Is Hawaii still suffering from overtourism?

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.



People Also Ask

While the pandemic pummeled Hawaii in its early stages, the Aloha State's tourism industry is back, and by some metrics, bigger than ever. The number of tourists from the U.S. mainland is higher than it was before the pandemic — and average spending per trip is also higher.

MORE DETAILS

Here's why. Fodor's Travel named Maui one of 10 destinations on its 2023 “No List” that tourists should reconsider visiting this year. The travel publication outlined 10 regions ranging from Antarctica to Italy that are threatened by environmental damage caused by overtourism and climate change.

MORE DETAILS

October 8, 2023 Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again.

MORE DETAILS

But, the increase in tourism has resulted in problems such as overcrowding, littering, an overextension of our rescue and emergency resources & damage to the fragile ecosystem. Some Native Hawaiians may feel that tourists do not show enough respect for the environment.

MORE DETAILS

The HTA added: “Currently, travel is still welcomed to the island of Hawaii. Visitors are encouraged to contact their hotel accommodations provider and airlines for updates that could affect their stay on island.”

MORE DETAILS

In August 2023, visitor arrivals to Oahu (507,702 visitors, +11.0%), Hawaii Island (152,951, +4.1%) and Kauai (131,628 visitors, +9.0%) increased while visitor arrivals to Maui (112,259 visitors, -57.8%) dropped significantly compared to August 2022.

MORE DETAILS

Remember: friendly locals and a solid police presence around downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach makes these areas largely very safe for tourists at night.

MORE DETAILS

Is Hawaii over crowded right now? First, Hawaii is incredibly busy, and instead of tourism subsiding, it only seems to be getting much busier. There are virtually no slow times any longer. Almost everything about visiting Hawaii has changed post-pandemic.

MORE DETAILS

The tourism industry employs a significant portion of the state's population, including hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant workers, and many more. The sudden loss of these jobs would create a state of economic crisis, leading to a rise in unemployment rates and financial instability for many families.

MORE DETAILS

You can also donate to organizations like the Hawaii Community Foundation, which is raising funds for recovery. During trips, you can also opt to support local businesses, clean up after yourself, and be mindful of the environment, per Insider.

MORE DETAILS

About eighteen miles southwest of the Garden Island (Kauai), sits Hawaii's “Forbidden Island”, also known as Niihau.

MORE DETAILS

Disrespect for the environment: Hawaii is known for its beautiful natural environment and animals that can be found nowhere else on the planet. But, the increase in tourism has resulted in problems such as overcrowding, littering, an overextension of our rescue and emergency resources & damage to the fragile ecosystem.

MORE DETAILS

Generally, most locals are happy to see the tourists come and see what life means for them, especially those activities that depict a life many have never seen, learned, or experienced.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Some locals, many of them of Native Hawaiian descent, have gone so far as to argue that travelers should cross Hawaii off of their future itineraries for good. Tourism is seen as one of several factors that allowed the Maui fire to become so deadly.

MORE DETAILS

Hawaiian Electric Company said that power lines falling in high winds seem to have caused a fire during the early morning of August 8, but power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours by the time a second afternoon fire began in the Lahaina area.

MORE DETAILS