1 of 1
Story summary
- The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) reports Hawai‘i's economy is gradually recovering from a mild recession in its first-quarter 2026 forecast.
- Payrolls rise as the tourism downturn and federal cuts reverse.
- Tepid job and income growth is tied to low population trends.
- Construction remains strong, adding jobs; tourism stabilizes.
- Unemployment stays near 2.2%, inflation peaks above 3% before easing, and growth remains modest.
