UHERO: ‘Resilient’ US Economy, Return Of Tourists Bolster Hawaii’s Outlook

The state economy’s pandemic recovery is largely complete, but growth is expected to slow in the near term and Maui has “a long road ahead” after the wildfires.

A strong national economic picture is helping sustain Hawaii’s economy in the first quarter of the year, according to a report released Friday.

The U. S. economy is off to a positive start in 2024, thanks to substantial consumer spending, healthy job markets and progress on curbing inflation. That means the nation is likely heading for a soft landing rather than a recession, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

Locally, UHERO said the islands have also benefited from a gradual return of international visitors, notably from Canada and Japan.

Still, while Hawaii’s economy has mostly recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, the state will continue to be challenged…

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