Is Hawaii too expensive? Spotlight Now looks at tourism trends, cooling Waikiki economy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Today’s episode of Spotlight Now looks at the current state of Hawaiʻi’s economy and tourism trends.

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Recent state data indicating more visitors came to the islands in July but stayed for fewer days. The figures show the state lost more than one million visitor days with growth concentrated on neighbor islands, leaving Waikīkī with a lackluster summer.

Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), sets the big picture of Hawaiʻi’s economy with U.S. visitors now accounting for more than 80% of visitor spending.

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Then we’re joined by Kelly Sanders of Highgate, who oversees several hospitality properties in Hawaiʻi, including ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.

He’ll discuss what shorter stays mean for hotel workers and nearby businesses, and whether Hawaiʻi has become too expensive for target visitors.

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