Oahu Hotels Hit 92% Occupancy on Convention Surge

HONOLULU (Day.News) — Oahu hotels surged to a record 92% occupancy in recent months, driven by a wave of major conventions at the Hawaii Convention Center, according to tourism officials cited in a Honolulu Civil Beat report. The spike tops Oahu's historical highs, rivaling its pre-pandemic peaks when the island routinely led U.S. markets with rates around 85%. STR data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority's December 2025 Hotel Performance Report shows Oahu closing the year at 78.6% occupancy for sun-and-sea destinations, with average daily rates (ADR) at $331, up 3.1% from December 2024, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) climbing 9.6% to $271.

The convention boom centers on events drawing thousands to Honolulu, filling properties from Waikiki towers like the Hilton Hawaiian Village to downtown spots near the convention center. Officials attribute the 92% mark to high-profile gatherings, building on Oahu's reputation as a top U.S. performer—second only to San Francisco/San Mateo at 84.9% through August in prior years. Statewide, Hawaii hotels averaged 76.1% occupancy in December 2025, with ADR at $449, reflecting resilience despite Maui's ongoing wildfire recovery, where Wailea resorts hit $767 RevPAR.

Economically, the surge signals a robust rebound for Hawaii's tourism core, which powers Oahu's economy. Visitor arrivals topped 10.4 million statewide in 2019, and 2023 occupancy rebounded to 80%, per HVS reports. Yet challenges persist: statewide ADR hit a U.S. record $364 in 2024, more than double the national $160 average, strained by 18% hotel taxes. As luxury segments like Kauai's $384 nightly rates and 74.7% occupancy lead gains, Oahu's convention-driven fill-ups are padding local revenues through May 2026.