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Hawaiian Studies
Unit 13 Overview: Modern Hawaii: Tourism & Environment
13.1 Development of Tourism Industry and Its Impact
13.2 Urbanization and Land Use Challenges
13.3 Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Efforts

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13.1 Development of Tourism Industry and Its Impact

Last Updated on July 24, 2024

Hawaii's tourism industry boomed after World War II, transforming the islands. Improved air travel, statehood, and package tours made Hawaii accessible to middle-class travelers, sparking rapid development in Waikiki and beyond.

Tourism brought economic benefits but also challenges. While creating jobs and boosting state revenue, it strained infrastructure, increased living costs, and risked commodifying Hawaiian culture. Balancing growth with preservation remains an ongoing challenge.

Historical Development and Impacts of Hawaii's Tourism Industry

Development of Hawaiian tourism

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  • Post-World War II era (1945-1959)
    • Increased military presence boosted local economy and infrastructure
    • Improved air travel technology enabled longer flights (Boeing 377 Stratocruiser)
    • Emergence of package tours made Hawaii more accessible to middle-class travelers
  • Statehood and early boom years (1959-1970s)
    • Hawaii becomes 50th state in 1959 sparked interest and investment
    • Rapid hotel construction in Waikiki transformed coastline (Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider)
    • Development of outer island resorts expanded tourism beyond Oahu (Mauna Kea Beach Hotel)
  • Mass tourism era (1980s-1990s)
    • Expansion of international markets attracted visitors from Japan and Europe
    • Growth of cruise ship industry introduced new way to experience islands (Norwegian Cruise Line)
    • Diversification of tourism products included adventure and cultural experiences
  • Sustainable tourism focus (2000s-present)
    • Emphasis on cultural and eco-tourism promoted responsible travel
    • Integration of Hawaiian values in tourism practices preserved local culture
    • Development of agritourism and voluntourism offered unique experiences (coffee farm tours)

Tourism's impact on Hawaiian society

  • Economic impacts
    • Job creation in hospitality and service sectors reduced unemployment
    • Increased state revenue through taxes funded public services
    • Economic dependence on tourism made economy vulnerable to external factors
  • Social impacts
    • Population growth and demographic changes altered community dynamics
    • Strain on infrastructure and public services led to overcrowding (beaches, roads)
    • Increased cost of living and housing priced out local residents
  • Cultural impacts
    • Commodification of Hawaiian culture risked authenticity (luaus, hula shows)
    • Revival and preservation of traditional practices strengthened cultural identity
    • Cultural exchange between visitors and locals fostered mutual understanding

Government Policies and Future Challenges

Policies shaping tourism growth

  • Government policies
    • Land use regulations and zoning laws controlled development (shoreline setbacks)
    • Tourism promotion and marketing efforts attracted visitors (Hawaii Tourism Authority)
    • Environmental protection measures preserved natural resources (marine conservation areas)
  • Private sector initiatives
    • Investment in hotel and resort development expanded accommodations (Four Seasons)
    • Creation of tourism-related businesses diversified offerings (tour operators, restaurants)
    • Adoption of sustainable practices reduced environmental impact (energy-efficient buildings)
  • Public-private partnerships
    • Collaboration on infrastructure projects improved visitor facilities (airport renovations)
    • Joint marketing campaigns promoted Hawaii globally (Go Hawaii)
    • Development of tourism education programs trained local workforce (University of Hawaii)

Challenges vs opportunities in tourism

  • Challenges
    • Overtourism and carrying capacity issues strained resources (Hanauma Bay)
    • Climate change and environmental degradation threatened attractions (coral bleaching)
    • Balancing economic growth with cultural preservation required careful management
  • Opportunities
    • Sustainable tourism development aligned with environmental goals (eco-resorts)
    • Diversification of tourism offerings catered to changing traveler preferences (wellness retreats)
    • Technology integration improved visitor experiences (virtual reality tours, mobile apps)
  • Future considerations
    • Adaptation to changing travel trends ensured long-term viability (digital nomads)
    • Community-based tourism initiatives empowered local populations (Hawaiian-owned businesses)
    • Balancing resident needs with visitor demands maintained social harmony

Key Terms to Review (18)

