Unfriendly, Rural HAWAII: I Was Shocked At What I Saw

I visited these rural Hawaii towns on the island of Oahu: Maili, Wai'anae & Makaha.
Travel Vlog 329

[@gfaverill]

I lived in Hawaii 12 years, and I would never ever, EVER drive around where you did ... very dangerous for whites there. They used to have what they called 'beat haole day's.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I did notice the difference. I stopped in several convenience stores and a McDonald's and got some unfriendly stares. No one waved or said hello. I also got stares walking on a couple of the beaches. It was a bit unnerving. I've been to rural America across the country, in all the lower 48 states. This was one of the unfriendliest places I've ever been to. Honolulu was completely different, btw. The locals there, including in the neighborhoods, were really friendly and nice.

[@ghtaboma]

If you’re senior citizens, they won’t bother you much. Especially if you wear matching aloha shirts and muumuus with fake leis around your neck! They just laugh.

[@logikell]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Colonization is still fresh in many of the native Hawaiians minds. Definitely there are areas where non natives are not welcome.

[@johnison76]

@@logikell ummmm...you must mean the original native Hawaiians. The so-called native Hawaiians I've encountered are Samoans, Japanese, etc locals are also descended from colonizers and are no more native than I am.

[@myrrhavm]

@@johnison76Yep. Most are half or part Mexican.

[@spencer-fatbike]

Thank you for showing the Hawaii the chamber of commerce doesn't want people to see. Very eye opening

[@kahepana2887]

It doesn’t stop them from coming. It doesn’t matter they will come!! My the thousands a day.

[@user-97n0xg.d6gfh]

@@kahepana2887 Never underestimate the brainwashing power of Hollywood, branding, imaging and stereotyping (5-O, Magnum, Baywatch),

[@roosterwithnoname9020]

I lived in the West side for 24 years. They are some of the nicest and helpful people you'll ever meet. I had a flat tire driving from Nanakuli and a local guy helped inflate the tire so I could drive to get it replaced. Lot of times, the people will call you "Auntie" or "Sista", "Uncle" or "Braddah". Lot of young people telling jokes & helping out my Haole mother. Just treat people with respect, and they will treat you with respect.

[@hatchling88]

I only lived at Makaha for 2 years, but yeah, most of the locals were good neighbors to us.

[@jennifers6435]

Thank you…having money does not equate to civilized

[@Seanonyoutube]

Exactly. Once u learn about the culture a bit people can be pretty friendly. They just don’t like stuck up “i’m better than you” vibes

[@Queenatlarge]

@@roosterwithnoname9020did you know, statistically speaking, that if you have a flat anywhere on the freeway and and someone stops to help… he’s probably from the west side of Oahu?! ???? As in Waianae?????

[@billl1127]

Stayed at a condo in Makaha. Stopped at the small market in waianae. Had no problems with any of the people albeit our interactions were limited.

[@iamartimus8809]

I was in law enforcement for 32 years and spent 25 of these years on the west side of Oahu. This brings back memories as I retired 3 years ago and moved away from Hawaii, and now living comfortably. Hawaii local now living in the mainland. Loved your video!

[@tripplefives1402]

They say more Hawaiians live in Nevada than Hawaii.

[@PDSalling]

Much of the homeless living on the beach are local families tired of the high rents. The tiny house lots are a manifestation of the plantation era 'camp' housing. The plantation owned the camp and provided the minimum accommodations for the workers, and upscale housing for the Luna (managers).

[@tripplefives1402]

@@PDSalling Those people qualify for government housing. The people camping on the beach are druggies.

[@dawind1878]

Then you know brah, some of the most aloha in the state and some of the worst druggies in the state, but when people cannot afford to live in their homeland anymore....well you know brah, brought back many memories for me too... It has changed , my friends tell me of gangs and shootings now.....the world has changed and about to really change, the end is soon.... Cops in Waiane....lol, Da true Hui....lol

[@frankharris4694]

I sure you could tell some good stories of your time in police, in west side. Cheers 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@stevejaubert2892]

The feeling is a lot of people are desparate to find what they think is happiness and wind up struggling to barely exist there.

[@TheTrevelyansway]

That happened to a friend of mine. He moved there and became poor.

[@PerrincinaSprecaci]

In my senior year in high school, my best friend and I fantasized about moving to Hawaii and doing the Laverne & Shirley thing after we saw an episode of 'The Jeffersons' about them moving to Hawaii. We contacted the Chamber of Commerce and they sent a letter back saying 'If you come to Hawaii, we'll welcome you, but bring airfare to go back home', and it went on to say everyone moves there looking for paradise and ends up getting stuck because it's too expensive. It was a form letter so obviously they had a lot of people with the same fantasy contacting them. And this was in 1984. It was bad then, imagine it now.

