings of positive energy and grace…

Those feelings quickly went away after seeing all those rude comments on social media. Please don’t come back at me and say that I’m comparing or being inconsiderate my about the disaster because what happened in Maui was a horrible act of nature and I was already home and trying to help from here!

What the people in Maui are doing in unity is an act of humanity, which is what happens after destruction. When the government gets their shit together (damage is accounted for) humanity takes over first! Keep in mind, iyou already see they don’t let go of tourism dollars, do you think they’re gonna let go of the money that people are donating right away or the things that people are bringing in barges involved right away. They need to account for everything every last thing. The bigger the bulk, the longer it takes to count and that is truly sad. Government sucks anywhere and everywhere – in Hawaii, New York, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Greece, Peru …anywhere.!!! stay strong,!! Stay united because that’s what destruction does show you your strength. You’re a strong as your problem!

Regardless of how your people have made me feel now, I still pray for everyone’s well-being

Interesting perspective. But let’s not forget Hawaii is currently an official US State and US citizens from anywhere have a right to visit as we please. Now I do not intend to mean that we should do as we please when there. I am a responsible tourist and respect both nature and people whenever I travel with my family. Your unwelcoming attitude along with others locals is quite ridiculous. You do not own the land. No one does. I pay federal taxes that are currently going to be used to rebuild Maui. You’re not going to stop me from visiting whenever I want to and quite frankly I don’t care if you hold up a sign telling me to go home. I’ll laugh at you in the rear view mirror of my mustang convertible.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a disrespectful person, but if my family is facing disrespect from a local while we are spending our hard earned dollars on our family vacation – I’ll fight back.

You should spend some time learning about the economics of your home island and you’d know that 80% of your economy is either directly or indirectly supported by tourism. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

And don’t tell me (a responsible and respectful tourist) where I can and cannot vacation. You just sound stupid. The audacity to list charities for helping Hawaii and at the same time telling us to go home. Get a clue. See you on my next trip and I am praying for the people of Lahaina currently.

I and my family went to Hawaii in1999. My parents also went in 1997 and we all enjoyed it very much. Well, if what I just read is true, I have just too much respect and appreciation to ever return. How deplorable and intrusive. I’m very sorry for that, and also for the comments of any rude bloggers.

End-stage capitalism and global over population are both core issues here.
Plus many powerful people are simply not that nice.

This article makes some very broad assumptions. First, I could say the same thing where I’m from in Southern California. My “sleepy” little beach town in North San Diego was considered a “working class” town before urban sprawl and the influx of people moving South from both the Bay Area as well as LA Counties. Our home prices are currently up over 500% from around 1999-2000. I wish no one would come to where I live but unfortunately population growth coupled with low cost travel has affected us all. Additionally, people want to visit areas of the US that are beautiful (weather, beaches, etc).

This article downplays the importance of tourism dollars into the local economy. Tourism is greater that 20% of Hawaii’s economy and is its largest industry. Without it, roads, schools, jobs would be greatly affected just from the tax revenue alone.

“Tourism is the largest single source of private capital for Hawai’i’s economy. In 2019, Hawai’i’s tourism economy has recorded. ➢ State Tax Revenue: $2.07 billion (1.4%,$28.5 million YOY versus 2018). ➢ Visitor Arrivals: 10,424,995 (+5.4% YOY versus 2018).”

While it may be wishful thinking, tourism is only going to increase and like I experienced in my not-so-small anymore So Cal town, you better learn to make lemonade out of the lemons you are referencing in you are going to be in for a lifetime of disappointment.

I am appalled at the ignorant comments on this blog post. Before you comment anything, did you even read the article? Native people are asking you not to come? DONT COME. Are you stupid? Colonization isn’t okay now and it never has been. Tourism dollars obviously don’t help native people. It’s not that hard to understand. The comment saying you’re booking a flight to Maui, you’re disgusting. Stay home. They are suffering right now and don’t want or need you.

