The enduring presence of Japanese visitors has long defined Hawaii's tourism scene. From the vibrant streets of Waikiki to poignant moments at Pearl Harbor, their influence permeates every facet of the islands' cultural tapestry. Yet, the seismic disruptions wrought by the pandemic have cast a shadow over this longstanding relationship, with profound implications for Hawaii's economy and identity.

In 2019, over 1.5 million Japanese travelers graced Hawaii's shores, their influx a cornerstone of the islands' tourism sector. However, the onset of the pandemic precipitated a precipitous decline, with arrivals plummeting to a mere 24,232 in 2021. While a tentative rebound saw Japanese arrivals reach 572,979 last year, the figures still languish at around 60% of pre-pandemic levels as of the first quarter of 2024.