Why is everything imported to Hawaii?


Why is everything imported to Hawaii? It's cheaper to import food from the mainland. Government policies could help remedy the situation, but we don't have that.” Redfeather says that even though Hawaii has an ample water supply, a hindrance to local food and agriculture is the high expense of land—$100,000 per acre.


Do Hawaiians rely on tourism?

Yes, there is no doubt that tourism is the biggest economic factor in the islands. However, you might be surprised to find out that there are ZERO hotels owned & operated by anyone of Native Hawaiian descent on the island of O'ahu. There is only 1 on the Big Island of Hawai'i.


Can you enjoy Hawaii without a car?

Many visitors enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.


Can Hawaii survive without tourism?

The industry's defenders argue that tourism, for all of the issues it creates, is still a major asset for the people who call Hawaii home. They say the state simply couldn't survive without the billions of dollars in spending and tax revenue that travelers bring into the islands every year.


Why is Hawaii so expensive?

The truth is, Hawaii is consistently ranked as the most expensive state in the United States due to high housing, energy, transportation and food costs. Don't be discouraged—that doesn't mean it's completely out of reach for a buyer looking for their slice of paradise.