UBC Graduate Research

Problems with Paradise : Rethinking the tourist landscape in Pupukea, Hawaii Aliasut, Nikko

Abstract

Hawaii is noted for being geographically the most isolated group of islands in the world, yet it has grown to become a popular place to visit hosting over 8 million tourists each year. The archipelago’s geographical location and tropical climate has allowed for a biodiversity of various flora and fauna species to flourish, as well as a unique culture to develop within an isolated area. With influence from western society, mass tourism has also thrived as a result. This new tourist economy has become one of the major factors that led to the urbanization of the southern shores on the island of Oahu, and has also led the industry to gradually engage with the other islands as well. As a result, issues of environmental disturbance, social conflict and economic inequality have risen within a limited area. This thesis seeks better strategies in designing the tourist landscape on a town that is bound to face the pressures from the industry. Through the understanding of the land, a balance of the three elements and the interaction between the local and the tourist, a more sustainable relationship can be established.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International