It seems a little short sighted to think tourism isn’t needed for the local economies, even if you aren’t in an industry supported by it. However, being someone who works in the hospitality industry, I understand lots of people are just not respectful in general, and although it’s not the majority, they are the ones who are remembered. I can understand why the locals would feel this way. We will be visiting in a few weeks and tried to be mindful of booking tours with locally owned companies and will try to eat at locally owned places. We will most definitely be respectful of the lands and traditions as we are merely guests in someone else’s home.

It’s sad what they have done to Hawaii, and they are trying to do the SAME THING to Puerto Rico, but don’t get it twisted. At the end of the day, we are Latinos and if we ousted a Governor, trust and believe that we will fight this.

That’s okay I’ve been there before several yrs ago & never really cared for it way too humid & people there seemed rude just like the person in this article who doesn’t want us there & says all the other locals don’t want us there but now since your state is being blown away from the wildfires don’t expect the rest of the states then to help you out financially. Your paradise state can help itself out, I’m done with states & countries with a disaster & talks about tourists behind their back saying they don’t want them there then beg us for financial help when they have a disaster well you Hawaiian people can help your ownselves out. I’m done with haters, kidnappers, thieves, murderers & rude, mean belligerent people!!!! And here I was going to send you a big donation for your fire in Maui but guess what honey? I’ve decided not to after reading this nasty awful article. Good luck with all the wildfires going on there I’m sure they’ll be plenty more.

This rhetoric of “people should stay away” can be said about any place that has been colonized and locals being priced out. It’s not only a Hawaiian thing. I mean if we’re going to get into colonization then Mexican/Indigenous people shouldn’t be priced out of their homes in California. Telling people to stay away or not live there is just unfair. I truly understand these concerns and wholeheartedly agree disrespectful people & social media are a problem. Maybe instead of getting angry with tourists teach them Hawaii’s beautiful culture and history (even the part where the US stole the land which is always a sad story)

Proud Polynesians deserve to be independent if they never rallied to join the USA. Arresting their Queen and handing out land to Dole and all the other morally bankrupt business people who “developed” Hawaii is a wound that never healed in the Hawaiian people! They can immigrate to the USA if they want to and visa requirements SHOULD exist both ways imo. It’s been years of “we can’t stand the USA” so let’s pay rent for the bases and just get the hell outta there.

I’ve read many studies done on the environment in Hawaii. I totally believe that tourism is hurting Hawaii. Go somewhere else in vacation. So many beautiful places to visit and explore.

No worries, you got your wish. No one will be coming to Maui anymore.

Don’t come here, but we want your money. That’s about the gist of it. Even more so with Maui on fire. Like another country wouldn’t just take them over if they weren’t part of the US. Aloha my ass.

Tourism has it’s costs, and locals everywhere feel the pain of tourism. This is not unique to Hawaii. But local governments can regulate it to mitigate its negative impacts while keeping the profits, which is the bargain. The level of hate towards tourists is however unique to Hawaii. Even more hate towards US citizens who legitimately move to Hawaii to make it better with their specialized skills, or come and pay high property taxes in the coffers of the local government. These are respectful citizens who want to do everything well culture-wise, and are a net positive to Hawaii’s economy, but are met with extreme racism. Add to that that only 20% of residents are native Hawaiians, while 25% are non-native whites, and even more of various Asian ethnicities not native to Hawaii.

Why is that? My explanation is that local government corruption, which is using native Hawaiians as puppets for their own grift. Hawaii is receiving huge amounts of money from the federal government, often for illegal programs that are conditional on race. If you have wondered where systemic racism still exists in USA, here it is. You need to be of Hawaiian race (defined precisely as percentage of blood quantum verifiable by blood line) to benefit from these programs. Native Hawaiians are hooked on these programs, which don’t need tourism to be funded. Local corrupt politicians and organizations are also hooked on these programs. Meanwhile it is true that native Hawaiians probably do not have to gain much from tourism. But corrupt local politicians do gain a lot from tourism, so it is here to stay.

