Hawaii Won't Recover Until 2029: How Might This Impact Aulani?

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaii is the last Disney property in the world to remain completely closed at this time. Even Disneyland Resort has begun its phased reopening, with many Downtown Disney District shops and restaurants reopen to the public.

aulani special offer header — Credit: Disney

Now, a new report suggests that Hawaii won’t recover from the COVID-19 pandemic until 2029. According to University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) researchers:

…the state’s total employment rate, as well as its unemployment rate, will not return to its pre-pandemic level until 2029, putting the attention on social safety net programs, and job re-training and education programs.

Currently, the state’s small businesses are suffering tremendously, as reported by Hawaii News Now:

A recent report suggested nearly 900 Oahu businesses have either temporarily or permanently closed since the first shut down.

The President and CEO of Hawaii’s Chamber of Commerce says most others won’t survive a second one.

“If there is another shut down, we hope that and we urge the government to provide some kind of stabilization plan, some kind of temporary relief,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara.

Credit: Vacation Club Loans

What could a second shutdown mean for Aulani?

Aulani is located on the island of Oahu, which has taken the hardest COVID-19 hit of any Hawaiian island recently. At this point, a second shutdown could further extend the Hawaii Disney resort’s closure, leaving Aulani Cast Members out of work for significantly longer than anticipated.

Disney vacationers who had Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa trips booked for this summer have already had their reservations canceled through the month of August, as per Hawaii’s updated tourism guidelines.

Guests are, however, being encouraged to book Aulani stays later in 2020 and into 2021.

Has Aulani made any official announcements?

At this time, Walt Disney Company executives have not made any notable recent announcements regarding the reopening of Disney’s Aulani resort.

The Disney hotel and spa is subject to all guidelines and regulations set forth by Hawaii’s Governor David Ige. This means they will not be allowed to reopen until September 1, at the earliest. It is worth noting that this date has already been pushed back once, so Hawaii’s tourism reopening could be delayed again.

The Aulani website currently features the following announcement:

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is currently closed and a reopening date has not been identified.
Upon reopening, Aulani Resort rooms, experiences, restaurants and other offerings may be modified and will be limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure, based on direction from health experts and government officials to promote physical distancing. Offerings are not guaranteed.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

How long do you think it will take for COVID-19 Hawaiian tourism recovery? Do you agree that it will be nearly a decade? What are your thoughts on Disney’s Aulani reopening?

While you await the reopening of Aulani, let the experts at Academy Travel help you plan a Disney theme park trip. Whether you want to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or a global destination like Tokyo Disneyland, they can help you secure a ticket and book all the reservations you need for a great Disney Park vacation!