AGP Executive Report

New Waikiki Lodging: Hilton Grand Vacations opened Ka Haku, a new Hilton Club tower on Kaiulani Avenue, welcoming first guests after years of delays; it adds 205 timeshare units and new amenities as Waikiki gets another major upscale stay option. Tourism Headwinds: A new UH Economic Research Organization forecast says Hawaii’s economy will grow just 0.6% this year after inflation and storm impacts, putting pressure on tighter state budgets for the next Legislature. Safety & Access: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the iconic Holei Sea Arch collapsed into the ocean and warns visitors to stay away from unstable, closed areas. Community Travel Planning: Hawaii County launched a Puna Alternate Route Study survey to gather input on traffic, travel patterns, and emergency access. Ocean Conditions: Kaua‘i is under a Brown Water Advisory—officials urge no swimming and to avoid murky water for 48–72 hours after heavy rain. Air Travel Perks: T-Mobile’s upcoming T-Mix plans reportedly offer 500 Delta SkyMiles monthly per line, a new way to earn miles through phone service. Local News for Visitors: TSA’s “Families on the Fly” adds dedicated security lanes for kids 12 and under at select airports.

Holei Sea Arch Collapse: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the iconic ~550-year-old Holei Sea Arch on the Big Island collapsed into the Pacific, and officials are warning visitors to stay away from unstable cliffs after people were seen entering closed areas. Kaua‘i Brown Water Advisory: The state Department of Health and Ocean Safety Bureau urged no swimming or ocean recreation on Kaua‘i, advising people to avoid brown, cloudy, or murky water for 48–72 hours after heavy rain. Stairway to Heaven Rescue: Three hikers were rescued after getting stranded above the Stairway to Heaven trail; all were hoisted to safety and declined medical care. Hawai‘i Island Traffic Fatality: Police reported a fatal single-vehicle rollover on North Kulani Road, with speed, seat belt use, and alcohol/drugs cited as possible factors. Travel & Airlines: Delta is cutting back its Boston–Honolulu nonstop again, while Delta adds new nonstop service to Flagstaff via Salt Lake City; American also announced cash-plus-miles booking for eligible domestic flights (excluding Hawaii). Tourism Etiquette: A new guide highlights common luau etiquette mistakes mainland visitors make in the first 10 minutes. Weekend Weather (O‘ahu): Honolulu expects mostly sunny skies with trade-wind breezes and only a small chance of showers.

Aviation & Check-In Changes: Hawaiian Airlines is adjusting neighbor island and international travel logistics starting Saturday, including earlier bag drop (50 minutes vs. 30) and moving international check-in to HNL Terminal 2, Lobby 4. Airline Payments: American Airlines will let AAdvantage members mix cash and miles for domestic flights, though Alaska and Hawaii routes are excluded for now. Big Island Tourism Shock: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park says the iconic Holei Sea Arch collapsed into the ocean after centuries, with the exact timing tied to instability and Tropical Storm Nolo swells; the area is now permanently closed. Visitor Safety & Respect: A tourist was filmed entering closed Waianapanapa State Park during Hurricane Nolo, sparking renewed calls for visitors to follow closure signs—especially where cultural sites are involved. Resort Opening: Hilton debuts Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 210-room lifestyle resort overlooking Nāwiliwili Bay. Local Travel Disruption: Kauaʻi residents on the North Shore fear future storm impacts after Hurricane Lowell wiped out a protective sandbar in Wainiha Bay. Road Safety: A bicyclist died after a collision on Sand Island Access Road near Keehi Marina.

Hōlei Sea Arch: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the iconic 90-foot Hōlei Sea Arch on the Big Island collapsed into the Pacific after about 500 years, with the coastline showing instability for years and the park warning visitors to stay away from the former site. Airline Integration & Airport Flow: Starting Saturday, Oct. 3, Hawaiian Airlines international check-in and bag drop move to HNL Terminal 2, Lobby 4, while Neighbor Island check-in stays in Terminal 1; Alaska also begins three daily Honolulu–Kahului 737 flights and Hawaiian asks travelers to arrive 50 minutes early. New Hotel in Waikiki: Hilton Grand Vacations opened Ka Haku, a Hilton Club in Waikiki—its first Hilton Club-branded property in Hawaii—with 205 studios and suites plus curated cultural programming. Premium Travel Push: Alaska Air Group unveiled new premium offerings tied to its Hawaiian integration, including lie-flat suites and a four-class cabin plan rolling out across widebodies and some 737 MAX 10 aircraft. Local Travel Safety: A bicyclist died after a crash on Sand Island Access Road near Keehi Marina; police say speed, drugs, or alcohol don’t appear to be factors. Water Use Alert: South Kohala customers face an immediate water restriction notice amid ongoing well repairs. Tourism-Adjacent Business: DBEDT urges Hawaii small businesses to complete the Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey by Nov. 13.

