Hawaii has always been a state where one of the major economic driving forces is tourism.  Many tourists come from around the world to enjoy the typically Hawaiian attractions, sights, and sounds.  The tourism commission in this state can take much credit for the contemporary redefinition of the economy into what it is today.  The capital city of Honolulu is a very economically diverse place.  Nearby military bases and agricultural industries give this city much support.  The retail sector is also a strongpoint for Honolulu, which employs over 50,000 workers.

Ever since Hawaii was an American territory there has been a military presence.  Most famously, Pearl Harbor was once home to most of the Pacific Fleet.  Nowadays there are multiple military bases on the island, which is an excellent strategic location for such bases.  Needless to say, the government sector of the economy and jobs market is certainly not suffering in Honolulu.  Besides the traditional military background, Hawaii was also a major shipping and whaling port as far back as the early 1800’s.  It will likely continue to be a key piece of the strategic puzzle for US interests.

Another pillar of economic support for Honolulu is the healthy field of scientific research.  There are a very high number of research and development jobs in and around Honolulu.  It’s a great place for those interested in marine biology or oceanography to base their operations.  Honolulu also has some world class colleges and universities that specialize in these science fields.  People travel from all over the globe to attend college here.  The strong education and education services sectors provide an excellent place for academics and students alike looking to relocate.  The city boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, and has been able to skirt around the economic headwinds of the recession quite well.  The islands are a treasure trove for archaeologists, since there have been human inhabitants on the island for thousands of years.  Most any research sector can be found in Honolulu and almost every country on the planet is represented academically here in one way or another.

What is suffering is the tourism industry.  No longer are there as much money and resources to devote to vacationing. The average American consumer is trying to tighten his or her belt in an effort to get through the recession with as little financial damage as possible.  This makes Hawaii a harder sell.  More and more people are taking fewer and fewer vacations.  And those that do continue to take vacations are more likely to stay stateside, or go on a road trip, than they are to fly to Hawaii and endure not only the cost of airfare, but the hugely (but understandably) inflated prices of goods and services on the island.  The cost of living is high but there are myriad riches to be found in Honolulu.  The city itself has certainly been hit by the sharp decrease in US tourism, but it has found support in the diversity of its local cultures, economy, and history.