Visitor arrivals to Maui were down sharply following the August 8 wildfires, new statistics show. Arrivals declined 57.1% in September 2023 compared to September 2022, with visitor spending also down significantly by 52.6% to $203.2 million. Statewide, total visitor spending declined by 9.6 percent to $1.37 billion, with 7.4% fewer visitors during September. So, it’s not Maui that’s taken a hit. I was on the island of Lana’i on the weekend and merchants told me that the drastic reduction in ferry passengers going to Lana’i is having a big impact on their bottom line. “I’d say one-half our business is Read more
Hawaii Tourism
“Pack your patience and grace.” “Do not enter the impacted area of Lahaina Town or take photos of the area, even from afar.” “Support local businesses.” These are some of the messages continually being shared by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), as one of the main questions being asked by visitors is how they can support the people of Maui in its recovery. This is SO critical. As readers of my blog know, I deeply love with Hawai’i and its people. And I dearly love Maui, an island I have visited 30-plus times in my life. I realize there are Read more
The Northwest Territories says it’s welcoming visitors to come and support local businesses as the region recovers from unprecedented fires. “The Northwest Territories along with many parts of the country had an unprecedented summer,” government officials said in a statement. “As many northerners evacuated their homes, we saw an outpouring of support for residents. From caring for each other, to the kindness shown by our provincial and territorial neighbours, as well as the love of friends and family from around the world, thank you. “We’re grateful for all of the emergency personnel and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect and Read more
Maui residents are still in shock from the fire that destroyed almost all of the small, lovely and immensely charming city of Lahaina. They don’t want to think about tourism right now, and I don’t blame them. But, at some point, tourists will return. At some point, tourists should return. But when is the right time? Is it September? Early October? U.S. Thanksgiving? The answer to that depends a lot on the individual. I know I couldn’t possibly go for a while, but I’m thinking I should probably visit in the next few months and spend a few dollars in Read more
Just as autumn’s chill arrives, Hawaii is bringing plenty of sunshine and warmth to Canada. The Aloha Canada program touched down in Toronto on Wednesday (Oct. 23), with around 200 travel agents and travel lovers mingling and dining at the Toronto Congress Centre to hear updates on one of the world’s great destinations – and my personal favourite vacation spot on the planet. I’m all for that. I’ve been 25 times in this lucky life of mine, and some of my best memories are from trips to Lanai and Molokai, as well as to lesser-known areas on Maui, Oahu, Big Read more
