Hawaii — Yay or Nay or Sort-of or Kinda or Sometimes
Mar 2, 2024, 4:32 pm
#1
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Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Hawaii — Yay or Nay or Sort-of or Kinda or Sometimes
Hawaiian venues often are discussed here, for good reason. The Islands inspire veneration as a travel destination, especially in the U.S. and Japan. Honeymoon Central for those from North America and from Japan.
It is probably as close and accessible as U.S. mainlanders can get to an exotic, Hollywood locale. No passport, English spoken, U.S. culture tinged with exoticism, not your grandmother’s flowers, glorious beaches galore, hula, luaus, the sea, waterfalls, colonial culture, indigenous culture, ocean-centric! volcano and lava for pete's sake, — it’s not Ohio!
Because it is a hallowed tourist destination it can be crowded with, well, tourists. Even some costly venues can be crowded. For seasoned travelers, however, who are accustomed to high rates, the service issue often looms large. Hawaii, however exotic, is still the U.S., and the service ethic can be diluted in this area of high demand when one seeks best. There yet are a few high luxe locales but not as many as there used to be.
Many travelers have a grand time in the Islands. Some luxury travelers have a grand time as well. The Islands are gorgeous especially for those unaccustomed to tropical locale, flora, and culture.
What say you?
It is probably as close and accessible as U.S. mainlanders can get to an exotic, Hollywood locale. No passport, English spoken, U.S. culture tinged with exoticism, not your grandmother’s flowers, glorious beaches galore, hula, luaus, the sea, waterfalls, colonial culture, indigenous culture, ocean-centric! volcano and lava for pete's sake, — it’s not Ohio!
Because it is a hallowed tourist destination it can be crowded with, well, tourists. Even some costly venues can be crowded. For seasoned travelers, however, who are accustomed to high rates, the service issue often looms large. Hawaii, however exotic, is still the U.S., and the service ethic can be diluted in this area of high demand when one seeks best. There yet are a few high luxe locales but not as many as there used to be.
Many travelers have a grand time in the Islands. Some luxury travelers have a grand time as well. The Islands are gorgeous especially for those unaccustomed to tropical locale, flora, and culture.
What say you?
Mar 2, 2024, 5:11 pm
#2
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I will never understand the appeal. Perhaps in Australia we are spoilt with our nature and wildlife.
Waikiki is particularly unattractive in every sense with the ABC stores and fast food outlets.
The one thing I did appreciate about Hawaii was the local custom and culture through the smaller museums.
Waikiki is particularly unattractive in every sense with the ABC stores and fast food outlets.
The one thing I did appreciate about Hawaii was the local custom and culture through the smaller museums.
Last edited by m0hamed; Mar 2, 2024 at 9:30 pm
Mar 2, 2024, 5:43 pm
#3
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I will never understand the appeal. Perhaps in Australia we are split with our nature and wildlife.
Waikiki is particularly unattractive in every sense with the ABC stores and fast food outlets.
The one thing I did appreciate about Hawaii was the local custom and culture through the smaller museums.
Waikiki is particularly unattractive in every sense with the ABC stores and fast food outlets.
The one thing I did appreciate about Hawaii was the local custom and culture through the smaller museums.
Last edited by KatW; Mar 2, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Mar 2, 2024, 6:34 pm
#4
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Hawaii appeals to me, for sure.
And a lot of the appeal does seem obvious: Its particular beauty/topography is unmatched in the US, perhaps all of NA.
But actually, these days, Oahu, Kauai and (especially) Lanai have more appeal for me than big island.
That 's not where the top luxury is, but as an American i'd rather visit/stay there.
In any case, my vote is a strong yay for keeping Hawaii - both within the union and within this subforum.
And a lot of the appeal does seem obvious: Its particular beauty/topography is unmatched in the US, perhaps all of NA.
But actually, these days, Oahu, Kauai and (especially) Lanai have more appeal for me than big island.
That 's not where the top luxury is, but as an American i'd rather visit/stay there.
In any case, my vote is a strong yay for keeping Hawaii - both within the union and within this subforum.
