Hawaii’s visitors are changing in ways few expected. While past trends focused on rising costs and shorter stays, 2025 brings a new wave of shifts—some subtle, others dramatic. From evolving travel patterns to unexpected booking behavior, the story of who’s coming to Hawaii, how they’re spending, and what they’re looking for is taking a fresh turn.
Visitor arrivals in January increased 3.8% over last year, reaching 792,177, while spending jumped 4.7% to $1.89 billion. This marks six consecutive months of growth, yet not all sectors see the same success level. While U.S. visitors fuel the increase, key international markets are still lagging, and some islands are rebounding faster than others.
U.S. visitors are driving the comeback.
This surge in Hawaii travel mainly comes from the mainland, with the U.S. West and U.S. East seeing notable increases. The U.S. West remains the largest contributor, with 368,123 visitors, up 3.4% from last year. The U.S. East followed with a 7.8% jump to 207,519 visitors.
Not surprisingly, these visitors are spending more. Daily spending from the U.S. West rose 3.6% to $240 per person, while U.S. East visitors spent $264 per person, a 1.2% increase. However, there’s a twist—despite higher spending, visitors are staying for shorter periods. All visitors’ average length of stay dropped to 9.67 days, down 1.8% from January 2024.
This shift suggests that while travelers are willing to spend, they are more selective, possibly opting for fewer days but prioritizing premium experiences.
Japan remains far from recovery, but with interesting twists possible.
One of the biggest missing pieces in Hawaii’s tourism puzzle remains Japan. In January, only 54,296 visitors arrived despite efforts to boost tourism—a slight 2.6% increase over last year but a staggering 54.9% drop from January 2019, when 120,418 Japanese travelers visited.
Visitor spending from Japan has followed a similar trajectory, reflecting increased costs in the islands. Spending reached $83.2 million—up 5.6% from last year but still down 52% from pre-pandemic levels. While spending per visitor is growing, the overall impact of fewer travelers is significant.
Air capacity from Japan remains another major factor. Compared to pre-pandemic, the number of flights has been cut nearly in half. Nonstop flights to Kona have been eliminated, and without more seats, a full recovery seems unlikely anytime soon.
However, there are some changes ahead. ZIPAIR, which had suspended its service, is now flying three times per week between Tokyo Narita and Honolulu, with flights scheduled through October 23. Whether this signals a broader return of low-cost carriers to Hawaii remains to be seen, but additional capacity could be a step toward revitalizing Japan’s presence in Hawaii tourism.
Rumors are that ZIPAIR may partner with a U.S. airline for Hawaii flights shortly.
Canada continues losing Hawaii visitor momentum.
Canadian visitors tell a slightly different story. While arrivals were up 0.6% from last year at 54,333, spending was down 3.4% to $150 million. This drop in spending was primarily driven by shorter trips including the typically longer-staying snowbirds, with the average stay falling 4.1% to 12.28 days.
Unlike Japan, air capacity isn’t as much of a constraint for Canadian arrivals. However, a weaker Canadian dollar, rising travel costs, and the current political climate have and may continue to discourage Canadians’ Hawaii vacations.
Maui’s slow climb back.
Maui, greatly seeking a return to normalcy in tourism, saw a hefty 15.8% increase in visitors, reaching 202,738 in January. This is a positive sign for the island following the 2023 wildfires that devastated it and its tourism. Improvement notwithstanding, Maui still remains 13.1% below January 2019.
Spending on Maui grew to $531.1 million, recovering 5.4% from last year. However, the island’s recovery remains uneven and somewhat lackluster. Some travelers continue to choose other islands, while some longtime visitors have moved to other non-Hawaii alternative destinations entirely.
Oahu holds steady as Kauai and the Big Island outperform.
Oahu, as Hawaii’s most visited island, continues to attract large numbers, though growth there was modest. January saw 456,607 visitors, just a 1.4% increase from last year, while spending climbed based on higher costs rose 5.7% to $775.8 million.
