We visited the Big Island and found more poverty there too.
Pretty place but nothing going on. The pineapple and cane industries have left.
We love the Big Island but were shocked at west Oahu. It was downright scary with miles of tent cities.
Hilo on the Big Island can be flaky but Kona is nice.
Hawaii is a beautiful place if you know where to go and not to go.
Aloha,
TSgt