Latest tourism & hospitality news and updates
Following the PGA Tour's recent announcement to relocate the 2026 Sentry Tournament of Champions from Kapalua, Maui, due to drought conditions, Hawaii state lawmakers are actively urging the PGA to reconsider. They emphasize the substantial economic impact of the tournament on the state's tourism and business sectors and are seeking solutions to keep the prestigious event in Hawaii.
A major airline is significantly increasing its first-class seating on narrow-body aircraft serving Hawaii, signaling a strategic shift towards premium travel experiences. This move reflects the industry's broader trend of catering to higher-yield passengers while potentially impacting the experience for economy travelers.
T S Restaurants are partnering with the Hawaii Foodbank to raise funds and support the local community. From September 22nd to 30th, diners can support the cause by making donations at participating restaurants.
A recent UHERO analysis delves into the multifaceted perspectives surrounding tourism in Hawai'i, moving beyond simplistic pro/con arguments. The study examines how industry stakeholders, residents, and visitors perceive the impact of tourism on the islands.
The idyllic image of Hawaii is being challenged as hotels and airlines wrestle with visitors and residents over the future of tourism. Concerns about costs, overcrowding, and cultural impact are fueling a growing debate about the sustainability of the state's most vital industry.
Castle Resorts & Hotels is poised to take over the management of a long-standing, family-owned hotel in Waikiki, marking a change in direction after years under previous management. This move underscores the dynamic shifts within the Hawaiian hospitality sector and presents both opportunities and challenges for local businesses.
Hawaii is at the forefront of a travel revolution, shifting from traditional luxury to experiences rooted in authentic cultural connection and community engagement. This new focus presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in Hawaii's evolving tourism sector.
Wall Street analysts are expressing skepticism about the Alaska Air Group's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, raising concerns about potential impacts on travelers and the broader Hawaiian economy. The deal, valued at $1.9 billion, faces scrutiny amidst industry challenges and uncertainties.
Maui Gold Pineapple is launching a new farm tour, offering visitors an in-depth look at the pineapple cultivation process. This presents an exciting opportunity for both tourists seeking authentic experiences and local businesses looking to capitalize on agricultural tourism.
Hawaiian Airlines has announced the closure of its HawaiianMiles loyalty program after 40 years, marking the end of an era for both residents and visitors. This shift prompts a reevaluation of travel strategies for Hawaii businesses and consumers alike.
A severe drought in Maui has caused the cancellation of the 2026 PGA Tour's opening event at the Kapalua Plantation Course, significantly impacting the island's tourism sector and raising concerns for local businesses. This cancellation underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity for Hawaii's economy.
A severe drought has led to the cancellation of the 2026 PGA Tour season opener at Kapalua's Plantation Course on Maui, creating significant disruptions for the island's tourism sector and local businesses. This unexpected development underscores the growing challenges of water scarcity and its impacts on Hawaii's economy, particularly its hospitality and leisure industries.
Hawaiian Airlines' promise to include surfboards as standard checked baggage has hit rough waters, with recent reports of denials at the counter sparking concerns about the reliability of the policy. This situation poses potential challenges for both tourists and local businesses reliant on the transportation of surfboards and other sports equipment.
Hawaii's tourism sector is experiencing rising costs, making vacations to the islands increasingly expensive for travelers. Simultaneously, destinations like Tahiti and Cancun are gaining popularity, posing a challenge to Hawaii's market share and impacting local businesses.
A recent article highlights a Stage 2 water shortage in West Maui, raising concerns about the impact on the local economy, especially the tourism and golf industries. The situation coincides with the PGA TOUR's decision to potentially move its season-opening event from Kapalua, adding further pressure on the region's resources.
The Maui Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment following the PGA Tour's decision to relocate The Sentry tournament from Kapalua in 2026 due to water restrictions. However, the Chamber remains optimistic about the island's resilience and future recovery efforts.
The upcoming PGA tournament at the Kapalua Golf Course in Maui has been canceled due to severe drought conditions and water supply issues, sparking debate and highlighting the island's water crisis. This event has significant economic implications, especially as the County considers acquiring the water assets of Maui Land & Pineapple, the subject of a major lawsuit regarding water mismanagement.
Pacific Business News (PBN) has announced the honorees for its newly renamed Kilohana Hospitality Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in Hawaii's hospitality industry. The awards aim to celebrate excellence within the sector that is critical to the state's economy.
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are currently offering a significant 30% discount on redeye flights to and from Hawaii, presenting a timely opportunity for business travelers and entrepreneurs. This flash sale, ending at midnight, could reshape travel strategies for those operating in the islands' dynamic business landscape.
A new law, Act 222, signed into law in Hawaii, mandates helmet use and raises the minimum age for moped operation to 16. This legislation, effective June 25, 2025, affects various sectors, especially the tourism industry and local businesses offering moped rentals.