Visitor spending and arrivals increased from February 2021, still short from February 2020 and February 2019
HONOLULU—According to preliminary visitor statistics released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), total spending by visitors who came to the islands in February 2022 was $1.31 billion, compared to $397.1 million (+229.9%) spent in February 2021.
Prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic and Hawaii’s quarantine requirements for travelers, the State of Hawaii achieved record-level visitor expenditures and arrivals in 2019 through February 2020. February 2022 visitor spending was lower than the $1.46 billion (-10.4%) spent in February 2020 and $1.39 billion (-5.6%) reported for February 2019.
A total of 630,647 visitors came in February 2022, with 623,691 visitors arriving by air service, mainly from the U.S. West and U.S. East. Additionally, 6,956 visitors arrived by cruise ships. In February 2021, 235,283 visitors (+168.0%) arrived by air only and there were no cruise ship activities. In comparison, 823,910 visitors (-23.5%) came by air and by cruise ships in February 2020, and 780,827 visitors (-19.2%) arrived by air and by cruise ships in February 2019.
In February 2022, domestic passengers who arrived in Hawaii by air could bypass the State’s mandatory five-day self-quarantine if they were fully vaccinated in the United States or with a valid negative COVID-19 NAAT test result from a Trusted Testing Partner prior to their departure through the Safe Travels program. Passengers arriving on direct international flights were subject to federal U.S. entry requirements which included proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 24 hours of travel or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, prior to their flight. Cruise ships that came to Hawaii in February 2022 were required to follow strict health and safety protocols under the Hawaii’s Safe Travels program including vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and have dedicated medical staff on board, cabins for isolation, and a contingency plan with local hospitals to handle any COVID issues.
The average daily census¹ was 211,147 visitors in February 2022, compared to 90,776 visitors (+132.6%) in February 2021, 248,097 visitors (-14.9%) in February 2020, and 246,741 visitors (-14.4%) in February 2019.
In February 2022, 376,761 visitors arrived by air from the U.S. West, compared to 164,861 visitors (+128.5%) in February 2021, 352,707 visitors (+6.8%) in February 2020, and 312,235 visitors (+20.7%) in February 2019. U.S. West visitors spent $728.3 million in February 2022, compared to $264.6 million (+175.3%) in February 2021, $573.1 million (+27.1%) in February 2020, and $499.7 million (+45.7%) in February 2019. Daily spending by U.S. West visitors in February 2022 ($227 per person) was much higher compared to February 2021 ($157 per person, +44.7%), February 2020 ($189 per person, +19.9%), and February 2019 ($184 per person, +23.2%).
There were 186,758 visitors from the U.S. East in February 2022, compared to 63,899 visitors (+192.3%) in February 2021, 194,113 visitors (-3.8%) in February 2020, and 176,777 visitors (+5.6%) in February 2019. U.S. East visitors spent $437.1 million in February 2022, compared to $116.1 million (+276.6%) in February 2021, $419.5 million (+4.2%) in February 2020, and $371.6 million (+17.6%) in February 2019. Daily spending by U.S. East visitors in February 2022 ($234 per person) increased compared to February 2021 ($154 per person, +52.3%), February 2020 ($220 per person, +6.3%), and February 2019 ($209 per person, +11.8%).
There were 2,181 visitors from Japan in February 2022, compared to 695 visitors (+214.0%) in February 2021, 124,122 visitors (-98.2%) in February 2020, and 120,653 visitors (-98.2%) in February 2019. Visitors from Japan spent $8.1 million in February 2022, compared to $2.4 million (+234.8%) in February 2021, $168.5 million (-95.2%) in February 2020, and $165.5 million (-95.1%) in February 2019. Daily spending by Japanese visitors in February 2022 ($202 per person) was slightly higher compared to February 2021 ($200 per person, +0.7%), but decreased compared to February 2020 ($243 per person, -16.9%), and February 2019 ($242 per person, -16.8%).