[@jeffbangkok]

That's exactly why I took my disability check and moved to Thailand 24 years ago.

[@rs5801]

zactly! 30 yrs in Hawaii as construction worker. Wasn't bad when first arrived 1975. By 2005 i was well done with the place. My kids moved away before i did. Been happily in Thailand since then. Never went back for a visit

[@tw4601]

Living the dream. Lol

[@JP-Au-Schulz]

That a side of Hawaii that is not often seen a shared. Thank you for sharing.

[@pezpengy9308]

im a native hawaiian... an ACTUAL native not part filipino part portugese part japanese part whatever. born and raised on oahu, currently living up in wahiawa. neither myself, my friends, nor any casual acquaintances would drive into those parking lots. few of us would even drive onto that side of the island if we dont have to. its our new jersey.

[@bonsummers2657]

Respects.

[@Teeveepicksures]

Where are your parents from?

[@5400bowen]

I worked there as a newbie haoli mainlander. Never had a problem.

[@tdn4773]

Hard to believe. I'd need more proof

[@mj7den]

Why?

[@briancisco1176]

Thanks for showing us everything during your travels---the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[@yeoldmetalhead6592]

Oh come on now, he may be a little funny lookin' but Joe is not an ugly fella by any means.

[@user-97n0xg.d6gfh]

He's in good company: Nick Johnson . . . Peter Santenello . . . Tyler Oliveira . . . all presenting content for us schadenfreude viewers.

[@tootsieshmutsie6428]

@@yeoldmetalhead6592 It's the title of a famous movie

[@hatchling88]

I lived at Makaha Beach for 2 years many years ago and we experienced the good and the bad of the area. Our neighbors were stand offish for a while, but as they realized we were simply living among them as fellow residents, they warmed up. We.became good friends with some Hawaiian neighbors and experienced their aloha. Yes, even back then there were bad elements, but there were also the good. We lived right by the beach, in a small home in a compound of 5 houses. Our compound was sold after we left, the homes bulldozed and replaced by a condo. There was a lot of poverty in the west area and even more so today, along with a big influx of homeless, so that leads to problems.

[@pnwrocker1965]

I was stationed in Hawaii for 3 years a while back. There are two sides to Hawaii. Rich and not so rich. I had to battle rats and roaches in my home for 3 years. They don’t put that in the brochures. I would love to live there again…if I could afford it.

[@ghtaboma]

When I got there in 1959, I was shocked at the large, flying roaches! Centipedes, too. Left in 1962. No desire to return. A tainted paradise.

[@TinkerTailor4303]

​@@ghtabomaThe roaches are a tropical thing -- we had them in Miami.

[@dogsense3773]

I was stationed there for 4 years, I couldn't wait to get back to the main land, just the island life was not my style

[@OrlandoStreets]

I had a very similar experience when I lived there. Happy in Florida now and I don't care to go back.

[@richardmorris7063]

I've been back in Florida since 08, I live outside of Tampa in a beautiful neighborhood. The only downside is the traffic.

[@Scott-ll2rl]

Half of the people living in that lovely area are just a couple of paychecks away from joining those homeless folks on the beach.

[@dawind1878]

All Americans are, they just don't know it yet and on that day, they will beg the houseless to help them

[@racingbeats1493]

​@@dawind1878what an absurd statement lol

[@mikect500]

Yeah, no.

[@RobynClavier]

I am devastated by the homelessness I see in our country . Every state has a governor that lives in a mansion , while the people he's supposed to represent lives in the street . 🙏

[@richardmorris7063]

You blame the Governor? Take responsibility for you're own actions how bout.

[@RobynClavier]

I blame our government for a lot , not just homelessness . I always felt the same way you do . I worked two jobs all my life , raised three kids by myself . Now I watch these politicians line their pockets with money , as our country dives into opioid addiction. I watch our young men come home from war live in a cardboard box on the corner. I've seen children miss school lunch because people are truly struggling to pay for a roof over their heads . How is this possible in America ??? I believe each state should start with their own politicians. Play the governor a minimum wage and let him live in a house like I do . For starters his extra pay could pay for children's school lunch

[@Mike-tu7uw]

😂These people live like this because they want to. The governor gets up and goes to work every day and probably always has. Something these “homeless “ do not. Stop being a sap😂

[@drewodessa2483]

@@Mike-tu7uw I'm a disabled vet yet, get up at 2am to work a 10hr day. Never have leave built up due to days taken off for pain. Messed over by the VA process too. But I"m thankful for what I can do as long as I can do it. I always tell my kids "don't EVER think of yourself as a victim. It is forbidden. Because once you blame others for your misfortunes you will go no further in life because everything will always be the fault of someone else."

[@Mike-tu7uw]

@@drewodessa2483 Government has intentionally made it extremely easy to be an out of work bum.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Crazy to think that one guy in the tent pays zero rent, and the guy 20 yards behind him paid a million dollars for the same view.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That's a good point.

