AGP Executive Report

Park Access: Hāʻena State Park reopened Oct. 15 after storm repairs, with day hikes and shuttle service back. Camping and Kalalau Trail access beyond the two-mile point remain closed. Visitor Health: Hawaiʻi health officials reported the state’s ninth travel-related dengue case of 2026. Travel Costs: Hawaiʻi’s holiday travel outlook is looking pricey, with higher airfares adding pressure for visitors planning year-end trips. Wildlife Protection: The trial of a tourist accused of throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal was postponed to Jan. 19, 2027, as his defense seeks airline records about wildlife warnings.

Visitor Access: Hā‘ena State Park reopens Thursday, with shuttle service and day hikes resuming after storm repairs. Overnight camping and the Kalalau Trail beyond two miles remain closed. Honolulu Landmark: Aloha Tower’s observation deck reopens for its centennial after an $8.5 million renovation, with public celebrations Thursday and Friday. Travel Health: Hawai‘i has reported its ninth travel-related dengue case this year, in a person who returned to O‘ahu; health officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents and visitors to remove standing water. Beach Preservation: Hawai‘i County reached a tentative deal to buy Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park and preserve public access, but the park remains closed until the purchase is finalized or a temporary lease is arranged. Holiday Costs: Hawai‘i’s holiday travel outlook is clouded by high costs, with travelers also facing rising airfares.

Holiday Travel: Hawaiʻi’s holiday outlook is strained by high costs, while airfares are rising as the busy season approaches. Air Access: Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal opened Oct. 13. Southwest says its ability to fly larger planes could create room for additional Honolulu service. Visitor Safety: Two teens were airlifted after spending 30 hours lost on Oʻahu’s Pupukea Summit Trail. On the Big Island, more than 200 earthquakes prompted closures of popular Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park trails. Wildlife Etiquette: A tourist charged in an alleged attack on a protected monk seal is seeking records on whether Delta warned passengers about Hawaiʻi’s wildlife rules. The case highlights the importance of keeping distance from native animals. Coastal Stewardship: State hearings set for Oct. 28 through Nov. 19 will gather public input on proposed conservation-land rules, including changes addressing coastal hazards, erosion and shoreline hardening.

Holiday Travel: Hawaii’s festive-season outlook is softening, with some hotels reporting bookings about 15% behind last year’s pace. High airfares and vacation costs are weighing on demand, with concerns extending into early 2027. Trail and Park Safety: Two teens lost on Pupukea Summit Trail were rescued after 30 hours, while Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed popular trails after more than 200 earthquakes near the volcano. A visitor was also airlifted from Maui’s Pipiwai Trail after a fall. Island Conditions: Trade winds are expected to strengthen later this week, with showers favoring windward and mountain areas and north-shore surf rising toward seasonal levels.

Lanai Spotlight: The Four Seasons Lanai hosted a star-studded wedding over the weekend, with Tobey Maguire officiating Jennifer Meyer and Geoff Ogunlesi’s ceremony. Hiking Safety: Honolulu firefighters airlifted two teens from Oahu’s Pupukea Summit Trail after they spent more than 30 hours lost; on Maui, a visitor was also airlifted after a fall on Pipiwai Trail. Volcano Access: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed popular trails after more than 200 earthquakes near the volcano, so check for updates before heading out. Travel Health: Hawaiʻi reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026, a reminder for visitors to guard against mosquito bites. Island Connections: Matson christened Makua, the first of three new containerships planned for service on its Hawaiʻi routes, with the vessel expected to enter service in 2027. Tourism Outreach: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting local businesses and community groups to learn how to connect with visitors.

Lanai Spotlight: Jennifer Meyer and Geoffrey Ogunlesi married at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, with Tobey Maguire officiating and a star-studded guest list in attendance. Visitor Safety: Honolulu’s City Council approved sharply higher fines for illegal peddling, citing aggressive sales tactics, overcharging and scams in tourist areas including Waikīkī. Park Access: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed popular trails after more than 200 earthquakes near the volcano, affecting visitors’ plans. Coastal Protection: A pilot artificial reef is being installed near Kalaeloa Harbor to reduce wave energy and erosion while creating habitat for coral and fish. Island Sports: Tahiti’s Team OPT defended its Molokai Hoe title, beating 103 crews in the 41-mile race to Waikīkī.

