The latest statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) for May 2024 reveal interesting trends in visitor numbers and spending, shedding light on the economic impact of tourism in this tropical paradise. Here, we delve into the latest figures and their implications.
O‘ahu: A Steady Climb in Visitor Numbers and Spending
O‘ahu remains a popular destination for travelers, with a noticeable increase in visitors and steady spending patterns.
- Total Visitors in May 2024: 473,837
- Change from May 2023: +4.8%
- Comparison to May 2019: -6.7%
- Total Visitor Spending in May 2024: $725.4 million
- Change from May 2023: +0.2%
- Comparison to May 2019: +5.0%
- Average Daily Census in May 2024: 106,908 visitors
- Change from May 2023: +1.7%
- Comparison to May 2019: -2.4%
For the first five months of 2024:
- Total Visitors (Jan-May 2024): 2,322,676
- Change from Jan-May 2023: +3.6%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: -5.7%
- Total Visitor Spending (Jan-May 2024): $3.51 billion
- Change from Jan-May 2023: -1.4%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: +6.7%
Maui: Recovery Following the Lahaina Wildfire
Maui has shown significant recovery following the devastating Lahaina wildfire, with visitor numbers and spending recovering to over 70% of pre-wildfire levels.
- Total Visitors in May 2024: 179,233
- Change from May 2023: -25.4%
- Comparison to May 2019: -28.8%
- Total Visitor Spending in May 2024: $382.0 million
- Change from May 2023: -27.1%
- Comparison to May 2019: -4.6%
- Average Daily Census in May 2024: 43,143 visitors
- Change from May 2023: -26.0%
- Comparison to May 2019: -28.6%
For the first five months of 2024:
- Total Visitors (Jan-May 2024): 916,169
- Change from Jan-May 2023: -24.3%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: -25.3%
- Total Visitor Spending (Jan-May 2024): $2.19 billion
- Change from Jan-May 2023: -23.3%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: +2.8%
Kaua‘i: Stable Visitors with a Surge in Spending
Kaua‘i has maintained a steady flow of visitors, with a remarkable increase in spending, suggesting a shift towards higher-value tourism.
- Total Visitors in May 2024: 115,135
- Change from May 2023: -0.3%
- Comparison to May 2019: +2.7%
- Total Visitor Spending in May 2024: $262.1 million
- Change from May 2023: +26.6%
- Comparison to May 2019: +74.9%
- Average Daily Census in May 2024: 26,549 visitors
- Change from May 2023: -0.5%
- Comparison to May 2019: +4.6%
For the first five months of 2024:
- Total Visitors (Jan-May 2024): 551,099
- Change from Jan-May 2023: -2.2%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: -0.1%
- Total Visitor Spending (Jan-May 2024): $1.20 billion
- Change from Jan-May 2023: +11.4%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: +56.8%
Hawai‘i Island: Balanced Visitor Numbers and Rising Spending
Hawai‘i Island shows a relatively stable trend in visitor numbers with a noteworthy increase in spending, indicating a positive economic impact.
- Total Visitors in May 2024: 133,352
- Change from May 2023: -2.2%
- Comparison to May 2019: -4.5%
- Total Visitor Spending in May 2024: $239.7 million
- Change from May 2023: +12.7%
- Comparison to May 2019: +55.5%
- Average Daily Census in May 2024: 31,578 visitors
- Change from May 2023: -0.5%
- Comparison to May 2019: +4.4%
For the first five months of 2024:
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Total Visitors (Jan-May 2024): 709,174
- Change from Jan-May 2023: -1.7%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: -1.1%
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Total Visitor Spending (Jan-May 2024): $1.35 billion
- Change from Jan-May 2023: +15.1%
- Comparison to Jan-May 2019: +41.9%
Source:https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/visitor/tourism-dashboard/
Insights and Implications
These statistics provide valuable insights for tour operators and businesses in Hawaii. The increase in visitor spending, particularly on Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, suggests a trend towards high-value tourism. For businesses, this underscores the importance of offering premium services and experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of tourists.
The Maui's recovery from the Lahaina wildfire has been a focal point of the local government and community efforts. Significant progress has been made, with visitor numbers and spending recovering to over 70% of pre-wildfire levels.
In summary, Hawaii’s tourism landscape in 2024 reflects a dynamic and evolving market. By understanding these trends, businesses can better tailor their offerings to meet the needs of visitors, ensuring sustained economic growth and a memorable experience for all who visit the Hawaiian Islands.
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