How Does Tourism Affect Native Hawaiians?

By Alice Nichols

Tourism has been one of the major sources of revenue for the Hawaiian economy. However, it has also been a contentious issue for the Native Hawaiians. While tourism brings in money and jobs, it can also have adverse effects on their culture, environment, and way of life.

Impact on Culture: Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in their land, history, language, and traditions. With an influx of tourists every year, there is a growing concern that the commercialization of Hawaiian culture is diluting its authenticity. Some native Hawaiians feel that their cultural heritage is being exploited for profit by the tourism industry.

Subheader: Cultural Appropriation

One of the major concerns raised by Native Hawaiians is cultural appropriation. It refers to the adoption and use of elements from one culture by another without proper understanding or respect for its original meaning and significance.

For instance, hula dancing is a sacred art form that tells stories through movements and songs. However, it has been commercialized as a tourist attraction with hula shows in hotels and resorts. Some native Hawaiians argue that this type of commercialization reduces their culture to a mere spectacle for entertainment purposes.

Impact on Environment: Hawaii’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws for tourists. However, with increased tourism comes increased pressure on the environment.

Subheader: Overcrowding

The high number of tourists puts pressure on Hawaii’s limited resources such as water and energy. It also leads to overcrowding at popular tourist destinations like beaches and hiking trails. This can damage fragile ecosystems and disrupt local wildlife habitats.

Impact on Way Of Life: Tourism can also have an impact on the way of life for Native Hawaiians.

Subheader: Rising Cost Of Living

As tourism grows in Hawaii, so does the cost of living. The demand for housing increases with more people moving to Hawaii for tourism-related jobs. This drives up the cost of housing, making it harder for Native Hawaiians to afford to live in their own land.

Subheader: Loss Of Control Over Land

Tourism development often requires land acquisition, which can result in the displacement of Native Hawaiians from their ancestral lands. This loss of control over their land can have a significant impact on their cultural identity and way of life.

In conclusion, while tourism brings in revenue and job opportunities for Hawaii, it is important to consider its impact on the Native Hawaiian community. By being mindful of their culture, environment, and way of life, we can work towards a sustainable and responsible tourism industry that benefits everyone involved.