Hawaii CVB Launches Campaign to Counteract $300 Million in Tourism Losses

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau has launched a $2 million marketing campaign, funded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, to counteract travel cancellations in the wake of the severe storms that caused devastating flooding in parts of state. The two March “kona low” storms, which affected Oahu’s North Shore, West Maui, Molokai and the island of Hawaii, saw the state lose $300 million in tourism revenue with drops in visitor arrivals and spending. According to Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the storm caused numerous flight delays and cancellations, trip disruptions and the temporary closure of many visitor attractions. 

While figures for losses and cancellations from the meetings market were not available at press time, Northstar/Cvent’s Spring 2026 Incentive PULSE Survey revealed a slight drop in incentive bookings for Hawaii compared with figures from 2025; the current survey was fielded in April, one month after the floods.

On March 31, one week after the storms stopped, Northstar Meetings Group’s sister publication TravelAge West reported that Hawaii was “open and operational.” It also reported that The Ritz-Carlton, Turtle Bay — one of the major meeting and incentive properties on Oahu’s hard-hit North Shore — had suffered no damage from the flooding.

A statement from the HVCB states that "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."

"This campaign is designed to drive immediate economic activity in support of local businesses and jobs across Hawaii, while also reinforcing the kind of visitor engagement that creates lasting connection," said Dr. Aaron J. Salā, president and CEO of the HVCB. 

Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of HTA, stated that "while conditions across much of Hawaii have returned to normal, some travelers may still have questions following the storms, and that uncertainty continues to affect local businesses. 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."