Meanwhile, Kauai and the Big Island yielded great results last month, with double-digit percentage increases in visitors compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Kauai’s arrivals rose 4.9% to 111,293, and the Big Island saw an even stronger 10.6% jump to 158,141 visitors.
Despite welcoming more visitors, both islands have also seen shifts in how tourists spend their money. The Big Island, for instance, in spite of a nearly 11% increase in visitors, only saw spending rise by 2% to $305.4 million, suggesting visitors may be spending more conservatively.
Air travel to Hawaii remains in flux.
Total air capacity to Hawaii in January increased slightly from last year, with 5,032 transpacific flights carrying 1,122,877 seats. However, flights were still down 2.4% from pre-pandemic 2019.
Domestic flights have been increasing, particularly from the U.S. East, where air capacity is up 10.2% from last year.
But international flights tell a different story. Japan’s seat capacity has remained down 39.6% from 2019, Canada’s has been down 27.7%, and flights from Korea have dropped by 32.1%. The continued reduction limits Hawaii’s ability to diversify its visitor base beyond domestic tourism. The drop in international visitors has also been incredibly profound for Hawaiian Airlines (now part of Alaska Airlines), which had the lion’s share of Asia-Pacific routes before the pandemic.
While some airlines are beginning to reinstate service, the pace remains slow. ZIPAIR’s limited return helps, but overall airlift constraints hinder full recovery in the international segment.
Is cruise tourism making a comeback?
One of the more surprising aspects of January’s tourism data was the resurgence of cruise ship visitors. The state reported that 19,028 travelers arrived in Hawaii via cruise ships, a 6.7% increase over 2024. This also represents the second-highest number of January cruise visitors since the state started collecting data in 1999.
That notwithstanding, cruise visitors still only account for a tiny percentage of total arrivals. The cruise sector’s not insignificant growth reflects a possible shift in how some visitors choose to experience Hawaii.
Whether this trend continues will depend on cruise lines’ ability to expand itineraries to Hawaii. More ships could increase visitors without further pressuring Hawaii’s already costly and often constrained accommodations market.
What’s to expect next in Hawaii tourism?
January’s data reflects that the tourism industry is slowly recovering and evolving. The U.S. market, particularly the West Coast, remains the overwhelming backbone of Hawaii’s visitor industry. However, shorter stays and shifting spending habits are beginning to reshape the Hawaii experience.
At the same time, other destinations—including Mexico, the Caribbean, French Polynesia, and other tropical locales—continue to draw Hawaii visitors away, either temporarily or permanently. Cost is a significant factor, but other considerations also play a role.
Meanwhile, key international markets like Japan and Canada remain far from any meaningful comeback, and Maui’s recovery continues to be a work in progress, albeit improving.
With fluctuating air capacity and escalating costs, 2025 will be a year of transformation for Hawaii’s tourism industry. The big question remains: will visitor spending continue to grow even as travel patterns rapidly shift?
Are you staying less and spending more on your Hawaii vacation? We invite your comments.
Lead Photo – Makua “Tunnels” Beach Kauai
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The Native people of Hawaii do not appreciate the exploiting of our home. And would like to have very less people especially tourists and land grabbing all together. Please have respect for the people who have had enough of the tourists industry that we do not need. Mahalo
With all due respect, your “home” is in America and most of the tourists that visit the islands are American. Hawaii is simply a state that is detached from the mainland. I am a Texan and I don’t show disrespect or tell people that they shouldn’t visit my state. Quite the contrary actually, I think everyone should visit Texas and show it the respect that each and every state deserves. America is Our Home and I think we should take pride and visit each state and support the economy of the states in our country before traveling outside of it. I myself have visited Oahu and Maui on separate occasions and can’t say that I experienced any of the “non-aloha spirit” in person that gets discussed so often but comments like yours make me understand why people feel it.
I am from Canada and have vactioned on Maui for about a month30 consecutive years. Due to the treatment of the US to our country we won’t be returning!
Definitely shorter stay. Rental car costs are the big deterrent for us.
I had a vacation to Hawaii in Jan 2025. My Air hooking was last minute so ticket was 2 times more than 2024..
