Christine Hitt
Aside from Maui, Hawaii tourism is stable but not growing, according to the latest forecast by the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii.
Maui is still struggling to recover following the 2023 wildfires. The study says that the island will increase its number of visitors in 2025, but it will "decelerate during the year."
The study also talks about what to expect from Hawaii's different markets. "The U.S. market may benefit from federal tax cuts this year, but a weakening economy along with higher costs and prices will force a modest pullback in 2026-2027," it said. "The Japanese market will advance only very slowly. The recovery of other international markets will continue, although there is a risk that deteriorating global relations could hurt."
Hotels and accommodations are also experiencing some challenges. Low occupancy rates have caused some properties to adjust prices.
"After accounting for inflation, room rates are down slightly on the Big Island and Kauai. Maui hotels, facing lower occupancy, have also cut their nightly rates," the report said. Honolulu hotels have remained stable.