Hawaii is a small state that's a huge draw for tourists. Maybe it's the beaches, or the phenomenal hiking trails, or the beautiful, rich culture. Maybe it's the 'Aloha spirit' that welcomes you and makes you feel like family. Maybe, it's all of the above.
Whatever the reason, over 600,000 people visit Hawaii each year. But that influx comes with a price for the state's 1.4 million residents. Over tourism has become a buzz word recently, and many Hawaiian's are feeling the burnout. During the COVID-19 pandemic tourism all but stopped and Hawaiian's saw for the fist time what some places were like with no people, and nature had a chance to restore itself.
5 Things Sunday host James Brown sat down with USA TODAY's consumer and travel reporter Kathleen Wong, who is based in Hawaii.
She talks about responsible visitors and what that means to not only the island, but to Hawaiian's and how the state is managing the number of tourists.
For more on respectfully visiting Hawaii'
Take it from Hawaii locals: You won't regret these 8 activities when you visit the islands
Stop throwing coins into hot steam vents, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park asks of 'disrespectful' people
Waipio Valley protestors block access to sacred Hawaiian land after partial reopening
Don't be that tourist: Here's how to respectfully visit Hawaii, have an authentic trip
Honolulu charges the most expensive tourist tax. Here's how that affects your vacation.
Hawaii sees riskier beachgoers: How to safely enjoy the ocean on the islands
Beach closures, damage: What travelers can expect after the 'historic' Hawaii swells
Hawaii sees riskier beachgoers: How to safely enjoy the ocean on the islands
Follow James Brown and Kathleen Wong on Twitter.
If you have a comment about the show or a question or topic you'd like us to discuss, send James Brown an email at jabrown@usatoday.com or podcasts@usatoday.com. You can also leave him a voicemail at 585-484-0339. We might have you on the show.
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