[@dawind1878]

Know what's even crazier, that dude in that tent, his family been living on those beaches in grass houses for thousands of years , until that white dude in the aloha shirts ancestors told him, we own this land mow, pay up or leave, but that Hawaiian is still on that beach stress free while that dude in the house is shitting to pay that 5000 dollar payment....lol

[@markinternets2009]

@@dawind1878 Their ancestors were only there for 700 years before contact. There was another group that arrived 300-700 years before them, but modern Hawaiians murdered and enslaved them all and stole their land.

[@wendicrain5515]

I lived on Oahu. Waini (I can't remember how to spell it). I was harassed daily in rural Hawaii for being white. I had water bottles thrown at me, crabs thrown on me at the beach. Thank God for a local old Hawaiian man that felt bad for me. He said he'd put the word out to leave me alone. Sure enough, I was left alone.

[@BeginAgainMC]

How did it make you feel being treated so differently because of the color of your skin?????

[@KentKiner-dt5rp]

Try going to high school there they hated me because I was white. And that was in 1965. Not a good place to live!!!

[@user-97n0xg.d6gfh]

@@BeginAgainMC He hated it; so instead of complaining, he moved back to whence he came.

[@klu570]

In my day I had no issue on the west side, or any side being white. But I had muscle bond limbs the size of tree trunks and a black belt in martial arts able to drop the average Samoan with a single punch. Spent a lot of time in so called no go bars and no one F**ked with me while I was hustling their women.

[@logikell]

Thanks for the other view of Hawaii. With the cost of living is so high there, there are a lot of homeless and many Hawaiians are having to leave the islands. Many are moving to Las Vegas.

[@pinkiesue849]

Is it cheap in Los Wages?

[@tabletalk33]

Proof of the geographic factor in economics. In a small area like this island with (apparently) few natural resources, there is little room for growth and change which could galvanize the economy. Some people will simply have to leave.

[@roosterwithnoname9020]

If the people of Hawaii actually voted for different people (instead of voting in the same old politicians)... things would change for the better. This State has a very corrupt government & not once has any of these old time politician mentioned anything about what to do to change rising cost of living, homelessness or drug addiction. Instead it's "Vote for me next election because I am a Democrat and have name recognition."

[@tabletalk33]

@@roosterwithnoname9020 I agree. Hawaii has one of the most corrupt governments in the country, and that's saying something!

[@jimmyj4811]

Thanks for your videos, you saved me a trip! Between the homeless and the trash and traffic in the city, I think I'll stay home.

[@jerryking5426]

Wise decision they don't mind you coming there to spend money but they don't want you to stay and they will tell you so

[@reucat24]

Cancun is a lot nicer and cheaper.

[@ggrace1133]

Hawaii is incredibly beautiful. I’ve never been treated poorly there in the 20-some trips there I’ve been. Rather, I’ve been given welcome gifts, even attending church where they pray for those visiting to be safe during their stay. Be respectful and kind, always giving locals the right-of-way and let them go ahead of you in line at the store. Respect the land and water, don’t litter, don’t go near turtles and seals. Go to Cancun, which I have multiple times, and the poverty is much more horrendous than Hawaii, and the danger is equal, if not more. All places have sad sides to them. But the spirituality, music, dance, and Aloha spirit there are treasures unlike anywhere else in the US, maybe even the world. God bless this State and her people always.

[@damanwiththeplan]

Wouldn’t judge Hawaii by Oahu alone. The other islands are vastly superior. I love the big island.

[@aina_adventurer]

Hawaii is beyond just the island of Oahu which is shown Here. Each island is vastly different.

[@paland99]

I lived in Nanakuli about 40 years ago. It was slummy back then and that Disney resort wasn't there. I see it hasn't changed. By the way, downtown Honolulu was very dangerous at night. It wasn't the paradise that some think it is.

[@zoidmo3388]

It's nothing like I imagined, that's for sure. Not even the Hotel tourist environment is close to what I imagined.

[@jaybleu6169]

I always tell people that Hawaii IS the tropical paradise everyone thinks it is, but it's ALSO a real place, with real people living their lives, and everything that comes with that.

[@jimmyday9536]

By far this is the most interesting trip yet!

[@benhesterly462]

Never been there, but that pretty well bursts my bubble of Hawaii .

[@theodorejay1046]

That's one part of Hawaii though, very different than the Big Island.

[@wzpu3283]

Dude thought every single square inch of an American archipelago was going to perfect and pristine. 🙄

[@troylabrie]

I came to Hilo 10 yrs ago and locals were so nice that I moved here and never looked back. I'm haole and don't have a lot of money but I love the people of Hawai'i and they love me in return. Hauʻoli wau i Hawaiʻi.