In February 2022, 29,046 visitors arrived from Canada, compared to 493 visitors (+5,796.1%) in February 2021, 65,352 visitors (-55.6%) in February 2020, and 66,590 visitors (-56.4%) in February 2019. Visitors from Canada spent $78.7 million in February 2022, compared to $2.3 million (+3,386.8%) in February 2021, $148.2 million (-46.9%) in February 2020, and $153.0 million (-48.6%) in February 2019. Daily spending by Canadian visitors in February 2022 ($178 per person) increased compared to February 2021 ($165 per person, +7.9%), but declined compared to February 2020 ($184 per person, -3.4%), and February 2019 ($184 per person, -3.0%).
There were 28,945 visitors from All Other International Markets in February 2022. These visitors were from Europe, Oceania, Other Asia, Latin America, Guam, Philippines, and the Pacific Islands. In comparison, there were 5,336 visitors (+442.5%) from All Other International Markets in February 2021, 72,530 visitors (-60.1%) in February 2020, and 88,258 visitors (-67.2%) in February 2019.
In February 2022, a total of 4,484 trans-Pacific flights with 938,360 seats serviced the Hawaiian Islands, compared to 2,556 flights with 532,220 seats in February 2021, 4,989 flights with 1,107,405 seats in February 2020, and 4,611 flights with 1,010,961 seats in February 2019.
Year-to-Date 2022
Through the first two months of 2022, total visitor spending was $2.71 billion, up significantly from $795.0 million (+240.6%) in the first two months of 2021. Total visitor spending decreased compared to $3.19 billion (-15.1%) in the first two months of 2020, and $3.01 billion (-9.9%) in the first two months of 2019.
A total of 1,204,830 visitors (+195.8%) arrived in the first two months of 2022, nearly triple the number of visitors from the same period last year (407,259). Total arrivals were down compared to 1,680,976 visitors (-28.3%) in the first two months of 2020, and 1,598,428 visitors (-24.6%) in the first two months of 2019.
Other Highlights:
U.S. West: In February 2022, 294,971 visitors arrived from the Pacific region and 81,674 visitors came from the Mountain region. Most of the U.S. West visitors in February 2022 have visited Hawaii before (80.6%) while 19.4 percent were first-time visitors. In terms of accommodations, 50.6 percent of the U.S. West visitors in February 2022 stayed in hotels, 19.3 percent stayed in condominiums, 12.6 percent stayed in rental homes, 12.6 percent stayed with friends and relatives and 8.7 percent stayed in timeshares.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 703,257 visitors from the U.S. West, compared to 276,881 visitors (+154.0%) in the first two months of 2021, 706,822 visitors (-0.5%) in the first two months of 2020, and 629,890 visitors (+11.6%) in the first two months of 2019.
U.S. West visitors spent $1.43 billion in the first two months of 2022, compared to $490.3 million (+192.5%) in the first two months of 2021, $1.20 billion (+19.1%) in the first two months of 2020, and $1.06 billion (+35.7%) in the first two months of 2019.
The average daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 was $224 per person, up significantly from $155 per person (+44.3%) in the first two months of 2021. Lodging, food and beverage, transportation, shopping, and entertainment and recreation expenses by U.S. West visitors were all higher compared to the first two months of 2021. Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 was much higher in comparison to $189 per person (+18.6%) in the first two months of 2020 and $182 per person (+23.1%) in the first two months of 2019.
U.S. East: Of the 186,758 U.S. East visitors in February 2022, the majority were from the East North Central (43,408), South Atlantic (34,908 visitors), West North Central (30,991 visitors) and West South Central (30,378) regions. Six out of ten U.S. East visitors in February 2022 were repeat visitors (59.9%) while 40.1 percent were first time visitors to Hawaii. In terms of lodging, 56.2 percent of the U.S. East visitors in February 2022 stayed in hotels, 16.4 percent stayed in condominiums, 13.2 percent stayed with friends and relatives, 12.4 percent stayed in rental homes, and 8.8 percent stayed in timeshares.
Through the first two months of 2022, 370,722 visitors arrived from the U.S. East, compared to 114,687 visitors (+223.2%) in the first two months of 2021, 393,928 visitors (-5.9%) in the first two months of 2020, and 362,029 visitors (+2.4%) in the first two months of 2019.
U.S. East visitors spent $966.5 million in the first two months of 2022, compared to $254.0 million (+280.5%) in the first two months of 2021, $927.4 million (+4.2%) in the first two months of 2020, and $834.5 billion (+15.8%) in the first two months of 2019.
Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 rose to $238 per person, compared to $161 per person (+48.2%) in the first two months of 2021. Spending on lodging, food and beverage, transportation, shopping, and entertainment and recreation all increased compared to the first two months of 2021. Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 was higher compared to $223 per person (+6.5%) in the first two months of 2020, and $213 per person (+11.7%) in the first two months of 2019.
Japan: Of the 2,181 visitors in February 2022, 1,895 arrived on international flights and 286 came on domestic flights. Japanese authorities reduced the quarantine period from 10 days to 7 days effective January 31, 2022. Arrivals to Japan in February 2022, including returning residents, were required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Regardless of vaccination status, most travelers must self-quarantine for seven days upon arrival. Travelers from destinations defined as high-risk by the Japan government were required to undergo institutional quarantine for three or six days before completing the remainder of the seven-day quarantine period at home or at a pre-arranged accommodation.
Most of the Japanese visitors in February 2022 were repeat visitors (82.2%) while 17.8 percent were first-time visitors to the islands. In terms of lodging, 46.9 percent of the visitors in February 2022 stayed in hotels, 27.6 percent stayed in condominiums, 24.6 percent stayed with friends and relatives and 5.4 percent stayed in timeshares.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 5,031 visitors from Japan, compared to 1,859 visitors (+170.6%) in the first two months of 2021, 242,117 visitors (-97.9%) in the first two months of 2020, and 241,071 visitors (-97.9%) in the first two months of 2019.
Visitors from Japan spent $19.7 million in the first two months of 2022, compared to $7.2 million (+172.8%) in the first two months of 2021, $339.6 million (-94.2%) in the first two months of 2020, and $338.9 billion (-94.2%) in the first two months of 2019.
Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 increased to $210 per person, from $202 per person (+3.8%) in the first two months of 2021. Visitors from Japan spent more on shopping, food and beverage, and transportation but less on lodging. and entertainment and recreation compared to the first two months of 2021. Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 was lower compared to $243 per person (-13.5%) in the first two months of 2020, and $241 per person (-12.8%) in the first two months of 2019.
Canada: Of the 29,046 visitors in February 2022, 26,621 visitors arrived via direct air service from Canada and 2,425 visitors came on domestic flights. For most of February 2022, all travelers, including returning residents of Canada, were required to show a negative pre-arrival PCR or RT-LAMP test taken within 72 hours before entry into Canada, and submit their information into ArriveCAN. Effective February 28, 2022, Canadian authorities eliminated the pre-arrival PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers, who can instead opt for a cheaper rapid antigen test taken 24 hours before their flight. Unvaccinated Canadian residents were required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and take a test on day eight of their 14-day quarantine period.
The majority of Canadian visitors in February 2022, were repeat visitors (78.6%) while 21.4 percent were first-timers to Hawaii. In terms of lodging, 44.8 percent of Canadian visitors in February 2022 stayed in hotels, 33.2 percent stayed in condominiums, 12.0 percent stayed in rental homes, 10.4 percent stayed in timeshares, and 7.6 percent stayed with friends and relatives.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 52,597 visitors from Canada, compared to 3,390 visitors (+1,451.3%) in the first two months of 2021, 131,794 visitors (-60.1%) in the first two months of 2020, and 136,277 visitors (-61.4%) in the first two months of 2019.
Visitors from Canada spent $148.2 million in the first two months of 2022, compared to $17.2 million (+761.2%) in the first two months of 2021, $309.9 million (-52.2%) in the first two months of 2020, and $318.5 billion (-53.5%) in the first two months of 2019.
Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 rose to $178 per person, from $171 per person (+4.3%) in the first two months of 2021. Lodging, transportation, shopping, and entertainment and recreation expenses were higher but spending on food and beverage declined compared to the first two months of 2021. Daily visitor spending in the first two months of 2022 was similar to the first two months of 2020 (-0.3%, $179 per person), and increased compared to the first two months of 2019 (+2.1%, $175 per person).
