VISITOR SPENDING AND ARRIVALS DECLINED IN SEPTEMBER 2026
News Release from DBEDT, October 29, 2026
HONOLULU – Total spending by visitors in September 2026 was $1.41 billion (measured in nominal dollars), down 9.0 percent compared to September 2025, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). There were 672,990 total visitors in September 2026, a 3.6 percent decrease from September 2025 (697,986 visitors). Visitors who came in September 2026 spent more on an average daily basis ($283 per person, +5.4%) compared to the same month last year.
Between September 6 – 8, 2026, Hurricane Lowell passed close to the Hawaiian Islands and brought strong winds, heavy flooding, power outages and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, especially on Kaua‘i. Visitors who arrived by air service to the state during this period were affected by flight cancellations, re-routings and delays. Many visitors who came by out-of-state cruise ships could not visit all scheduled ports on their itineraries. In late September, Hurricane Nolo skirted just south of the Hawaiian Islands. Its massive outer rainbands brought heavy rain to Kaua‘i, hampering clean-up efforts from Lowell.
In September 2026, total visitors’ average length of stay was shorter at 7.39 days, compared to September 2025 (8.25 days). The statewide average daily census in September 2026 was 165,770 visitors, compared to 191,994 visitors (-13.7%) in September 2025.
In September 2026, 344,176 visitors arrived from the U.S. West, a 1.4 percent decline from September 2025 (349,028 visitors). In September 2026, total spending by U.S. West visitors was $674.0 million, the average daily spending was $278 per person and the average length of stay was 7.05 days. In September 2025, U.S. West visitors recorded total spending of $739.9 million (-8.9%), the average daily spending was $263 per person (+5.7%) and the average length of stay was 8.07 days (-12.6%).
In September 2026, there were 161,854 visitors from the U.S. East, down 1.3 percent from September 2025 (163,924 visitors). In September 2026, total spending by U.S. East visitors was $403.1 million; average daily spending was $314 per person and the average length of stay was 7.92 days. In September 2025, U.S. East visitors recorded total spending of $438.2 million (-8.0%); average daily spending was $299 per person (+5.0%) and the average length of stay was 8.93 days (-11.3%).
In September 2026, 67,527 visitors arrived from Japan, a decrease of 8.1 percent from September 2025 (73,506 visitors). In September 2026, total spending by Japanese visitors was $102.7 million; average daily spending was $248 per person and the average length of stay was 6.14 days. In September 2025, Japanese visitors recorded total spending of $110.1 million (-6.7%); average daily spending was $242 per person (+2.3%) and the average length of stay was 6.18 days (-0.7%).
In September 2026, 16,177 visitors arrived from Canada, a 4.6 percent drop from September 2025 (16,951 visitors). In September 2026, total spending by Canadian visitors was $38.5 million; average daily spending was $244 per person and the average length of stay was 9.75 days. In September 2025, Canadian visitors recorded total spending of $38.3 million (+0.4%); average daily spending was $238 per person (+2.8%) and the average length of stay was 9.52 days (+2.3%).
There were 65,783 visitors from all other international markets in September 2026, which included visitors from Oceania, Other Asia, Europe, Latin America, Guam, the Philippines, the Pacific Islands and other regions. In comparison, there were 78,613 visitors (-16.3%) from all other international markets in September 2025.
In September 2026, there were slightly more transpacific flights (4,439, +0.1%), but fewer seats (969,292, -1.3%) compared to September 2025 (4,433 transpacific flights with 981,849 seats).
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Statement by DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka
Kaua‘i tourism recovery efforts are underway as the island works to rebuild its visitor infrastructure and support local businesses following Hurricane Lowell. In addition, the state of Hawaiʻi and DBEDT funded a business recovery grant program administered by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, it offers $5,000 and $10,000 grants for non‑agricultural small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the storm.
Community partners have also stepped forward to assist in islandwide recovery efforts. HerbieGives, founded by Nate and Nick Herbig, mobilized emergency resources in coordination with local organizations to deliver critical supplies, temporary housing and direct support to affected Kaua‘i families. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg also provided assistance to strengthen recovery initiatives across the island.
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