What to Know About the Proposed Tourist Fee in Hawaii

Hawaii’s governor proposed charging travelers checking into hotels or short term rentals a fee when they visit, becoming the latest destination to tax tourists.

During his 2024 state of the state address, Gov. Josh Green proposed charging all tourists a $25 fee when they arrive and check in, saying the “modest fee” would generate more than $68 million in revenue each year. He said the money would be used to invest in beach preservation, fire breaks, and other prevention measures.

“A Climate Impact Fee on visitors would provide the needed resources to protect our environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change,” Green said, adding, “I believe this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands… Hawaii’s natural resources — our beaches, forests, and waterfalls — are an essential part of our culture and our way of life.”

In lieu of the fee, Green said he was “open to other proposals that would achieve the same goals” like increasing the transient accommodation tax. Hawaii has some of the highest tourism taxes in the world, with a stay in Honolulu, for example, coming with a 10.25 percent transient accommodations tax along with an additional 3 percent surcharge for Oahu.

Green’s proposal is the latest effort to combat over-tourism in Hawaii. Last year, officials proposed establishing a visitor impact fee program and charging travelers a fee to buy a license to visit a state park, forest, hiking trail, or other state natural area. The actual amount, however, was up for debate.

For his part, Green himself campaigned on the idea of charging a $50 fee for tourists to enter the state, according to Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii wouldn’t be the only destination to impose a visitor fee. The Italian city of Venice is about to start selling tickets for day visitors this spring and will also limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups. Similarly, Iceland plans to charge travelers a fee to support climate and sustainability goals.