After the tragic Lahaina fires, visitor numbers to Hawaii have continued to decline over the past five months and will continue to decline.
Although West Maui is only 15% of Maui’s total area, the region’s loss to tourism is felt across the state. In December, the number of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands from the all-important West Coast fell by 5.1%, while visitors from the East Coast fell by 8.4%.
These were only slightly down in December 2023 compared to 2022, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).
“Data provides reason for optimism that travel to Hawaii continues to recover since the pandemic and the Maui wildfires. The decision to reopen West Maui to visitors was difficult, but The numbers show that visitor industry revenue helps the people of Maui.”
Governor Josh Green, Maryland
It’s no surprise that Hawaii travelers are still spending more overall.
The state has shown a decline in visitor spending over the past five months, but for the year as a whole, visitor spending has increased.
Hawaii travelers spent more in 2023 than in 2022. This may have been considered good news by the state. But travelers and residents who travel are taking a hit to their wallets. We recently planned a trip to Maui, and even though we were taking advantage of the kamaaina (resident) discount, his nightly rate at a Maui hotel was still running at over $600. I was surprised at how many hotels had it.
According to the state, Hawaii travelers will spend $20.78 billion in 2023, “compared to $19.7 billion (5.5% increase) in 2022 and $17.72 billion (17.3% increase) in 2019.” hand”. The number of visitors for the year decreased by 7.1%, although compared to 2019 it increased by 4.4%.
Please pay attention to what will happen to the precious returnees of Hawaii.
“Most people visiting the Western United States in December 2023 had previously visited Hawaii (84.5%), and 15.5% were first-time visitors,” according to the state. This is an important statistic to note considering the sentiments shared in the comments. Also keep in mind that December tends to be the month when repeat travelers pay the most for a trip to Hawaii a year in advance.
Visitor numbers and spending for each Hawaiian island.
Visitors to Oahu: December was up 6.0% compared to 2022, but -7.9% compared to 2019. Expenditures were +1.3% compared to 2022 and +13.7% compared to 2019.
Maui visitors: December was -24.8% compared to 2022, and 2019 was -28.7%. Expenditures were -20.4% compared to 2022 and -9.5% compared to 2019.
Visitors to Kauai: December was -1.5% compared to 2022 and -3.3% in 2019. Expenditures were +32.9% compared to 2022 and +51.9% compared to December 2019.
Big Island visitors: December was +2.7% compared to 2022 and December 2019 was -8.3%. Expenditures were +4.9% compared to 2022 and +17.9% compared to December 2019.
Please tell us your opinion about Decrease in number of tourists to Hawaii increase in spending.
Ministry of Business, Economic Development and Tourism_-December 2023-Tourist spending declines for 5 consecutive months