Hawaii’s tourism industry demonstrated robust growth in September 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels in visitor arrivals while achieving significant gains in visitor spending. With domestic travel markets thriving and international tourism gradually recovering, the islands continue to solidify their position as a top global destination.
Overview of Visitor Arrivals and Spending
- Total arrivals in September 2024: 707,486
- Change from September 2023: +7.8%
- Comparison to September 2019: 4.1%
- Total visitor spending in September 2024: $1.45 billion
- Change from September 2023: +4.6%
- Comparison to September 2019: +16.3%
Visitor Statistics by Region
U.S. West:
- Visitor arrivals in September 2024: 359,688
- Change from September 2023: +9.2%
- Comparison to September 2019: +17.6%
- Visitor spending in September 2024: $663.6 million
- Change from September 2023: +9.8%
- Comparison to September 2019: +42.4% (up from $466.0 million)
- Daily spending per person in September 2024: $228
- Change from September 2023: +2.3% (up from $223)
- Comparison to September 2019: +27.5% (up from $179)
U.S. East:
- Visitor arrivals in September 2024: 160,299
- Change from September 2023: +4.3%
- Comparison to September 2019: +20.4%
- Visitor spending in September 2024: $408.9 million
- Change from September 2023: +1.1%
- Comparison to September 2019: +41.5% (up from $288.9 million)
- Daily spending per person in September 2024: $274
- Change from September 2023: -0.3% (down from $275)
- Comparison to September 2019: +19.8% (up from $229)
Japan:
- Visitor arrivals in September 2024: 64,940
- Change from September 2023: +0.6%
- Comparison to September 2019: -54.9%
- Visitor spending in September 2024: $96.2 million
- Change from September 2023: -5.0%
- Comparison to September 2019: -51.0% (down from $196.5 million)
- Daily spending per person in September 2024: $240
- Change from September 2023: -1.2% (down from $243)
- Comparison to September 2019: +3.8% (up from $231)
Canada:
- Visitor arrivals in September 2024: 19,188
- Change from September 2023: +2.9%
- Comparison to September 2019: -12.5%
- Visitor spending in September 2024: $43.6 million
- Change from September 2023: -9.3%
- Comparison to September 2019: +7.6% (up from $40.5 million)
- Daily spending per person in September 2024: $236
- Change from September 2023: +0.2% (up from $236)
- Comparison to September 2019: +48.8% (up from $159)
Insights and Trends
- Domestic Markets Drive Growth: U.S. West and East regions continue to outperform pre-pandemic benchmarks, with increases in visitor arrivals and spending.
- Positive Signals from Japan: The Japanese market, while below 2019 levels, shows signs of renewed interest in Hawaii. With the yen stabilizing and travel confidence growing, operators can expect a continued upward trend in this vital segment.
- High Per-Person Spending: Visitors are spending more per day, particularly in domestic markets, highlighting opportunities to develop premium offerings.
Opportunities for Tour Operators
Hawaii’s resilient tourism industry offers numerous opportunities for operators to innovate. Strengthening engagement with the growing Japanese market through tailored, cultural experiences and ensuring strong digital presence can unlock growth. Focusing on high-value offerings for the thriving U.S. markets can further boost profitability.
How Nutmeg Labs Can Help
At Nutmeg Labs, we specialize in providing website and booking solutions for Hawaii tour operators. Located in Honolulu’s vibrant Kakaʻako neighborhood, we’re your trusted local partner, ready to support your business’s growth in Hawaii’s dynamic tourism market. Our team brings deep expertise in tourism, with a clear understanding of what makes experiences in Hawaii truly special. Whether you’re looking to attract more visitors from the U.S. or international markets, Nutmeg Labs has the experience and tools to help you succeed.
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