Mar 2, 2024, 6:36 pm
#5
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
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Multiple headwinds that make Hawaii non luxury.
a) Airlines and hotel companies treat Hawaii as a second rate location that is not viewed as a luxury location. Flying the worst business class set up or using old buildings without much desire to rebuild (ie. FS Ko’Olina)
b)The work force does not desire a luxury location; Cost of living is prohibitive for any talented staff to live here for any prolonged periods of time and the brain drain of Hawaii does not produce enough talented staff that want to stay long enough to make a place successful.
c) Only in the past 5-10 or so years has Hawaii moved away from the typical uninspired tourist based pan Asian cuisine (Roy Yamaguchi restaurants) to more creative upscale restaurants (ie. Sushi Sho).
d) Hawaii’s own infrastructure already create a non luxury destination from the start of a trip: old open air airports without much modernization. Lack of infrastructure or desire to create VIP services.
e)With all of these factors; Hawaii has failed to create any true luxury barefoot or luxury eco lodges that has excellent service, excellent hardware, and an excellent view as one package.
a) Airlines and hotel companies treat Hawaii as a second rate location that is not viewed as a luxury location. Flying the worst business class set up or using old buildings without much desire to rebuild (ie. FS Ko’Olina)
b)The work force does not desire a luxury location; Cost of living is prohibitive for any talented staff to live here for any prolonged periods of time and the brain drain of Hawaii does not produce enough talented staff that want to stay long enough to make a place successful.
c) Only in the past 5-10 or so years has Hawaii moved away from the typical uninspired tourist based pan Asian cuisine (Roy Yamaguchi restaurants) to more creative upscale restaurants (ie. Sushi Sho).
d) Hawaii’s own infrastructure already create a non luxury destination from the start of a trip: old open air airports without much modernization. Lack of infrastructure or desire to create VIP services.
e)With all of these factors; Hawaii has failed to create any true luxury barefoot or luxury eco lodges that has excellent service, excellent hardware, and an excellent view as one package.
Mar 2, 2024, 7:03 pm
#6
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Multiple headwinds that make Hawaii non luxury.
a) Airlines and hotel companies treat Hawaii as a second rate location that is not viewed as a luxury location. Flying the worst business class set up or using old buildings without much desire to rebuild (ie. FS Ko’Olina)
b)The work force does not desire a luxury location; Cost of living is prohibitive for any talented staff to live here for any prolonged periods of time and the brain drain of Hawaii does not produce enough talented staff that want to stay long enough to make a place successful.
c) Only in the past 5-10 or so years has Hawaii moved away from the typical uninspired tourist based pan Asian cuisine (Roy Yamaguchi restaurants) to more creative upscale restaurants (ie. Sushi Sho).
d) Hawaii’s own infrastructure already create a non luxury destination from the start of a trip: old open air airports without much modernization. Lack of infrastructure or desire to create VIP services.
e)With all of these factors; Hawaii has failed to create any true luxury barefoot or luxury eco lodges that has excellent service, excellent hardware, and an excellent view as one package.
a) Airlines and hotel companies treat Hawaii as a second rate location that is not viewed as a luxury location. Flying the worst business class set up or using old buildings without much desire to rebuild (ie. FS Ko’Olina)
b)The work force does not desire a luxury location; Cost of living is prohibitive for any talented staff to live here for any prolonged periods of time and the brain drain of Hawaii does not produce enough talented staff that want to stay long enough to make a place successful.
c) Only in the past 5-10 or so years has Hawaii moved away from the typical uninspired tourist based pan Asian cuisine (Roy Yamaguchi restaurants) to more creative upscale restaurants (ie. Sushi Sho).
d) Hawaii’s own infrastructure already create a non luxury destination from the start of a trip: old open air airports without much modernization. Lack of infrastructure or desire to create VIP services.
e)With all of these factors; Hawaii has failed to create any true luxury barefoot or luxury eco lodges that has excellent service, excellent hardware, and an excellent view as one package.
Mar 2, 2024, 7:15 pm
#7
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Mar 2, 2024, 7:22 pm
#8
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Abit disgruntled as a Hawaii resident…..We can’t do anything right here, including luxury hotels.
Mar 2, 2024, 7:51 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
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There are so many assumptions in your original post that I don’t even know where to begin.
I think it’s highly inaccurate and offensive to suggest that Hawaii, as a whole, is an exotic blend of Hollywood. You may be thinking of Waikiki but that’s far from the rest of the islands.
What makes Hawaii unique is precisely the opposite of what you suggested. People actually live there. There are unique blend of culture as a result of the confluence of background and history.
Many luxury destinations feel hallow and artificial but what you get in Hawaii is a more authentic fusion. Locals actually eat at those restaurants and shop at those stores.
People find different appeals in Hawaii. For me the reason to go there is the food (not necessarily high end food) but local food is incredibly fresh and delicious (something you can’t say for most Caribbean islands). Many people go there for the hikes, waterfalls, and surfing.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
I think it’s highly inaccurate and offensive to suggest that Hawaii, as a whole, is an exotic blend of Hollywood. You may be thinking of Waikiki but that’s far from the rest of the islands.
