Tourism

Jeff Mikulina of the Green Fee Advisory Council spoke to The Conversation's Catherine Cruz about accepting public input on how to use millions of dollars in revenue from the new "Green Fee."

Maui has been dealt a bad hand in recent years as the effects of the deadly 2023 wildfires still loom amid other economic concerns. The rebuild efforts are expected to give the island's economy a boost, but it's also facing a tourism slowdown, workforce shortage issues and housing supply scarcity.

Kerry Atwood began his career as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay 38 years ago, not far from where he grew up. For the past nine years, he’s been a lieutenant with Honolulu Ocean Safety. HPR spoke to Atwood as he reflected on his career.

Ohana Rewards is a new interisland initiative for Hawaiʻi residents who are a part of the company’s Rapid Rewards program. Some of the features include quarterly 10% interisland flight discounts, and two free checked bags on neighbor island flights.

Jim McCoy, director of communications at Pacific Historic Parks, spoke to The Conversation about keeping the USS Arizona Memorial and other parks open during the shutdown — thanks to donations from the community.

The HawaiianMiles program has officially ended and has been replaced by Atmos Rewards, the new joint system under Alaska and Hawaiian airlines.

Jason Gamel is with the American Resort Development Association. A recent ARDA report points to the generation of more than $518 million in the state tax coffers. HPR talked to Gamel to learn more.

The 36-acre recreation spot in Kahuku closed in 2023 for infrastructure upgrades. Alan Carpenter, the assistant administrator for the Hawaiʻi State Parks Division, said the old campgrounds and cabins were outdated, rotting — and some parts were illegal.

Jason Gamel, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association, gives a snapshot of the timeshare landscape; Author and illustrator Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson tells her family's story of internment during World War II in her new children's book "Shell Song"

The Trump presidency has been marked by its willingness to break long-standing democratic norms. That can hurt one of Hawaiʻi's economic drivers — tourism.