Why Visitors Matter Now More Than Ever in Hawaii’s Recovery
Hawaii had 2 historic disasters Why tourists – As part of USA TODAY’s “Coming Back” series, which highlights destinations preparing to embrace guests following periods of difficulty, we turn our attention to the Hawaiian Islands. For countless travelers worldwide, Hawaii represents an idyllic escape—a place defined by magnificent shorelines, flowing waterfalls, and a cultural heritage enriched by the spirit of aloha.
Yet for local residents, the past few years have told a different story entirely.
Two Catastrophes in Three Years
The islands of Maui and Oahu have endured unprecedented challenges. On August 8, 2023, fallen electrical lines ignited devastating wildfires that reduced Lahaina’s homes, commercial establishments, and cultural landmarks to ash. This tragedy stands as the most lethal wildfire in contemporary American history.
Then, in March of this year, powerful Kona low-pressure systems unleashed catastrophic rainfall and ferocious winds upon the state. University of Hawaii scientists described the phenomenon as a “rain bomb,” as more than two trillion gallons of precipitation fell across the islands within a fourteen-day span. Officials characterized this as the heaviest flooding in twenty years, with communities along Oahu’s North Shore—Haleiwa and Waialua—bearing the brunt of the devastation. Thousands of residents fled as fears of dam failure mounted, while others found themselves stranded by submerged roadways. Nearly four hundred residences ended up underwater.
For Ronald Williams, a Maui entrepreneur who lost almost everything when Lahaina was obliterated overnight, the road to recovery has been arduous. “At the beginning, I was hoping that recovery would be a little quicker,” Williams reflected. “We tried everything possible. But unfortunately, everything … started to take its toll on the company … It’s been a hard journey, it’s been a long time.”
The Tourism Lifeline
Reaching emotional equilibrium for these islands requires navigating between their reliance on visitor spending and their sorrow over what was destroyed. Tourism accounts for nearly one-quarter of Hawaii’s economic output, with Maui and Oahu ranking as the two most-visited of the four primary islands. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the sector sustained 211,000 positions and produced $20.72 billion in visitor expenditures during 2024, fueled by more than 9.7 million guest arrivals across the state. Recently, the state unveiled a $2 million program designed to promote and facilitate travel to Hawaii throughout the current summer season.
Following these calamities, many potential visitors questioned whether traveling to Hawaii was appropriate or if their presence might burden an already struggling community. Oahu experienced a 1.7 percent decline in March visitor numbers compared to the previous year, attributed to cancellations and closures. Maui has demonstrated consistent growth, recording a 7 percent increase in 2025 over 2024, though numbers remain beneath 2023 benchmarks.
“Through this whole thing, you only think about how to survive it, but your dreams got washed away,” said Williams. “So, by reopening again, now we can dream again about, you know, kids having a great education, doing what they want to do, not worrying about paying your bills and stuff.”
Continued Rebuilding Efforts
Almost three years have passed since the wildfires, yet Lahaina continues reconstructing both its infrastructure and its collective spirit. While substantial progress has occurred, the emotional weight of the fires persists. A University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization survey conducted between January 2024 and February 2025 revealed elevated rates of depression and anxiety among residents living within the burn zone.
By June, more than two hundred residences had been reconstructed, including an affordable housing development, with 355 additional permits pending for residential and commercial projects. While numerous businesses and neighborhoods have reopened, certain roadways and sections of town remain inaccessible to the general public.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive master plan aims to restore Lahaina’s historic Royal Complex—described as “a deeply sacred area in the heart of Lahaina” and formerly the political center of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Community input is being sought, with the plan anticipated for completion in the summer of 2027. Additionally, Lahaina Harbor, a vital community anchor, commenced its phased reopening last December, with full operations projected after 2026.
For Williams, whose business Atlantis Submarine represents a symbol of resilience, these developments offer renewed hope. As visitors return with mindfulness and support, they contribute not only to economic recovery but also to the restoration of dreams that were nearly lost.
