The Covid Crisis

On March 6, 2020, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the state’s first COVID-19 case. The individual, a cruise ship passenger, tested positive after flying home to Oahu.

By March 17, 2020, former Governor David Ige announced new policies to curb the spread of the virus. These guidelines urged tourists to postpone their vacations, temporarily closed bars and clubs, and limited social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Restaurants were required to switch to takeout, delivery, and drive-through services, banning walk-in dining.

On March 24, 2020, Hawaii reported its first COVID-related death. The individual had underlying health conditions.

Just two days later, on March 26, 2020, the death toll in Hawaii had risen to 100. In response, the state implemented a strict 14-day travel quarantine, effectively shutting down the tourism industry, including airports and cruise ships. Visitors caught violating quarantine rules faced arrest, and in some cases, deportation. Authorities closely monitored incoming travelers, requiring proof of hotel reservations before allowing them to leave the airport. Officials also conducted random phone calls to visitors and residents to ensure compliance with quarantine guidelines.

March20202019% Change
PAX542,456993,54845.4
RPMs(00)851,0221,439,22740.9
ASMs (000)1,466,7741,665,06711.9
LF58.0%86.4%28.4
YEAR-TO-DATE20202019% Change
PAX2,362,1962,822,63416.3
RPMs(00)3,714,7734,128,48510.0
ASMs (000)4,979,5294,851,9212.6
LF74.6%85.1%10.5
  • PAX = Passenger Transported
  • RPM = Revenue Passenger Mile; one paying passenger transported one mile
  • ASM = Available Mile; one seat transported one mile
  • LF = Load Factor; percentage of seating capacity filled

 

Reference

  1. Yamane, Marisa. (Jan 20, 2022) COVID-19 Timeline: A look back at the past two years in Hawaii. Island News. https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-timeline-a-look-back-at-the-past-two-years-in-hawaii/article_5c3232c0-7a6b-11ec-bfff-7fcc77a475d1.html
  2. Epstein, Curt. (April 27, 2020) Hawaii Hard Hit During Covid Crisis. AIN. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-04-27/hawaii-traffic-hard-hit-during-covid-crisis
  3. Hawaiian Airlines. (April 09, 2020) Hawaiian Airlines March and First Quarter 2020 Traffic Statistics Reflect of COVID-19. Hawaiian Airlines. https://newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/releases/hawaiian-airlines-march-and-first-quarter-2020-traffic-statistics-reflect-effects-of-covid-19