Are visitors welcome in Hawaii? After years of mixed messages around tourism, that’s a question a lot of travelers are still quietly asking.
In this episode, I went back through conversations I’ve had with five Native Hawaiians and listened again to what they’ve shared about visitors, respect, the land, and what it means to visit Hawaii knowing that you’re stepping into someone else’s home.
I’m not Hawaiian, and I’m not trying to speak for Hawaii. Instead, I want their voices to lead this conversation. You’ll hear different perspectives on why tourism can be complicated, what respect looks like beyond simply following rules, and how visitors can come with a better understanding of the place they’re visiting.
In This Episode:
- Why your vacation day is someone else’s everyday life
- Why Native Hawaiian voices should help tell the story of Hawaii
- What ʻāina means beyond simply “land”
- Why respect is more than a list of things not to do
- The tension between Hawaii’s reliance on tourism and the pressures residents face
- What James Kiko says about whether visitors should still come
- Why an open mind may matter more than trying to be the “perfect” visitor
- What I mean when I say, “Don’t just come. Come differently.”
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Full show notes available here.
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Links To Things I Talk About:
- Kamaka Pili Episode
- Kahanuola Solatorio Episode
- Maui Cultural Lands / Ekolu Lindsey Episode
- James Kiko / bEASTside Kitchen Episode
- Anela Evans Episode
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Chapters:
- 1:35 Kamaka On Real Hawaii
- 2:31 Vacation Vs Workday
- 3:58 Kahanui On Aina
- 6:00 Ekolu Share Aloha
- 7:09 Are Visitors Welcome
- 7:47 James On Economy Stress
- 9:38 Come Differently Mindset
- 9:50 Anela Practical Guidance
- 11:26 Final Takeaways Next Steps
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Help Your Hawaii Travel Friends Plan a Better Trip...
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Episode sponsored by Terraformation.
Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs.
🌳 Help grow the forest: hawaii.startaforest.com
Use promo code BEST for 15% off your first month or first year.
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🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan
About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.
🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner
Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.
Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)
Talk Story (w/ permission)
