MAUI — While Canadian visitation to Hawaii has declined, the 50th state has fared better than the continental U.S., a difference many tourism experts attribute to Hawaii’s unique appeal.

While Canadian travel to the continental U.S. is down 20-25% amid crossborder tensions, travel to Hawaii fell only 11.6% in 2025, according to data from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

In Kauai, for instance, visits from Canadians numbered 43,222 for 2025, down slightly from the year previously at 46,091. And in Maui in 2025 there were 155,324 Canadians who visited, down from 166,125 in 2024.

Canada is the second-largest international market for the Hawaiian Islands and has an important relationship with Hawai’i, especially the western provinces of B.C. and Alberta, according to a report by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.

Canadian travel advisors take a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour of Kauai on a recent FAM

Possible reasons for the drop in Canadian visitation include a boycott by some Canadians in response to U.S. President Donald Trump introducing trade tariffs and threatening Canada’s sovereignty, but other factors include environmental concerns from the two KONA low storms that brought heavy, flooding rains to some parts of the Hawaiian Islands in March, and a perception by some after the 2023 tragic Lahaina fire that Maui was closed.

“We’ve gone through a lot. First COVID, then the fire, then they hear Maui is under flood waters because of all the heavy rains,” said Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. “But the storm is over and the positive is everything is so green and lush looking right now. It’s ready for everyone to come back and enjoy that beauty.”

Regarding the Lahaina fires, Duong said the town is starting to rebuild residences and the port has now reopened. However, she said, it could be another five to seven years before the town’s downtown is rebuilt.

“The town is still closed and there will be a discussion for the community to have as to what they see is their vision to having it rebuilt. For now, many of the businesses that were there have relocated to other parts of the island.”

Kauai Visitors Bureau island director Samira Siale said winter continues to be the most popular time for Canadians to visit Hawaii as a “winter getaway.”

“It’s a very cultural place, even though it’s part of the United States it’s very enriched with culture. You can come and experience something completely different,” said Siale, adding unlike some places in the U.S.,Hawaii is considered a safe destination for visitors.

This sentiment was echoed by Koy Collier, a sales executive with the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

“We know Canadian travel is down and this (the spring) is an off period for Canadian travellers, but we are hoping they will come back in high numbers. Obviously, we are safe and we welcome Canadian travellers,” she said.

Hawaii seems to be sheltered by the same kind of impact other states are experiencing because it’s an island and safe for travellers, said Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s director of sales and marketing, Sam Spurrier.

Hana, Maui (credit HTA and Tommy Lundberg)

“Yes, the geopolitical situation and conflict in Iran created uncertainty but if they could get on an airplane that was already booked and they were going to a safe destination it didn’t stop people from travelling,” he said.

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort has experienced “a small decline in Canadian visitation,” said Ana Macario, Waimea Canyon director of leisure sales. She attributes the drop to the “current political climate” but she also agrees there’s something about Hawaii that keeps most visitors coming back.

“Hawaii sets itself apart from the other states. We value the environment, are family oriented and want to make memorable experiences for our guests while they are here.”

Travelweek joined a week-long Maui and Kauai FAM trip, hosted by Hawai’i Tourism Canada (represented in Canada by VoX International), with a group of Western Canada-based travel advisors. For trade resources, the Hawaii Destination Specialist program and more check out agents.GoHawaii.com.

Lead image caption: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (credit Kim Pemberton); Chef Sheldon Simeon at his restaurant Tin Roof in Kahului, Maui (credit HTA and AJ Feducia); Waimea Canyon lookout, Kauai