Hawaii may allow Japanese tourists to pass border checks from Japan

The U.S. state of Hawaii is working with its national and Japanese immigration authorities to create a system that allows Japanese tourists to complete immigration and customs procedures before departing their country

Just Japanese tourists going to Hawaii? What about everyone else going to Hawaii from Japan? Is this a step towards the Pre Clearance like a few other airports around the world?

Hawaii may allow Japanese tourists to pass border checks from Japan

Japanese visitors have been slow to return compared to tourists from elsewhere, including the mainland United States, 

It's not because inconveniences but more caused by weak yen. Those peak of Japanese tourist during bubble will never back again.

Last few year before pandemic it's only around 3.7-3.8 millions Japanese tourist go to US, there's no increasing trends, with current weak yen if there's trend it will be decreasing trend.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/214798/number-of-visitors-to-the-us-from-japan/

Dublin airport in Ireland has immigration pre-clearance for travellers flying to the US. No immigration queue when they arrive in America.

I'm guessing Hawaii is seeking a similar set up for flights from Japan.

Due to weak yen,those kind of tourists are coming down to us and Okinawa nowadays,rather than to Hawa'ii or Guam.

Those heady days of JTB package deals are long gone.

H.I.S,I meant!

According to Hawaiian authorities, around 1.17 million people traveled to Hawaii from Japan between January and September 2019,

Yes, but the yen was around 107 in September 2019, over 40% stronger than it is today — unfortunately.

Good idea to bypass the red tape upon arrival. However, the huge obstacle for Japanese, at the moment, is weak Yen and outrageously high price of everything in Hawaii.

However, the huge obstacle for Japanese, at the moment, is weak Yen and outrageously high price of everything in Hawaii.

Also the crazy flight prices. It almost costs as much to fly to Hawaii as it does to Europe.

. . .younger people showing less interest in travel

Where do they come up with kind of garbage?

While it’s true that younger Japanese aren’t as interested in travel, it’s the ridiculous airfare and strong dollar that are inhibiting folks heading for Hawaii. Southeast Asia is closer and cheaper.

Anyone still carrying their savings in mostly yen either don’t look at this forum or don’t mind losing money….!

Hawaii may allow Japanese tourists to pass border checks from Japan

That's all fine and good, Hawaii can do whatever they want.

But as long as the Yen is trading at 148 - 152 to $1 USD, the Japanese tourists are not going to be showing up in droves.

Even if they do make it to Hawaii, there's nothing left for them to spend on frivolous shopping.

I rather go to Okinawa. Haiwaii is extremely overpriced.

You clear US immigration in Vancouver and Toronto airports. It makes sense to clear less people from a country than clear many from many more countries and flights.

Great. How about the other way around?

one more place not worth to visit.

Those who mention the current exchange rate should be reminded that Hawai’i was a popular destination when the yen was much “weaker” than it is now. The Japanese love affair with the islands will continue. (I speak as an absentee landlord with a red passport.)

H.I.S,I meant!

HIS sucks! Forget them, unless they change their ticket charging policy. Many years ago, when I bought my ticket, I wasn't able to pay in full. After a few days, I was told the ticket price went up so I have to pay the difference before releasing the ticket. After that, I never went back with them. Rip off company.