[@vuho2075]

I went to Maui back in the 90's and my impression was that the place was people struggling to make ends meet by working for the resorts, and the rest are beach bums. Doesn't surprise me that you're seeing what you're seeing. Oh, and they hate "foreigners" as in anyone not native born in the place

[@tabletalk33]

@@GNMi79 That's odd with the incredible worldwide popularity of "skin-whiteners." I guess they are not as popular in Hawaii as they are in India and other places for some reason.

[@carolmchargue7746]

So disheartening to see such a beautiful place being treated with such disrespect. Reality of what we've become.

[@MrBumbles2]

not unusual in a dem run state its the norm. but the politicians are rich

[@elcastorgrande]

But the red states have more crime.

[@Victory1981]

Beautiful waters and mountains

[@LarryHeagren]

Yes my in-laws live in a native neighborhood on Maui. I am white and my mother in law is Hawaiian/English 1800's whaling stock and is dark. My father in law has dark skin too. He is short and looks Hawaiian. I stuck out like a sore thumb Haole white guy. When I was not with my in laws I was completely ignored or worse disdained and my social status was lower than that of a dog. With them I was equal to that dog. That is the reality of being white in a native area in Hawaii. Joe you just learned what that feels like and it is ugly. Another reason I like Texas is because you are a Texan first in the eyes of all Texans. Hawaii is a beautiful place but they only want your money, just like a Casino in Las Vegas or a souvenir seller anywhere in America. Once you have done Hawaii if you need another reminder just go to a casino in Vegas. It is also funny that the greatest concentration of Hawaiians on the mainland is in Las Vegas. As many Hawaiians are involved in the tourist industry, Las Vegas would be the mainland place where their skills are most marketable. A very expensive visit indeed, but your life bucket list just got shorter and you learned more about America. The best part is you are sharing this with your subscribers. We all benefit from the videos you make. That is why you are approaching one half a million subscribers. Thanks again for your efforts, they are appreciated by all.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the interesting comment.

[@Seanonyoutube]

Which neighborhood?

[@LarryHeagren]

@@Seanonyoutube On the road to Hana near the first waterfall.

[@Seanonyoutube]

@@LarryHeagren they are so used to tourists there maybe they mistook u for one

[@heavenbound3665]

I lived on Oahu from 1999-2013. Worked in Kapolei in a medical office with all local people. I loved my job there. My coworkers and patients were the best of my career. My best advice is to be respectful and stay humble. I always remembered ...this is their home not mine. Appreciation goes a long way.

[@worldschoolmanatees]

We spent 6 months on Oahu. The cost of living was out-its-mind. Very obvious why I saw tents everywhere.

[@Brambas75]

I was born and raise in Hawaii. I would advise you not to go in those areas. Especially if you’re a tourist. Extremely dangerous

[@keithhyttinen8275]

My cousin and his wife went to Hawaii about ten years ago. They went out swimming at the beach. While in the water, two guys ran out of the foliage, and stole their clothes and belongings. Waikiki I believe.

[@alexcarter8807]

Sounds right for Waiks but when I was a kid in Punalu'u I used to walk to go surfing about 3/4 mile down the side of the road carrying my board, *barefoot* because even the crappiest slippers would have been stolen and we had like one pair of slippers for the three of us kids as it was.

[@esthersaldana9772]

I would have enjoyed watching if it weren’t for the percentage information, so boring.

[@ReconPro]

Hope all is well for everyone! 😊❤

[@viveviveka2651]

I knew a big guy who went out to a bar, and started dancing with a local girl. Two mokes went after him. One held his arms from behind. The other broke a bottle and cut up his face and head. He needed a lot of stitches, and carried emotional scars.

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

She was in on it too. Common set-up.

[@monikagebhardt4590]

I visited Oahu and Maui in 1983 and met wonderful Hawaiians!

[@hawaiiguy1]

at the 4:24 mark, you are in the Hawaiian Homelands suburb... must be of Hawaiian descent with a minimum percentage... often on a waiting list that can take decades before offered a lot. The build design on the lots there are modest.

[@ZacharyCusanelli]

Name checks out.

[@joet7940]

I have found most on Oahu to be unfriendly. They think they are the most important people in the world and come with an attitude .

[@RetiredGoodtimes]

A mortgage payment on a house costing $500,000 would be difficult for someone making $105,000 per year.

[@Donotevengotherewithme]

That's just a median income. The people living in the $500,000 homes surely make more than that. 45% or more make anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. Guessing the upper range HI live in those homes.

[@RandyFelts2121]

I have a feeling that many of those more expensive houses are leased out to visitors touring the Islands. Don't know just my thinking. Similar to Fredericksburg in Texas.

[@tracyj1961]

Multiple families living in one house.

