Hands Off Hawai’i!
A look into how tourism in Hawaii is causing a detrimental burden on the state’s future.
Raneen AlRammahi
Hawai’i is considered one of the most beautiful states in the United States. Filled with over 100 beaches, 15 central volcanoes, assortments of authentic foods, and lots of valuable culture- Hawai’i has made its way up to becoming one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. However, as more and more tourists are filling their way in, many pressing issues are starting to arise in the once beautiful state– inducing permanent damage.
There are a number of qualities that make Hawai’i such a popular attraction spot in the United States. From the crystal clear water to immensely flavorful foods, nearly all attraction spots are so stunning that tourists line up one after another to travel to this place. There are many vastly beautiful cities in Hawai’i- from Honolulu, Pearl City, Kailua, to Hilo- and each is consumed by many different beautiful qualities. For one, in Hawai’i, there is a large variety of foods to try from. Foods such as poke (marinated, uncooked fish that is diced and mixed with various vegetables), tacos, papaya, coconuts, pineapples, lychee, pork, etc., are greatly rich and popular at Hawai’i- making it a hot spot for people to find quality and authentic foods. Along with the great food, there are many beautiful attractions. Not only is Hawai’i composed of many natural beaches that are perfectly suitable for spending a day relaxing or trying various water activities, it is also filled with numerous other attractions such as the infamous Pearl Harbor’s memorial, the Na Pali Coast state wilderness park, the volcanoes national park, Halawa Valley, and much more.
Tourists continuously hike trails that are deemed illegal, treat the wildlife with little to no respect, and contribute to the rise in living costs for locals. In order to protect Hawai’i— a state filled with immense natural beauty and wildlife— citizens must start taking this salient issue seriously and work to make a change.
Although many might cite the reasons stated before as inclinations to visit, it is important to acknowledge that there is a cultural aspect that should not be ignored. Native Hawai’ians have multiple important cultural values that are strictly followed, so great frustration roots from when they see tourists disrespecting their values and invading their home. For instance, according to the KABC-TV news, a video on July 18th, 2021 went viral when a woman was shown harassing a monk sea on the beach- gripping it and weighing it down solely for the purpose of a good photograph.
Another critical situation in Hawai’i is the water contamination crisis that first started last year. In May 2021, there was a poorly handled fuel transfer, causing over 20,000 gallons of fuel to leak by November 2021. This leakage of fuel heavily contaminated the water of residents, making it entirely undrinkable for some. Since the climate change crisis has also plummeted in ways people have never seen before these past few years, there is already a scarce amount of water– and careless issues are not helping the situation. Although this issue first arose in 2021 and has now passed, the effects of it will always have a harmful outcome on the residents and the state itself.
Unfortunately, these actions are just one of many unjustifiable measures that tourists are taking all the time. The disrespect and carelessness that has been shown towards Hawai’i has been ongoing for many years, but people are continuing to dismiss it and still tour around with disregard.
When interviewed about how tourists are overstepping boundaries, Dr. Konai Helu-Thaman said,
“Tourism continues to be the major contributor to a process of cultural invasion… Such an invasion has left its marks on most island environments… (and those marks can symbolize) the erosion and ultimate death of indigenous island cultures and their value systems.”
With the continuous level of disrespect that tourists are continuously showing towards Native Hawai’ians, the community is starting to become extremely damaged. The state of Hawai’i is quite beautiful and is filled with many precious and authentic values, so it is important for tourists to treat other people’s homes with respect. Hawai’i is still such a gorgeous place to visit, so the next time that you are thinking of planning a trip there, make sure to educate yourself thoroughly and respect other people’s cultures.
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Misoyaki • Dec 17, 2023 at 2:47 pm
The fuel transfer has nothing to do with tourists. This article is full of a bunch of accusations that are not the causation of tourism. Most of hawaii’s problems come from locals living off of welfare, bad driving, racism, and the fact that they depend on tourist to sustain the islands. They say to take care of the aina, and then leave their trash all over it. The real problem in hawaii is the state government.
Pam Wendling • Jul 26, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Dear writer, while I agree there are tourists who disrespect aspects of both the land and culture of the Islands, I have to also add I’ve seen locals who also mistreat the land. Not all trash on the islands come from tourists. Beaches used mainly by locals are left littered, people coming out of convenient stores throw trash on the sidewalk when a can is adjacent to the building. Wouldn’t it be for the greater good if all, tourists and locals alike would pay better attention at loving and caring for the Islands.
Brandi La'anui • Jul 26, 2022 at 8:44 pm
The Tourist are not the Problem. Local Grovernment is the Problem.. There should be restrictions on how many people are able to visit and fly in daily. There should be restrictions on who can buy land here. THE government should be subsidizing the Cost of living for those born and raised on the Island and their should be tax breaks for all locals . Locals verses Tourist war only benifits The Grovernment from not taking responsibility for the people born and raised on The land. I personally no more disrespectful locals then Tourist. But with all people some are Respectful some are not . Being at war with others who only want to visit somewhere beautiful is insane. Again The problem is the local Grovernment and their Greed !
