Boost to Hawaii's Economy: Seasonal Hiring Surge Anticipated for the Holiday Season

·3 min read

As the holiday season approaches, Hawaii's businesses are aggressively seeking seasonal employees to meet the increased demand from tourists and local shoppers. This trend signifies a positive economic outlook for the islands, offering numerous job opportunities across various sectors and enhancing the local economy.

Aerial view of a modern city skyline with the ocean in the background under a blue sky.
Photo by Jess Loiterton

HONOLULU (KHON2) – The Aloha State is gearing up for a busy holiday season, with local businesses actively recruiting seasonal hires to manage the anticipated surge in demand. This surge is fueled by the influx of both visitors and local residents during the festive period, creating a significant boost for Hawaii's economy.

Hawaii News Now reported that Amazon is hiring 250,000 seasonal employees across the country, with positions available on Oahu, reflecting the broader trend of increased hiring. These seasonal roles offer competitive wages, with some starting above $19 per hour and full-time positions reaching an average of $23 per hour, and total compensation exceeding $30 per hour when benefits are included. The delivery station on Sand Island, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, is a major hub for these employment opportunities. This hiring push is not limited to large corporations like Amazon. According to Money.com, retailers such as Bath & Body Works, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Macy's are all actively seeking holiday help.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is also participating in the seasonal hiring wave. A USPS press release announced the need for holiday clerk and carrier assistants throughout Hawaii, with positions open on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Pay for these temporary positions is set at $20.59 per hour, supplemented with COLA. These roles include sorting and distributing mail and packages within a post office and delivering and collecting mail and packages.

The demand for seasonal workers spans various sectors within the Hawaiian economy, including retail, hospitality, and logistics. This increased hiring activity indicates a positive outlook for the state's economic health, reflecting consumer confidence and the expected boost in tourism during the holiday season. Local entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in Hawaii should view this surge in hiring as an opportunity to assess their operational readiness, capitalize on an influx of customers, and effectively manage their resources to meet the season's demands. Additionally, businesses might consider programs like the Career Choice program offered by Amazon to aid in the skill development of their workforce and potentially retain them long term.

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