[@tracydubose265]

You can't get house for 500k

[@buhlfarmdr]

Many of those mortgages are at or near maturity, and the original loan was far, far lower than today's prices.

[@RoadTripsWithYogi1968]

You get what you vote for. What the Government did to the residents during and after the fire was criminal.

[@stevesloan56]

From what I see, it's not much different than a lot of the homes on mainland. I see nothing to attract me to Hawaii. Maybe years ago it was a nicer place but I'm not impressed

[@katiemiller1776]

Hawaii looks like a very sad and rough place to live. Thank you for sharing.

[@troylabrie]

I came to Hilo 10 yrs ago and locals were so nice that I moved here and never looked back. I'm haole and don't have a lot of money but I love the people of Hawai'i and they love me in return. Hauʻoli wau i Hawaiʻi.

[@dizzydiver18866881]

I moved to the west side from the mainland 10 years ago. I used to defend Waianae and tell people it’s reputation is exaggerated. I don’t say that anymore. I used to like Waianae but not now, the drugs have gotten even more out of control and are the reason behind most of the west sides problems. The local people have normalized hard drug use.

[@TrpleAgnt2011]

Right Jack! Good you cleared out

[@dizzydiver18866881]

Cleared out of what? Still live Waianae. For now anyway.

[@hatchling88]

Drug use is rampant in many areas and is a scourge.

[@nalong55]

Wife and I were there a couple years ago and crazy the amount of wild chickens you'll see.

[@SeattleBlythe]

Well, Joe I no longer want to visit Hawaii even though I have relatives that have a home there. It really is rougher than I had envisioned.

[@millipedic]

People have a lot of big cars on a small island.

[@markr8796]

Paradise lost. Thanks for showing us the real Hawaii. I won’t waste my time and money visiting there.

[@tabletalk33]

Pretty overrated, I would say. Other issues: lots of municipal corruption and some of the worst public schools in the entire U.S.

[@arnoldjohnson3317]

As much as you travel I’m shocked that you’re shocked how bad the homeless is. There are many reasons but you see poverty in most places and especially in places called paradise.

[@LP-jn4tw]

Agree. Nothing shocking here. This is a global issue in large part due to a global pandemic. Head over to many places in Europe and Latin America and you'll be aching to get back here.

[@martabarbeau]

And these so-called travel vloggers aren’t smart enough to actually figure out why this happened in the first place - seems like they only came here to look down their noses at the less fortunate, then go back to Texas and proclaim how great the south is. 🙄

[@nicktynan1355]

​@@martabarbeauHe's not as condescending/ sarcastic as one other aforementioned KZbinr is. Reality is unfortunately what it is.

[@Lazydaisy646]

​@martabarbeatheres nothing condescending about this man . Too many people are looking to be offended

[@Marvel-Rogue]

Don't be shocked, bro 😐 you're going to see a lot more 😢 imma afraid 😕. That's a nice area, right there you guys 😉 . Look at these ❤️ mountains ⛰️ over there 😍. That's another nice area 👍 too Joey. The homeless spot is not as bad as you think 🤔 they pretty much try to keep it clean as best as can . Good ride ⛱️🌝

[@SqueakyWheelMakesNoise]

I just found and subbed yo your channel. I love traveling videos like this. I'm about half way through this video. You do nice content. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@RandomDudeOne]

Peter Santenello just did a series of vids on Hawaii. He talks a lot to the locals.

[@reucat24]

Nick Johnson is currently doing one as well

[@ajf5823]

@@reucat24..If you want to see homeless people his videos are the ones to watch!

[@aina_adventurer]

Peter also went to multiple islands during his series. All the islands are different and unique. And all are most definitely different than Oahu which is the most populated.

[@noninoni454]

Yes his videos are awesome

[@nicktynan1355]

​@@OutboundShane Also can come across as a bit too condescending and sarcastic.

[@catlover614]

A very interesting video, as always. Thanks for showing us around, Joe.😊💚

[@bobbullethalf]

Never visiting Hawaii again. All the money that tourist spend does not help these folks.

[@robertmoore2049]

I’d only want to visit the Arizona memorial, the Missouri and other places around Pearl Harbor to pay my respects to our military veterans and those who served and died.

[@kealiis]

True dat its so sad

[@DeBeard]

I'm pretty puzzled what most ppl there do a living that can earn them a household income around 200k to 400k? What kinda industry in Hawaii could support such a high cost of living out there? Tourist business? What else?

[@alexcarter8807]

Drugs. The answer is drugs.

[@DeBeard]

@@alexcarter8807 okay…

[@ZacharyCusanelli]

Old money. There's more people than you realize who are born into money. They get trust funds their whole life, 10k a month trust fund, plus inheritances when you turn 18, then more inheritances as relatives die, and then they work at a good job after going to an Ivy League school and make great money at a law office or owning a business. It's a whole different way of life. They don't talk about it because they're taught not to talk about it and they usually only hang around with other people who have money.