Highlights from All Other International Markets:
Australia: There were 1,956 visitors from Australia in February 2022. Of that number, 1,476 visitors came on direct flights from Sydney, while 480 came on domestic flights. In comparison, there were 26 visitors in February 2021, 12,887 visitors in February 2020, and 14,366 visitors in February 2019. In February 2022, fully vaccinated travelers could enter Australia without quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers were still required to quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days at their own expense.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 6,178 visitors from Australia, compared to 73 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 34,816 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 40,831 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
New Zealand: There were 276 visitors from New Zealand in February 2022 who arrived on domestic flights. Direct flights from New Zealand continued to be suspended. In comparison, there were 30 visitors in February 2021, 2,346 visitors in February 2020, and 2,689 visitors in February 2019. In February 2022, New Zealand authorities required most inbound passengers, including returning residents, to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arrival. Inbound passengers were required to quarantine for at least seven days, followed by self-quarantine until receiving a negative test result taken on day nine after arrival.
Through the first two months of 2022 there were 500 visitors from New Zealand, compared to 104 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 7,247 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 7,533 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
China: There were 358 visitors from China in February 2022 who came on domestic flights. Direct air service from China to Hawaii was terminated in February 2020. In comparison, there were 74 visitors in February 2021, 2,151 visitors in February 2020, and 11,604 visitors in February 2019. In February 2022, all travelers to China, including returning Chinese residents, were required to present two negative tests — PCR and antibody tests — taken within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers were required to show proof of vaccination at least 14 days prior to entry to China and to quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities at their own expenses.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 1,148 visitors from China, compared to 173 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 14,595 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 22,548 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
Korea: There were 1,500 visitors from Korea in February 2022. Of that number, 1,200 arrived on direct flights from Korea and 300 came on domestic flights. In comparison, there were 242 visitors in February 2021, 18,063 visitors in February 2020, and 21,871 visitors in February 2019. In February 2022, travelers to Korea, including returning residents, were required to present evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Travelers were required to quarantine for seven days regardless of vaccination status.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 3,627 visitors from Korea, compared to 472 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 44,020 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 49,778 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
Taiwan: There were 63 visitors from Taiwan in February 2022 who came on domestic flights. Direct service from Taipei has been suspended since April 2020. In comparison, there were 11 visitors in February 2021, 675 visitors in February 2020, and 1,680 visitors in February 2019. All travelers to Taiwan in February 2022, including returning Taiwan nationals, were required to provide a negative PCR test taken within two days of entry, quarantine for 14 days in designated facilities, and have additional PCR testing at the end of their quarantine.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 168 visitors from Taiwan, compared to 23 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 2,931 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 3,539 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
Europe: In February 2022, there were 4,877 visitors from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. In comparison, 317 visitors arrived in February 2021, 8,574 visitors in February 2020, and 8,282 visitors who came in February 2019. In Germany, travelers in February 2022 were required to present proof of vaccination, recovery, or an approved negative PCR or rapid antigen test within 48 hours before their arrival. Unvaccinated travelers who visited a high-risk destination 10 days before entry into Germany were required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. In the United Kingdom, travelers were required to show a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before arrival. Vaccinated U.K. nationals did not need to quarantine but must complete a passenger locator form. Unvaccinated travelers were required to take a PCR test within two days of arrival but did not have to self-isolate unless the PCR test result was positive.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 8,424 visitors from Europe, compared to 651 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 16,203 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 16,305 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
Latin America: There were 1,341 visitors from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in February 2022, compared to 193 visitors in February 2021, 1,842 visitors in February 2020, and 1,728 visitors in February 2019. In Argentina, travelers were required to complete a health statutory declaration 48 hours before travel and provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. All arrivals are required to complete a mandatory self-quarantine for 10 day and may be subject to additional testing upon arrival. In Mexico, there were no mandatory quarantine requirements for arrivals. Travelers may be subject to health screenings at the airport and those with symptoms of COVID may be subject to additional health checks and/or quarantine.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 2,676 visitors from Latin America, compared to 474 visitors in the first two months of 2021, 4,184 visitors in the first two months of 2020, and 4,253 visitors in the first two months of 2019.