Airline seat availability too limited. Online tickets pushes international travelers to must fly through West coast to transit before we can get to Hawaii.
This is too much!!!
And Hotel and food rates (comparing with the same hotel & restaurants) are significantly higher. Some even almost up 50% or more. Worst is Alaska air and Hawaiian airline merge is spoiling Hawaiian airline service quality. HA EE poor attitude and services. It is so sad….
I love Hawaii. But.
current Hawaii is simply no different from any other competitive destinations. Hawaii is loosing its special Hawaiian attraction. So it is not worth the while to attract foreign traveller’s any more……
So on topic, I come to Hawaii at least twice a year, even though I always say no more. 🙂 I never come across unfriendly locals. I usually go to off the beaten path restaurants that are locally owned. When I drive around the island, motorists are friendly, more so than many states I drive through. Hawaii has it’s problems, but no aloha spirit isn’t one of them. See you in Sept.
I started visiting hawaii fifty years ago. Lots of free camping. Cheap lodging. I got to interact with the locals. I had very little money then. The airfare is cheaper now than it was fifty years ago. Sure, condo rates are ridiculously high. And it’s very crowded. But so it is everywhere. We really, wanted to go somewhere else though. But the airfare from alaska was only seven hundred dollars round trip. a six hour direct flight to maui.
I am willing to spend more and stay less if the value goes up. I have a large family, I wait for deals to come around. I’m not willing to throw money out the window because it’s hawaii. There are many other destinations that are comparable if not better. So when the price versus value increases I will finalize my trip this year. If it does not then I will probably go elsewhere.
Hawaii in my opinion is the best place to vacation
I prefer Kona
The people of Hawaii are genuinely kind and one always feels welcomed. The Aloha way is not an exaggeration — it’s real!
Thank you Hawaii
When I visit it’s for weeks … love you Hawaii
Just to add my experience/data: I’ve been to Maui 3 times and Kauai once in the past several years. My 16 yo daughter absolutely loves Hawaii, but I am looking for alternative places for the same reasons as many. One, it’s getting prohibitively expensive. And two, I’ve definitely felt an anti-tourist vibe. I try to be sensitive to the culture and people of the places I visit and I felt like Hawaiians did not want us there. That and lots of info about over tourism in Hawaii made me feel like we should go someplace else. Basically, I felt like “ok, if the native peoples of this land don’t want us here, we won’t come”. I want to feel good, happy and welcomed on vacation. I truly want to learn about the culture I am visiting and that requires people wanting to share their culture. I also understand there’s a lot of history and not wanting to be dependent on tourists and all the negative aspects tied to such high tourism.
Everything on Maui has become a hustle. …. 2-5 % “Kitchen” fees at a restaurant, …..30-40 % added to your rental car, ….resort fees,…. Harbor fees,
18% lodging fees, …..parking fees, ….. In restaurants the bill says “would you like to tip 20, 25, or 30 % ?”
Also this “suggested” restaurant tip is a suggestion on the price of food, a suggested tip on the on the “kitchen fee”,
and a suggested tip on on the sales tax. ( Yes, the “suggested” tip is on food, and
a suggested tip on the fees they charge. )
I went to a carry out deli in west Maui making lemon caper mahi, they added an “environmental” fee of $1.50 for two cardboard
food containers, and 50 cents for a bag to put your food in.
Dave
Dave, yes those kitchen fees. You are correct. I ate at Maui Tropical Plantation and a 3.8% kitchen fee. I asked the server about this and he said it was to help pay the kitchen staff. Maui Tropical Plantation also has a store. They even charge that 3.8% in the store!
Looks like political discord is even hitting the vacation industry. Just proves people can argue about anything, anywhere, in any subject… To me, it just screams “Spoiled First World Problems”….
Just my 10c (2c after inflation)…
Best Regards
I’m sorry, but there is so much of fees here and there to buy a plane ticket. It makes me feel sad and angry! I’m from Hawaii and I was priced out to live there and now I am priced out to visit my family! So sad. Hawaii may not experience a great exit like California, but, there are a great number still leaving Hawaii. That is a subject representatives don’t like talking about.
