Latest tourism & hospitality news and updates
Recent reports highlight a surge in negative experiences with Hawaii car rentals, from long wait times to subpar vehicles and unexpected charges. This trend poses significant challenges for the tourism sector and business travelers visiting the islands.
A recent study highlights the detrimental effects of increased tourism and social media exposure, particularly Instagram, on Hawaii's fragile coral reef ecosystems. This has significant implications for Hawaii's tourism industry and the long-term health of its natural resources.
A new documentary, "Sharing Aloha," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and the lives of Pacific Islander college students navigating education and employment in Hawaii's tourism sector. The film arrives amidst ongoing debates about the future of tourism in the islands.
Hawaii's tourism sector is bracing for potential challenges as international visitors will soon face a new $250 "visa integrity fee". This fee could impact the state's significant tourism revenue, which is heavily reliant on international markets.
While headlines might suggest failure, the story of Hawaiian Airlines is more nuanced. This article examines the airline's evolution amidst a shifting global environment and the business implications for Hawaii's economy.
Growing concerns about overtourism are surfacing on the Big Island, with residents advocating for changes in how tourism impacts their community. This shift in sentiment presents both challenges and opportunities for Hawaii's businesses and the tourism industry.
Hawaii's tourism industry is entering a new phase as a series of lawsuits are poised to reshape the islands' travel environment, impacting businesses, visitors, and the overall economic outlook. These legal battles touch on taxation, discrimination, and management practices, signaling significant shifts in how the state manages its vital tourism sector.
Josh Hargrove, representing West Maui Resort & Spa, has been selected to join the 19th class of the Pacific Century Fellows. This program, which focuses on nurturing future leaders in Hawai'i, offers significant networking and development opportunities for participants.
Hawaii's tourism sector is experiencing a nuanced shift. While visitor arrivals are down, overall spending remains high, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the state's economy and tourism-related businesses.
The newly appointed Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) advisory board is under pressure to regain public trust and redefine the future of tourism in the islands. The board's primary goal is to balance economic benefits with community values and sustainability.
Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy for the second time within a year, potentially impacting Hawaii's tourism sector. The budget airline's financial struggles could influence airfare prices and overall travel accessibility to the islands.
The SITE Classic 2025 brought together over 280 incentive travel professionals at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, for a summit focused on industry advancement and community support. This event underscores Maui's ongoing efforts to rebuild its tourism sector following recent challenges.
The SITE Classic, a prominent event promoting incentive travel, recently held a successful auction in Maui, raising $295,000. This influx of capital supports the SITE Foundation and highlights the ongoing recovery and resurgence of the island's tourism sector in the wake of recent challenges.
Despite a dip in visitor arrivals and overall spending, Maui's hotel occupancy rates experienced a notable increase in July 2025, indicating a resilient tourism sector amidst ongoing recovery efforts. The Lahaina/Kā‘anapali/Kapalua region showed particularly strong gains, offering a glimmer of hope for the island's economic future.
The newly appointed Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Advisory Board faces the critical task of restoring public trust while charting a course for sustainable tourism in the islands. This shift is driven by the need to balance economic interests, environmental concerns, and community values.
The newly appointed HTA advisory board faces the crucial task of re-establishing public trust and reshaping the management of Hawaii's tourism industry.
Hawaii hotels are grappling with the "sunbed wars," where guests must race to secure poolside chairs, exacerbating frustrations despite paying premium prices, thus impacting guest experience and potentially hurting the tourism industry. This situation reflects wider issues of amenity management and balancing visitor demand with guest satisfaction.
Hawaii's hospitality industry is facing a new financial challenge with the introduction of a 'green fee' on visitor accommodations. Starting in 2026, this new tax will increase hotel costs, impacting travelers and businesses alike.
The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association raised over $72,000 at their annual golf tournament to support hospitality programs and scholarships, demonstrating a strong commitment to Maui's tourism sector and its future workforce.
The Capital Grille, a prestigious steakhouse chain, is set to open its first Hawaiian location in Waikiki, offering luxury dining and presenting opportunities for investors amidst the rebounding tourism sector.