Once Hawaii starts seriously contemplating resuming tourism, perhaps as soon as July, you’re about to step back in time a whopping four decades. You will arrive at a Hawaii you may not have ever seen before. The beaches are the same, but the crowds are fewer and there is a feeling of having more of Hawaii to yourself. This is an unequaled opportunity.
You may want to hold on to those Hawaii vacation plans, as this is going to get really interesting.
Perhaps the best experience in decades is yet to come for late 2020 and 2021 Hawaii vacations. That includes airfare sales that will be widespread in order to get you flying again and sales on hotels and vacation rentals too. There is simply no doubt about that. Yes, we’re going to be seeing sub $100 airfares again.
Hawaii will welcome just over three million visitors this year.
This is a massive decrease of more than two-thirds from last year, according to data from the state. Hawaii is hopeful that by 2021, that number will increase to six million, which is still a drop of 40% from 2019. Estimates for 2022 are perhaps eight million, and 9 million in 2023. “Visitor arrivals will not reach the 2019 level until 2025…spending will decrease more during the next few years due to the decrease in daily spending.” (State of Hawaii).
It will be a unique time to visit Hawaii.
This is especially true while international travel and cruise ship travel may remain largely on hold. And with fewer tourists competing to fill everything from hotels and vacation rentals, to activities, restaurants, and air travel, you can be sure to find more discounts than expected. Everyone working in tourism will be happy you are back.
How will locals, not connected to tourism, feel about visitors?
When unemployment checks run out soon, the mood is expected to suddenly change. Hawaii’s unemployment insurance fund is projected to be depleted in June, while Federal benefits will end in July. Hawaii has seen a 765% increase in unemployment.
People here need to work. And no tourists means no work and no money. As we said before, tourism impacts the vast majority of the entire state in one way or another.
Will masks be required or reservations at beaches?
We can’t say exactly what Hawaii will decide. Probably yes on masks and distancing in most instances, as we have now, and as is the norm in many places. And beyond that, we will have to wait and see. Please stay tuned.
We always look forward to hearing from you!
Did you read As Desperation Ensues, Hawaiian Airlines Speaks on Restarting Tourism Now? Yesterday’s read has fascinating comments from a huge number of visitors.
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My husband and I are so looking forward to being in Hawaii (maui) in Aug this year. We originally booked in march. This will be our 4th trip to Hawaii. We both feel so much better physically when we visit!
Mohala
Hi Donna.
Thanks.
Aloha.
If we are required to quar antine upon arrival, this is an obvious non-starter. Distancing in restaurants, at the grocery store or in public places will be ok. Facemasks on beaches is also non-starter. I will be waiting until I get firm info from Hawaii authorities. Planning on October this year, maybe…
Round trips to Hawaii right now seem to range from mid 400’s on up mid 600’s from Los Angeles.
Do you think they’ll go lower as we get closer to December 2020?
We have reservations at a couple resorts in Dec 2020 and wondering if the that timing might be pretty good. Dec 19th thru the 26th. On the Big Island Hawaii.
I visited Hawaii,March 6-14,2020 to visit my Daughter. I stayed at the Imperial Resort. I had Hawaii to myself as there we’re few tourists and few flyers on my plane. I plan to Return to Hawaii December 24-January 2, 2021 to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day with my Daughter which is an over 15 year, Dream Come True! I can’t wait to return to my Second Home!! Yeah!!
I have read a few articles that Hawaii may waive the 14 day quar antine for those that have a negative C0VID test prior to boarding the plane on the mainland. My trip is planned for mid July. I would be more than happy to comply with this. How likely do you think this is for July travel?
Thanks for a more sensible Outlook than is being shown by our politicians in Hawaii tourism is of such importance but many people seem to take for granted the Comforts we have in our day-to-day life without realizing that it’s because of all the employment and the wealth pouring into Hawaii from tourism that This is all possible.
Hi Richard.
Thanks.
Aloha.
I have been stuggling as whether to come visit my cousin. I think this article is my answer. If you have to e quaintined for 14 days does that mean you have to stay in a hotel that long. No way i can afford that
I just read an article from Maui that the Gov will be extending the 14 day quarantine through July 31 for all visitors coming to the Islands.
Could you please tell me who has significantly lower fares that I could buy today for flights in December and January?
Hi Martin.
Where from and to?
Aloha.
Thank you for the info! We have a trip planned to Hawaii for the beginning of September, we planned it way before every thing started shutting down. We have been back and forth on if we’re gonna postpone it or cancel all together. I’ll be following you for more information as you make it avaliable. Any theories about if travel from the mainland will be open by then? Thanks again!
Aloha!
Hi Sarah.
We have to think so, and look forward to updating you as quickly as possible.
Aloha.
We’re booked for early/ mid July… do you think DIAMOND head and other tours be opened by then?
Thanks in advance and looking forward to visiting beautiful Hawaii…
Hi Candy.
We’ll be updating this as soon as we have more information. Note that the governor indicated yesterday that he will be pushing out the July 1 date. We don’t yet have further information.
Aloha.
We postponed an April trip to the beginning of September, and are eagerly looking forward to hear whether we will actually be able to go. Thank you for this article; it gives me hope!
Hi Suzanne.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Don’t think so. Checked Sheraton Maui and rates are up for October reservations.
Thank you for this information. I am very sorry so many people are struggling. I would love to be able to keep my vacation date, unfortunately not if I have to be quar antined for 2 weeks. I am praying for you.
I can’t wait to go back tio the Hawaii I visited over thirty years ago. The big Island is still visitor friendly, but Maui and Kauai were just too jammed packed the past couple of years with people and cars.
Aloha
Hi Errol.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Shame on you! How dare you advertise Hawaii like this, during times like these!! The people of Hawaii do not want tourist anytime soon!!! We have been following the rules to keep the number of C0VID-19 cases low and the disrespectful tourist who come here do not follow quar antine rules and are truly a disgrace to humanity!! Beware tourist, the people of Hawaii do not want you here until the cases of COVID-19 are less than 10/day in the mainland. We have a hui here watching for quar antine rule breakers and you will be arrested and fined!!
There will never again be less than 10 cases per day. This is a vi rus that will be here to stay but over time will get weaker due to herd immunity. At that point they will not even report it in the news just like the flu. Which kills on average 45,000 to 65,000 per year. On that note when the quar antine is lifted people will travel from the mainland to the state of Hawaii freely and i know that the citizens will welcome them again. May God bless, Mahalo.
Hi Steven.
Thanks.
Aloha.
My wife has dreamed for years of going to Hawaii. We are booked to go to Maui and Kauai in October for our 30th anniversary. We are considering cancellation, especially if there are restrictions in place. With the amount of money spent and it being a once in a lifetime type trip, we don’t want a partial Hawaii experience burdened by mask wearing and such. If these restrictions are going to be in place in the Fall we will likely postpone our trip. Can you please advise if you foresee restrictions being in play in October?
Thank you,
Doug
Hi Doug.
We’ll be updating as soon as we have more information.
Aloha.