For the previous 5 months and counting, Hawaii customer arrivals have continued their downtrend development following the tragic Lahaina hearth.

Whereas West Maui represents solely 15% of the complete island of Maui, the loss to tourism in that space is felt all through the complete state. In December, complete customer arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands from all-important west coast guests had been down 5.1%, whereas east coast guests had been down 8.4%.

These had been down solely barely in December 2023, in comparison with 2022, in accordance with the state’s Division of Enterprise, Financial Improvement and Tourism (DBEDT). 

“The info reveals purpose for optimism that journey to Hawaii is continuous to get well for the reason that pandemic and for the reason that Maui wildfires. Whereas the choice to reopen West Maui to guests was troublesome, the numbers present that customer business income helps the folks of Maui.”

Governor Josh Inexperienced, M.D.

It’s no shock that Hawaii guests are nonetheless spending extra total.

Whereas the state reveals customer spending has been down the previous 5 months, once you take a look at the yr total, guests have been spending extra.

Hawaii customer spending throughout 2023 elevated over 2022. We suspect that’s seen as excellent news by the state. However guests and residents who journey are being hit proper on the pockets. We not too long ago deliberate a visit to Maui and, even with our Kamaaina (resident) low cost, had been stunned on the nightly charges of Maui accommodations, with many hovering at $600 or extra.

Hawaii customer spending in 2023 was $20.78 billion, which “in comparison with $19.70 billion (+5.5%) in 2022 and $17.72 billion (+17.3%) in 2019,” in accordance with the state. For the yr, customer numbers elevated by 4.4 p.c however declined by 7.1 p.c in comparison with 2019.

Control what turns into of Hawaii’s prized return guests.

The state reveals that “Most U.S. West guests in December 2023 had been to Hawaii earlier than (84.5%) whereas 15.5 p.c had been first-time guests.” Given the sentiment shared in your feedback, that is a vital statistic to concentrate to. Bear in mind, too, that December tends to have among the many biggest variety of return guests who typically pay for his or her Hawaii holidays a full yr upfront.

Island by island Hawaii customer numbers and spending.

Oahu guests: Up 6.0% in December in contrast with 2022 however -7.9% in contrast with 2019. Spending +1.3% in contrast with 2022 and +13.7% in contrast with 2019.

Maui guests: -24.8% in December in contrast with 2022 and -28.7% in 2019. Spending was -20.4% in contrast with 2022 and -9.5% in contrast with 2019.

Kauai guests: -1.5% in December in contrast with 2022 and -3.3% in 2019. Spending was +32.9% in contrast with 2022 and +51.9% in contrast with December 2019.

Massive Island guests: +2.7% in December in contrast with 2022 and -8.3% in December 2019.  Spending was +4.9% in contrast with 2022 and +17.9% in contrast with December 2019.

Please inform us your ideas on the downturn in Hawaii guests and an uptick in spending.

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