Part 6/11:
The economic significance of short-term rentals cannot be overlooked. On Hawaii Island, such rentals generate approximately $710 million annually in lodging revenue, with visitors spending an additional $565–$862 million outside accommodations on food, transportation, and activities. Visitors in short-term rentals tend to spend more within the community, supporting local businesses more robustly than hotel guests, who often confine their spending to the hotel premises.
Furthermore, nearly a quarter (24%) of visitors report they would avoid Maui altogether if short-term rentals were no longer available, leading to reduced tourism and tax revenues.