For decades, Maui tourism has been the driving force of its economy. For some residents, this leads to an inevitable love-hate relationship with Maui tourism, but the facts are indisputable. The benefits far outweigh potential negatives. Keep reading as we explore a few ways tourism benefits Maui’s economy.

Maui Tourism Stimulates Economic Activity

Tourism drives almost 80% of Maui’s economy. From hotels, rental cars, airports, restaurants and tours, close to 70% of every dollar spent in Maui is attributed to the tourism sector, according to the Maui Economic Development Board.

Maui Tourism Contributes to Private Sector Jobs

Maui tourism = jobs. A few examples of the jobs created are listed below.

• Restaurants (cooks, servers, bartenders, hosts, managers)

• Hotel Employees (front desk staff, groundskeeping, pool maintenance, reservationists, concierges, housekeepers, maintenance workers, sundry shops, spas & more)

• Activity & Tour Providers (luaus, ocean activities, hike guides, agri-tourism, sightseeing tours, bike adventures, surfing instructors & more)

• Travel Agencies

• Rental Car Companies (front counter staff, car washers, mechanics)

• Airports (all the many workers and stores that provide services at airports)

• Rideshare & Taxi Drivers

• Small Businesses (food trucks, boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops & more)

Each one of these tourism-driven jobs represents a family’s income. If the jobs created from Maui tourism drops, this has a trickle-down effect on non-tourism related jobs too. People can’t put money they don’t have back into the local economy.

Strengthens Infrastructure

Tourism demand creates an extra incentive for local government to strengthen infrastructure. This translates to better roads, trails, internet service, landscaping, airports and more. This creates revenue which helps pay for many of these upgrades.

Creates Respect and Preservation of Cultural Practices

When visitors come to Maui, they are introduced to many fascinating aspects of the Hawaiian culture. Ideally, this generates respect and interest to learn more. This can incentivize people to become more involved in the preservation and conservation of their culture, ensuring future generations will carry on sacred traditions of Hawaiian culture.

There will always be a debate about the benefits and need for tourism, but the facts are clear: it greatly stimulates its economy. As a visitor, you have the unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Maui, have a world-class vacation experience, stimulate Maui’s economy and show respect and kindness to the Maui residents who open their island to the millions of visitors each year!