Canadians are increasingly canceling their Hawaii trips due to tensions with the U.S. presidential administration, raising concerns over the state’s tourism economy.
Canadians are increasingly abandoning their travel plans to Hawaii, a shift that has raised alarms among the state’s tourism officials. As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Canada, primarily driven by the policies of the new presidential administration, the Hawaiian tourism sector is bracing for a potential financial setback.
According to Hawaii News Now, concerns have been mounting among state tourism leaders who fear that the current trend of Canadian cancellations could severely impact Hawaii’s economy. A Canadian couple at Kahului Airport, interviewed by the outlet, shared their personal experience of facing backlash from fellow Canadians for not canceling their Maui trip.
Hawaii Tourism Canada, in a recent presentation during the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s spring update, confirmed the growing unease among Canadians about their country’s relationship with the U.S. This unease stems from President Trump’s controversial policies, which include imposing tariffs on Canada and suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. These political shifts have triggered a backlash, and many Canadians are now choosing to redirect their travel dollars elsewhere.
A wave of nationalism has gripped Canada, with “Buy Canada” campaigns gaining momentum across the country. Political figures in Canada have been vocal in advising citizens to steer clear of U.S. travel, further intensifying the growing discontent. These developments have directly affected Hawaii, a popular destination for Canadians, and tourism officials are now closely monitoring the situation, especially as the spring season approaches.
In January alone, approximately 54,000 Canadians visited Hawaii. However, tourism experts are deeply concerned about how these numbers will fare in the coming months, given the current political climate and the rising anti-U.S. sentiment. With travel cancellations on the rise, the stakes are high for Hawaii’s economy, which relies heavily on international tourism.
Despite these efforts, the damage may already be done. Hawaii’s Governor’s office has received a growing number of emails from Canadians confirming their intention to cancel U.S. travel plans. In response, the office issued a statement underscoring the strong historical ties between Hawaii and Canada. “Governor Green and the people of Hawaii deeply value the enduring friendship with Canada, a bond forged over generations of shared experiences,” the statement read.
This fallout comes on the heels of a report by Tourism Economics, which highlighted the risks posed to the U.S. travel industry by the current global trade disputes. The Oxford Economics