Island Highlights:
Oahu: There were 308,705 visitors to Oahu in February 2022, compared to 105,424 visitors (+192.8%) in February 2021, 467,959 visitors (-34.0%) in February 2020, and 454,687 visitors (-32.1%) in February 2019. Visitor spending was $540.1 million, compared to $164.0 million (+229.4%) in February 2021, $601.7 million (-10.2%) in February 2020, and $609.0 million
(-11.3%) in February 2019.
The average daily census on Oahu was 82,507 visitors in February 2022, compared to 35,935 (+129.6%) visitors in February 2021; 107,112 visitors (-23.0%) in February 2020; and 109,506 visitors (-24.7%) in February 2019.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 585,933 visitors to Oahu, compared to 184,391 visitors (+217.8%) in the first two months of 2021, 974,667 visitors (-39.9%) in the first two months of 2020, and 943,127 visitors (-37.9%) in the first two months of 2019. For the first two months of 2022, total visitor spending was $1.11 billion, compared to $331.3 million (+234.1%) in the first two months of 2021, $1.31 billion (-15.4%) in the first two months of 2020, and $1.31 billion (-15.5%) in the first two months of 2019.
Maui: There were 193,232 visitors to Maui in February 2022, compared to 92,608 visitors (+108.7%) in February 2021, 234,823 visitors (-17.7%) in February 2020, and 221,603 visitors (-12.8%) in February 2019. Visitor spending was $402.8 million, compared to $135.4 million (+197.4%) in February 2021, $458.5 million (-12.1%) in February 2020, and $413.2 million (-2.5%) in February 2019.
The average daily census on Maui was 61,218 visitors in February 2022, compared to 32,237 visitors (+89.9%) in February 2021; 67,678 visitors (-9.5%) in February 2020; and 67,040 visitors (-8.7%) in February 2019.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 376,510 visitors to Maui, compared to 159,533 visitors (+136.0%) in the first two months of 2021, 477,908 visitors (-21.2%) in the first two months of 2020, and 455,025 visitors (-17.3%) in the first two months of 2019. For the first two months of 2022, total visitor spending was $827.2 million, compared to $264.1 million (+213.2%) in the first two months of 2021, $975.5 million (-15.2%) in the first two months of 2020, and $887.4 million (-6.8%) in the first two months of 2019.
Kauai: There were 88,428 visitors to Kauai in February 2022, compared to 7,349 visitors (+1,103.2%) in February 2021, 110,478 visitors (-20.0%) in February 2020, and 104,445 visitors (-15.3%) in February 2019. Visitor spending was $149.3 million, compared to $29.7 million (+403.4%) in February 2021, $168.6 million (-11.5%) in February 2020, and $152.8 million
(-2.3%) in February 2019.
The average daily census on Kauai was 25,932 visitors in February 2022, compared to 3,730 visitors (+595.2%) in February 2021, 28,884 visitors (-10.2%) in February 2020, and 28,271 visitors (-8.3%) in February 2019.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 173,256 visitors to Kauai, compared to 11,336 visitors (+1,428.3%) in the first two months of 2021, 224,273 visitors (-22.7%) in the first two months of 2020, and 210,587 visitors (-17.7%) in the first two months of 2019. For the first two months of 2022, total visitor spending was $310.4 million, compared to $58.5 million (+430.9%) in the first two months of 2021, $361.3 million (-14.1%) in the first two months of 2020, and $329.4 million (-5.8%) in the first two months of 2019.
Hawaii Island: There were 122,480 visitors to Hawaii Island in February 2022, compared to 46,558 visitors (+163.1%) in February 2021, 148,204 visitors (-17.4%) in February 2020, and 138,387 visitors (-11.5%) in February 2019. Visitor spending was $199.1 million, compared to $62.9 million (+216.5%) in February 2021, $218.0 million (-8.6%) in February 2020, and $192.3 million (+3.6%) in February 2019.
The average daily census on Hawaii Island was 38,781 visitors in February 2022, compared to 18,163 visitors (+113.5%) in February 2021, 40,109 visitors (-3.3%) in February 2020, and 37,883 visitors (+2.4%) in February 2019.