I’m in exactly the same situation.
Aloha Rob and Jeff ~
Is there any way that you could shut down the political bantering that is occuring on this thread right now? I come to your site for info about Hawaii and soak in some aloha and peace, not to read people’s quarrelsome remarks. Mahalo.
Hi Debi.
We appreciate your comment and are monitoring the situation closely. Our latest comment rules allow political comments as long as they relate to Hawaii travel. As commenters stray away from that we will look to either enforce deleting more comments or stopping comments entirely on certain articles. We hate to see that happen but concur about your concerns.
Aloha.
Don’t underestimate or belittle the strong feelings of bullying and alienation that your Canadian readers have right now. They’re an intrinsic part of our life these days and to shove all that under the table makes you just as guilty as the menace in the WH.
A minority of disgruntled canucks should not discourage travel to Hawaii, our American paradise. However, there are plenty of other places to spend the devalued Canadian dollar. I’ve heard Venezuela and Cuba are nice this time of year.
Love it !!
Mahalo Guys. Be well.
Meh, you know what? White people are being targeted in America. I have found Maui to be really racist lately against whites. All this is cyclical. Today and this day and age, Maui, is failing in regard to their racist’s ways on the tourist level, and in their politicians, they have chosen to elect.
I am a Canadian. We have been going to Honolulu for 15 years. Things have changed greatly in the last few years and it is getting so expensive to go to our favorite destination. We have to pay anywhere from $1.40 to $1.50 exchange rate. With all the taxes and resort fees added on it is getting ridiculous especially resort fees. We used to go for 14 days now we only do 10. Basically it is your loss
Mexico is sounding better every day. Maybe your tourist department can get it together
and get some deals for us Canadians or your going to loose us forever
Howard, how is Mexico sounding better? Tourists are being murdered and attacked horrifically.
Aloha BOH,
We just returned from 10 days on Kauai, then Maui. Kauai aside, we felt blessed to return to Maui & were a little unsure of what we would find. We found everyone welcomed us graciously. We spent 4 glorious morningss with a family-owned whale watching co, grateful for the always amazing experience & so happy to be able to support local business. It was humbling to see Lahaina. Seeing a truck with melted side mirrors drove home the sheer horror & loss. Our hotel, Sheraton Black Rock, was about 75%full, majority Americans & a number of groups. Yes, costs have risen alot, esp. rental cars, so we stayed fewer days.
So many here are complaining about the lack of locals ‘aloha’ spirit. What was ugly was listening to tourists grilling our boat crew on real estate in Lahaina, listening to people at the table behind us literally talking eugenics, & how it would be better if the world lost 6billion or so in population!!! And reading the politics in these comments. Mahalo!
We traveled to the US frequently but now with the new administration and his MAGA agenda…. we and the majority of our friends are traveling anywhere but the US!
I love Maui and would love to go back.
The worst part of going is the uncomfortable long flight. As a retired senior with hip and leg problems the cramped airplane seating is excruciating. I could pay for better seating but that would take away spending money on the island. The flight to and from destinations is a deal breaker in my opinion. I have cruised in the past and believe it to be the best form of travel. On a cruise I can enjoy the trip in comfort with entertainment to and from my destinations although the time spent at my destinations are shorter.
I believe airlines seating discomfort are the cause of many people choosing other destinations and/or forms of travel.
I acknowledge the unfavorable treatment of Hawaii’s guests. However, I wish for tourists to know that those who hold unfavorable views of our guests are a minority. From my vantage point, nothing has changed from the past and the majority supports and appreciates the tourism business. The positions and actions of the anti tourism wing doesn’t make sense at multiple levels. The problem here is a few loud voices have taken control of the governing party.
Many of the level headed residents are like me and enjoy dual residencies. As such we can’t clean up the mess because we can’t vote.
Not surprised by these numbers.
The economy is much better than what many of us have been led to believe.
Stock Market up good for investors.
High interest rates good for savers.
Inflation is good for many businesses.
I would suggest that the author of this article spend more time in data analysis and also do a follow up after a year. The reasons for the difference in spending that are observed are likely more complex than suggested.