Hōlei Sea Arch Collapse: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the 90-foot Hōlei Sea Arch fell into the Pacific after Tropical Storm Nolo, with officials warning visitors not to enter closed, cliffside areas. Gift-Card Rules in Hawaii: A Kokua Line explainer says Hawaii’s HRS §481B‑13(c) applies to national chains operating in the state, so customers can demand cash redemption for balances under $5 and file complaints with the Office of Consumer Protection. Tourism Recovery & Access: DLNR reopened select state parks and forest lands after Nolo, but cautions that hazards remain and refunds may be credited for missed camping nights. Hilo Development Watch: The Windward Planning Commission advanced plans for a KBXtreme bowling alley and entertainment complex in Hilo, moving the proposal to the County Council. Hurricane Lowell Aftermath (Kaua‘i): Kaua‘i resort beaches and properties remain heavily damaged, with recovery continuing after storm surge and flooding. Air Travel Business: Reuters reports Alaska Airlines is using Hawaiian-acquired widebodies to expand long-haul from Seattle and compete with Delta for premium international travelers. Local Community Tourism: The North Shore Huakaʻi bus program is extending through year-end, keeping visitors flowing to Waialua and Hale‘iwa while locals recover.

Hawaiʻi Tourism & Travel: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: HTA reappoints its Europe team through 2029, a clear signal the agency is doubling down on long-haul demand. Interisland Logistics: Maui-to-Oʻahu moving costs: Young Brothers’ approved 25.75% rate increase (effective Jan. 1, 2026) is set to make sofa-and-household moves even pricier for families planning an island swap. Cruise Watch: Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: Carnival is reopening West Coast bookings for 2028–2029, including sailings to Hawaiʻi, after Royal Caribbean cut some West Coast options. Weather & Safety: Hurricane impacts: Hurricane Rachel is upgraded to Category 3 off Mexico’s Pacific coast, with life-threatening surf risks—important for travelers planning Pacific beach time. Local Community & Visitor Experience: Molokaʻi planning: DLNR seeks public input on a new Puaʻahala implementation plan (comments due Oct. 16), including potential hiking access permits.

Tourism Watch: Hawaii’s visitor market cooled in August as storms and hurricane threats cut arrivals 5.6% to 772,039, spending 9.7% to $1.59B, and shortened stays to the lowest August level in at least 17 years—raising worries about a weaker start to 2027. Utility & Cost of Living: Public hearings are underway on Hawaiian Electric’s proposed $170M rate increase, with residents across islands saying bills are already rising. REAL ID Headache: Officials say the REAL ID driver’s license scanning problem isn’t solved yet, but expanded TSA testing in Virginia is expected this week after Honolulu checks found some credentials couldn’t be read properly. Kauai Storm Recovery: Kauai communities are still waiting on federal disaster relief after Hurricane Lowell; county updates include debris pickup schedules and open resource centers. Local Life & Travel-Adjacent: The Lotte Championship tees off Thursday at Hoakalei on Oahu, while invasive coqui frog volunteers on Oahu have captured nearly 4,000 by hand. Wildlife Case: A new sea turtle incident in Oman is reviving attention on Hawaii’s ongoing monk seal-related legal case.

LPGA on Oʻahu: The 14th annual Lotte Championship is underway at Hoakalei Country Club with a star-studded field of top women golfers and a $3 million prize on the line, plus local food and spectator-friendly course concessions. Tourism hit by storms: DBEDT reports August 2026 visitor spending fell to $1.59B (-9.7%) and arrivals dropped to 772,039 (-5.6%), with Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke disrupting travel and shortening stays. Ocean safety on Kauaʻi: Multiple brown water advisories are prompting officials to urge residents and visitors to avoid swimming and other ocean recreation, especially after heavy rain, and to use only lifeguarded beaches. Airfare pressure: Hopper says 2026 Thanksgiving and Christmas airfares are at the highest levels in a decade, with travelers increasingly looking at alternatives like Hawaii. Hawaiʻi data access: DBEDT released the 2025 State of Hawaiʻi Data Book, expanding ADA-friendly tables and shifting downloads to Excel. Premium travel upgrades: Alaska and Hawaiian are rolling out new premium experiences and lounges, signaling more upscale options for long-haul travelers.