What makes Hawaii unique is precisely the opposite of what you suggested. People actually live there. There are unique blend of culture as a result of the confluence of background and history.
Many luxury destinations feel hallow and artificial but what you get in Hawaii is a more authentic fusion. Locals actually eat at those restaurants and shop at those stores.
People find different appeals in Hawaii. For me the reason to go there is the food (not necessarily high end food) but local food is incredibly fresh and delicious (something you can’t say for most Caribbean islands). Many people go there for the hikes, waterfalls, and surfing.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
Mar 2, 2024, 7:58 pm
#11
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,298
What makes Hawaii unique is precisely……..Many people go there for the hikes, waterfalls, and surfing.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
Hard for Hawaii to go true luxury when the Hawaii vibe is a laid back one.
We actually discourage people to come to Hawaii if they want a luxury experience. They should come for the nature, while being okay paying a higher cost than expected.
Mar 2, 2024, 7:59 pm
#12
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In terms of luxury hotels in Hawaii I so entirely stand by my post with a sturdy and informed experience. All are welcome to agree or disagree but a good discussion here is, in fact, the point.
Mar 2, 2024, 8:34 pm
#13
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,856
To me, while Hawaii is great for beaches and tropical settings, what makes a visit most worthwhile is whether you do other things. To do some of those, you have to watch out for rental car road restrictions on both Maui and the Big Island. In my view, none of these restrictions are because the driving is difficult, they are simply done to reduce rental company insurance costs.
On Maui, travel is often disallowed beyond the Seven Sacred Pools or all the way around the northernmost part of the island. Because most are not allowed to take these roads, the isolation can be very nice.
Similarly, on the Big Island, driving can be disallowed on the Mauna Kea road beyond the visitor center, so you can't go see the telescopes. There may even still be rental companies that disallow driving the entire Saddle road across the island. It can be possible to eliminate these restrictions if you rent a 4WD vehicle (which in my opinion isn't required except maybe in the unusual situation of there being snow on Mauna Kea).
On Maui, travel is often disallowed beyond the Seven Sacred Pools or all the way around the northernmost part of the island. Because most are not allowed to take these roads, the isolation can be very nice.
Similarly, on the Big Island, driving can be disallowed on the Mauna Kea road beyond the visitor center, so you can't go see the telescopes. There may even still be rental companies that disallow driving the entire Saddle road across the island. It can be possible to eliminate these restrictions if you rent a 4WD vehicle (which in my opinion isn't required except maybe in the unusual situation of there being snow on Mauna Kea).
Mar 2, 2024, 8:43 pm
#14
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
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There are so many assumptions in your original post that I don’t even know where to begin.
I think it’s highly inaccurate and offensive to suggest that Hawaii, as a whole, is an exotic blend of Hollywood. You may be thinking of Waikiki but that’s far from the rest of the islands.
What makes Hawaii unique is precisely the opposite of what you suggested. People actually live there. There are unique blend of culture as a result of the confluence of background and history.
Many luxury destinations feel hallow and artificial but what you get in Hawaii is a more authentic fusion. Locals actually eat at those restaurants and shop at those stores.
People find different appeals in Hawaii. For me the reason to go there is the food (not necessarily high end food) but local food is incredibly fresh and delicious (something you can’t say for most Caribbean islands). Many people go there for the hikes, waterfalls, and surfing.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
I think it’s highly inaccurate and offensive to suggest that Hawaii, as a whole, is an exotic blend of Hollywood. You may be thinking of Waikiki but that’s far from the rest of the islands.
What makes Hawaii unique is precisely the opposite of what you suggested. People actually live there. There are unique blend of culture as a result of the confluence of background and history.
Many luxury destinations feel hallow and artificial but what you get in Hawaii is a more authentic fusion. Locals actually eat at those restaurants and shop at those stores.
People find different appeals in Hawaii. For me the reason to go there is the food (not necessarily high end food) but local food is incredibly fresh and delicious (something you can’t say for most Caribbean islands). Many people go there for the hikes, waterfalls, and surfing.
My feeling is that luxury resort shouldn’t be a reason you visit a place. It can certainly enhance the experience but it’s the authenticity of the destination that matters.
This IS the luxury hotel forum and my post is focused on luxury in Hawaii. I take the points about there being so much to do in Hawaii, that is true of most places.
Last edited by KatW; Mar 2, 2024 at 9:09 pm
Mar 2, 2024, 9:22 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
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You are calling it “an exotic, Hollywood locale” and “hallowed tourist destination” whose appeals is in its “exoticism.”