[@DeBeard]

@@ZacharyCusanelli that means Hawaii is a place for (old riches or tech nerds) riches, as well as those who serves for riches hmmmm it makes sense.

[@___DEW___]

​@@ZacharyCusanelli I think you are right on the money. I've always wondered where this money comes from but it's that plantation days and this is my land I claim it. Interesting is this isn't that"old" per say. Late 1800s to pre "state hood"

[@tab10takahara12]

In the early 1970's my husband worked with the federal program called VISTA. The program aided Hawaiians in Makaha and Waianae to end poverty and homelessness. Heartbreaking to see the continued struggles. As an earler comment stated, the land was stolen from the Hawaiian peoples. How true. Auwe 😢

[@sterlingsilvernecklace]

There is good diving on the west side of Oahu. Yokohama Bay is the best. It's best to go in the morning. Don't be scared of the big fish. They won't hurt you.

[@martymiller9514]

Thanks for showing us what's there--been to Hawaii but not where you went. Very interesting indeed. This was a great episode, I think.

[@howardhughes7596]

I lived in American Samoa for two years in the early 1980s. And started visiting Hawaii every year after I came back to the mainland. Spent most of my time on Maui, but now the cost of visiting Hawaii has gotten so incredibly high that I probably will never be back. I live on the Caribbean coast of Mexico during the winter months.

[@jerryakamuadams6399]

Joe. Just found your channel from this video. While i dont live in Waianae, my family is from Waianae. Thanks for showing the side of hawaii most dont see and the tourism industry doesnt want you to see. As you may have noticed much of the homeless out there on west side of oahu are native hawaiians. Struggling to survive in our ancestral homeland

[@robertsole9970]

a tropical hood! yikes!! You're safer walking around a holler in Wv than in these ghetto beaches.

[@McIntyreBible]

I wouldn't care to live in Hawaii even if I had money!

[@troylabrie]

He only showed you the slums. Hawai'i is expensive but is a wonderful place to live if you live simply.

[@user-97n0xg.d6gfh]

@@troylabrie Only if you are upper-middle class, or live in multigenerational / extended family households.

[@patriley9449]

I have been to Hawaii a few times, mostly to Maui. In driving all around Maui, I never saw any crappy housing as bad as you showed in this video. This would be affordable ( low- income ) housing in most parts of the mainland. I also do not recall more than a few homeless anywhere. The last time I was there was 2018, so much has probably changed as it has everywhere else. The " Natives " who seem to be of Samoan ancestry (that is BIG ) have never liked whites. Try to stay in the tourist areas and all is fine. I was thinking about another visit in the next two years, but I think not. I have been treated much better in rural parts of the mainland than I ever was in Hawaii. So much for paradise.

[@SajjadKhan-jn7cw]

hope you are having great time thanks for sharing joe and Nic 👍

[@dannyphan1352]

Every coins has 2 sides. When I visit Hawaii, I stay on the good side. I was there in March & will be back in August. It is what it is.

[@nicktynan1355]

Exactly!

[@RaceSheetsDFS]

Change the scenery and it looks like you're driving around any random urban city with rampant homelessness, run-down shacks, and mobile homes with carports attached to them... amazing what some mountains and access to the ocean can do for the cost of living.

[@martabarbeau]

@RaceSheetsDFS quite the superficial observation on your part - but keep thinking that, because it keeps folks like you away. 😉

[@RaceSheetsDFS]

@@martabarbeau spend thousands of dollars to travel to Hawaii and see what I could find in OKC, Tulsa, Little Rock... you bet I'll stay away.

[@nicktynan1355]

​@@martabarbeau All other things aside, Hawaii's physical beauty DOES attract outsiders, thus not making it any easier for those from there.

[@zekrk504]

Ther trash is a shame The homeless encampment on the ocean! Amazing! You 2 have a safe trip home, lv ya both!

[@pete70091]

Ah yes, stationed there from 98-02. Bringing back many memories. USS Frederick LST-1184

[@walkstalkssoftly8357]

When my cousin lived on Oahu and I visited we were told never to drive that part of island....very dangerous area particularly for whites.

[@yipmabaruya1148]

Good afternoon from Papua New Guinea. I enjoyed watching your contents. Thanks for sharing.

[@Yawndave]

Thanks for the visit to the "other" side of paradise. I have two sets of memories from Hawaii: when I was 6/7 years old when my dad was stationed in Pearl Harbor, and from 20 years ago spending 3 weeks doing all the touristy stuff. Those were all good times--I'm content with the memories and don't feel the need to go back. Aloha!

[@dfree1here]

Well good for them, that community that banded together is smart. Doing what they can with what they have.

