How Much of Hawaii’s GDP Is Tourism?

By Robert Palmer

Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The state’s economy heavily relies on tourism to fuel its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this article, we will explore how much of Hawaii’s GDP is attributed to the tourism industry.

What is GDP?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a particular period. It is often used as an indicator of a country’s economic health and growth.

The Importance of Tourism to Hawaii

Tourism is the largest industry in Hawaii, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The Aloha State is known for its pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty, and unique culture. These attributes have made it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

The Contribution of Tourism to Hawaii’s GDP

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, tourism accounted for 21.3% of Hawaii’s GDP in 2019. This translates to approximately $17.75 billion in visitor spending that year alone.

  • Visitor spending on lodging: $5.9 billion
  • Visitor spending on food and beverage: $3.9 billion
  • Visitor spending on retail: $2.7 billion
  • Visitor spending on transportation: $2.0 billion
  • Visitor spending on activities and attractions: $1.8 billion
  • Other visitor spending: $1.5 billion

The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism in Hawaii

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, including in Hawaii. The state’s mandatory quarantine for all incoming travelers greatly reduced visitor arrivals, causing a sharp decline in tourism-related spending.

In 2020, Hawaii’s visitor arrivals dropped by 74.6% compared to the previous year. As a result, tourism’s contribution to Hawaii’s GDP fell to just 9.3%, or approximately $6.4 billion.

Conclusion

Tourism is an essential industry in Hawaii, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting countless jobs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable the state’s economy can be when overly reliant on one industry.

As Hawaii looks towards economic recovery, it will be important for policymakers and business leaders to diversify the state’s economy while continuing to support and promote the tourism industry.