Honolulu’s Hotel Industry Contributes $12B to Economy: A Recent Report Unveils
A recent economic impact report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance has revealed that the hotel industry in Honolulu generated a whopping $12 billion in economic activity in 2025, thereby supporting 63,912 jobs across the island.
The study, conducted by Oxford Economics, indicates that hotel operations directly employed 18,088 workers, contributing $1.4 billion in annual wages. Furthermore, the industry generates substantial tax revenue, totaling $1.9 billion annually. This includes:
- $830.9 million in federal taxes
- $722.2 million in state taxes
- $329.9 million in local taxes
Hotel guests reportedly spend $6.5 billion each year in Honolulu, averaging $760 per room night on lodging, dining, retail, and activities. This spending creates a ripple effect that benefits local restaurants, farmers, shops, and entertainment venues across the community.
Currently, Honolulu boasts 29,112 hotel guest rooms across 93 properties, with nearly 8.6 million room nights sold annually. Looking ahead, 997 new hotel rooms are currently under development, positioning the industry for continued growth.
AHLA President Rosanna Maietta emphasized that Honolulu’s hotels are “centers of opportunity” that create solid-paying jobs, support small businesses, and deliver essential tax revenue benefiting all Hawaii residents.