Many travelers put Hawaii on their bucket list of travel destinations. It’s a tropical paradise full of sandy beaches, palm trees, and amazing scenery. However, many discover it’s not the perfect utopia they’ve seen on postcards. Some travelers even experience a bit of disappointment after experiencing the Aloha State.
Today, we’re sharing five reasons why we think you should save your money and avoid Hawaii. Let’s dive in.
The Scoop on Hawaii
Hawaii’s first inhabitants came to the island more than 1,500 years ago. They had paddled their canoes more than 2,000 miles from the Marquesas Islands. Nearly half a millennium later, islanders from what we know as Tahiti joined them on the islands. The two cultures joined together and created a culture and traditions of their own. We have these people to thank for hula dancing, surfing, and the practice of exchanging beautiful flower leis.
Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States in1959 and has grown to a population of 1.4 million. A vast majority of the residents of Hawaii live on the island of Oahu (950,000). Oahu is also the most popular island for tourists, as it welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors in a typical year.
People love Hawaii for its natural beauty and warm weather year-round. The warmer months typically see temperatures in the upper 80s and only drop to the 70s in the cooler months. However, one of the tallest mountains in the world, Mauna Kea, is on the Big Island. Temperatures can drop quickly as you travel up this 13,000-foot mountain.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii?
In general, there’s not a bad month to visit Hawaii. The weather is great all year, but the dry season goes from June to September. November or May typically experience the lowest number of island visitors if you want to avoid the touristy crowds.
On the other hand, the worst month of the year to visit Hawaii is in December. You’ll have substantially more crowds due to the holidays, and it’s the wettest month of the year. Thus, you’ll have to fight crowds and get rained on in addition to paying more. Flights, hotels, and rental cars all experience a spike in prices during December.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Hawaii?
The cost to visit Hawaii will vary greatly based on where you travel from and how you plan to vacation while there. Trips can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $3,000 per person. Those traveling from the west coast of the United States will save significantly as flights cost less compared to those traveling from the east coast.
A family of four can expect to pay between $4,000 to $12,000 for a week’s vacation in Hawaii. Actual prices can vary based on the type of accommodations, where you eat, and any activities you do. If you know anyone with timeshare points about to expire, you might consider asking to use them as a favor to both of you.
How Many National Parks Are in Hawaii?
It might come as a surprise, but Hawaii is home to nine national park units, two of which have received the designation of national parks. You can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakala National Park on Maui.
Additionally, the islands have Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Hono Uli’uli National Historic Site, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
You may also choose to visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
5 Reasons to Avoid Hawaii
You may wonder why anyone would want to avoid Hawaii with so many great things to do and beauty to see. Well, here are five reasons we think you should avoid Hawaii. Let’s get started.
Everything Is Expensive
The various businesses must import just about everything you see on the island. As a result, you should expect to pay a premium price anytime you buy something. Research indicates that goods cost 30% more in Hawaii than elsewhere. You know it’s bad when California people complain about the costs.
Hawaii takes the prize as the most expensive state in the country. Prices for housing, transportation, and groceries are all off the charts. Visiting any of the islands takes some deep pockets that could be several times more expensive than visiting other locations in the continental United States.
Pro Tip: Hawaii is very expensive. Instead of visiting the Aloha State, check out these Cheapest States in America instead.
Locals Don’t Want Visitors
Another reason you should avoid Hawaii is that many locals don’t want visitors. The islands see so many careless tourists come through every year. Many tourists disrespect the land and the culture during their stays.
Many locals and government officials beg tourists to stop coming. According to Euronews, Mayor Mike Victorino said in a press conference, “We’re asking for just a pause, if you want to use that term. We don’t have the authority to say ‘stop,’ but we’re asking the powers that be to help us in this sense.”
Native Hawaiians even have a term for non-natives, “haole.” The term is often used in an insulting or derogatory manner to refer to tourists or other foreigners. According to the article, many natives enjoyed having their islands to themselves during the pandemic and travel restrictions.
You Have Volcanophobia
If you have volcanophobia, visiting Hawaii could be a nightmare. The eight Hawaiian Islands have 15 volcanoes. However, these comprise a section of a massive chain of 129 volcanoes above and below sea level. This chain of islands stretches 3,800 miles across the northern Pacific Ocean.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Someone afraid of volcanic activity would likely want to stay far away from this area. Gas plumes are relatively constant, and you can even get a view of lava when the volcano is actively erupting. It’s quite a sight for many, but not those with volcanophobia.
Sandy Beaches Aren’t Your Thing
If you want to come to Hawaii for the beautiful tropical forests and scenery, you’ll also have to deal with the sand. You’ll find over 100 beaches throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and some people just don’t like sand.
No matter how hard you try not to, it’s next to impossible not to bring some home as a souvenir. It sticks to just about any surface and is so tiny that it’ll find a place to hide in your belongings.
You can’t drive very far in any direction without running into a beach. If sandy beaches aren’t your thing, you’ll want to avoid Hawaii.
You Don’t Like Flying
There’s not currently, nor will there ever be, a bridge that connects the continental United States to the Hawaiian Islands. Thus, you can only get there by plane or boat. Cruising typically takes 9 to 11 days from major cruise companies, so flying will be your best bet.
If you don’t like spending several hours in a cramped plane, you may not want to come to an island in the middle of the ocean. If flying or cruising isn’t your thing, then Hawaii will be one trip you might not want to take any time soon.
Pro Tip: If you decide to still travel to Hawaii, make sure to follow these leave no trace principles.
Is Visiting Hawaii Worth the Money?
A trip to Hawaii can be an unforgettable experience. The beautiful waters and majestic landscapes you’ll see may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can find rainforests, desert-like landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. However, you’ll pay a pretty penny no matter how you travel or where you stay.
If Hawaii is on your bucket list, it’s worth the money. But with the massive influx of visitors lately, it may be best to give it a few years before you attempt the trip. Save money while you give the service industries a chance to rebuild so you have the best experience possible.
Have you ever traveled to Hawaii? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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