I’ve called Oahu home for three decades. In that time, I’ve watched paradise slowly slip away from regular folks who once saved up for their dream Hawaii vacation. What started as subtle price creeps has turned into a full-blown affordability crisis that’s changing who gets to experience our islands. Here’s what I’m seeing firsthand.Dining Out Has Become A Luxury Experience

Here’s where it gets personal. Last month, I took my mainland cousins to what used to be our go-to casual spot in Waikiki. Two entrees, one beer, tip included – $127. My cousin Mark looked at the receipt like it was written in a foreign language. “This would’ve been $65 back home in Colorado,” he said. He wasn’t wrong.

Hawaii now leads the entire U.S. in dining-out spending. The federal data confirms what locals and visitors feel every time they sit down for a meal. A basic fast food meal at the airport costs more than $20 per person. Casual dining entrees typically run $30-45, and that’s before drinks, tax, and tip.

The tourism-driven pricing is deliberate. In resort areas like Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Kaanapali, restaurants know visitors have limited options and time constraints. They price accordingly. One visitor told me about paying over $20 for a cold Whopper meal at Honolulu Airport. When he complained, the response was simply “no”.

The impact goes beyond tourist areas. Even local spots that used to cater to residents are raising prices. It’s supply and demand, but it’s pricing out the very people who built these communities.