Through the first two months of 2022, there were 233,177 visitors to Hawaii Island, compared to 80,846 visitors (+188.4%) in the first two months of 2021, 313,501 visitors (-25.6%) in the first two months of 2020, and 285,789 visitors (-18.4%) in the first two months of 2019. For the first two months of 2022, total visitor spending was $434.7 million, compared to $134.1 million (+224.2%) in the first two months of 2021, $509.8 million (-14.7%) in the first two months of 2020, and $445.7 million (-2.5%) in the first two months of 2019.
Flights and Air Seats to Hawaii:
U.S. West: There were 3,720 scheduled flights with 743,701 seats in February 2022, compared to 2,240 flights with 449,545 seats in February 2021, 3,384 flights with 682,539 seats in February 2020, and 2,949 flights with 591,313 seats in February 2019.
In February 2022, there was new service from Ontario (5,292) and Santa Ana (3,528), and increased service from Anchorage (9,049, +42.3%), Denver (27,793 +66.1%), Las Vegas (45,378 +196.8%), Long Beach (20,195 +434.3%), Los Angeles (203,132, +96.9%), Oakland (46,837 +39.4%), Phoenix (51,653, +123.3%), Portland (29,407, +43.7%), Sacramento (22,687 +22.4%), Salt Lake City (13,478, +18.0%), San Diego (45,971, +111.2%), San Francisco (97,965, +50.8%) and Seattle (87,510, +24.8%) compared to February 2021.
U.S. East: There were 357 scheduled flights with 96,880 seats in February 2022, compared to 230 flights with 58,659 seats in February 2021, 379 seats with 108,428 seats in February 2020, and 300 flights and 88,051 seats in February 2019.
In February 2022, air service resumed from Newark (8,557) and Washington D.C. (2,354 seats); there was new service from Austin (3,058) and Orlando (3,058); and increased service from Atlanta (8,204 seats, +72.4%), Boston (4,448, +100.0%), Chicago (13,560, +20.3%), Dallas (29,925, +1.5%), Houston (7,728, +100.6%), Minneapolis (8,204, +91.5%) and New York (JFK) (7,784, +180.0%).
Japan: There were 76 scheduled flights with 17,979 seats in February 2022, compared to 29 flights and 7,438 seats in February 2021, 596 flights with 161,838 seats in February 2020, and 632 scheduled flights with 158,160 seats in February 2019.
In February 2022, there was increased service from Tokyo-Narita (12,388, +271.3%) and from Tokyo-Haneda (4,479, +49.8%) compared to February 2021.
Canada: There were 244 scheduled flights with 53,996 seats in February 2022, compared to 11 flights and 2,330 seats in February 2021, 308 flights with 61,664 seats in February 2020, and 367 scheduled flights with 65,625 seats in February 2019.
Oceania:
- Australia: There were 16 scheduled flights with 4,448 seats from Sydney in February 2022. Direct air service from the Australia was suspended in February 2021. In February 2020, there were 82 scheduled flights with 23,936 seats, with service from Brisbane (3,614 seats), Melbourne (4,020) and Sydney (16,302), In February 2019, there were 85 scheduled flights with 26,860 seats with service from Brisbane (3,336 seats), Melbourne (3,685) and Sydney (19,839).
- New Zealand: Direct flights from New Zealand were suspended in February 2022 and in February 2021. There were 24 scheduled flights with 7,080 seats from Auckland in February 2020, compared to 26 scheduled flights with 7,670 seats in February 2019.
Other Asia:
- China: There have been no direct flights from China to Hawaii since service ended in early February 2020. Only two flights with 584 seats operated in February 2020. In comparison, there were 41 scheduled flights with 11,087 seats in February 2019, with service from Shanghai (7,008), Beijing (3,555) and Hangzhou (524).
- Korea: There were 28 scheduled flights with 7,283 seats from Seoul in February 2022, compared to four flights with 1,112 seats in February 2021, 95 flights and 28,726 seats in February 2020, and 92 flights with 30,362 seats in February 2019.
- Taiwan: Direct air service from Taipei has been suspended since April 2020. There were eight scheduled flights with 2,448 seats in February 2020, and also eight scheduled flights with 2,448 seats in February 2019.
