Originally Posted by
4BandE
Overall hotel occupancy is up, but I'm seeing more foreign travelers there, which is what is keeping the Hawaii economy afloat as opposed to coming from our own US dollars.
Has always been a lot of Japanese travelers to Hawaii, and the drop in numbers due to the earthquake/tsunami ended up being less than expected. At the same time, Hawaii is directly benefiting from rise in U.S. visitors as well due to worries about Mexico violence.
On the Hawaii economy, it's an expensive state to live, which is not the same as being a rich state. Most folks are poor or middle-class, while prices of homes, gasoline, groceries are among highest in the country, making it very difficult to live affordably.