Canada Pulls Back From Hawaii In Response To U.S. Political Tensions, Tourism Officials Call For New Marketing Strategies

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Canadians are increasingly canceling their trips to Hawaii, citing concerns over the U.S. presidential administration’s policies, according to officials from the state’s tourism sector.

This growing trend has sparked fears among Hawaii’s tourism leaders, who warn that if it continues, the state’s economy could suffer a serious blow. A recent report highlights that industry insiders are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about a potential dip in tourism from Canada, which has long been a major source of visitors.

At Kahului Airport, a Canadian couple shared their frustration with reporters, explaining that they were facing significant pressure back home in Canada for not canceling their trip to Maui. The couple expressed that many Canadians are distancing themselves from the U.S. due to political tensions, noting that the sentiment that “Canadians are no longer supporting the U.S.” is growing stronger.

During the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual spring update, officials noted that “Canadians are on edge” in light of the current geopolitical climate. This anxiety stems largely from the U.S. administration’s trade policies, particularly the tariffs imposed on Canada, a key ally, and President Trump’s controversial remarks about turning Canada into the 51st state.

In Canada, this has fueled a surge in national pride, with many Canadians choosing to support their own country over traveling to the U.S. “Buy Canada” signs are becoming increasingly visible across the nation, and Canadian politicians are advising their citizens to reconsider trips to the U.S.

In January, approximately 54,000 Canadians visited Hawaii. However, tourism officials are now uncertain how this number will change as spring approaches, given the current climate.

To combat this downturn, Hawaii’s tourism authorities are highlighting the state’s unique cultural offerings to distinguish it from other U.S. destinations. “Hawaii’s history, with its monarchical roots and rich Native Hawaiian culture, has always been an attraction for Canadians,” said Mufi Hannemann, chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

This shift in travel patterns comes as a wider report from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, warned of serious repercussions for the U.S. travel industry. The report indicated that escalating trade tensions and political uncertainty could lead to sharp declines in travel demand, further harming the U.S. economy, including the tourism sector.

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