Hawaii is clearly beginning what will become a huge transformation in its tourism approach, signaling the end of an era that for six decades was dominated by more hotels, visitors, and construction projects. The islands have long-faced challenges because of what happened, as seen in overtourism that impacts both the environment and the resident population.
As a U.S. state with open borders yet with limited infrastructure and questionable wherewithal, Hawaii remains hard-pressed to know exactly what to do about overtourism.
The shift toward a more sustainable and regenerative tourism model is underway.
Buzzwords, inspired by global trends, are seen in other iconic destinations like those below. These destinations have all focused on creating a more harmonious relationship between visitors and residents, emphasizing responsibility and shared benefits.
Last month, Hawaii Governor Green began tackling pressing issues that will significantly impact Hawaii visitors. One key proposal involves a potential moratorium on Maui vacation rentals by March, aiming to convert around 10% of the existing 27,000 short-term rental units into long-term rentals for Lahaina fire victims.
Advertisement
The governor is determined to implement his climate impact fee.
He is now proposing a $25 fee on hotel or short-term rental check-ins, that would generate $68 million annually for beach preservation and fire prevention. If that doesn’t pass, Green will move towards raising the 18% accommodation tax for hotels and vacation rentals even further.
The complex interplay of these proposals and others that will be forthcoming reflects the ongoing challenges in Hawaii’s visitor, economic, and housing landscapes.
Yesterday’s visitor growth plans have evolved into a visitor value model.
As much as visitors don’t want to hear it, the moves afoot do involve prioritizing quality experiences for both Hawaii visitors and residents over visitor growth. That equates to the high cost of Hawaii vacations persisting.
Efforts to retain and value repeat visitors, however, are still emphasized by some, recognizing their contribution to Hawaii’s tourism legacy. While Hawaii has long been blessed with a high rate of return visitors who require no marketing, it isn’t clear if that trend will continue.
As the islands navigate this journey of transformation, the goal is to embrace sustainable practices and improve the tourist experience while creating a more positive impact on Hawaii communities and the environment.
Advertisement
However, challenges such as the perception of anti-visitor sentiment, which in part stems from overtourism, remain on the agenda without clear-cut answers.
Hawaii doesn’t invest in tourism infrastructure.
There has been virtually nothing done to improve the basic infrastructure that is needed to support high-end, high-quality vacations. Lack of airport and road improvements and beach facilities are just a few of the most obvious examples of that which Hawaii sorely lacks. While rarely mentioned by state officials, this is a problem at odds with their desired high-value tourism model.
Overtourism isn’t Hawaii’s problem alone.
Some of the other iconic world destinations that are dealing with similar overtourism issues are places that Hawaii is watching. They include the following:
Palau.
The Problem: The 500-island nation in the Western Pacific and UNESCO World Heritage site attracts visitors seeking an idyllic tropical escape. But there isn’t enough Palau to go around. So now, their focus has turned to sustainability.
What’s being done: The country introduced the groundbreaking “Palau Pledge” as it faced the strain of an overwhelming surge in tourist numbers and its attempt to encourage responsible travel. Since then, many other global travel destinations have adopted similar approaches to managing overtourism and promoting ethical behavior among visitors. For years, every airline ticket into Palau has included a $100 “Pristine Paradise” green fee.
Advertisement
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Problem: Over 21 million visitors in a city of fewer than one million residents.
What’s being done: Amsterdam is implementing new measures to preserve its identity and address visitor nuisances. Initiatives include banning cruise ships from the city center, discouraging certain demographics from coming and suggesting alternate, sustainable activities like cycling. Amsterdam’s goal, like Hawaii’s is finding a balance that ensures responsible tourism and benefits both locals and visitors.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The Problem: Over a million annual visitors causing damage to the UNESCO site.
What’s being done: Marked trails, capped daily entrants, and new nearby airport construction. Since 2019, Machu Picchu tourism has become more tightly regulated, and tourists must follow four circular paths on the Inca Trail.
Thailand’s Maya Bay
The Problem: Overcrowded beaches and islands are destroying the bay’s coral reef following years of boats coming in and anchoring.
Advertisement
What’s being done: Maya Bay in Thailand, once plagued by overtourism, witnessed a significant transformation after an environmental rejuvenation project. The bay was closed indefinitely in 2018 due to ecological degradation. It subsequently reopened with improved infrastructure and visitor management.
While closed, more than 30,000 coral pieces were replanted, resulting in revived marine life. Authorities have also implemented strict measures to limit daily visitor count as well as educational initiatives. The success at Maya Bay is considered a model for how to balance tourism and environmental preservation.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Problem: Impact on historic city center due to booming tourism.
What’s being done: “Putting Prague First” is the plan to manage tourism sustainably. Staying in traditional accommodations, avoiding short-term rentals, and traveling respectfully are recommended. Heavily tourism-reliant Prague has had visitors negatively impact residents’ quality of life.
