Shoring the foundations of the destination life cycle model, part 2: A case study of Kona, Hawai'i Island

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the destination life cycle model in the Kona district of Hawai'i Island. Ontological and epistemological elements developed previously are integrated to show better the aspects of 'place-as-process'. An initial analysis shows that the Kona region represents an appropriate spatial scale for study. A sequence analysis describes the stages chronologically. This is itself comprised of two sub-analyses, done for each stage. The first identifies the mechanisms, the particular critical events and blurry transitions that have been chosen to define the dates for stages. The second, a pathway analysis, considers internal characteristics (including attraction resource development), developments occurring in the tourist industry, important government activities and macro-structural conditions. The sequence analysis reveals that Kona has experienced a classical set of stages, from 'pre-tourism' to 'involvement', 'development' and 'maturity'. The region is interpreted as now being in the 'stability' phase of 'maturity'. Success at tourism has led Kona into an 'urban' era in its sequent occupance. The idylls for tourists are likely to continue into the future but growth proponents now face challenges from anti-tourism community forces and also from urban-orientated development at large.