Research & Economic Analysis

In the first quarter of 2026, Hawai‘i’s counties experienced stable or improving unemployment rates and mixed overall job growth, while private building permit values declined across the counties with the exception of Kaua‘i compared with the same quarter in 2025. The latest visitor arrival data from the third quarter of 2025 showed a divergent tourism landscape, with arrivals increasing in Maui and Kaua‘i but decreasing in Honolulu and Hawai‘i counties compared with third quarter of 2024.

In the first quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate in Honolulu decreased 0.1 of a percentage point, from 2.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to 2.2 percent. In Kaua‘i, the rate remained unchanged, staying at 2.2 percent compared to the same period. The rate in Hawai‘i County decreased 0.1 of a percentage point from 2.7 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to 2.6 percent. In Maui County, the unemployment rate experienced a decrease of 0.4 percentage points, falling from 2.9 percent to 2.5 percent during the same period.

In the first quarter of 2026, Honolulu lost 1,500 or 0.3 percent of non-agricultural wage and salary jobs compared to the same quarter of 2025. The number of jobs increased the most in Natural Resources, Mining and Construction, which added 700 jobs or 2.4 percent; followed by Art, Entertainment, and Recreation, which added 200 jobs or 2.4 percent. The Government sector lost 3,300 jobs or 3.3 percent, with the Federal Government losing 2,800 jobs or 8.5 percent, State Government lost 800 jobs or 1.5 percent, while Local Government gained 200 jobs or 1.7 percent during the same period.

In the first quarter of 2026, Hawai‘i County added 200 or 0.3 percent of non-agricultural wage and salary jobs over the same quarter of 2025. The number of jobs increased the most in Health Care & Social Assistance, which added 300 jobs or 3.7 percent, Retail Trade added 200 jobs or 2.0 percent, and Natural Resources, Mining and Construction also added 200 jobs or 5.0 percent. The Government sector added 100 jobs or 0.6 percent.

Maui County gained 700 or 0.9 percent of non-agricultural wage and salary jobs in the first quarter of 2026 over the same quarter of 2025. The largest increase in the number of jobs was in Accommodation, which added 300 jobs or 2.8 percent; and Natural Resources, Mining and Construction, which also added 300 jobs or 6.3 percent. The Government sector added 100 jobs or 1.1 percent.

Kaua‘i lost 100 non-agricultural wage and salary jobs or 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same quarter of 2025. The number of jobs increased in Natural Resources, Mining and Construction, Health Care and Social Assistance, as well as in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, each added 100 jobs or 4.8, 3.7 and 8.3 percent respectively. The Government sector lost 100 jobs or 1.9 percent in the quarter.

According to the latest county data available, in the third quarter of 2025, visitor arrivals by air increased in Kaua‘i and Maui County but decreased in Honolulu and Hawai‘i County. Visitor arrivals increased 3.6 percent in Maui County and increased 3.3 percent in Kaua‘i. Visitor arrivals decreased 5.1 percent in Honolulu and decreased 0.2 percent in Hawai‘i County compared to the same quarter in 2024.

In the first quarter of 2026, the value of private building permits decreased in Honolulu, Maui, and Hawai‘i counties, but increased in Kaua‘i County compared with the same quarter in 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, private building permits decreased $55.6 million or 41.6 percent in Honolulu, decreased $110.6 million or 50.9 percent in Maui, and decreased $9.5 million or 3.1 percent in Hawai‘i County compared to the same quarter in 2025. Private building permit increased in Kaua‘i (residential only) by $3.7 million or 11.3 percent over the same period.