LIHU‘E — In May 2020, Kaua‘i only had 571 visitors. In May 2021, there were 73,018, according to a Hawai‘i Tourism Authority report.
This represents a 1,2687.7% jump from last year’s pandemic-era traveling.
But these numbers are still way below pre-pandemic levels. In May 2019, the county saw 112,106 visitors. The year 2020 was on its way to record-setting visitor number highs, before it was cut short in March of that year.
In a Spring 2021 Resident Sentiment Survey, HTA found that the majority of Hawai‘i residents believed tourism is worth the issues associated with the industry. That includes 70% of Kaua‘i respondents.
However, the amount of visitors has been inundating residential neighborhoods, like one in Kapahi with cars lining the street to hike down to Ho‘opi‘i Falls.
Kapa‘a resident Fern Anuenue Holland has family living on Kapahi Road, and previously lived across from the trailhead. Holland called the pick-up “frustrating” recently.
“It’s gotten to the point where residents can’t enjoy their street or way of life anymore,” Holland said, noting that visitors have been walking in resident front yards. “It’s such a high volume of people and we’re not totally sure exactly what the uptick is.”
Too, in Princeville, residents have noted that high volumes of visitors to Queen’s Bath have flooded local parking.
Just this last weekend, more than 138,000 people flew into the state from July 1 to July 4. More than 102,000 were on vacation, according to state travel data.
And starting July 8, travelers from the U.S. and its territories vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to bypass pre-travel testing and quarantine requirements with proof of inoculation.
It’s a bigger issue, Holland said. “I’m really hoping that we come up with a solution that helps manage the over tourism that allows us to live our lives,” Holland said. “We arguably pay some of the most expensive costs of living as it and then to have that lifestyle taken away from us, that we grew up having is not OK. Something has to be manageable.”
Holland said a forthcoming community street meeting will be underway, but in the meantime, has gotten word from county officials that they are looking into long-term solutions.
Similarly, the county recently allocated federal coronavirus funds for a park management study at three county-owned beach parks in Po‘ipu, Lydgate Beach Park in Wailua and Black Pot in Hanalei, to figure out mitigation efforts.
“There are other communities that have done stuff along the lines of residential parking and local traffic only roads that has to be enforceable,” Holland said.
It is going to be interesting to see how the DOE and college ranks will be handling the situation. Pandemic. We are still in it.
Even if they loosen restrictions, the numbers may still show no improvements. Zero cases of coronavirus. It’s probably more political. I think they should continue with the tier system for a time.
Please note that an increase from 571 visitors in May 2020 to 73,018 visitors in May 2021 represents a 12,687.7% increase. So the headline really should read, “Kaua‘i visitor numbers jumped over 10,000% since last year” (saying over 1,000% understates the increase by 10x).
Out of those 73,000 how many died from covid. How many hospitalized, in icu on ventilators. Ahemm….nearly zero. Cool, the fear was kicked down the road for too long.
“…HTA found that the majority of Hawai‘i residents believed tourism is worth the issues associated with the industry.”
Ha! I find this impossible to believe. I’d like to know what “residents” this HTA survey went out to….
Its too bad that a few idiot, entitled tourists have to behave that way and give a bad name to all tourists. How would they like it if where they live…tourists would block their streets and affect their way of life.Show some respect
OK Kauai leaders and activists. You all talk about diversification from tourism. We had a solid year to figure out ANY kind of alternative. But what happened? We gave people money, time off, unemployment so they got even lazier. Just what are these alternatives? Tech? Don’t think so, just look at the caliber and stress that tech workers have. Ag? Nope – you think the young kids want to work on a farm? The simple fact is that tourism and military are our industries (and they need better management).
As far as what is causing this “uptick” look no farther than your cellphone. I would be willing to bet when you see these people they are on their cellphones following google maps or some travel blog touting the falls. Same thing at Wailua. Falls, travel blogs and people hiking to river leaving their cars parked for hours in the overcrowded lot. It’s only going to get worse. Has anyone else noticed a bit of “attitude” in some of our visitors? If the county took a little time they could figure out the most popular websites/blogs and explain how harmful their blogs are. At least ask bloggers to ask their readers to respect the locals and their property.
The amount of tourist in Hawaii is obscène and definitely interféres with our daily lives. We need to find another sustainable way to support our économy as tourism comes with many downsides and definitely increases the carbon footprint on our small island chain.
Like what kind of sustainable way?
Also I don’t agree or believe HTA is needed.
Tourist accounts for most of our state GDP. Products that people can buy from Hawaii. This is not a lot compared to other states. But the money is important. No way Hawaii can survive without tourism. Since statehood the budget plan has been in place. I don’t think they need another Kukui Grove shopping center. And they don’t need another highway. Two lanes is enough for the island. Keep it simple. Keep it quiet. That is Kauai.
Kauaidoug;you are right on with social vlogs causing this issue. Social media will be the death of this country yet!. I was reading a travel blog last night where an individual from the mainland exclaimed, Me & my friends are coming over and its not your bizness to say we are not welcome. Firstly, their english is uneducated. Secondly, they just don’t (read and understand) that it is not the unwelcoming. It is the overcrowding issue until things are better controlled. And I am VERY disappointed that individuals all around the world, do no respect land, trails, nature, etc. Paths are being destroyed by over crowding. Trees are being carved into, litter everywhere. I just dont know WHY people do NOT raise their children with respect for EVERYTHING. And it is devastating that common sense would not tell you that these are BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS, they are not large, they can not handle all the people on the trails, paths, etc. HUMANS ARE GOING TO RUIN EVERY PIECE OF PARADISE because of self entitlement, greed, and ignorance. PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN IF YOU CAN NOT RAISE THEM TO BE RESPECTABLE TO ALL LIFE. PLEASE do not have kids if you are not happily MARRIED, have a good income, and want children. Its all going to come back to use now. A darn shame.