Despite the expected drop in the number of visitors from Japan for the month of April, Hawaii hotels saw a surprising increase in occupancy. Although arrivals from Japan fell by 23.5 percent, year-over-year, arrivals from the western U.S. climbed 10 percent and arrivals from Canada jumped 33.7 percent.

According to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors, Hawaii’s hotel occupancy rate was 68.5 percent, which is still 3.2 percent higher than the same month last year. The average room rate was up 8.5 percent to $191.26.

As for the breakdown by island, Oahu’s occupancy rate was 74 percent, which was 4.4 percent higher than the same month last year. Room rates were 12.2 percent higher.

Maui’s occupancy rate was 69.2 percent up in April, and that is 2.5 percent higher than the same month last year. Room rates rose by 13.2 percent to $259.30.

Kauai’s occupancy was up 3.4 percent to 57.8 percent occupancy, and room rates rose by 9.2 percent to $207.01. Interestingly, the Big Island’s occupancy was the same as it was in April last year, at an occupancy of just 54.6 percent, which is probably due in part to the closure of their Four Seasons Resort Hualalai for tsunami damage repairs, and because of the Kona Village Resort, which is closed. Unlike the other islands, their room rates fell by 13.9 percent to $172.16.

The most telling piece of information pertaining to our visitor arrivals and the success of our hotels and vacation rentals is the boost in arrivals from Canada and the U.S. western region. Not only did it climb to unexpected levels, but it did so enough to offset the fall in arrivals from Japan. This is especially encouraging for those who are thinking about buying a second home on Maui, or a Maui condo, and using it as a vacation rental at least part of the time to earn some extra income, which would allow the property to help pay for itself. If you need assistance with any such undertaking, you will find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!