William Wickstrom • Jul 26, 2022 at 8:06 pm
I spent 6 months off and on Oahu last year (2021) for work. I was fortunate enough to meet people from all walks of life including quite a few native Hawaiians. I could feel the hesitation for them to let me in the “inner circle” but after getting to know me, they knew my respect for Aina. Seeing the beauty of the island and the disrespect of tourists, it’s sad to say that most people don’t deserve to be allowed on island.. maybe a mandatory seminar/meeting to discuss the importance of preserving the originality of the island before being “let loose” . I understand the economic part. Sad there’s no easy answer..
Deborah Dillon • Jul 26, 2022 at 5:43 pm
I love Hawaii & their culture. My daughter lived there for 12 yrs. I had the Great Pleasure of visiting a few times. Love, love love the beaches ⛱❤.
That being said it is sad that most tourists are very disrespectful to the islands. They leave their trash and such everywhere. And don’t respect the hiking trails as you mentioned.
I’m thankful for the many times I was blessed to go to observe such Beautiful flowers, people.
People of Hawaii make you feel good.
Something needs to be done to preserve the island.
Thank you!
I sure hope to be able to come back to Waikiki!
Norm • Jul 26, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Thx for your piece on Hawaii..we are not just a destination..we are Unique ..in history and environment..let’s hope many will read it..Norm
Elizabeth S. • Jul 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm
I agree with this article. I have loved and visited Hawaii for over 50 years. I even use to live on Oahu. Now I am retired and my main income is social security. Just a couple of weeks ago my family and I went to Honolulu for a couple of days and then 6 days on Maui, my favorite island. I was disappointed with Honolulu, too commercialized. Could hardly make it to the north shore because of the houses. Maui was much better still it had more buildings and high priced homes. We stayed in Kihei and loved the beach town vibe. My daughter and son inlaw had their vow renewal at Mackena Cove which was beautiful. Then did a scattering of ashes for my parents with Blue Soul Maui. Yes it was expensive to go to Hawaii but I was lucky to have money saved up for the trip. My twin grandkids who are 4 1/2 loved swimming in the ocean for the first time. And yes I asked permission from the sea before entering. I also told every one not to touch the sea creatures or wildlife and just take pictures. The chickens were a different story lol, I gave them our left over fruit before we came home. We have 23 assorted chickens at our home, so I know what they can and cannot eat. I also told my son inlaw not to honk at anyone unless it was a idiot tourist, yes you can tell lol. I know people are complaining about the cost, but you need to plan your trip. We are from Colorado it can be expensive here too. And we too complain about the tourst to our state who have no respect. Mahalo to the Hawaiian people who I have meet through the years and making me feel wanted. I hope to visit your islands again. Oh and I can make mean Blue Hawaiian that is the envy of my friends lol
noel mccully • Jul 26, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Natives never had a chance
T Erno • Jul 26, 2022 at 9:33 am
Thank you for making this known. My husband and I love Hawaii and it’s culture and would never knowingly disrespect the islands or it’s peoples. It would be helpful for there to be signage placed on any sight that is considered sacred explaining the site and why it is considered to be sacred. And as pretty much everyone arrives in the islands by plane, it would be great to have an informative video played on the planes that everyone sees (captive audience). If the problem persists, you should have visitors sign an agreement to treat the islands with respect and if they purposely break that agreement, they would not be allowed to return and might even have to pay a fine. Hawaii is one of the last places on this planet that showcases our Creator’s marvelous majesty in it’s pristine form. The people have always been the most gracious I’ve ever known. Hawaii IS Aloha. We have a responsibility to preserve that.
Ray Baccala • Jul 26, 2022 at 12:46 am
I lived on Maui for 5 years back in the early to mid 90s. Since that time one of the biggest contributors to the deterioration of the land and Hawaiian culture has been the over development of expensive vacation properties. Condos built on every inch of oceanfront…providing living space for ot only the owners but the thousands of AirB&B and otherwise short term renters. This brings Thousands of extra visitors every week who otherwise would not find places to stay either than the hotels….as it had been for a very long time without causing this destructive overflow of tourists. The bottom line…developer’s and property owners’ Greed is a Very Large contributing factor in the over-population of tourist. Time to restrict the short term rental of properties. The basis being the welfare and safety of residents and visitors. Two hour plus waiting times in the ATF airport lines are only one of the minor issues being caused by this over population of tourists. It’s time to Save Hawaii.
Lori • Jul 25, 2022 at 9:07 pm
I’m so happy to see this article. It’s so important that people respect the land and the culture not only in Hawaii but even at home and other tourist destinations. ….
Be respectful, people!! Pick up after yourselves and stay on the beautifully maintained trails and paths so that we don’t damage the surrounding vegetation.
Enjoy! With the knowledge that generations to come should be able to also enjoy these great wonders of the world.
