So where exactly are we in terms of Hawaii travel demand? Too many events are happening in the spring and summer of 2022, making it virtually uncontrollable and overwhelming for both visitors and residents. I was. But what will happen after fall 2022? Trust us, you are not alone as everyone is wondering the exact same thing.
How much did demand for Hawaii travel drop after the incredible peak earlier this year?
yes, I have. No, it’s not. The signals are mixed as shown below.
1. State data still shows arrivals rising, but there is a difference.
As of September 1st, the state’s travel data dashboard shows August has started, showing an average of 27,301 domestic arrivals per day. This was an increase of 14.6% compared to 2019 (the last comparable year). It’s been that way since spring 2022. But now something is peeking. You can see it visually in the graph below. What’s starting to happen is that since July we’ve had days with fewer domestic visitor arrivals than we did pre-Corona.
2. Anecdotal Evidence of a Softening of Hawaii’s Travel Economy.
Here on the ground, there are fewer lines everywhere, entering airports and restaurants, fewer visitor cars on the road, and business owners on the islands with whom we communicate report that demand is overall relatively little.
BOH editor Jeff also flew to the mainland this week. The flight he took to the mainland had only 48 of the 147 available seats occupied. At the same time, another airline’s flight, which shared the same departure lounge as his flight, had only 35 of his 175 passengers on board.
3. Why Hawaii Travel Is Starting to Decline.
These are all reasons you likely know. Those include ridiculous price increases on Hawaii accommodations and other costs. On the other hand, flights to Hawaii have remained fairly stable, at least so far, due to increased competition. Other reasons are the sense that Hawaii doesn’t want that many visitors.
Four. what it means for visitors?
Prices may finally stop rising. The Beat of Hawaii editor is still in Honolulu on business next month, but the rates they’re paying for the same modest accommodations are more than 200% higher than they were pre-Corona. Reduced demand may also reduce the number of flights. This could mean more route cancellations and flights that operate only a few days a week instead of every day. It has already been confirmed that only 4 flights are in operation.
One of the side benefits of traveling late is not waiting in long TSA lines. Editor Jeff reports that he never stood in line for more than five minutes at the TSA this week, whether leaving Hawaii or returning to Hawaii from the mainland.
Five. Will tourists still choose Hawaii?
Of course they will. Jeff witnessed the excitement of visitors arriving on a full flight to Hawaii yesterday. you want to get the best possible value for your money.
6. How Visitors Benefit Most?
If you are flexible with the seasons and times of your trip, you can be pleasantly surprised. However, during peak demand seasons, prices remain high and may even increase.
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