[@andrewward5891]

I was impressed to see they have dumpsters and Porto potties. So hopefully the place isn’t too gross. With the pallet walls they don’t seem to be encouraging visitors.

[@mmedved5567]

Once when on a vacation on Maui I was hiking in a relatively remote valley. The only person I came across was a barefoot white guy in typical shorts and loose shirt with a deep tan. I said hi, and he just have me a mean stare without saying anything. Obviously a local who hated tourists. Ironic since tourism supports the local economy. And he or his ancestors came from elsewhere.

[@5400bowen]

Yes the first Hawaiians came from the Marquesses islands, and then the Tahitians came later and “drove them into the hills” (quote from Hawaiian oral traditional history via University of Hawaii). Now they say we stole THEIR aina.

[@nicktynan1355]

​@@5400bowen How the Hawaiian Kingdom got unified was for the most part not exactly peaceful, but doesn't make the 1893 overthrow any more right.

[@5400bowen]

@@nicktynan1355 it doesn't make it any differrnt either...a thief can't complain when someone steals from him, especially whrn what was stolrn from him is something he stole from someone else...was it ever his to claim thievery?

[@5400bowen]

@@nicktynan1355 and your little diminishment "for the most part not exactly peaceful"...he took land by force...just like the Europeans did.. and now you claim moral superiority?!? it was for the entire part...he took guns from the English to kill his fellow man for power...so honorable! Just like the Tahitians came and drove off the Marquesians from their lands in Hawaii. Steal something from someone snd then whine when domeone ekse comes snd steals it from you. Kamehameha was more powerful ftom making a bargsin with the British and used it to takevland ftom others...the the British bought the land and gsvevit to the US...who never took Hawsii by force, they did it by stealth with the help of a bargain with the British. Hows it feel to have your own game played on you?

[@bettyhill7083]

❤

[@losttribe9107]

Not a fan of Hawaii. Lived there 2008-2009. When I got there, I realized I had made a horrible mistake. Maybe the worst place I have ever lived - and I have lived all over the world.

[@dawind1878]

Give Detroit a try or LA and get back to us....lol

[@aina_adventurer]

Houses cost 1 million dollars plus for basically a shack. I had to move from the islands because I couldn't afford it. I miss Hawaii but I know I had to do what I need to survive. You are in the same part of the town of Maili. Just shows what it is with a mixed of middle income and impoverished community as one. But that side is very resilient group. Born and raised on the Westside.

[@PresidentBr0wnVagena2024]

Real estate investors like Oprah must be all in. Recolonizing Hawaii for Africa is a process I'm looking forward to seeing. All the Hawaiians who hate hoo witey but love rap and sportsball are going to be thrilled when countless diversity is brought to the islands.

[@mikeabresch3827]

I do not think I can afford to go there but thank you sir for the stream

[@PerrincinaSprecaci]

I was recently offered the opportunity to move to my cousin's home in Hawaii Kai, to live in her little ohana guest house for $700 a month, no utility bills, pool, right on the water. It was really tempting, since I'm paying $1200 for rent in Philly that I can barely afford. I've watched so many videos on Hawaii lately (Nick Johnson's 12-part series is great) that I made the wise decision to stay put. All I need is to get stuck out there or run out of money. And the B-52 roaches? Oh my God. Nope. I feel so bad for Hawai'i, though. So much of the US history there that I was never taught in school.

[@PCDoctorUSA]

I lived and went to school in Hawaii Kai. $700 a month for an ohana guest house inclusive of utilities is a pretty good deal. Now, if you have to work in town (anything west of Kaimuki in my opinion) the commuter traffic can be killer. However, you don't have to leave Hawaii Kai for daily shopping. They even have a Costco. As for roaches, they're just something you get used to. Our house gets treated every 3 months, and we rarely see one. We never leave food out overnight, and food scraps are taken to the trash can outside before we go to bed. Also, when it comes to roaches remember geckos are your friend. You'll probably see more of those scurrying along an inside wall than a roach. Leave them alone and they'll help with the roaches. Regarding Hawaii's history, the land was ABSOLUTELY stolen from the native Hawaiians by greedy colonizers and the wrong still hasn't been righted.

[@WilliamTerry-tf1my]

Very enlightening.

[@jarhead9690]

I was there from 1991-94. Thousands of homeless were there. I remember Honolulu ran then out of a park across from K-Mart. That park probably housed 100+ homeless people.

[@suzannewillis817]

Lord have mercy !so much trash everywhere and unfortunately it's like that everywhere you go ,and all of those people who are homeless it's like that wherever you go in so many places it's very sad!

[@dalaimama3781]

When I started as a CWS worker, I was assigned to the Waianae side of Oahu. Never ever had a problem. Nice people.

