Has Maui become too California-ized?
 

Just came back from Maui and I have to say that I left with an odd feeling. At the hotels and various places around the island it seemed like I was in LA instead of Hawaii. The resort was very LA (no Hawaiian music played) Entertainment was long haired people singing old EAGLES songs.I remember years ago Hawaii was Hawaii and California was California.

Which hotel did you stay at?

I've been to Hawaii 6 times and I have had no desire to return the past few years. The biggest reason is that I finally began to appreciate the 'differentness' which many of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and South Pacific islands offer.
Much of the USA seems to be getting so homogenized that I now appreciate different environments much more than I did 15 years ago (or maybe I'm just getting tired of the same old haunts in the US).

My wife and I went to Hawaii twice in 1976 and again in 1978. On the first trip we went to 4 islands, including Maui - where we stayed in Kaanapali.

On the second trip we spent 11 days in Maui, also in the Kaanapali area.

What do I remember about the trips?

First, I remember how beautiful my wife was during both trips and how much we enjoyed the company of each other.

You know, when you're young, if you don't enjoy each other's company more than the surroundings, there's something wrong.

A reason that the quote, "travel is wasted on the young", is often very true.

One thing I do remember, quite clearly, was a luau we went to, where the Hawaiian girls were all continental US girls in fact, and one was chewing gum, like a wild woman, throughout the entire dance!

Afterwards we went to a bar/dance club where the band had a blind singer who's best song was Stevie Wonder's, "All in Love is Fair". He sang it quite well, actually, but he wasn't Stevie.

Things haven't changed as much as you think! Hawaii has been "Californized" for a lot longer than you think.

Ultimately it comes down to who you are and what you make of where you are. Some people have fun in a pig stye and some are miserable in paradise.

That's exactly how I feel about Maui too! Of the islands that I've visited (Oahu, Kauai, Maui, BI, Lanai), Maui feels the most like California to me which is why I prefer the others.

To Autowith: You obviously did not understand my intention with the question. Your patronizing answer and implication that I did not appreciate my family and privlige of a vacation was inappropriate and judgemental. I merely stated that I felt the aura of a destination has changed and the culture of the island has been diluted. Thank you.

I live in California and visited Hawaii for the first time a few years ago. I was disappointed, mostly because it did feel like I was in a warm version of Tahoe. I like the more exotic destinations, like Costa Rica. But Hawaii is in the US, so it makes sense that it would seem less exotic to me.

where i live we call it californicated...and it ain't a good thing.

look on the bright side. at least it isn't packed with obnoxious NY'ers like the Caribbean!!!

better to have left with an "odd" feeling than a "sick" feeling!!!

>)

Coming from the UK, I agree. We went via LA and there really wasn't much difference - we had visited Sri Lanka and Cuba in previous years so we were expecting something a little less "American" than we got.

Reply to: uh no ying, couldn't help myself from speculating from your ironic post that the obnoxious crowd seems consistent with your cup of ((c))tea. I((L))NY and HI((R))! Aloha

I think that Maui has changed a lot since I first went there in 1977. I have never thought of it terms of "califoniaized" (a term which I semi-resent and don't fully understand). I see it as overcommericalization due to the demands of a "paradise" seeking public. I just hope the same thing does not happen to Kaui!

Yes. Just like the Yucatan and Baja have become too Gringoized. This is what happens when lots of people frequent a destination. Unfortunately I feel the same affliction in Kauai, and probably the Big Island is next. By the way, there are plenty of Yankee's fans on all the islands.

canterbury417,

Even though I'm from LA and don't see the similarities, I can certainly sympathize with your feelings. I think anyplace that has become a mainstream tourist destination will lose much of its original, native luster and charm. To help me avoid the same feelings you encountered, I usually try to fit in several less frequented sites or historical sites to capture the true charm of Hawaii.

I hope you revisit Maui and seek out its uncrowded treasures. If Maui was just about Wailea, Ka'anapali, Lahaina, Molokini and the Road to Hana; believe me, the rest of us wouldn't care enough about it to frequent this board!