This will not improve as long as race is codified in local programs and funding everywhere. In fact, things are getting more extreme, not less so. Hawaii is on a collision course with the US Constitution, which sooner or later will abolish these illegal programs. God bless us when that comes, as it would not be pretty

I am so much better informed now about the islands from this article. It has always saddened me the disrespect of vacationers and tourists. And it happens everywhere. I used to love to go to Sedona AZ. Just a few hours drive for me. But it has been trashed beyond belief especially during covid. People need to remember when they visit somewhere that place is someone’s home. No wonder that Hawaiians don’t want us there. Nobody has any respect or manners any more just entitlement. I’m old now but always wanted to go to the islands. I won’t go though. But I do purchase hand crafted items from artisans there and I hope that is o.k. prayers for change.

I’m from the UK and have always wanted to visit Hawaii; I’m glad I know all this now and won’t visit.

The local government welcomes tourist to hawaii they say it’s to build up the economy, lots of foreigners are selling item that came from foreign countries and the money goes back to that country to bring in more merchandise to sell, example, at the flee market or ABC stores items are purchased most with Hawaiian logo on them like “ALOHA, HAWAII “ from beach towels to hats to clothing etc. all made in a foreign country such as china using Hawaiian culture to make the sale and are purchased with cash so the tax are not recorded, how is it building up the economy, and more visitors brings up prices making it harder for the locals to survive, tourists will come spend and leave locals live there and everyday has to deal with the high cost of living from food to gas to rent to automobile registration, etc. , the greedy local politicians has no problem with that, making a good income themselves not thinking of the people that are struggling and has to work 2 to 3 jobs to get by and not enjoying their families or can’t take a vacation, And tourism causes quicker breakdowns of the infrastructure so government raises local taxes to pay for the repairs,
Getting back to the topic, that’s couple reasons why locals don’t want tourists visiting hawaii.

GAG

Replying to Jane Doe comment on July 20, 2023 at 4:22 pm and other rude comments:

Hapa kid here. I’m half Hawaiian for those of you who don’t know what that means. My mom works as a flight attendant and has to see visitors every single day. She said recently alot of people are moving here for their “mental health” and they end up leaving a few years later. She remembers them when they come back on the plane. Please don’t move to Hawai’i. Also don’t visit. How hard is it just to listen to the native people of a place who don’t want you here. How many times do we need to make videos asking you not to come. We shouldn’t have to say anything else. Any of the old people commenting on this like “I used to visit in the 1980’s” I’m sure you were glad iphones werent around to cancel you. Colonization has never been okay. Now we can just record it while its happening in real time so these qualms aren’t an out-dated complaint. They’re happening in the modern day and we can stop it hopefully before it happens.

I have alot of friends in high school who are military or who moved here and didn’t have a choice and most of them are kind or they want to learn about my culture and they know that as long as they are willing to learn or respectful, us hawaiians don’t have any resentment toward them. Some of my other hawaiian friends are less educated than the ones that moved here, like they don’t know what the kumulipo is or something. I like this blog post and agree with everything said. If you are offended by anything said here, you are probbaly one of the people the author is talking about when he says you go viral for getting too close to the seals or stepping on heiau. I remember both of those videos. Please just don’t come to hawaii. Or a bunch of hawaiians will be waiting for you on the beach to tell you to f**k off and go home.

Thank you for this insightful, frank explanation. I am heartbroken to hear of such disrespect to your home and angered by the rude comments left here. I visited Maui and O’ahu on my honeymoon but wish I’d known then what I know now. I would have made a different choice. We only experienced kindness from locals and enjoyed the time we had with them learning about their culture and heritage. But if I had it all to do over again, especially knowing that there is little to no financial benefit to native Hawaiians, we would never have come. Please forgive our ignorance and continue to teach others. I truly believe education is the door to peaceful change.

I’m from Nantucket Island and us natives hate tourists also. Their big money and elitism has ruined the place. I know exactly how the Hawaiian people feel, but like Nantucket for Hawaii its too late. Greed and unchecked capitalism has done its damage and be glad you once saw the best of it.

