Japanese visitors are flocking to Hawaii for sand, surf and shopping.
"Good shopping time," says Jung Anzai who is visiting from Japan.
For the entire Anzai family - buying in the US is a bargain.
"Cheap," says Anzai, who bought a watch and a camera. "Good, very good."
Currently the Japanese Yen is about 86 to the Dollar. An increase in buying power of about 15% from last year.
"They're able to come here spend more, upgrade their room category take in more activities restaurants, everybody benefits," says David Uchiyama, Hawaii Tourism Authority.
"Yeah, good shopping. I'm enjoying it," says Yatsuyuki Matsuda, visitor from Japan.
Matsuda and his friends are taking advantage of the deals.
"A lot of aloha shirt, souvenir, etcetera."
At Ala Moana, stores are cashing in.
Lisa White is the Manager at Ben Bridge & the President of Ala Moana Merchants Association and says both designer brands and local shops are getting a boost.
"Oh yes! Everyone is experiencing an increase in business," says White. "The trickle down is they are here to shop and they are going to spend. The perception is everything is going to be a better price, and it is for them."
Tourism officials say year end numbers of Japanese spending is projected to come in well above what was originally forecasted.
"We were at $1.175 we're looking at the year-end coming in at $1.225, and projecting 2011 to grow even more to $1.255," says Uchiyama.
Arrivals from Japan were up 47.8% in June. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says new flights from Haneda beginning in October will help stimulate the market even more.
