Visitors await the trolley at the Kahului Airport on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. State officials report visitor numbers are up compared to last year. Megan Moseley/The Maui News

The number of visitors coming to Maui is increasing.

According to the latest statistics from the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s research and economic analysis division, there were 164,932 visitors to the island in September, compared to 93,027 visitors during the same month last year.

These numbers come a year and a month after the tragic Lahaina wildfire and demonstrate that, while Maui visitor numbers are still lower compared to Oahu, tourism is increasing.

“Maui’s recovery is good,” said Eugene Tian, chief state economist with the department’s research and economic analysis division.

“I think the recovery will continue. The reason is we looked at the daily passenger count for October and that number is pretty good,” he said.

Tian said about 88% of Maui’s visitors are coming from the mainland.

Visitor spending increased to $364.6 million in September, compared to $203.9 million the same time last year. Visitor spending is also up compared to $339.7 million in September 2019, when Maui experienced about 210,108 visitors.

The average daily census on Maui was 41,247 visitors in September, compared to 23,619 visitors in September 2023 and 52,053 visitors in September 2019.

Daniel Nāho’opi’i, interim president and CEO of Hawai’i Tourism Authority, said while the numbers look like an improvement, Hawai’i still has some areas in need of support.

“We are making progress through our global efforts to showcase the meaningful experiences that visitors can have on Maui,” he said. “However, we need to continue stabilizing and rebuilding the international markets for the island and the rest of the state.”

Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, said the latest numbers are a positive sign for the island’s tourism economy.

“We are truly encouraged by the notable increase in visitor spending and arrivals this September. We’re grateful for the dedication of our partners in creating unique, meaningful experiences that continue to draw visitors to Maui,” she said. “September’s calendar was also packed with cultural festivals and events, which provided an additional incentive for visitors to engage with and appreciate the richness of Maui’s heritage.”

Statewide, total visitor arrivals in September represent a 96.1% recovery from pre-pandemic September 2019. Officials report that is the best recovery rate since the Maui wildfires, not including February 2024, which had a leap year day.

On Oahu, there were 432,908 visitors in September, compared to 438,743 visitors the same time last year and 458,588 visitors in September 2019.

On Hawai’i island, there were 115,510 visitors in September, compared to 130,464 visitors during the same time last year and 112,138 visitors in September 2019.

On Kaua’i, there were 100,262 visitors in September, compared to 116,660 visitors in September 2023 and 93,501 visitors in September 2019.

For a full look at the latest statistics, visit dbedt.hawaii.gov.