We are not all disrespectful or feel entitled
Some of us just want to be in touch with with the beauty of the island and to be a part of the patterns

I’m visiting Kauai with my family of 4 and have tried to be very cognizant of the fact that we are tourists here. Anywhere I go, whether it’s Hawaii or the national parks, I see ignorant Americans who have no respect or understanding of the places they are visiting. And it doesn’t take very many peope like that to ruin it for everyone. During our trip, we volunteered at the Kauai Humane Society, Hape Puna’s farm and picked up trash with Kauai’s local Surfrider chapter. There are so many things visitors can do to give back while they are here and it’s a win win because while you’re helping out, you get to know the people who live here and their traditions and the culture. Unfortunately, so much in this world is fueled by greed and that’s the same with tourism. I’ve always thought Hawaii should charge much higher tourist taxes and use that money to help local communities and maybe provide better wages. And it might lower the number of tourists if travelling became too expensive. But I guess in the end, it’s all about educating people about how to be a responsible and caring tourist. Somebody needs to create a Kokua t-shirt brand that promotes Kokua and the Aloha spirit. I’ve looked for t-shirts with Kokua written on them and have not found anything. For those that don’t know, Kokua embodies that Hawaiin spirit of giving without expecting anything in return. I feel like so many tourists are doing just the opposite. I encourage any tourists reading this to find ways to give back to Hawaii during their vacation. I can ensure you that you and your family will probably end up receiving back more than you gave. Me and my two daughters thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent volunteering.

Thank you for writing this article and explaining the reasons. I have recently begun to hear about this and wanted to find out more about it and your article was the perfect way to do so. I really appreciate all the information you put into it.

Even though it is, sadly, not surprising, it is always disheartening to hear about any disrespect of people, wildlife, or the environment. Many Americans are blinded by a belief they have the right to do whatever they like because they are American. They cannot grasp the concept their rights are not more important than someone else’s; they are spoiled children who throw temper tantrums if even a hint of “don’t do that” is in the air.

Our history classes act as if colonization was our right – it was not, and had a positive impact – it did not. While we cannot change what happened then, we can enlighten ourselves now and try our best to do things to respect the cultures that were here before us. The first way to do that is to listen to them and do ask they ask. If that means I never visit Hawai’i, so be it. I wish the Place and People well. It is a drop in the ocean toward making up for the harm my ancestors caused.

No problem. No one likes a bunch of fat greasy Hawaiians anyway

It’s a shame, I really do want to visit sometime to take in the beautiful sights. I can understand though why those that are native would not want mainlanders there. Of course I also don’t have that kind of money so there is that. I’m sorry for some of the disrespectful comments. People acting extremely entitled and like the Natives should be thankful for the tourism. It’s the main reason we get told we aren’t wanted there. Maybe one day my wife and I will visit when it’s appropriate, along with a lot of research to avoid any mishaps or disrespect to the land or culture.

Replying to Avo Tomji comment:

You sound like a major haole claiming that “back in the day” people were more accepting. Just because you got away with moving to a place where you don’t belong back then doesn’t mean its okay now. It’s the colonizer mentality that thinks “Hawaiians are welcoming” and “where’s the aloha”. I am nine generations native hawaiian with my ancestors directly linked to ali’i here and you couldn’t begin to understand the history here if it bit you in the ass. The writer of this blog post is of hawaiian decent so they have a right to have an opinion about the group of people who have displaced our families for hundreds of years. maybe do some research first before running your mouth. sounds like your time is up on maui too. time to go home braddah!

I’ve never planned on going to Hawaii (I’m not even old or rich enough LOL) but reading this was heartbreaking. The blatant disrespect from tourists is awful. I can understand why they don’t want visitors. Some of the comments here displays that perfectly. They don’t owe YOU anything. They asked you not to come and you came anyways. You got exactly what you asked for, don’t act like you’re a victim.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. As a non-native from the continental US, I’m taking it to heart.

Reading the blatant disrespect from the other commenters to your heartfelt article only underscores your concerns. Native Hawaiians don’t owe me any sort of welcome. I’ll enjoy the islands from afar using the magic of the Internet and nature documentaries instead.

I was certainly surprised during my stay in Kauai at how unwelcome we felt. It is quite obvious that most don’t like visitors. I will never come back for that very reason. Natives ought to look in bringing back agriculture exports as a means of support because tourism isn’t their thing and they take no pride in welcoming travelers.