Tourism numbers down again in January

Big Island tourism in January was down once again compared to last year, during a fairly slack month for the state.

According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 6 percent fewer visitors arrived on the Big Island in January 2019 than in January 2018, a shortfall of about 10,000.

Visitors also spent about $15 million less on the island last month, dropping by about 5 percent from the previous year.

Visitors spent less time on the Big Island as well, with 6 percent fewer visitor days recorded in January.

Most Hawaii counties reported a shortfall in visitor arrivals or spending in January, with only Oahu seeing increases in both. Spending on Maui decreased by 13 percent, while spending and arrivals on Kauai dropped by 8 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

Conversely, per-person-per-trip spending dropped everywhere in the state except the Big Island, where it increased by 1 percent, or about $20.

On every other island, visitors spent less per trip, particularly on Maui where per-person-per-trip spending dropped by nearly 15 percent, or about $350.

Total visitor spending statewide dropped by nearly 4 percent, while total arrivals statewide remained 3 percent higher than last year.