Is Hawaii overrated?

[Anonymous]

We went to Maui and I have to say it had some nice stuff but not at all worth the trip. Road to Hana was amazing and Haleakala was stunning but other than that it really just a tropical vacation. There were chickens all over the island and while parts are truly lovely there is a lot of driving around really ugly landscapes to get to the ‘good ’ parts. I’ll never go back.

[Anonymous]

Overrated? Absolutely not. It’s bliss. Although prices are insane now, way too expensive. Skip the resorts, is my advice.

[Anonymous]

I don't see Hawaii and Europe as interchangeable.

[Anonymous]

I've been to both and my trip to the Big Island was completely unforgettable. I'm very into swimming however. If you don't like to hike and swim, maybe.

[Anonymous]

Well you sound like a negative Nelly OP so stay away.

[Anonymous]

IMO, yes.

Here's why I think that: the people.

The Hawaiian people have become so terribly rude towards mainlanders over the past few years.

My brother lives in HI and is a firefighter. He's lived there for 12 years now and even he gets harassed from time to time if he's outside of his "central" area where he lives.

We were just there last month for his wedding and it was probably my least favorite trip I've been on in ages. The Hawaiian's new favorite thing is to go to the beaches at the resorts and be super annoying. They do things like put their chairs and blankets right next to yours, accidentally kick sand on you, accidentally throw balls/frisbees at you, etc.

I go 2-3 times a year to visit him but I really hate giving them my tourism dollars.

[Anonymous]

I grew up there. It was like growing up in a fantasy land. From culture to ecology it's one of the few paradise on earth places in the world. 72 F year around with a cool breeze.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, yes.

Here's why I think that: the people.

The Hawaiian people have become so terribly rude towards mainlanders over the past few years.

My brother lives in HI and is a firefighter. He's lived there for 12 years now and even he gets harassed from time to time if he's outside of his "central" area where he lives.

We were just there last month for his wedding and it was probably my least favorite trip I've been on in ages. The Hawaiian's new favorite thing is to go to the beaches at the resorts and be super annoying. They do things like put their chairs and blankets right next to yours, accidentally kick sand on you, accidentally throw balls/frisbees at you, etc.

I go 2-3 times a year to visit him but I really hate giving them my tourism dollars.

Which island is this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went to Maui and I have to say it had some nice stuff but not at all worth the trip. Road to Hana was amazing and Haleakala was stunning but other than that it really just a tropical vacation. There were chickens all over the island and while parts are truly lovely there is a lot of driving around really ugly landscapes to get to the ‘good ’ parts. I’ll never go back.

I completely disagree. My whole family LOVES, simply LOVES, Maui. I liked Maui more than the Big Island and Oahu. We have never been to Kuai but hear that is beautiful as well. I do not think Hawaii is overrated at all. The only drawback is the long flight from the east coast. If we lived in CA, we would likely go once a year because that is how much we love it. It is just an easy, beautiful, and fun vacation. I dream of having a vacation home on Maui.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes it is for unsophisticated tourist.

Ha! Sounds like your judgement shows your lack of sophistication on knowing which islands to go to and where to go on those islands.

[Anonymous]

I've been twice and loved it. It is naturally stunning and culturally rich. I seek shade and do not lay out on a beach but love walking along them. First time went to Kauai on my own. Absolute dream. Wonderful hiking opportunities. Took a surfing lesson. Watched surfers (big storm had blown through). Next time we went to Maui for on a honeymoon. We circled the entire island (against the recommendation of the car rental place) and stayed in unique locations. I did find one place I hated, which was Lahaina. It's sort of the place that's the tourist ghetto and lots of hustle. There are very well-worn corridors and paths to stay in. I think the key is getting out of those for at least a few nights. We stayed in a yurt in Hana, a beautiful B&B in Wailuku, and in a cozy octagon cottage in Maui's up-country on a floral plantation! We had a few nights in a boring Hyatt too on one of the main beach areas, but you get the idea. I was also pleasantly surprised by Honolulu and Waikiki, which I absolutely love. I really had the feeling that I was in an Asian capital. It's a wonderful blend of cultures. Can't wait to go back and discover more of Oahu and the Big Island too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been twice and loved it. It is naturally stunning and culturally rich. I seek shade and do not lay out on a beach but love walking along them. First time went to Kauai on my own. Absolute dream. Wonderful hiking opportunities. Took a surfing lesson. Watched surfers (big storm had blown through). Next time we went to Maui for on a honeymoon. We circled the entire island (against the recommendation of the car rental place) and stayed in unique locations. I did find one place I hated, which was Lahaina. It's sort of the place that's the tourist ghetto and lots of hustle. There are very well-worn corridors and paths to stay in. I think the key is getting out of those for at least a few nights. We stayed in a yurt in Hana, a beautiful B&B in Wailuku, and in a cozy octagon cottage in Maui's up-country on a floral plantation! We had a few nights in a boring Hyatt too on one of the main beach areas, but you get the idea. I was also pleasantly surprised by Honolulu and Waikiki, which I absolutely love. I really had the feeling that I was in an Asian capital. It's a wonderful blend of cultures. Can't wait to go back and discover more of Oahu and the Big Island too!

Culturally rich? LOL. Good one OP. Pass the canned spam!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, yes.

Here's why I think that: the people.

The Hawaiian people have become so terribly rude towards mainlanders over the past few years.

My brother lives in HI and is a firefighter. He's lived there for 12 years now and even he gets harassed from time to time if he's outside of his "central" area where he lives.

We were just there last month for his wedding and it was probably my least favorite trip I've been on in ages. The Hawaiian's new favorite thing is to go to the beaches at the resorts and be super annoying. They do things like put their chairs and blankets right next to yours, accidentally kick sand on you, accidentally throw balls/frisbees at you, etc.

I go 2-3 times a year to visit him but I really hate giving them my tourism dollars.

Are you non-Asian?

I am Asian and found the locals very welcoming. Locals typically do not like entitling behavior that some Americans bring with them. Maybe you gave off that vibe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been twice and loved it. It is naturally stunning and culturally rich. I seek shade and do not lay out on a beach but love walking along them. First time went to Kauai on my own. Absolute dream. Wonderful hiking opportunities. Took a surfing lesson. Watched surfers (big storm had blown through). Next time we went to Maui for on a honeymoon. We circled the entire island (against the recommendation of the car rental place) and stayed in unique locations. I did find one place I hated, which was Lahaina. It's sort of the place that's the tourist ghetto and lots of hustle. There are very well-worn corridors and paths to stay in. I think the key is getting out of those for at least a few nights. We stayed in a yurt in Hana, a beautiful B&B in Wailuku, and in a cozy octagon cottage in Maui's up-country on a floral plantation! We had a few nights in a boring Hyatt too on one of the main beach areas, but you get the idea. I was also pleasantly surprised by Honolulu and Waikiki, which I absolutely love. I really had the feeling that I was in an Asian capital. It's a wonderful blend of cultures. Can't wait to go back and discover more of Oahu and the Big Island too!

Culturally rich? LOL. Good one OP. Pass the canned spam!

Hawaiian has huge fusions of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese food.

[Anonymous]

I have only very subjective experience - we've only been to Oahu, and with kids. We liked Bahamas beaches much more than Oahu beaches, and Atlantis on Bahamas much more than Aulani in Oahu. Honolulu is nothing special either.