Swn • Jul 25, 2022 at 9:00 pm
The perils of being one of the most popular tourist destinations. Florida, California, and innumerable other foreign destinations are saying the same thing. I don’t condone by any degree how the “typical tourist” acts when they visit these places but keep in mind that tourism dollars is what keeps most of these locations alive. Many citizens of these locales make statements like “…stop tourists from coming”, or “let’s charge an entrance fee or restrict the number” not realizing that they would be nothing without the tourists.
Wendy Ann Garcia • Jul 25, 2022 at 7:27 pm
Mahalo Nui for sharing your mana’o (thoughts). There is a heart in your article that has nailed it on the head. I sincerely think that people no matter where you travel be it Hawaii or any other place, we all need to respect the place we are at. I am a Native Hawaiian and I have had anxieties as we opened up our state. I don’t think our government leaders & the tourism industry was ready for what now is devastating our Island cultures.
Venecia Lapera • Jul 25, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Wow Nice work. Nailed it.
Lyceth • Jul 25, 2022 at 5:51 pm
I agree. Many outsiders are and is becoming a hazard to the islands. Not because of race let’s get that straight. Because they lack culture. They were not brought up with cultural diversity or respect. Even the immigrants who are Americanized still have culture within them and know the rules. Many Americans that I have seen living here in America (I’m from Hawaii btw) they are rude, they lack respect and a sense of moral compass. Everything is labeled and put into category instead of just living life as a human. They look for any little thing to either sue, complain, use whatever privilege they think they have or entitled to. When the reality is one day we are all going to die. So for now let’s respect each other’s cultures and traditions and live life to its fullest making this world a better place for our kids and future generations to come.
Koma Nahoa • Jul 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm
As former Kamaina, I concur with your article. When I visit with friends I always stress this issue & talk story & educate on the cultural part of Hawaii & people. But I have seen the the somewhat negative invasion of mainland junk music & other classless things that have infected the younger Hawaiian generations.
Marjorie L • Jul 25, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Recycling in many areas in Hawaii there is little to no Recycling. Trashing the environment is as much a local problem as a tourism problem. I have lived here in total 23 years.. I moved away and returned. The changes are heartbreaking.
Scott • Jul 24, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Maybe people should stop coming to Hawaii , if the people there don’t want the tourists to come maybe a lot of people shouldn’t go there there are plenty of other places to go on vacation , wonder what the economy would be like if people stopped coming
Rosalia Cambra Flores • Jul 24, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Thank you for finally openly voicing this. The trash, the lines , the traffic, the cost, the congestion everywhere. Cause…..tourists.
We locals can’t get to where we need to be or to any emergency. Grocery’s are getting higher clothes, gas, our fishing areas parks let alone beaches.
Country is so crowded with traffic even getting to church is so hard or trying to cross the street.
Lights are not out there to stop the flow and crosswalks are a joke. Bus stops All of them need to be handled like schoolbus crossing.EVERYONE STOPS. Kam hwy. Haleiwa on to Kaneohe is Hell . Waimea bay needs traffic cops parking cops and pay to park like in ewa near the hotel.
Anonymous • Jul 24, 2022 at 12:15 pm
There are many reasons to have bad feelings toward tourists but all tourists are not like that
.The ones you describe are most likely like that where they live. We- –the thoughtful ones– do everything opposite of what you describe. We treasure your islands beauty in nature and in your people. We do not litter or act rudely to people helping us or the people in general. We feel fortunate to be here!!! And we treat your Hawaiian cultural things with respect . Most of all , we,too, are appalled by the way some tourists act giving us all a bad name! One thought would be to have airlines hand out lists of dos and don’ts while visiting here. I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit for over 50 years so I do understand your concern.
This is like my second home.
I would appreciate it greatly if my name and email were not published .
Barbara • Jul 24, 2022 at 11:19 am
Hi Nidhi , The State of Hawaii needs to elect officials that prioritize “Hawaiian First Policy”(my term). A Hawaiian man once told me that “ we gave them Waikiki “ meaning tourists.. now with the aftermath of Covid & the ability to travel to Hawaii more easily.. These events have placed a tremendous strain on all the Hawaiian Islands. . As long as the greed from within remains strong, large hotel corporations from far away will simply use it up over the years. It’s now time for The Hawaiian people to stand up & take a strong stand towards the future of tourism for Hawaii and it people…Speak UP NOW , limit the number of people, I know this will fall on deaf ears , as it’s all about money$$$$$$$$
Lewis • Jul 20, 2022 at 12:12 pm
I generally agree with many points made. It is however skewed in the sense it leaves out even greater problems of political corruption, and the perspective is somewhat narcissistic in nature. Hawaii says it wants sustainable and respectful tourism yet craps on that very idea. Hostile attitudes towards responsible tourist, combined with tourism infrastructure reminiscent of a third world country do not help. We complain tourists use restricted areas, yet block off some of the most beautiful areas. You can’t have it both ways. So step up Hawaii, build trails, bike paths. And cable cars to some mountain peaks. Allow respectful tourism and provide support instead of complaining, while promoting. This can be done so it promotes and acts as a vehicle for the teaching of respect for Hawaii and its people.