Volcano Access: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has closed Halemaʻumaʻu and part of Uēaloha trails after more than 200 shallow earthquakes near Kīlauea; check park alerts before visiting. Kona Events: Rain eased in time for the Ironman World Championship, which drew more than 2,500 athletes from about 85 countries to Kona. Hiking Safety: A visitor was airlifted from Maui’s Pipiwai Trail after a head injury, a reminder to prepare for challenging routes. Health Alert: Hawaiʻi has reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026, on Oʻahu; health officials urge visitors to prevent mosquito bites. Plan Ahead: Pearl Harbor’s 85th anniversary commemoration is set for Dec. 6–8, with a public dawn ceremony on Dec. 7.

Kona’s Big Weekend: More than 2,500 athletes gathered for the Ironman World Championship, with rain clearing by midmorning and crowds filling Kailua Village. Trail Safety: A 33-year-old visitor was airlifted after a head injury on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail; heightened Kīlauea activity has also prompted trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Check conditions before heading out. Storm Recovery: Hurricane Lowell pushed sand into Kauaʻi’s Salt Pond Beach Park and traditional salt beds; volunteers are clearing damage, with more workdays planned. Visitor Health: Hawaiʻi has reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026. Tourism Outlook: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting local businesses and community groups to learn how to reach visitors, as industry leaders point to pressure on the state’s tourism business.

Trail Safety: A 33-year-old visitor was airlifted to hospital after a head injury on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail; crews found him off the path and carried him out. Volcano Access: Kīlauea activity has prompted immediate trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, so visitors should check conditions before heading out. Visitor Health: Hawaiʻi has reported its eighth travel-related dengue case this year, a reminder to take mosquito precautions. Tourism Industry: Rising travel costs are adding pressure to Hawaiʻi’s tourism business, while the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is offering workshops to help local businesses and cultural groups reach visitors. Air Travel: Honolulu is now Alaska Air Group’s second-largest hub after its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition, strengthening the islands’ links to the carrier’s broader network.

Trail Safety: A visiting hiker was rescued after falling and hitting his head on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail; firefighters and EMS carried him out before he was flown to Maui Memorial. Health Alert: Hawaiʻi’s eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026 was reported on Oʻahu. The visitor had recently returned from a region where dengue is common; officials say local transmission risk is low. Park Access: Increased Kīlauea activity has prompted trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Check current park alerts before setting out. Tourism Outlook: Hawaiʻi hotels are facing soft bookings after a slow summer, with October and November also looking weak. Hotel Alliance president Jerry Gibson says hotels may need more competitive pricing as high airfares and storm damage weigh on travel. 2027 Visitor Draw: Kapalua will host the LPGA LOTTE Championship next year, adding a major sports event to Maui’s calendar. Cultural Heritage: Kauaʻi’s Hanapepe salt makers are seeking community help to restore their harvest site after Hurricane Lowell’s storm surge reshaped the dunes and salt beds.

Volcano Access: Renewed Kīlauea activity has forced immediate trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail. Check park alerts before visiting. Traveler Health: Hawaiʻi’s eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026 was reported on Oʻahu. Health officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to remove standing water. Kauaʻi Recovery: Hurricane Lowell damaged the dunes protecting Hanapēpē’s ancient salt ponds, while residents continue recovery efforts across the islands. Hotel News: Hilton has opened its first Curio Collection resort in Hawaiʻi on Kauaʻi. Maui Events: The Aloha Classic returns to Hookipa Beach Park Oct. 19–30, bringing top windsurfers and expanded youth divisions. Tourism Costs: Rising travel expenses are adding pressure to Hawaiʻi’s already strained tourism industry, as both visitors and local residents face high costs.

Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations will cover 75% of eligible recovery costs after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, as Kauaʻi residents continue clearing roads and repairing homes. The storms caused widespread outages and damage, so visitors should check local conditions before traveling to affected areas. Park and Road Alerts: Increased Kīlauea activity has temporarily closed 1.3 miles of trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Heavy rain also flooded Kamehameha Highway near Sunset Beach, though the road remained open. Portuguese man-of-war warnings are posted along Waikīkī. Travel Outlook: Hawaiʻi’s tourism outlook remains pressured by rising travel costs, storm impacts and visitors shortening their stays, according to UHERO. Hawaiian Airlines has moved Honolulu check-in for Pago Pago flights to Terminal 2. Coming Attractions: The LPGA’s Lotte Championship moves to Kapalua in 2027, bringing another major sporting event to Maui. Kauaʻi has also welcomed its first Curio Collection resort.

Weather and Safety: Heavy rain triggered a flash-flood warning on Oʻahu, with water flowing over Kamehameha Highway between Turtle Bay and Sharks Cove. Waikīkī beachgoers should also watch for Portuguese man-of-wars near lifeguard towers 2A and 2E; signs are posted, and lifeguards can assist with stings. October Events: Halloween fun is underway statewide, including the Haunted Plantation on Oʻahu through Oct. 31 and a family-friendly after-hours event at Waikīkī Aquarium on Oct. 10. Maui Arts: The Wailuku Film Festival will return in June 2027 with expanded categories; its first year drew more than 5,300 attendees and screened over 100 films. Island Attractions: A famous sea arch at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the ocean after rough weather. Check park updates before visiting.

Storm Damage: Hurricane Lowell destroyed protective dunes at Hanapepe’s ancient salt ponds, pushing sand into salt-making areas. Crews are rebuilding the berm, but the damage is still being assessed. Visitor Safety: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge amid increased summit earthquakes and rockfall risk. Golf Tourism: The LPGA’s 2027 schedule brings two consecutive weeks to Hawaiʻi: the new Nanea Cup on the Big Island, followed by the Lotte Championship at Kapalua. The season features a record $147 million purse and more efficient travel. Travel Logistics: Hawaiian Airlines has moved Honolulu check-in for Pago Pago flights to Terminal 2. Island Attractions: Hōlei Sea Arch at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park collapsed into the Pacific after storms; visitors should heed warnings about unstable cliffs. Hotels: Kauaʻi’s first Hilton Curio Collection resort has opened, with a 25% launch offer.

LPGA Comes to Hawaiʻi: The tour’s 2027 schedule brings two events to the islands: a new $4 million Nanea Cup on the Big Island, followed by a stop at Kapalua’s Plantation course. The 33-event season offers a record $147 million in prize money. New Kauaʻi Stay: Hilton has opened Hale Hōkūala, the first Curio Collection resort in Hawaiʻi, adding a new option for visitors to Kauaʻi. Airport Changes: Hawaiian Airlines’ international departures from Honolulu now check in at Terminal 2, while neighbor-island travelers should allow extra time for a new 50-minute check-in cutoff. Landmark and Trail Alerts: Hōlei Sea Arch at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the ocean. Most state parks have reopened after Hurricane Nolo, but some trails remain closed; check conditions before heading out.

Visitor Costs: Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry is facing headwinds as airfare prices rose 23% year over year in August. Recent state figures show visitor numbers and spending down from 2025, while storm uncertainty is making travelers hesitant to book. Vacation Rentals: Hawaiʻi County Bill 147, which would adjust rules for vacation rentals, advanced from committee with a negative recommendation. New registration and fee requirements are already in effect, and some residents worry the bill could make it harder to earn income by renting part of their homes. Visitor Attractions: Hōlei Sea Arch, a famed landmark in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, collapsed into the ocean after rough weather. Officials have warned of unstable cliffs nearby. New Stay: Kauaʻi has welcomed Hale Hōkūala, Hilton’s first Curio Collection resort in Hawaiʻi. Oʻahu Development: Honolulu says a Laie zip-line project began without required permits, drawing criticism from residents concerned about land and mountain impacts. The company says the project would create local jobs and support agriculture.