Hawaii
Visitors to the Big Island up 10% in January – West Hawaii Today
January visitor numbers on the Big Island could presage a robust year for tourism.
According to data released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the more than 158,000 visitors to the Big Island in January was 10% more than those who came to the island in January 2024.
Perhaps more significantly, that number also was 7% higher than the visitor rates in January 2019, which may indicate the tourism industry is finally moving past the massive slump caused by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
The average daily visitor census on the island was about 45,000 visitors in January, 4% more than in January 2024 and 6% more than January 2019.
Big Island visitors collectively spent $305 million in January, not significantly higher than the $299 million they spent in January 2024. But January expenditures were markedly higher than the $253 million spent in January 2019 — unsurprising after six years of inflation.
By comparison, visitors spent a collective total of $3.2 billion on the Big Island in 2024, nearly a full $1 billion more than was spent in 2019.
Per-person per-day spending was slightly lower this January than last year, with a visitor spending an average of $218 each day, $4 less than January 2024.
These numbers come even as international travel continues to flag beneath prepandemic levels. There were no Japan-Kona flights in January, whereas 44 flights carrying nearly 10,000 seats arrived in Kona in January 2019. Only about 3,300 of the 54,296 people visiting Hawaii from Japan in January came to the Big Island.
Statewide, 792,177 visitors arrived to the islands in January, 3.8% more than the previous January, but about 3.1% fewer than January 2019. Total visitor spending was $1.8 billion, up 4.7% from last year and up 17% from January 2019.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency crews responded to a medical incident offshore of Kualoa Regional Park Tuesday.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department said rescuers were called around 1:01 p.m. for an unresponsive adult man aboard a vessel about 10 miles offshore in Kaneohe waters.
Crews met the vessel near Mokolii, also known as Chinaman’s Hat, where a lifeguard boarded and began CPR and oxygen treatment.
The man was transported to Kualoa Regional Park, where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over care and continued advanced treatment.
No additional information about the man’s condition was immediately available.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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