New numbers just released show how much damage was left by Hurricane Lala. Rescuers are searching for at least one survivor after deadly flooding in the Grand Canyon. Plus, the storms forced a cleanup mission in the northwest Hawaiian islands to lose valuable days dodging the cyclone.

New numbers just released show how much damage was left by Hurricane Lala. Rescuers are searching for at least one survivor after deadly flooding in the Grand Canyon. Plus, the storms forced a cleanup mission in the northwest Hawaiian islands to lose valuable days dodging the cyclone.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news. Hawaii News Now is the state's leader for breaking news, weather alerts, traffic updates and sports headlines, plus the latest headlines on the issues that impact you and your families the most — including the global coronavirus pandemic.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news. Hawaii News Now is the state's leader for breaking news, weather alerts, traffic updates and sports headlines, plus the latest headlines on the issues that impact you and your families the most &mdash; including the global coronavirus pandemic.

The podcast home of Hawaii's source for breaking news.

Hawaii News Now

Sunrise 5 a.m. (Sept. 1, 2026)

Today’s episode of Spotlight Now looks at the current state of Hawaiʻi’s economy and tourism trends.

Recent state data indicating more visitors came to the islands in July but stayed for fewer days. The figures show the state lost more than one million visitor days with growth concentrated on neighbor islands, leaving Waikīkī with a lackluster summer.

Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), sets the big picture of Hawaiʻi’s economy with U.S. visitors now accounting for more than 80% of visitor spending.

Then we’re joined by Kelly Sanders of Highgate, who oversees several hospitality properties in Hawaiʻi, including ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. He’ll discuss what shorter stays mean for hotel workers and nearby businesses, and whether Hawaiʻi has become too expensive for target visitors.

Today&rsquo;s episode of Spotlight Now looks at the current state of Hawaiʻi&rsquo;s economy and tourism trends.
<a href="https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/08/29/waikiki-saw-lackluster-summer-tourists-opt-shorter-vacations-neighbor-islands/">Recent state data indicating more visitors came to the islands in July but stayed for fewer days.</a>&nbsp;The figures show the state lost more than one million visitor days with growth concentrated on neighbor islands, leaving Waikīkī with a lackluster summer.
Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), sets the big picture of Hawaiʻi&rsquo;s economy with U.S. visitors now accounting for more than 80% of visitor spending.
Then we&rsquo;re joined by Kelly Sanders of Highgate, who oversees several hospitality properties in Hawaiʻi, including ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.&nbsp;He&rsquo;ll discuss what shorter stays mean for hotel workers and nearby businesses, and whether Hawaiʻi has become too expensive for target visitors.

Is Hawaii too expensive? Spotlight Now looks at tourism trends, cooling Waikiki economy

The U.S. is taking additional military action against Iran following reported attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Paramedics responded to two separate crashes involving motor bikes on Oahu's North Shore, both resulting in serious injuries. How Tropical Storm Lowell will impact our islands when it's forecasted to pass south of Hawaii Island late Wednesday into Thursday. 

The U.S. is taking additional military action against Iran following reported attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Paramedics responded to two separate crashes involving motor bikes on Oahu's North Shore, both resulting in serious injuries. How Tropical Storm Lowell will impact our islands when it's forecasted to pass south of Hawaii Island late Wednesday into Thursday.&nbsp;

This is Now (September 1, 2026)

Two years after a deadly shooting rampage in Waianae, the Keamo family is suing the city over the deaths of three relatives. Meanwhile, Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar has selected his two permanent deputy chiefs. Plus, the governor announced that Hurricane Lala damaged nearly 700 homes and structures across the state. 

Two years after a deadly shooting rampage in Waianae, the Keamo family is suing the city over the deaths of three relatives. Meanwhile, Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar has selected his two permanent deputy chiefs. Plus, the governor announced that Hurricane Lala damaged nearly 700 homes and structures across the state.&nbsp;

Sunrise 5 a.m. (Sept. 1, 2026)

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