Latest tourism & hospitality news and updates
Hawaii's tourism sector faced a decline in both visitor arrivals and spending in July 2025, signaling a potential shift in the state's economic landscape. This trend presents challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors, necessitating strategic adjustments to adapt to evolving market conditions.
Oahu residents are increasingly expressing concerns about the negative effects of tourism on their lives, prompting a push for better tourism management. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is gathering public input through online sessions to balance economic interests with resident well-being and environmental sustainability.
The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that many hotels misled guests by retaining portions of service charges that customers believed were meant for employees. This decision has significant implications for the hospitality industry, requiring greater transparency and potentially affecting hotel profitability and visitor spending.
Maui property owners and the Maui Vacation Rental Association are preparing to challenge Bill 9, which would phase out short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas, arguing that it violates their rights and removes affordable options for visitors. The legal battle highlights the conflict between housing availability and the tourism industry's reliance on vacation rentals.
Southwest is offering a limited-time promotion for travelers to Hawaii: bring a companion for free on winter flights. This opportunity could significantly reduce travel costs, potentially benefitting the tourism industry.
The potential restoration of the iconic Waikiki Natatorium is facing uncertainty as the city's plans falter, sparking debate about its impact on Hawaii's tourism and development landscape.
Efforts are being made to restore the Kapalua golf courses in Maui after a critical water shortage, with the goal of saving the Sentry Tournament, a major economic driver for the island. The situation underscores the economic impact of water scarcity on Hawaii's tourism and the urgency for sustainable water management.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is actively gathering feedback from Big Island residents to shape the future of tourism, focusing on sustainable practices and community needs. This input will directly influence the HTA's strategic plans and Destination Management Action Plans to ensure tourism benefits residents, preserves natural resources, and offers a quality visitor experience.
The merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines raises questions about the future of the unique Hawaiian flying experience, as customer loyalty and concerns for the brand's identity grow. Industry observers and frequent travelers express worry about the preservation of Hawaiian Airlines' distinctiveness.
The introduction of luxury jet flights to Maui, priced at $11,000, mirrors a shift towards high-end tourism in Hawaii, potentially pricing out regular visitors and raising questions about the islands' future accessibility and character.
A Maui resident and business owner opposes the proposed phase-out of short-term rentals, arguing it could harm the local economy. This debate highlights the struggle between providing affordable housing and supporting the tourism industry.
Air Tahiti Nui is considering launching flights to Honolulu, a move that could reshape Hawaii's tourism landscape by introducing a new airline to the market. This decision presents both opportunities for economic growth and challenges related to managing increased visitor numbers and the potential for over-tourism.
Alaska Airlines' new automated check-in and bag drop system has been causing frustration for travelers heading to Hawaii, with issues like long lines and glitches potentially affecting the overall travel experience and potentially impacting Hawaii's tourism sector. The implementation has highlighted challenges to the travel and tourism industry as well.
Mākena Golf & Beach Club is partnering with the Maui Food Bank for the "Hope on the Fairway" golf tournament on September 28th, with all proceeds going to the food bank. This event presents a great opportunity for businesses in the tourism industry to support the community while networking.
Alaska Air Group has appointed Shelly Parker as head of Hawai‘i guest operations for both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which reflects a renewed focus on the passenger experience and operational efficiency, key elements for success in Hawaii's tourism-driven economy.
Hawaii is implementing a new "Green Fee" on tourists, increasing accommodation taxes to 19% to fund climate resilience and environmental projects. This significant shift aims to address the impact of tourism, with a new council managing nearly $100 million annually.
While Las Vegas struggles with a tourism slump, Hawaii's hotel industry maintains steady performance despite rising costs. This situation presents both opportunities and challenges for Hawaii's businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation and innovation.
The recent introduction of the Atmos Rewards program by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is causing concern among frequent flyers in Hawaii due to potential devaluations of miles and increased costs for award flights, particularly for inter-island travel.
A lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple is fueling debate over West Maui’s water supply, threatening the Kapalua Plantation golf course and putting the PGA Tour's The Sentry tournament at risk, with potential repercussions for the region's tourism and local businesses.
New STVR regulations in Hawaii County are set to go into effect this December, aiming to reshape the vacation rental market and impact stakeholders within the tourism sector. This legislation, which follows an extensive debate, necessitates a registration procedure for all short-term rental owners, potentially influencing operational costs and the overall tourism landscape.