New statewide recovery initiative aims to bring back visitors following Kona low storms

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and industry partners are launching a statewide recovery initiative focused on rebuilding visitor confidence and encouraging travel to the Hawaiian Islands following the March 2026 Kona Low storms.

Gov. Josh Green released $2 million in restricted funds to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to support the coordinated effort.

While initial storm impacts were localized and short-term, the broader effect has softened booking momentum among travelers actively planning summer travel. The campaign aims to re-engage and convert travelers before they commit to other destinations.

“These funds are about supporting Hawai‘i’s economy, local businesses and the people who depend on the visitor industry for their livelihoods,” Green said in a press release. “We want visitors to know that Hawai‘i warmly welcomes them and that their visits help fuel our recovery.”

The initiative comes as Hawai‘i’s visitor industry continues recovering from the March storms, which disrupted travel during the critical spring break period through flight delays and cancellations, temporary attraction and business closures, cruise itinerary disruptions and slower bookings.

March visitor statistics released Thursday by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism showed statewide visitor arrivals declined 1.7% in March compared to a year ago, while visitor spending declined 1.6% to $1.96 billion. The statewide average daily visitor census also declined 5.1% year over year.

The Hawai‘i Demand Acceleration Marketing Plan operates across two coordinated tracks:

• Part I: Statewide Demand Acceleration – Focused investment across high-intent booking channels, travel trade, and media to drive conversion in the months ahead.
• Part II: Tactical Response – Real-time social listening and content amplification to reinforce current conditions and support traveler confidence.

Together, these efforts are designed to win the summer booking decision among high-value travelers by concentrating investment where travel decisions are actively being made.

In response to these challenges, the recovery initiative focuses on helping travelers feel welcome and confident about traveling to Hawai‘i this summer. Additional efforts will support local businesses through the Hawai‘i Special Offers program and coordinated partnerships with airlines, wholesalers and travel providers.

“This campaign enables the welcoming messages from the people of Hawai‘i to come through clearly and genuinely, so visitors can be confident that their visit will be both memorable and appreciated,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of HTA.

Businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in the campaign through wholesaler collaborations or by contributing offers to the Hawai‘i Special Offers Program. For more information, please contact membership@hvcb.org.