Spending more? Well yes, prices are higher!
Increase in visitors in January and Feb? After several articles showing decrease in Q4 in 2024? Might visitors be looking to go in winter when prices are relatively lower?
As far as travelers from the U.S., so much of the reduction in spending is tied directly to the under-performing economy. It has been a very tough 4 years and the recently defeated politicians did not promise a change in approach guaranteeing more of the same.
Gee, could the fact that it costs more to stay for 2 weeks than it used to cost for 4 weeks have anything to do with people spending more but not staying as long? We thought about returning for a 2 week stay after a 3 year hiatus. We have been coming for over 40 yrs. and typically stay 3 to 4 weeks, but then we added up the cost of lodging, car and airfare. 2 weeks in Hawaii were going to cost more than our 3 week cruise next year to 3 countries, and that didn’t include food, gas, parking fees and any other activities we might choose to do, so we decided against returning. Those “mindful” visitors your government wants are being very “mindful” about how they spend their hard earned money and whether they are getting the Hawaiian experience they are paying for. For us, the answer is a simple…no! So we will go someplace else with new experiences for less money.
There’s been considerable press from some Hawaiian activists criticizing tourism. We don’t want to spend money where we are not welcome.
Locals need to decide if they want tourists and their money once and for all. If this is a new page – a new attitude – make it known. If not, carry on without the tourist trade and keep up the bad attitude and hard feelings. Don’t weeble wabble. It’s not a good look.
Maui is popping right now!!!
It is? I live here and I don’t see it. Are there tourists? Yes, but not many. Do you live here? If so, where are you seeing it “popping”?
We just saw several flights pop up for under $300 to both kauai and BI. Wasn’t interested. Going to indiana instead.
Same here, sort of. We used to go to Hawaii every September. Not anymore for the last 2 years. We saw cheaper flights too & are still skipping it & going to New Orleans this year.
I’ve been to Hawaii 11 times but I’m never going again. The Hawaiian government’s greed and mismanagement is ridiculously poor. The locals do not have aloha spirit and butter rather hostile. There’s better beaches in the world and nicer people with more culture very little real Hawaiian culture anyway isn’t that true
We have only traveled to Maui twice since the fire instead of 4 times like we would have gone by now, if we didn’t feel awkward and confused about whether we should go more regularly like we used to. Viv R, California
I will guess no, in fact most visitors will continue to look for ways to save and still go, before hitting a breaking point and throwing in the towel. I n my most recent visits to the islands I was struck by the lack of Japanese tourists. I just returned from Europe and can tell you they are here in big numbers. Clearly U.S. inflation and affordable Euro has moved this needle. I, too, am amazed I can have a 2-week adventure through Italy for the cost of 1-week in Hawaii. People will gravitate to what they can afford until they can’t any longer, then find something else.
I don’t go lookin’ for fights … been in enough in both peace and war … but when one comes “lookin’ for me” … I do not back dowwn …
Sooooo … how ’bout all you Canucks keep your politics above the 49th parallel … ???
Or better yet, if you have any complaints abooouuut (sic) the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave … why don’t you just stay in Canada … ??? And “be happy” … ??
What does your post have anything to do with subject topic?
A question for you:
What did “their” gratuitous posts that came first attacking the USA have to do with the “subject topic”, as you clumsily put it … ??
In all the time I’ve been on this excellent, informational Hawai’i website … this “subject topic” is the 1st time I’ve seen personal attacks and hate & discontent coming forth from the posters … and that certainly includes you.
Nice chatting w/ you … naaaahhh … not really. Aloha
lol….. Yes Sir ! Well, It looks like they certainly are ! … And why wouldn’t they, considering all the bluster & hot air coming from their southern neighbor !
I have no beef with Canadians and I never will. I spent the best summer of my life (as a kid) boating around the island surrounding Vancouver.
I want to remind Canadians that a large population of us voted for a very intelligent, savvy lady and not an orange. I am hoping things will change here soon because some of the damage being done by the crazy billionaires may become permanent.
