RIMPAC 2026 could deliver record boost to Hawaii’s economy

News admin July 4, 2026 0 Comments

RIMPAC 2026 could deliver record boost to Hawaii’s economy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The world’s largest maritime training event also brings a big boost to Hawaii businesses.

Economists say the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) typically brings about $100 million into the state every two years over a six-week period.

This year could set a record, with the largest iteration of the exercise falling during a milestone July 4th holiday.

More than 30,000 people from across the world are in Hawaii for RIMPAC, many for the first time and eager to experience the islands.

“Those are folks staying in hotels. They’re shopping. They’re taking things home. They’re eating out at restaurants,” said Laurie Moore, executive director of the state’s Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO). “Mom and Dad have come over and are meeting with their son or daughter and making as much of a family vacation out of it.”

The state says the military spends about $10 billion in Hawaii each year — 9% of the state’s GDP supporting 17% of jobs.

RIMPAC alone brings in $50 million in direct spending on port services, fuel, logistics, transportation and supplies.

“It’s a visible reminder of kind of our larger defense ecosystem,” Moore said, “that supports our local contracting, our construction.”

The local agriculture industry is providing food for more than 35 ships and their crews at Pearl Harbor.

“It does provide a bump, increased purchasing. We look at the military as a partner,” said Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. “Exposing them to the local ag products and value-added ag products, when they go home, they’ll be able to want and tell people about and maybe help with our export agricultural product industry.”

The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier is essentially a floating city and airport that was featured in the film Top Gun: Maverick.

“We are the flagship for RIMPAC because of our robust capability for command and control,” said Will Mathis, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt. “We are the most advanced strike group to deploy with the F-35, very exciting technology and aircraft.”

Beaches and Waikiki nightlife are always a highlight for RIMPAC participants. This year, they’re in for a special treat when Waikiki hosts its first-ever Fourth of July fireworks show in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Local leaders hope to sustain the RIMPAC boost after a slow summer start.

“They’re gonna go be ambassadors or stewards of their experience, so that’s why we wanna roll out the red carpet, make sure that they have a great time, and it’s so important for these small businesses,” said Trevor Abarzua, president and CEO of the Waikiki Improvement Association.

“The tattoo parlor that they’re gonna get a tattoo at, you know, the coffee shops that we need that foot traffic, because, you know, we have these people that are coming here and spending more money, which is phenomenal,” Abarzua said.