A total of 818,268 visitors came to the Hawaiian Islands in April 2022, a 96.3% recovery from April 2019 and the highest recovery rate since the COVID-19 pandemic began in Hawaii.
Visitors spent US$1.6 billion on the islands in April, a 21% increase compared to the US$1.32 billion reported for April 2019.
Statistics released on Thursday May 26 correspond to preliminary visitor statistics released by the Department of Economy, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).
“The month of April brought the highest rate of recovery in visitor spending and arrivals since February 2020,” said DBEDT Director Mike McCartney surpassed in 2019. Daily spending by US visitors increased 24.5 percent, which supported our communities, businesses and state tax revenues.”
Of the total attendance, 809,612 flew in, primarily from the western and eastern United States. In addition, 8,656 visitors arrived on cruise ships. In comparison, in April 2019, 849,397 visitors (-3.7%) arrived by plane and cruise ship. The average length of stay for all visitors was 8.68 days in April 2022, compared to 8.25 days (+5.2%) in April 2019.
The nationwide average daily census1 was 236,835 visitors in April 2022, compared to 233,616 visitors (+1.4%) in April 2019.
Finally, what could close the gap between pre-pandemic numbers and now is the recent return of international tourism. The return of the enormous economic engine for the islands is expected to be positive, although the number of COVID cases locally is increasing again.
In April 2022, there were 6,749 visitors from Japan, compared to 119,487 visitors (-94.4%) in April 2019. Visitors from Japan spent US$15.3 million in April 2022, compared to US$164 million (- 90.7%) in April 2019. Daily spending of Japanese visitors in April 2022 ($231 per person) decreased compared to April 2019 ($234 per person, -1.3%).
“Over the next few months, we anticipate and plan to see Japanese visitors return,” McCartney said. “The increase in tour groups from Japan will allow us to continue our focus on educating all visitors about Hawaiian culture and managing our state’s resources so they can continue to stay healthy.”
On the Big Island, 140,302 visitors landed on Hawaii Island in April 2022 compared to 130,224 visitors (+7.7%) in April 2019. Visitor spending was US$199.3 million compared to US$149.1 million dollars (+33.7%) in April 2019. The average daily census visit on the island of Hawaii was 37,356 in April 2022, compared to 30,444 visitors (+22.7%) in April 2019.
In the first four months of 2022, there were 515,333 visitors to the island of Hawaii, compared to 577,101 visitors (-10.7%) in the first four months of 2019. In the first four months of 2022, total spending by visitors was to $851.3 million compared to $795.5 million (+7%) in the first four months of 2019.
“It is paramount to continue to remain vigilant by protecting ourselves and our communities from COVID as case numbers continue to rise,” McCartney said. “When we work towards a regenerative (next level of sustainability) stewardship model (having the privilege of caring for Hawaii), together we can achieve healthy and vibrant communities, businesses and industries that support an enviable life in Hawaii. ”
View the full version and tables here.
