If you’re running a local business in Hawaii, you’ve probably wondered: “How can tourists find me before they even get here?”
From coffee farms to surf schools to gift shops, one thing’s clear—tourists rely on Google to plan their trip before they even step off the plane. But if your business isn’t showing up online, you’re missing out on a huge wave of potential customers.
Here are simple, effective ways to help more tourists discover your Hawaii business online — even if you’ve never thought about online marketing before.
1. Make Sure Your Business Shows Up Where Tourists Are Searching
Think about what visitors do before they arrive:
- Google “things to do in Maui”
- Look for “best poke near Waikiki”
- Search for “Hawaii snorkel tour reviews”
If your business doesn’t show up in those searches, tourists won’t know you exist.
That’s where local visibility comes in — Make sure your website is optimized with phrases that tourists are actually searching for.
2. Set Up (or Fix) Your Google Business Profile
This is free and powerful. Your Google Business Profile is what appears on Google Maps and in “near me” searches.
If it’s missing or outdated, Google won’t trust your business — and tourists won’t either.
Make sure your:
- Business name, hours, and address are correct
- Photos are high quality (and recent)
- Reviews are responded to regularly
This simple update alone can bring in more foot traffic and phone calls from visitors nearby.
3. Use the Right Words on Your Website
When tourists search online, they don’t always know the name of your business — but they do search for what you offer. Your website should speak their language.
For example:
- Instead of just saying “Family-run Farm” try:
“Take a farm tour on the Big Island — perfect for Hawaii visitors and families.” - Offer experiences and include phrases like:
- “best souvenir shop in Maui”
- “guided hikes near Honolulu”
- “Hawaii food tours for tourists”
- “best souvenir shop in Maui”
By using these kinds of phrases naturally, your site is more likely to show up in search results.
4. Partner With Local Travel Blogs or Directories
Tourists often read travel blogs and local guides when planning their itinerary. A mention or link in one of these places can drive real traffic to your website.
Here’s how to do it:
- Reach out to bloggers who write about Hawaii travel
- Offer them a discount or experience in exchange for a review
- Get listed in local tourism directories and island-specific “top 10” lists
The more places your business appears, the more likely visitors will check you out.
5. Get Help from a Local SEO Partner in Hawaii
If all this sounds like a lot, that’s because it can be — especially while running your business. That’s where a reliable SEO partner like JackRabbit comes in.
We specialize in helping Hawaii businesses rank on Google — so more tourists (and locals) can find you. From optimizing your site to improving your Google presence, we do it all, without the confusing tech talk.
Learn more about our SEO services for Hawaii businesses
Boost Your Hawaii Business’s Online Visibility
Now more than ever, visitors are planning their Hawaii adventures before they even pack their bags. If your business isn’t showing up online, they’ll walk straight past you — and into your competitor’s shop instead.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Whether you’re running a food truck in Honolulu or a guided hiking tour in Maui, being visible online can bring a steady stream of new customers — locals and tourists alike.
You don’t have to guess. Start with these tips, or let us handle the heavy lifting with a strategy made just for Hawaii businesses.
At JackRabbit, we specialize in helping Hawaii businesses like yours get discovered with custom strategies built for the islands. From Google visibility to location-based targeting, we’ll help you stand out exactly when and where people are searching.
Doing business in Honolulu? Learn how we help local brands succeed with our Honolulu SEO services.
Located on Maui? We’ve got strategies made for you too — check out our Maui SEO services.
