Hawaii State Facts & Information

As of 2024, Hawaii's population is approximately 1.44 million people. Hawaii is the 11th-least populous state but the 13th-most densely populated of the 50 U.S. states. The state's GDP per capita in 2024 was $62,428, ranking 23rd among all states.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. is the ninth governor of Hawaii, serving since December 5, 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. In the 2024 legislative session, Governor Green signed 253 bills addressing healthcare, education, culture, and economic issues.

Hawaii's nominal GDP in 2024 was approximately $117.6 billion, with real GDP increasing $1.666 billion or 1.9% from the previous year. The economy has rebounded to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 1.5%. The information industry showed exceptional growth at 1.9 times the 2014 GDP, while professional and technical services grew by 25.5% compared to late 2019.

During 2024, total visitor arrivals recovered to 93.3% of 2019 levels. U.S. visitors increased by 6.7%, while international visitor recovery reached 64.9%. Japanese visitors recovered to 45.7% of pre-pandemic levels, and Canadian visitors reached 80.2% recovery. While tourism-related sectors are at 93% of pre-pandemic levels, non-tourism sectors have shown strong growth.

On July 17, 2024, Governor Green issued an emergency proclamation addressing Hawaii's housing crisis, aiming to streamline construction of 50,000 housing units by suspending certain state and local land use regulations. The number of residential housing units authorized in 2024 increased by 78.1% compared with 2023, the highest in the past 17 years. Over $500 million has been requested for 2025-27 to support housing and infrastructure.

The information industry has shown the most growth, with 2024 GDP at 1.9 times the 2014 level. The Information sector grew by 38.4% compared to late 2019, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services grew by 25.5%, and the Agricultural sector grew by 21.5%. Construction jobs are above 2019 levels by 4,000, and Health Care and Social Assistance added 2,900 jobs compared to 2019.

Hawaii.gov (portal.ehawaii.gov) serves as the official website where you can find resources for government, residents, business, and visitors. The Transform Hawaii Government initiative focuses on people-centered services with streamlined business processes. Key departments include Human Services, Transportation, Land and Natural Resources, and the newly separated (2024) Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Department of Law Enforcement.

Hawaii's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of state revenue. However, the state is diversifying with strong growth in information technology, professional services, and agriculture. Construction activity increased 20.3% during the first 10 months of 2024. Hawaii maintains a AAA credit rating and has no state sales tax, instead relying on a general excise tax. The state's remote location and limited land create unique economic challenges and opportunities.

Hawaii has four counties: Hawaii County (Big Island), Maui County (which includes Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe), Honolulu County (Oahu), and Kauai County (Kauai and Niihau). Unlike most states, Hawaii has no incorporated cities or towns, with the county governments serving as both county and municipal authorities.

Hawaii offers various employment resources including the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, which provides job search assistance, unemployment insurance, and workforce development programs. In 2024, statewide non-agriculture annual average payroll jobs were still short by 20,900 jobs compared to 2019, but sectors like Construction, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Private Educational Services have exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels.