Why do Hawaiians want to stop tourism?

Tourism is seen as one of several factors that allowed the Maui fire to become so deadly. But travelers have been more directly blamed for some of the state's many enduring problems, including a severe housing crisis, water shortages, environmental degradation and the dilution of Native Hawaiian culture.



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Is Hawaii still struggling with tourism? The state's tourism board is on the brink of collapse — along with its helpful policies on managing foot traffic to Hawaii's most beautiful and sacred sites. Tourist arrivals in Hawaii are near pre-pandemic levels as the industry works to manage the impact.

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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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Tourism comprises 21% of the state's economy, with many of Hawaii's largest industries revolving around the constant flow of tourists.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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Hawaii, for example, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers from the United States and Japan and many of its inhabitants have long been critical of the islands' booming tourism industry.

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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.

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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.”

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A: Wildfires have mainly affected Lahaina in West Maui. All non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Napili, Ka'anapali, and Kapalua) is strongly discouraged for the duration of Governor Green?s sixth emergency proclamation (through October 17, 2023) issued on August 19.

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That message has since changed. “Maui's not closed,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a recent interview. People shouldn't go to Lahaina or the surrounding West Maui area — “It's not a place to stare,” Bissen said — but the rest of Maui needs tourists.

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The truth is, Hawaii is consistently ranked as the most expensive state in the United States due to high housing, energy, transportation and food costs. Don't be discouraged—that doesn't mean it's completely out of reach for a buyer looking for their slice of paradise.

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Haole is a Hawaiian word for non-native Hawaiian or Polynesian people, often referring to white people. Usage can be in an insulting or pejorative manner, but it usually refers to a foreigner or tourist.

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Maui residents have remained consistent that visitors should avoid all of West Maui, which continues to be a hub for displaced families. Hotels there are housing more than 5,000 people who are not tourists, including families who lost homes, government relief officials, aid organizations and cleanup crews.

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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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Niihau, also known as the Forbidden Isle, is a beautiful small island in Hawaii spread across 180 sq km. The island is off-limits to outsiders and only the Robinson family, their relatives, invited guests, government officials and US Navy personnel are allowed here.

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