Could Hawaii survive without tourism?

The industry's defenders argue that tourism, for all of the issues it creates, is still a major asset for the people who call Hawaii home. They say the state simply couldn't survive without the billions of dollars in spending and tax revenue that travelers bring into the islands every year.



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However, in the long run, Hawaii would adapt and ultimately survive without total dependence on tourism. Through economic diversification, developing self-sufficiency, and leveraging its natural resources, Hawaii could establish a viable post-tourism economy.

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With that many visitors annually, the islands are forced to build infrastructure to house them, which means damaging the natural environment and wildlife. The tourism industry also affects the life of Hawaiian residents because their country is put on display and their culture is used as a marketing tool.

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By midcentury the Southeast coast should get a foot to 14 inches of sea level rise and four sunny-day moderate floods a year, while the Northeast coast should get 10 inches to a foot of sea level rise and six moderate sunny-day floods a year.

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It is important to note that these concerns are not universal, & some Native Hawaiians welcome tourists who show respect for the culture and environment of the islands. Although due to the behavior of the majority of tourists, it's fair to say that most indigenous people of Hawai'i do not welcome tourists.

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By late 2020, 57% of residents who responded to a Hawaii Tourism Authority survey in September and October completely or strongly agreed that Hawaii was too dependent on tourism, up from 37% in 2019. Almost a third completely or strongly disagreed that their “island is run for tourists at expense of local people.”

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Hawaii public officials want tourists back after the horrible wildfire as soon as possible, but airlines and tour operators know that it takes time for local communities to heal. Maui's tourism recovery has been moving at a sluggish pace since the wildfires devastated the island's western region in early August.

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Moving to Hawaii ethically is something that is difficult to accomplish. Taking up housing and driving up prices leaves natives struggling. While many realize stopping people from moving to Hawaii all together is impossible, there are still ways to be respectful and try to help the community.

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Whether you like it or not, tourism is the main engine of our economy here on Maui. During COVID, we had lofty utopian thoughts of diversifying away from tourism, but it hasn't happened and would take far too long for our residents to survive financially.

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As the tourism industry continues to recover following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, communities in Hawaii are weighing measures aimed at curbing so-called overtourism. Currently, the U.S. state's tourist numbers for 2023 are on pace to match its all-time high.

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Although some of them might seem a bit stereotypical, these are the common pieces of clothing worn by native Hawaiians regularly.
  1. Hawaiian/Aloha shirts.
  2. Board shorts.
  3. Loose-fitting pants or shorts.
  4. Comfortable shoes like sandals or flip flops.
  5. Colorful sundresses.
  6. Muumuu dresses.
  7. Tank tops.
  8. Pa'u hula skirts.


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Here is why Hawaii has the longest life expectancy in the country. Access to healthcare, active lifestyle and sunshine can all contribute to lifespan.

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