Hawaii Visitor Numbers Drop in April But Tourist Spending Hits $1.7B
Hawaii saw fewer tourists in April with 829,000 visitors, but they spent more money at $278 per person daily, totaling $1.7 billion statewide. Maui hotels experienced higher occupancy and room rates as the island continues recovery. Visitor arrivals decreased slightly from last year, with US West market down 4.8% but US East and Japan markets […]
Iconic R&B Band Earth, Wind & Fire to Perform at MACC This Month
Grammy-winning band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 14. The performance coincides with the release of a new HBO documentary about the legendary group. Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at MACC on June 14 with longtime members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. A […]
Travel Guide Highlights Eight Quiet Hawaii Towns for Summer Visitors
A travel publication recommends eight small Hawaiian towns as crowd-free summer destinations, including three Maui and Big Island locations that stay quiet despite tourist activity. Hana on Maui’s eastern tip sees day-trippers but empties out after tour groups leave in mid-afternoon. The article promotes Hana-Maui Resort as a low-profile alternative to west Maui resort areas. […]
Maui Chefs Compete at AgFest Culinary Event Featuring Local Ingredients
The Grand Taste competition at Maui AgFest featured 12 local chefs creating dishes with Maui-grown ingredients, drawing a sold-out crowd and highlighting the island’s farm-to-table dining scene. Twelve chefs from Maui restaurants competed in four categories using local ingredients as the star of their dishes. Hua Momona Farms’ Chef Zach Laidlaw won both Best Vegetarian […]
Major Construction Closes Main Access to Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
Waianapanapa State Park’s main parking and access to the famous black sand beach is closed through early 2027 for construction, forcing visitors to use alternate routes and potentially face full park closures. The eastern day-use parking lot near Pailoa Beach closes June 6 for construction lasting through early 2027. Visitors must now park at the […]
Royal Caribbean’s Mega Cruise Ship Generates $2.7M Daily Revenue
Analysis estimates Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, earns approximately $2.7 million per day from its 2,800+ cabins. The $2 billion vessel represents a major investment for Royal Caribbean and could generate even higher revenue during peak seasons. Icon of the Seas generates an estimated $2.7 million in daily revenue according to […]
Construction begins at popular Hāna state park with parking changes
Multiple sources report that construction work at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hāna will begin June 6, affecting visitor access and parking arrangements at one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations. The project aims to improve facilities and road conditions at the heavily visited park. Construction starts June 6 on a new comfort station and Honokalani […]
Cruise Ship Schedules and Whale Season Impact Hawaii Tourism
Limited cruise lines offer inter-island Hawaii sailings due to federal restrictions, with most ships requiring foreign port stops. Peak whale watching season from January-March drives cruise timing preferences. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers year-round inter-island Hawaii cruises due to U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act restrictions. Most cruise ships must include foreign port stops or point-to-point […]
Maui’s Makawao Hosts Major Independence Day Celebration and Rodeo
Makawao on Maui features one of Hawaii’s top July 4th celebrations, including the historic Paniolo Parade and the state’s oldest rodeo competition. The multi-day event draws visitors to experience Hawaiian cowboy culture and traditional festivities. Makawao’s Paniolo Parade shuts down Baldwin Avenue the weekend before July 4th with traditional Hawaiian cowboy regalia and decorated floats. […]
Hawaii Sees Fewer Visitors But Record Spending Levels This Spring
Hawaii welcomed slightly fewer visitors in April 2026 but saw a 4.8% increase in total spending to $1.77 billion. Visitors are staying shorter periods but spending significantly more per day, with per-person daily spending jumping 14.1% to $278. April 2026 visitor arrivals dropped 0.5% to 828,959 while total spending rose 4.8% to $1.77 billion. Daily […]