Other Markets:
- Guam: There were 28 scheduled flights with 9,800 seats from Guam in February 2022, compared to 28 flights with10,024 seats in February 2021, 29 flights with 10,556 seats in February 2020, and 28 flights with 10,192 seats in February 2019.
- Philippines: There were seven scheduled flights with 2,163 seats from Manila in February 2022, compared to two flights with 618 seats in February 2021, 21 flights with 6,489 seats in February 2020, and 20 flights with 5,360 seats in February 2019.
- Samoa: Direct air service from Apia was suspended in February 2022 and in February 2021. In comparison, there were four flights with 488 seats in February 2020, and four flights with 656 seats in February 2019.
- Kiribati: Direct air service from Christmas Island was suspended in February 2022 and in February 2021. In comparison, there were four flights with 488 seats in February 2020, and also four flights with 488 seats in February 2019.
- Marshall Islands: Direct air service from Majuro was suspended in February 2022 and in February 2021. In comparison, there were 16 flights with 2,656 seats in February 2020, and also 16 flights with 2,656 seats in February 2019.
- Fiji: Direct air service from Nadi was suspended in February 2022 and in February 2021. In comparison, there were four flights with 680 seats in February 2020, and four flights with 656 seats in February 2019.
- American Samoa: There was one flight with 278 seats from Pago Pago in February 2022. Direct service from Pago Pago was suspended in February 2021. In comparison, there were eight flights with 2,224 seats in February 2020, and eight flights with 2,224 seats in February 2019.
- French Polynesia: There were four flights with 1,112 seats from Papeete in February 2022. Direct service from Papeete was suspended in February 2021. In comparison, there were five flights with 1,390 seats in February 2020, and four flights with 1,112 seats in February 2019.
In the first two months of 2022, there were 9,427 trans-Pacific flights and 1,975,280 seats, compared to 5,412 flights and 1,126,201 seats in the first two months of 2021, 10,408 flights and 2,309,705 seats in the first two months of 2020, and 9,769 flights and 2,145,143 seats in the first two months of 2019.
Cruise Ship Visitors:
In February 2022, 6,956 visitors came to the islands aboard four out-of-state cruise ships. The Hawaii home-ported cruise ship, Pride of America, will resume operations in April 2022.
Hawaii was closed to cruise ship activities for all of 2021.
In February 2020, 15,086 visitors arrived on seven out-of-state cruise ships while 11,317 visitors came by air to board the Hawaii home-ported cruise ship. In February 2019, 16,315 visitors arrived on eight out-of-state cruise ships and another 9,046 visitors came by air to board the Hawaii home-ported cruise ship.
For the first two months of 2022, 13,960 visitors entered the state via 11 out-of-state cruise ships. There were no cruise ship activities during the first two months of 2021. In comparison, 26,015 visitors entered Hawaii on 16 out-of-state cruise ships, and 20,671 visitors came by air to board the Hawaii home-ported cruise ship during the first two months of 2020. In the first two months of 2019, 28,348 visitors came to Hawaii by way of 15 out-of-state cruise ships and 94,927 visitors flew to Hawaii and boarded the Hawaii home-ported cruise ship.
Statement by DBEDT Director Mike McCartney:
Visitors spent $1.3 billion in February which was 10% more per person, per day than in 2019, even though statewide we saw less visitor arrivals. We expect Hawaii to continue with this forward momentum, especially into Spring then into Summer, because of the arrival of Japanese visitors and other international markets.
With the lifting of the Safe Travels program, Hawaii will need to prepare for hosting a different mix of visitors. There will be demand by local businesses; from restaurants, transportation, retail, activities and lodging, to attract and retain a quality workforce for Hawaii which will bring more certainty to the economy. There is now an opportunity for Hawaii’s small businesses to attract and retain quality workers and employees.
As HTA refines and implements their Destination Management Plans, it will take a collaboration with the counties to find the balance and ensure that the community is an integral part of the process as we all move towards a regenerative visitor industry.
There is still a need to continue to be vigilant and remember that public health is the key for a healthy economy. Even though the formal Safe Travels program has ended we hope that everyone takes responsibility to keep Hawaii safe.
We learned how to live with the virus and need to remember that it is not yet over.
1/ Average daily census measures the number of visitors present on any given day.
