Welcome to the Q3 2024  newsletter from the Research and Economic Analysis Division (READ) of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

In addition to our regular updates on tourism and labor statistics, this issue includes the quarterly economic forecast. We’ve also included special reports that provide insights on tax credits for research activities and an in-depth profile of Oʻahu’s North Shore, highlighting demographics, business trends, and visitor statistics. Additionally, you’ll find our annual visitor research reports on visitor characteristics, spending pattern, visitor satisfaction and activities, which offer a comprehensive view of visitor experiences across Hawai‘i. 

Mahalo for your ongoing support and interest in READ's work. To stay updated on our latest data and reports, sign up for our mailing list to receive them directly when they are released.

Warm regards,

Dr. Eugene Tian
Chief State Economist, Research and Economic Analysis Division
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
 

Economic Data Warehouse – Covers a wide range of economic indicators and can be filtered by frequency, date range, and area. 

Tourism Data Warehouse – Includes visitor trends and characteristics, air seats to the islands, spending patterns, and hotel performance. 

Data Visualization and Analytics - Various dashboards are updated daily, weekly, monthly, or annually, depending on data availability. 

READ's annual, monthly, and quarterly reports provide essential insights into Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, covering visitor characteristics, expenditures, and economic impact. Those issued in the third quarter include:

• 2023 Annual Visitor Research Report:  This report provides final 2023 statistics on Hawai‘i’s visitor industry and a comparison with 2022 data. It includes characteristics data from visitors who came to Hawai‘i by air or by cruise ship. Visitor statistics are categorized by Hawai‘i’s Major Market Areas (MMA), select countries, purpose of trip, accommodation type, and island. Visitor room inventory, hotel occupancy, room rates, and air seat capacity statistics are also included.
• Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Study – 2023 Annual Report: This extensive study is based on completed surveys of over 20,000 visitors from seven different markets conducted in all four counties. Respondents rated their overall satisfaction levels on a 1-8 scale, with satisfaction levels reaching 7 and above statewide and Kauaʻi scoring the highest overall.
• Visitor Statistics: Preliminary data on visitor characteristics, expenditures, and air seat capacity for U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan, and Canada.
• Island Highlights: Visitor numbers by island, including domestic and international breakdowns, visitor days, and air seats.
• Visitor Expenditures: Monthly and year-to-date spending data across categories such as lodging, food, transportation, and shopping.
• Cruise Data: Year-to-date information on cruise arrivals, visitor days, and spending.
• Market Areas: Insights into visitor characteristics from markets like Oceania, South Korea, and China.

• Q2 2024 Visitor Satisfaction Study: Quarterly assessments of visitor satisfaction and activities across eight key markets.
• Q2 2024 Hawai'i Timeshare Report: Quarterly insights into timeshare occupancy, employment, payroll, and tax contributions.
• Air Seat Capacity Outlook: Monthly analysis of scheduled air seats and flights to Hawai‘i, comparing 2024, 2023, and 2019 data.
• Hotel Performance: Monthly reports on hotel occupancy, average daily rates, and RevPAR, available statewide and by county in PDF and Excel formats.
• Vacation Rental Report: Monthly data on vacation rental supply, demand, occupancy, and daily rates, with detailed regional breakdowns.

2024 Labor Statistics 
Monthly estimates of the Civilian Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment. Unemployment rates for the state, counties, and islands of Hawaiʻi are revised annually.