Cultural preservation: Cultural preservation refers to the efforts made to protect, maintain, and promote the cultural heritage and practices of a community or society. This includes safeguarding traditional knowledge, languages, arts, and customs that may be at risk of being lost due to external influences or modernization. The importance of cultural preservation becomes evident when examining historical shifts, economic changes, and social dynamics that can threaten the integrity of cultural identities.
Hawaii Tourism Authority: The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is the state agency responsible for promoting and developing the tourism industry in Hawaii. It plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable tourism practices while enhancing the visitor experience and protecting the islands' cultural heritage. HTA collaborates with various stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and government entities, to shape policies that impact tourism's growth and its effects on the islands.
Visitor statistics: Visitor statistics refer to the quantitative data that tracks and analyzes the number of tourists and visitors to a particular destination over a specific time period. These statistics help in understanding patterns of tourism, including peak travel times, visitor demographics, and economic impact, which are crucial for planning and managing the tourism industry effectively.
Community displacement: Community displacement refers to the forced relocation of communities due to external pressures such as economic development, tourism, or natural disasters. This often results in the loss of homes, social networks, and cultural heritage, profoundly impacting the identity and cohesion of the affected groups.
Travel patterns: Travel patterns refer to the behaviors and trends of individuals or groups in terms of where, how, and why they travel. These patterns are influenced by various factors including economic conditions, cultural preferences, and technological advancements, ultimately shaping the tourism industry and its impact on destinations.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures through trade, communication, and technology, resulting in a more integrated world. This phenomenon affects local and global markets, influencing everything from economic policies to cultural exchanges and social practices, often reshaping communities and their identities in the process.
Economic Diversification: Economic diversification refers to the process of expanding a country's or region's economy by developing new sectors and industries beyond the traditional or dominant ones. This strategy aims to reduce dependency on a single economic sector, such as tourism, thereby enhancing economic stability and resilience against market fluctuations.
Environmental Degradation: Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. This often occurs as a result of human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization, which can impact the health of natural systems and the well-being of communities that rely on them. It is a critical issue that influences sustainability, particularly in areas heavily affected by tourism.
Pua Case: The Pua Case refers to a significant legal battle in Hawaii that addressed issues of land use, development, and Native Hawaiian rights in the context of tourism and economic development. This case is pivotal in understanding how the growth of the tourism industry has impacted Native Hawaiian communities and their traditional land rights, as it highlights the tensions between economic interests and cultural preservation.
Tourism dependency: Tourism dependency refers to the economic reliance of a region or country on the tourism sector for revenue and employment. This dependency often means that local economies are significantly affected by fluctuations in tourist numbers, which can be influenced by factors such as global economic conditions, natural disasters, and political stability.
Eco-tourism: Eco-tourism is a sustainable form of travel that emphasizes responsible interaction with the natural environment, promoting conservation and minimizing the ecological impact of tourism. This type of tourism is designed to support local communities, preserve natural resources, and provide educational experiences that raise awareness about environmental issues. Eco-tourism encourages visitors to appreciate and protect the destinations they visit, ultimately fostering a balance between tourism and environmental conservation.
Doris Duke: Doris Duke was an American philanthropist and tobacco heiress who played a significant role in the development of tourism in Hawaii during the mid-20th century. Her influence extended beyond her wealth, as she contributed to the cultural landscape of Hawaii through her investments in property and preservation of Hawaiian heritage, making her an important figure in the history of tourism and its impacts on local communities.
Cultural identity: Cultural identity refers to the shared characteristics, beliefs, practices, and values that define a group of people, shaping their sense of self and belonging within a community. It encompasses aspects like language, religion, traditions, and social norms, influencing how individuals relate to one another and perceive themselves in a larger context. In the realm of tourism, cultural identity is often highlighted as both a point of pride and a potential point of conflict when outside influences challenge or alter local customs and practices.
Cultural tourism: Cultural tourism is a type of travel that emphasizes experiencing and engaging with the cultural heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions of a destination. It often includes activities like visiting historical sites, participating in local festivals, and experiencing traditional arts and crafts. This form of tourism connects travelers with the local community and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
Statehood of Hawaii: The statehood of Hawaii refers to its admission as the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. This momentous event marked a significant transition for Hawaii, as it shifted from a territory with limited political rights to a fully recognized state, impacting its governance and economy. Statehood also brought about changes in the cultural landscape and was influenced by the burgeoning tourism industry, which played a critical role in Hawaii's economic development and integration into the national framework.
Urbanization: Urbanization is the process by which rural areas transform into urban areas, often characterized by population growth, increased infrastructure development, and the movement of people from countryside to cities. This phenomenon can lead to significant cultural and economic changes within a society, influencing everything from language use to social structures.
Sustainable tourism: Sustainable tourism refers to a form of travel that aims to minimize the negative impact on the environment, local cultures, and economies while promoting conservation and responsible practices. It emphasizes the need for balance between tourism development and the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism can be enjoyed by future generations without compromising the integrity of ecosystems and communities.
Commodification: Commodification is the process of transforming goods, services, or ideas into commodities that can be bought, sold, and traded in a market. This often leads to the loss of intrinsic value, cultural significance, or traditional practices as items are redefined primarily for profit. In certain contexts, such as tourism and trade, commodification can reshape cultural identity and local economies, influencing how communities interact with their heritage and resources.
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13.2 Urbanization and Land Use Challenges