Select News Stories from Jan 2023
Hawaii sees recovery in tourist numbers and spending in November 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic
According to preliminary statistics from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii saw a 90.9% recovery in visitors in November 2022 compared to the same month in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui was much closer to full recovery, with visitor spending up 15% at $435.2 million compared to $377.9 million in November 2019. Total visitor spending on the island increased 11.2% in the first 11 months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2019. Visitors to the islands of Hawaii and Kauai were down in November 2022, but spending was up. Overall, visitors spent $1.52 billion in Hawaii in November 2022, an increase of 13.7% compared to the $1.34 billion reported for November 2019. Read more about the funds.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center to host ‘Ike Kanaka, an invitational exhibition of new works by ‘Oiwi artists from Hawaii and the Mainland
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery will host an exhibition called ‘Ike Kanaka from January 17 to March 18, featuring new works by ten ‘Oiwi artists from Hawaii and the Mainland. The free exhibit will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday through Saturday and is planned to reflect indigenous ideas and the cultural issues that Hawaiians face today, according to gallery director Neida Bangerter. The exhibition will include many different art forms, such as multidimensional installations, hand-made objects, print-based works, oil paintings, illustrations, murals, and game designs. Some artists will showcase traditional Hawaiian art such as Lauhala weaving, ‘ohe kapala printing, pohaku stone carving, and many more. On January 15, families are invited to visit the gallery for a free pre-opening event and a chance to meet the artists. Learn more about the exhibit.
The Doobie Brothers to perform on Maui as part of their historic 50th Anniversary Tour
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center will host a concert by the Doobie Brothers on May 2 in the A&B Amphitheater & Yokouchi Pavilion as part of their historic 50th Anniversary Tour. Tickets will go on sale online only, first to MACC members on Tuesday and then to the general public on Friday. The Doobie Brothers have been performing guitar-driven rock and roll for over five decades, selling more than 48 million albums and winning four GRAMMY Awards. Ticket prices range from $69.50 to $149.50, and a limited number of $149.50 Gold Circle seats will be available, which include access to exclusive Yokouchi Pavilion bars and restrooms. Gates open at 5 pm, and the concert starts at 6:30 pm. Purchase tickets at: MauiArts.org
Hawaii State Lawmaker Proposes Sportsbook and Card Room on Oahu to keep local money in the local economy
State lawmaker Rep. John Mizuno announced plans to bring a single, stand-alone sportsbook and card room to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. With the support of local gaming advocates, the bill would allow a 10-year license to the facility, which would be physical only and would not be linked to any virtual participation. If passed, the law will open doors for Hawaii to keep the money of local residents in the local economy instead of in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is not the first time such a bill has been proposed, and it will likely face opposition from the visitor industry and concerns over the social impact of gambling. Still, Mizuno and local senator Gil Keith-Agaran believes it is worth discussing. Learn more about the bill.
Great Whale Count and Sanctuary Ocean Count are Scheduled for January, February, and March in Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island
Annual efforts to count humpback whales from Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii island shorelines are scheduled for January 28, February 25, and March 25. The Great Whale Count on Maui and the Sanctuary Ocean Count on Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Islands are conducted on the same days to collect whale data simultaneously across the state. Volunteers must register in advance, and participation is limited for each counting site. During the whale counts, site leaders and volunteers tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity across the state. Learn more about participation in the count at: www.pacificwhale.org/research/community-science/great-whale-count/
Note: Parts of this post were written using ChatGPT, stories gathered from Maui News.
Central Maui Market Update
We offer many educational resources so that you can stay up-to-date with Maui Real Estate. If you are considering buying or selling in Wailuku and Kahului, take a look at the following Central Maui market report.