Airline Premium Upgrades: Alaska and Hawaiian are rolling out bigger premium plans—new lie-flat suites (Aurora/Leihōkū), redesigned A330 cabins, and expanded lounges—aimed at making long-haul and interisland travel feel more “special,” not just pricier. Power & Cost Pressure: Hawaiian Electric is facing fresh scrutiny as the Public Utilities Commission gathers input on a proposed base-rate hike that could add roughly $8–$12 a month for typical Oahu/Hawaii/Maui households in 2027. Tourism Accountability: A jury awarded former HTA executive Isaac Choy $500K+ in a whistleblower retaliation case tied to his unpaid leave and termination. Community Recovery Watch: Kauai is still waiting on federal disaster relief after Hurricane Lowell, while crews clear debris in hard-hit North Shore areas. Safety & Security: Honolulu police arrested a 24-year-old woman in a fatal Kailua Target parking-lot shooting, as Hawaii also faces renewed questions about minors’ access to firearms. What to Do Now: The LPGA Lotte Championship tees off Oct. 1/2 at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, bringing major sports tourism to Oahu.

Air Travel Upgrades: Alaska Airlines is going all-in on premium, rolling out lie-flat “Aurora” suites and a new Premium Reserve cabin, plus bigger lounge plans that include a major new Alaska lounge complex in Seattle and a Hawaiian Airlines lounge in Honolulu opening in 2028. Local Tourism & Safety: Hawaiʻi National Guard crews carried out five high-water rescues during Hurricane Nolo, pulling 19 people to shelter on Hawaiʻi Island. Road & Visitor Disruptions: Honolulu will start emergency drainage repairs on Magellan Ave. Oct. 12, with a 4-month closure between Miller St. and Alapaʻi St. and parking limits at Dole Community Park. Travel-Related Courts: Honolulu immigration court judges are requiring more in-person hearings, raising costs for neighbor-island visitors and attorneys. Maui Traffic Update: Police identified an 18-year-old victim in a fatal Lahaina crash on Honoapiʻilani Highway. Oʻahu Traffic Update: A 57-year-old moped rider died after an Ewa Beach collision; he was not wearing a helmet. Hawaiian Culture & Events: OHCRA says it canceled Nā Wahine O Ke Kai 2026 for safety, while securing canoes ahead of the storm.

Hurricane & Travel Disruption: Hurricane Nolo is passing well west of the main Hawaiian Islands, but its outer bands are forecast to bring 3–6 inches of rain to Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau through Thursday, with flooding and mudslide risk plus dangerous surf on south- and west-facing shores; meanwhile, a Brown Water Advisory is in effect for East Hawai‘i (Hilo Bay to the Hamakua Coast), urging visitors to avoid murky water and freshwater streams for 48–72 hours after rain. Hurricane Watch Beyond Hawai‘i: Hurricane Polo made landfall in Baja California with “life-threatening” winds and flash flooding risk, as Mexico braces and forecasters warn it could also bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of the U.S. Southwest later in the week. Local Visitor Safety: Officials say Nolo-related weather advisories have been discontinued, but marine hazards remain a key concern for beachgoers. Tourism Costs: Hawaii grocery prices are climbing again as fuel and air cargo costs surge, hitting the cost of everyday travel snacks and meals. Family-Friendly Water Safety: Nā Kama Kai is rolling out a mobile pool on O‘ahu’s Westside to expand swim lessons where public pools are scarce, aiming to reduce drowning risk for kids.

Hurricane & Surf Safety: Hawaii is still dealing with rough ocean conditions tied to Hurricane Nolo, with advisories and dangerous shoreline surf prompting extra caution for beachgoers and boaters. Big Island Incident: Four swimmers were airlifted to safety after getting caught in powerful storm surf off Kehena Beach, where no lifeguards were on duty. Road Safety: A Pahoa motorcyclist critically injured in a Sept. 5 crash on Hwy. 137 has died; police say speed, alcohol and/or drugs may have played a role and the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s summit continues low-level activity with intermittent lava fountaining possible, while scientists report no unusual activity outside the summit area. Culture & Travel Rules: Māori taonga carvings made it to France after last-minute CITES permit hurdles, a reminder that international travel for protected materials can be complicated. Tourism Disruption Watch: With storms affecting travel, expect more flight and park closures and plan for changing conditions. Air Travel Pricing: A report flags rising fuel surcharges that could hit transpacific trips, including flights to Honolulu. Space & Hawaii Connection: SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit and splashed down north of Hawaii after controllers cut the test flight short.