[@Lopezflies888]

Born n raised. Hawaii is not what it used to be. Locals are hostile toward outsiders. Much more than past years. Lots of ignorance and poverty

[@myplumdreams]

We went to Oahu in 2017… we also drove around to see the community like you’re doing. Didn’t feel safe in some area. Hawaii is not all that great. The waters and mountains are beautiful but otherwise it’s all the same same. We had fun but I got anxiety after several days… same thing happened when I went to Washington. Everything is the same…and constantly humid and raining. Happy to go back home… SoCal.

[@Mark-gr3ii]

you do know about the rainy season right ?

[@zoidmo3388]

Not what I ever imagined. The homelessness & garbage is realistic bec it can be seen everywhere. But in the residential areas the No yards, Lots of fencing, Lots of parked cars (3 per household? & still some on the streets...& trucks!..wow! ) no sidewalks. Sorry I'm not digging it. Be safe Joe & Nic. Looking forward to next vid.

[@judygarnet425]

I Love travelling with you! I like that your really showing America ! This is Wonderful this is geography and history all together!

[@stevenmunizich9366]

My wife and me met up with some local guys I know at a bar in Waianae. It was daytime and no problems. Still I would not go back there for any reason.

[@Nystromj1]

Our Daughter lived in Waikiki about 12 years ago, near the Ala Wai Canal. She always said that while the beach side of Waikiki was all tourists, she would not walk along the canal side or go near parks because of the homeless and vagrants hanging out. It wasn't safe then, I can imagine how it's just gone downhill ... too expensive to live!

[@mikepearson9983]

As i recall, Dog the bounty hunter was never short of work.

[@raymondperez2972]

Aloha! Glad to see you came! Well the cost of living on the island of O’ahu where I live in Makiki is very high. Anyway enjoy your stay. Aloha ke akua!!!

[@eddiebelshe5068]

The Makaha Valley Towers are really nice!

[@billl1127]

We stayed in Makaha last year. The drive out from Honolulu was unexpected seeing all the homelessness. We didn’t run into any issues.

[@nariman_kashefi]

It's unbelievable and sad how they managed to turn a beautiful place like that into such a mess.

[@stevesloan56]

They're cram packed like that because that's the way real estate set up since land is so expensive. More houses, more money. They can trick some of the people some of the time but you cannot trick all the people all the time :-)

[@nicktynan1355]

Kinda like airlines do with seating.....

[@dfree1here]

Who needs a yard when you have all that beautiful nature around you. Land is scarce, not for yards.

[@adamyoung480]

Aloha. Oh I don’t know, maybe a garden?

[@tabletalk33]

Some houses had small yards. But yards don't seem a priority. In that way it's more like Japan.

[@Kathrynyoder-x2j]

I follow a Hawaiian tour guide who is from the mainland who lives on the big island and what I have been seeing that the people on the big island is way friendlier. I suggest you to take some time and go there. Apu Hawaii tours is his KZbin channel.

[@sandyg202]

There are many states in the US that have awesome beaches, mountain scenery and wildlife! I personally wouldn't consider Hawaii paradise by any means!

[@cgatito3528]

For top notch beaches, we just go to Costa Rica. Slightly cheaper, shorter flights, and no jet lag.

[@jamesries5534]

You have to wonder about the water, too. Looks like a "Survivor" type situation where they go to the bathroom there. Change my mind...as Steven Crowder used to say.

[@jlucasound]

Hi, Joe and Nicole!! Be Safe, my friends. I don't think Jack Lord is on the job anymore! 🤣 🥰🏄🚣🌋🏚🌊🌞👣👍❤

[@lyman1965]

I’ve been in Maui a couple of times now and spent a few days on the big island the contrast between the two is pretty incredible. The big island is much more friendly and has far less homelessness. The homeless encampments around Lahaina before and since the fire are pretty disturbing. I haven’t been to Oahu in thirty years but it was rough then. The story around Maui is that most of the homeless there are from the mainland. People that had become a problem in Florida Texas and California mostly people that could’ve come from elsewhere were shipped to Hawaii on chartered flights. Pretty terrible if it’s true. You’ve got balls for sure I wouldn’t go within a mile of those encampments. I’ve been enjoying your show especially the small towns in the interior. I come from a very small town in western Canada and we have all the same problems you have in the US. Keep driving and making videos. PS I’ve just subscribed.

[@RobinGerhart]

Wow, no words…thank you! Safe travels.

[@gardeningwithkirk]

❤❤❤❤beautiful from Gardening with kirk

[@gardeningwithkirk]

Thank you

[@rajeevdeshpande7666]

Hi Joe Thanks for the video. Because of you we got to see other side of life in this island state. Waiting for the next video. Good luck.

[@sallielebert1407]

Hey there guys !! Looking forward to this next vid !!

[@frankborja25]

Thank you for another great video and bringing Hawaii to us. Safe travels please!