Hawaii and Japan are strengthening their relationship with a new action plan aimed at boosting tourism and economic ties. Governor Josh Green and the Japanese Consul General in Honolulu recently signed the agreement, which focuses on streamlining travel for Japanese visitors. This initiative follows a Hawaii-Japan summit held last year, designed to revitalize connections and create new opportunities for collaboration. A similar summit is planned for 2026.

The action plan introduces an expanded VIP entry program, now including school groups, and promotes existing programs like mobile passport control and Global Entry to simplify the arrival process. This effort recognizes the importance of Japanese tourism to Hawaii’s economy and seeks to address the slower-than-expected recovery of this vital market. While visitor numbers have increased compared to last year, they remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels.

This new agreement reflects a broader effort to enhance cooperation between Japan and the U.S., aligning with recent discussions between national leaders. It underscores the commitment to strengthening economic partnerships and fostering people-to-people exchanges. Hawaii continues to explore additional measures to facilitate travel, such as pre-clearance programs at Japanese airports, to ensure a smoother and more welcoming experience for visitors.

The return of Japanese visitors promises to revitalize not only Hawaii’s tourism sector but also its real estate market, where Japanese investment has long played a significant role.