Category: Hawaii Tourism News

These programs are: Kahu ‘Āina, Kūkulu Ola, Resort Area Hawaiian Culture Initiative, Signature Events, and Community Enrichment. In 2024, HTA is partnering to provide more than $7.5 million in total funding to support 163 nonprofit organizations, community groups, practitioners, projects, and events throughout the state.  “The community is the foundation of our visitor industry and the fabric of the experiences that mindful travelers want to have when they come to our... Read More

A 5.1-strong earthquake with a depth of 16 km occurred at 5.54 pm local time or 10.54 pm EST. Earthquakes on the Island of Hawaii are frequent, but 5.1 is strong for Hawaii. USGS categorized the quake as moderate with light damages expected. However, at this time there are no reports of damages or injuries by the quake, that was registered 13 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii, a little town, a... Read More

…what “HA” Gone Will Mean for Hawaii Tourism, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines & The Aloha Spirit The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Air marks a major milestone in the aviation industry. What about flying to Paradise? With this deal, Alaska Air aims to expand its reach and establish a stronger presence in the lucrative Hawaiian market, also connecting Hawaii with new large domestic and international markets. This strategic move will... Read More

Southwest Airlines President & Chief Executive Officer, outspoken Bob Jordan who defied Texas’s ban on the vaccine mandate during COVID explained, that the changes solidify Southwest’s Executive Leadership Team as we work to achieve our objectives for 2024 and beyond. Who received a promotion or change of responsibility in the SouthWestAirlines Structure? Operations – Justin Jones Justin Jones, promoted from SVP Operations & Design to EVP Operations, will create closer alignment... Read More

In 2003 some young future tourism leaders in Somalia had a dream when they wore their Hawaiian Aloha Shirt on a domestic college trip. Finally, in 2030 this dream should be a reality for World Tourism Network members and holiday seekers anywhere when the new EAC Member Country Somalia aims to be the perfect Sand, Sea, and Cultural travel and tourism destination in East Africa. World Tourism Network VP for international... Read More

It was a time for feasting, competitions, and religious ceremonies. Makahiki began in November and ended in February, coinciding with the rainy season, when agricultural work was limited. This allowed people to focus on celebrating and enjoying the bounty of the harvest. During Makahiki, all wars and conflicts were forbidden, although it remained traditional to pray that God smite one’s enemies. During this window of opportunity, people from different islands were... Read More

Japanese tourists flying to Honolulu may be able to complete U.S. immigration and customs procedures in Japan already, avoiding long lines after arriving after an all-night flight in Hawaii. Governor Josh Green explains Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu serves as the primary access point from Japan to other Hawaiian Islands. Streamlining immigration before departure aims to simplify entry, potentially enabling immediate connections or continuations to neighboring islands, such... Read More

Hawaii is the place where America goes on vacation. Many argue, that Hawaii is the most peaceful and laid-back state in the country, with its unique history of the Hawaiian Kingdom still alive, and a paradise on earth. On the other side of the world, by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a brutal war is ongoing between Israel and Gaza. This is not what most visitors in Hawaii want... Read More

Hawaii hotels statewide reported higher revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and occupancy in October 2023 compared to October 2022. When compared to pre-pandemic October 2019, statewide ADR and RevPAR were higher in October 2023 but occupancy was lower. According to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), statewide RevPAR in October 2023 was $258 (+5.2%), with ADR at $347 (+2.0%) and an... Read More

A beloved and irreplaceable piece of Maui, the historic town of Lahaina, is gone—its homes, cultural and historic sites, businesses, and 99 people lost forever to the devastating Maui wildfires which burned through Lahaina and multiple properties in Upcountry Maui’s Kula district on August 8. Though still grieving, recovering, and trying to comprehend the incomprehensible, the spirit and resilience of Maui residents remain strong. Maui welcomes others to discover for themselves... Read More

Trump Hotels and Irongate, the front desk unit owner, announced today that, after over a decade of operation, they have come to a mutual agreement for a significant buyout of the hotel management and license agreements for the Trump International Hotel, Waikiki. Part of the Waikiki Beach Walk complex, this luxe hotel is set in a 38-story tower. It’s 0.6 miles from Waikiki Beach and 0.4 miles from the Royal Hawaiian... Read More