It’s a really scary time here.
Don’t forget, Hawaii is our 50th state. If you want to make a political statement, don’t go there either.
I grew up in Hawaii. I can’t afford to go back to see my family either.
Seriously? Why badger Canadians? They are normally nice, friendly people–unless provoked for no reason beyond total stupidity.
And by the way, the majority of the Canadian population lives below the 49th parallel except here in the Pacific Northwest. In our case, we Americans once said “54 40 or Fight.”. That didn’t happen, with the border being set at the 49th parallel–except for Vancouver Island, all if which is in Canada but some of which (including Victoria) is below 49 degrees N latitude.
Bottom line: Canadians’ tourism money is as good as anyone else’s and better than some others.
Canadians are justifiably upset about Trump unfairly threatening our long-time ally, and close neighbor, with destructive tariffs. I applaud their decision to purchase more products made in Canada and to hold off on visits to the US until Trump and his minions come to their senses, and star becoming more neighborly.
So the Fact that Canadia places tariffs on American goods going in to Canadia in excess of what may be charged for their good coming into America is just fine with you!? How about the concept of fair and equal trade being put in place such that goods can travel freely back and forth across our borders! Demanding fair treatment is exactly what Any sitting President should do but that appears to escape you!
Aloha BoH!
I was just on Maui for almost 2 weeks, and it was the quietest we’ve experienced other than when we dipped our toes back in Sept 2022. I don’t know where these numbers are coming from.
My flight was barely 50% full, and according to the flight attendant would have been canceled except they were turning right back around after picking up passengers returning to mainland. We have stayed in the same place (same unit) and the price has nearly doubled in 4 years. Car rental price never went down (I’m used to the cost decreasing as we book more than 6 months out) and was a couple hundred more than last year, same time, same company.
We love Hawaii, and Maui is an annual trip, but next year, I’m sitting out and trying the Caribbean. I’m sure I’ll be back.
Tia, your story is very similar to ours. We have stayed in the same unit for years but the price has doubled, the cleaning fees almost doubled and then add the taxes in and it becomes difficult to justify paying that much for the same trip we have taken for so many years. Time to see other places while we are still both able to do so. You will enjoy the Caribbean. Did that last year instead and it was beautiful.
As a Canadian, why on earth would I want to vacation in a country whose leader, a convicted felon, has gone out of his way to destroy a long standing political and economic relationship? Hawaii long ago lost its aloha spirit and the criminal you elected is reinforcing the fact that this is a place to avoid for the next few years.
Interesting how you use the convicted felon thing without knowing a lick about how that even happened! Neither the Obiden DOJ or the Federal Election Commission said that there was anything to try him on but up pops an AG that ran his whole campaign on getting President Trump so that he couldn’t run! So how did that work out!?
Also, being from Canadia has that working against you too!
What does the Federal Election Commission or the Biden DOJ have to do with criminal prosecutions in the state of New York? There was no federal jurisdiction in that case. As for whether the case should have been brought, do you think Al Capone was persecuted because he was tried and convicted for income tax evasion? Sooner or later, a lifelong career criminal gets nabbed for something.
Again, why bash Canadians for reacting to unprovoked attacks? How does blowing up a long standing friendship make America great, again or at all? Why not do something to improve the situation and bring back lost tourist dollars?
As a Canadian I would agree that the people especially on Maui are less friendly than before but please look in the mirror and see your leader for Canada who is the problem. US is great and Maui I hope will become friendly again.
Please stay away as no one wants your caustic attitude poisoning a U.S. paradise. Our family will be visiting Vancouver in April and we don’t hold any ill will towards the leaders of your country who drained the bank accounts of truckers during a protest about your country’s onerous lockdowns. Be better.
Great! Maybe prices will go down and Hawaii will be less crowded
Maybe snowbirds will boycott Florida too, that would be wonderful.
You guys repeatedly elected a blackface wearing tyrant who’s disarmed you and turned your own financial system against opponents. Something about stones and glass houses comes to mind.
