Big Island had massive decline in tourism in March

Visitor spending and arrivals on Hawaii Island plummeted in March compared to a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Visitor spending fell 44.3% to $113.4 million as a result of declines in visitor days (-43.8%) and average daily spending (-0.9% to $170 per person).

Arrivals dropped 53.6% to 78,389 visitors, with fewer travelers from Japan (-51.3%), U.S. West (-50.1%), U.S. East (-46.5%) and Canada (-42.9%).

Through the first quarter, visitor spending on Hawaii Island (-4.0% to $625.0 million) and visitor arrivals (-14.6% to 390,138) declined versus a year ago.

Statewide, visitor spending was down 52.2% in March, year-over-year. And visitor arrivals were down 53.7% compared to a year ago.

A total of 434,856 visitors traveled to the state last month, comprising arrivals by air service (-53.6% to 430,691) and cruise ships (-64.8% to 4,165). Total visitor days declined 49.7% versus a year ago.