Comparing year over year numbers, O'ahu saw an 11% increase, Hawai'i Island a more than 4% jump, and Kaua'i a 9% boost. But visitor arrivals to Maui were down almost 58%.
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With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again. Your visit will support Hawai?i's businesses and workers that rely on tourism for their families' livelihood, especially when you are mindful in the following ways: Visit with aloha and compassion. Support local businesses.
In August 2023, visitor arrivals to Oahu (507,702 visitors, +11.0%), Hawaii Island (152,951, +4.1%) and Kauai (131,628 visitors, +9.0%) increased while visitor arrivals to Maui (112,259 visitors, -57.8%) dropped significantly compared to August 2022.
State economic officials estimate that the island is seeing about 4,250 fewer visitors each day than normal, representing a loss of $9 million a day. In South Maui, seven of every 10 hotel rooms sit empty, compared with about two in 10 during normal times.
Updated August 11, 2023 at 9:19 AM ETOfficials say it could take years — or longer — to repair the damage from this week's wildfires that devastated parts of Maui, claimed dozens of lives and razed a historic town. That acknowledgement came as the death toll on Maui was raised to at least 55 people. Hawaii Gov.
While the pandemic pummeled Hawaii in its early stages, the Aloha State's tourism industry is back, and by some metrics, bigger than ever. The number of tourists from the U.S. mainland is higher than it was before the pandemic — and average spending per trip is also higher.
In the days following the deadly wildfires, many Hawaiians told tourists to stay away. But a month later, officials are asking people to return responsibly.
Hawaii public officials want tourists back after the horrible wildfire as soon as possible, but airlines and tour operators know that it takes time for local communities to heal. Maui's tourism recovery has been moving at a sluggish pace since the wildfires devastated the island's western region in early August.
It reached a boiling point in 2019, when Hawaii's 1.5 million residents watched it become a case study in overtourism amid 10.4 million annual arrivals.
Here's why. Fodor's Travel named Maui one of 10 destinations on its 2023 “No List” that tourists should reconsider visiting this year. The travel publication outlined 10 regions ranging from Antarctica to Italy that are threatened by environmental damage caused by overtourism and climate change.
Deadly wildfires in Hawaii, which killed over 100 people and forced thousands to evacuate, were fueled by a mix of land and atmospheric conditions that can create fire weather. A massive blaze destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina, on Maui, and the search for victims continued as hundreds remained missing.
Maui features a fairly comprehensive set of roadways, so finding your way around shouldn't be too difficult. There is also a bus system and hotel shuttles depending on where you stay – but these won't always be a dependable option for wide exploration.
Maui is renowned for its stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant tourism industry. The island attracts millions of visitors each year, and as a result, the demand for luxury and upscale accommodations has skyrocketed.
Pineapple Hill and Plantation Estates are the most exclusive locations for those who want the privilege of expansive land. The Plantation Estates surround the famous Plantation Golf Course and offer spectacular views of the course, the ocean, and the islands of Molokai and Lana.