Hawaiʻi travel 2025: Looking back on 2024 and what could be ahead

With over 9 million visitors traveling to its shores in 2024, Hawai’i remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations (Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority). As we enter 2025, a year expected to reshape the industry with innovative trends and rising global arrivals, the Aloha State is set for even greater transformations. 

To help tour and activity operators stay ahead, let’s take a closer look at the key takeaways from last year and see what’s on the horizon for Hawai’i travel trends in the near future.

A glimpse at Hawaiʻi tourism in 2024

The year 2024 was transformative for Hawaiʻi’s travel industry. With visitor numbers rebounding close to pre-pandemic levels, the tourism sector played a vital role in the state’s economy. According to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawaiʻi welcomed over 9 million visitors in 2024, contributing approximately $19 billion to the local economy.

Three key trends shaped travel experiences in Hawaiʻi during 2024:

• Eco-tourism: Visitors prioritized sustainable travel options, from eco-friendly accommodations to tours that supported conservation efforts.
• Cultural experiences: Authentic interactions with Hawaiʻi’s rich history, traditions, and local communities became a must-have for many travelers.
• Adventure travel: Activities like snorkeling, hiking, and guided volcano tours saw a surge in demand, appealing to thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

With these trends driving growth, 2024 proved to be a year of innovation and adaptation for Hawaiʻi’s travel industry. But what’s next?

Why 2025 will be pivotal

As we move into 2025, Hawaiʻi’s tourism landscape is set to evolve further, influenced by emerging travel behaviors and global market shifts. This year will be pivotal for operators who want to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment. 

Let’s dive into the major factors shaping the Hawaiʻi tourism 2025 outlook.

1. Growth in sustainable tourism

Sustainability will continue to dominate travel industry trends in Hawaiʻi. With growing awareness about the environmental impacts of tourism, visitors will increasingly seek experiences that minimize their footprint. 

This includes choosing tours that:

• Offset carbon emissions
• Partner with local conservation initiatives
• Educate visitors about the preservation of Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources

Animal and ocean conservation efforts will also play a significant role. Tour operators can collaborate with marine biologists and local nonprofits to offer:

• Wildlife safaris: Responsible whale-watching or dolphin-spotting tours that adhere to strict guidelines to protect marine life.
• Reef preservation activities: Hands-on experiences like coral restoration or beach cleanups that engage travelers in environmental stewardship.
• Educational ocean tours: Guided excursions that teach visitors about the importance of Hawaii’s ecosystems, including endangered species and the impact of climate change.

By incorporating these efforts, tour operators can appeal to environmentally-conscious travelers while actively contributing to Hawaiʻi’s sustainability goals.

2. Rising international arrivals

After a steady recovery in 2024, international travel is expected to surge in 2025. Markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia will lead the way, driven by relaxed travel restrictions and targeted marketing campaigns. 

According to HTA forecasts, international arrivals could increase by up to 15% year-over-year, presenting new opportunities for tour operators to cater to these audiences.

3. New technologies in tourism

Technology is revolutionizing the travel experience, and 2025 will see broader adoption of innovations like:

• AI-powered booking platforms: Tools like FareHarbor can help operators streamline bookings and improve the customer journey.
• Augmented reality (AR) tours: Immersive experiences that blend digital storytelling with physical exploration.
• Mobile-first solutions: Travelers will continue to rely on mobile apps for everything from booking to navigation.

How tour operators in Hawai’i can prepare for 2025

As we head further into 2025, the evolving tourism landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for Hawai’i tour operators. Staying proactive and adaptable will be key to navigating these changes and capturing emerging market trends.

1. Maximize efficiency and revenue by adopting digital tools

Leveraging online booking software like FareHarbor can help you go beyond customer expectations while increasing operational efficiency. With features tailored to Hawaiʻi tour operators, FareHarbor allows you to:

• Offer seamless online bookings: Ensure that customers can book their adventures effortlessly on any device, improving their overall experience.
• Streamline scheduling and inventory management: Save time and reduce errors with tools that allow you to organize tours, manage availability, and avoid overbooking in just a few clicks.
• Access in-house robust reporting and insights: Use our data analytics to understand customer preferences, monitor performance trends, and make informed business decisions.

And that’s just the start! From memberships to waivers, trip protection and combo deals, FareHarbor’s user-friendly software is unmatched for operators in Hawai’i. You’ll effortlessly bring in more bookings while giving you more time to grow your business and deliver memorable experiences. 

2. Embrace the community partnering with local affiliates

Hawaiʻi’s sense of community is one of its most cherished values, making collaboration with local businesses and organizations an essential strategy for tour operators. By fostering partnerships with local affiliates, you can enhance the authenticity of your offerings while contributing to the island’s economy and culture.

Here’s a few ways to work with you local community:

• Join the FareHarbor Distribution Network (FHDN): The FHDN is our very own affiliate program that enables operators and local affiliates to sell each other’s tours and activities seamlessly. Hawai’i ranks as the top region within the program, with hundreds of operators experiencing significant success through increased exposure and additional earnings. For example, one operator, Sea Maui, generated an impressive $109k in FHDN bookings in just six months.
• Collaborate with local artisans and businesses: Incorporate local products, such as handmade crafts, organic snacks, or cultural souvenirs, into your tours. Highlight these items to give visitors a tangible connection to Hawaiʻi’s unique culture.
• Engage with nonprofits and conservation groups: Partnering with organizations focused on preserving Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and cultural heritage can add depth to your offerings. For example, collaborate on educational tours, fundraising events, or hands-on conservation projects.

By integrating local affiliates into your operations, you can create meaningful experiences that celebrate Hawaiʻi’s culture while building long-lasting relationships with the community. These collaborations not only add value to your tours but also position your business as a responsible and community-focused operator.

3. Beat the competition by creating packages for emerging trends

To stay ahead of the curve, tour operators must craft innovative packages that align with the 2025 Hawaii tourism forecasts. These packages should cater to evolving traveler interests while showcasing the unique aspects of Hawaii. Examples include:

• Sustainable travel bundles: Combine eco-tours with eco-friendly accommodations and dining options that prioritize locally sourced ingredients. You can also highlight activities like guided hikes through protected areas, wildlife conservation tours, and eco-conscious workshops.
• Cultural immersion experiences: Partner with native Hawaiians to provide authentic cultural encounters, such as traditional luaus, hula lessons, or storytelling sessions about Hawaii’s history and legends. Include opportunities for visitors to learn about Hawaiian arts, crafts, and sustainable farming practices.
• Multi-activity adventures: Design packages that appeal to thrill-seekers and families alike, bundling activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and guided volcano tours. Add optional extensions like stargazing nights or culinary tastings for a well-rounded experience.

Pro Tip: FareHarbor makes it easy to bundle activities with combos. Operators can encourage customers to purchase multiple offerings in one seamless checkout experience. Hint! Add a discount to the second tour to boost these sales even more. 

Tailoring these packages to specific traveler demographics — such as eco-conscious millennials, adventure-seeking families, or international visitors — will help you stand out in a competitive market.

Embracing the future of Hawai’i tourism

Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry is set for another dynamic year in 2025. By reflecting on 2024’s successes and embracing forward-looking strategies, tour operators can position themselves for long-term growth. From sustainable tourism to the rise of new technologies, the key is staying adaptable and informed.

Ready to elevate your business? Schedule a demo with FareHarbor today and discover how our tools can help streamline operations, capture emerging trends, and make 2025 your best year yet.