Hurricane Nolo Update: As the storm moved away from Hawaiʻi, officials still warned of heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds—plus high wind and surf advisories in parts of the Big Island—while Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened most areas and Haleakalā National Park brought back sunrise reservations and camping. Travel Disruption Watch: With Nolo’s outer bands lingering, visitors were urged to follow posted trail closures and check park alerts before heading out. Local Air Travel Perk: Hawaiian Airlines expanded its Huaka‘i by Hawaiian (Atmos Rewards) kamaʻāina benefits, adding free checked bags, Foodland bonus points, and discounted local experiences. Tourism Policy & Accountability: A First Circuit jury is set to continue deliberations in the trial over former Hawai‘i Tourism Authority exec Isaac Choy’s firing, with claims of whistleblower retaliation versus alleged workplace misconduct. Safety & Community: Honolulu police arrested three teens after Waikīkī gunfire near late-night crowds, with charges including reckless endangering. Global Travel Links: Philippine Airlines announced new Delhi–Manila and Mumbai–Manila services starting December 2026.

Hurricane Nolo Update: The storm is moving away but Hawaii still faces life-threatening flooding, dangerous winds, and extreme surf, with a high wind warning and high surf advisory lingering for parts of the Big Island and Maui through Sunday evening. Air Travel Disruption: Hawaiian Airlines says seven flight attendants were sickened by a mystery odor on an L.A.-to-Honolulu flight; the A330 returned to service about 10 hours later. Local Travel Safety: Officials urged people to avoid nonessential travel on Hana Highway as conditions shift. Big Island Weather Watch: Forecasts warn Nolo’s outer bands could bring up to ~20 inches of rain in some areas, with mudslide risk. Tourism Spotlight: Maui’s Kā‘anapali Golf Courses was named 2026 Best Golf Course on Maui in a local viewers’ choice vote. Business & Costs: AAA reports gas prices hit record highs nationally, a reminder that travel costs can spike fast during storm-heavy weeks.

Hurricane Nolo Update (Hawaii travel impact): Nolo skirted the islands but still threatens flash flooding, dangerous winds, and extreme surf, with the Big Island seeing heavy rain and road closures plus shelters on standby; Maui remains under tropical storm watch/flood watch/high surf advisory, and officials urge visitors and residents to avoid nonessential travel (including Hana Highway) and secure loose items. Big Island Flood Advisory Extended: A flood advisory for the southeast slopes was extended again, with Highway 11 still closed in parts due to flooding and rain rates continuing. Maui Brush Fire Disruptions: An Olowalu brush fire triggered evacuations and a Honoapiʻilani Highway closure before reopening late night; the fire burned 100+ acres and was about 40% contained, with power de-energized for hundreds. Kauai Beach Access Returns: The Kaumūmene Trail reopened, bringing back access to Hideaways Beach after months of repairs. Tourism Community Spotlight: World Tourism Day launched a new global website with an events directory to connect celebrations worldwide. Local Infrastructure: Honolulu broke ground on a new Kahuku EMS station slated for completion in late 2028. Health & Travel Convenience: Hawaii pharmacies are offering COVID vaccines amid an uptick in cases.

Hurricane Nolo: Hawaii is bracing for strong winds, heavy rain, flooding risk and dangerous surf as the storm tracks south of the islands. Maui County remains under Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch and High Surf Advisory, with shelters on standby and officials urging residents to secure loose items and stay alert for changing conditions. Travel disruption: Nolo has already forced flight cancellations, including 21 Hilo flights canceled as impacts grow, and Hawaii Hilo women’s volleyball and other weekend events were postponed/canceled for safety. Power and closures: Hawaiian Electric is monitoring for outages, parts of Kohala Mountain Road closed due to high winds, and state parks/trails/camping are closing on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Molokaʻi. Broader Pacific storm picture: Mexico is preparing for Hurricane Polo, while a nor’easter continues to batter the U.S. East Coast, adding to travel headaches nationwide. Tourism economy: UHERO warns storms and high fuel costs are weighing on Hawaii’s growth, with visitor arrivals expected to rise on Maui but soften statewide. Local help: Kauaʻi residents can use Honolulu’s online portal for replacement driver’s licenses after a fire disrupted Kauaʻi DMV services.