Big Island records massive decline in tourism in March

A U.S. Postal Service worker picks up mail at the corner of Palani Road, Kaahumanu Place and Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona on March 30. (Chelsea Jensen

Visitor spending and arrivals on Hawaii Island plummeted in March compared to a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.