Hawaii Tourism Industry Faces Devastating Fallout As Canadian Cancellations Soar

Published on March 22, 2025

Tourism officials in Hawaii report that Canadian travelers are canceling their trips to the state, citing the policies of the new U.S. presidential administration.

Concerns are rising among Hawaii’s tourism leaders that if this trend persists, the state could face a major economic downturn.

In a recent presentation at the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual spring update, Hawaii Tourism Canada highlighted growing concerns among Canadian travelers. Officials noted that Canadians are feeling increasingly uneasy about their relationship with the U.S.

The apprehension was largely attributed to President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada, a long-time U.S. ally. Officials also pointed to Trump’s remarks about potentially making Canada the 51st state, fueling further concern among Canadians.

A rising wave of patriotism in Canada has led to an increase in “Buy Canada” campaigns, with Canadian political leaders encouraging citizens to reconsider U.S. travel.

In January, around 54,000 Canadians visited Hawaii, but with the changing sentiment, tourism leaders are uncertain about the impact on visitor numbers this spring.

In response to these challenges, Hawaii’s tourism officials are ramping up marketing efforts aimed at differentiating the state from the rest of the U.S.