The city’s Strategy for Sustainable Tourism aims to address these issues by balancing economic benefits with Prague’s strategic interests, emphasizing sustainability, residents’ well-being, and cultural preservation. The plan calls for a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, including Prague City Hall, City Districts, organizations, residents, and businesses, to maximize positive aspects and minimize the negatives associated with tourism.
Advertisement
Bhutan
The Problem: Low visitor numbers yet concerns about the environmental impact of tourism.
Solution: Bhutan reduced its daily “green” fee from $200 to $100, aiming to revitalize tourism, which is continuing to face challenges, including the fee. Bhutan previously raised its “Sustainable Development Fee” to $200 per night to offset carbon emissions generated by visitors. The government now hopes that the reduced fee, effective for the next four years, will help in generating employment, earning foreign exchange, and fostering overall economic growth.
Venice, Italy
The Problem: Overcrowding and environmental strain.
Solution: Ban on large cruise ships, ticketed timed entry experiment. Suggestions include avoiding popular spots and exploring alternative destinations like Burano and Caorle. Long-challenged by overtourism, tour groups in Venice will be restricted to 25 people, and the use of loudspeakers will be prohibited. Large cruise ships are being banned, and day visitors must obtain passes costing up to €10 per person. Failure to obtain a pass comes with up to a €300 fine. Overnight visitors don’t pay the daily fee as it is already calculated into lodging taxes and fees.
Note: Venice’s green fee is sounding very similar to what Gov. Green last proposed. These new fees are designed to help alleviate the strain of overtourism, but we aren’t clear on exactly how the money will be accounted for and appropriated.
Advertisement
Bali
The Problem: Behavioral issues, overcrowding, and traffic impacting local culture and environment.
Solution: Released “do’s and don’ts” about respect for local customs, behavior at religious sites, and acting responsibly. Bali proposes tourists go to less crowded areas like northern Bali (Buleleng and Karangasem), western Bali (Jembrana), and eastern Bali (Kelungkung). The aim is to diversify tourist options, helping alleviate overcrowding in Southern Bali. New traffic controls and other transport plans are coming to help ease traffic congestion that has long been bad. During the December holidays, five-hour traffic jams occurred heading to and from the airport.
Barcelona
The Problem: Strict licensing laws for short-term rentals, bans on smoking on beaches, and restrictions on night-time noise levels.
Solution: Barcelona has long grappled with overtourism but has now implemented measures to address the problem. The city recently reduced the number of cruise ships docking there from ten to seven. Barcelona also raised the tourist tax from €5.25 to €6.75 per night for guests staying in the best hotels. Suggestions for those heading to Barcelona include considering instead Valencia, another seaside town that’s well-renowned and hasn’t yet reached tourism saturation.
Please share your thoughts on Hawaii overtourism, its new high-value tourism model, and your future travel plans.
Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with murder in the killings of three people in a remote community known for its eclectic, communal lifestyle.
Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree murder Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release.
Baker remained jailed without bond Sunday and police said his first court appearance was scheduled for Monday. It was not immediately known if Baker had an attorney who could speak for him.
Advertisement
Charges in the killings came two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the three victims were found in the rural Puna community known for its tropical landscape and free-spirited residents.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, according to police. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was discovered Tuesday a few hundred feet away. Friends identified him as Chitta Morse.
Police found the third victim, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles from where the other two bodies were located.
Police have not given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has said investigators found no connections among the victims other than that two of them lived near each other.
In addition to the murder charges, Baker also faces counts of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property.
Advertisement
The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a community set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields where people seeking to live off-grid commonly trade work for lodging.
Puna resident Stephen Shaffer said that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees on land where she grows fruit, in exchange for a place to live. After several months, Shaffer said, his ex-wife sought a restraining order against Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker left the cabin where he had been living months ago. Hyatt said that Baker recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.
Just days before the killings, two women had requested temporary restraining orders against Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, according to court records. A judge denied both applications, saying there was not enough proof of harassment.
Court records showed Baker named in 20 other cases in the past two decades, many of them traffic infractions. In most of those cases, Baker had no attorney and represented himself.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Overlooking Hilo, Hawaii.
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
Advertisement
People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Rolling green pastureland with white fences near Waimea, Hawaii’s Big Island.
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
A couple walks along Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Kaua’i, Hawai’i.
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Shops in downtown Kapa’a in Hawaii. Image credit bluestork via Shutterstock.com
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Overlooking Kailua, Oahu.
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
Advertisement
Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Aerial view of Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Waikele Premium Outlets in Honolulu County, near Wahiawa, Hawaii. Image credit ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock.com
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
Advertisement
Makawao
The town of Makawao sits on the slope of the Haleakala volcano in Maui.
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Downtown Pahoa, Hawaii. Image credit Chris Allan via Shutterstock
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Overlooking Honoka’a, Hawaii.
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
Advertisement
Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
Advertisement
“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
Advertisement
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