I had decided not to return to Hi. However after life threatening health scare the hubs wants to come back. Have been trying to put something together for next year. After running cost of trip by him, we cut our stay time in half. Still cost prohibitive so he said try to put something together for Caribbean. So that is where we are at.
Hello from Canada.
I love visiting Hawaii, the best holidays I have ever had. Thank you!
However with what is happening in the States now and Trumps aggression towards Canada, I am not willing to have anything to do with the States until he and Musk and the GOP are out of power. I know this is not Hawaii’s fault. So I am sorry. All the Canadians that I know are feeling the same way. I will see you in 2030.
Just had to make it somehow political but since you are from Canadia I am neither shocked or amazed!
Please visit the islands once your tds clears up. It’s a shame to live your life with such a narrow bitter perspective.
Canada’s unemployment rate is almost 7%. Sounds like you have bigger problems than Trump/Musk aggression.
Judy I am Canadian and I know a lot of people who think that US is great. They make it so you and your friends can be safe to live in Canada. Unfortunately there are some who do not understand reality who like you will stay away from the US. I will make up for you in the next year as we are going to Hawaii 3 times and Washington State about 5. Enjoy Canada.
And there of plenty of us gringos hoping for the same in 4 years or less, only we have to directly endure it in the meantime … lol
Keep the faith !
Please continue to put the pressure on the states! Those of us that actually have Never voted for this corrupt felon or the South African claiming our country, are going to be suffering with the Republican maga party that Trump promised crazy deals too, maga voters still think everything is great in the US embracing Eon and Putin! most liberals see the need and desire to put the heat on the USA, we need all countries to ban the Trump presidency, which means banning the entire US! Hawaii is absolutely one of the most magical places to visit, and the locals/service industry… always have done an outstanding job with sharing warmth and friendliness.
So much for warmth and friendliness. Please come back to the islands once you resolve your bitterness. Keep in mind no one has hurt your personally, you’re just parroting left wing talking point the media has fed you. Think for yourself and support the Hawaiian economy without hatred for two men you disagree with.
Seriously, how can average spending Not have increased considering how much literally everything related to a vacation in Hawaii has increased!? I realize your goal is to push good news about Hawaii but spinning the truth about the numbers is disingenuous at best!
Agreed. It would be nice if the article used inflation-adjusted dollars.
I just got back from 2 weeks split between Oahu and Big Island with my family of 5. The Only way we could afford this was leveraging ever trick we could for saving money. We used every point we ever banked with credit card companies, United, Turkish, IHG, and Hilton to get what we could at a reduced cost. We still paid between $5k-8k for the trip, but total cost would have been $25k if it was all in cash.
That’s breathtakingly expensive. Nowhere else I’ve ever gone has had a cash value for 2 weeks of $25k.
I’m one of those visitors that spent less despite the length of trip and increased cost in HI. And it’s probably the last time I can really afford to bring my family to HI this way.
Wow- that’s a an insane amount of money for a 2 week vacation! At least hope it was worth it?!
I just returned from Maui, and honestly, I was shocked by how quiet some areas felt. Lahaina’s absence is definitely part of it, but even in Wailea, things seemed different this time.
Maui 13% below 6 years ago! That’s the spirit! If they keep up their efforts to tell people from the mainland how much they aren’t wanted on Maui, I’m sure they can get that number all the way down to 25% but this time next year.
I wonder if this is part of a larger trend in travel overall. People seem to be prioritizing different experiences post-pandemic, and maybe Hawaii is feeling that shift in a unique way. Plus the crazy costs now.
I used to visit every year, but the changing costs and restrictions have made me rethink. I still love Hawaii, but it doesn’t feel as easy or welcoming as before
It definitely feels different traveling to Hawaii now. Prices are up, but I’ve also noticed the vibe shifting—fewer families, more couples, and some visitors seem hesitant about spending.
Lee, unfortunately most families would have a real challenge paying for a Hawaii vacation now. I am thankful we were able to travel with our kids years ago when prices were more reasonable and the Aloha spirit was alive and well. It is sad that because of the greed of the Hawaiian government, many families no longer be able to afford that kind of family experience .