It isn’t just about the money. Hawaii visitor fees reexamined and input needed.
189 thoughts on “Hawaii Visitor Fees: Perception, Value And An Egregious Example”
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It isn’t just about the money. Hawaii visitor fees reexamined and input needed.
Comments are closed.
What will the governing bodies do after the golden goose is dead or left for other locations
The governing bodies will just watch other people show up.
People so high on their horses thinking there is another place like Hawaii.
Silliness.
Pay the price or don’t visit.
Be careful what you wish for…because who/what are you going to turn to for income when tourists stop visitng in such large numbers?
It would help to do your research before posting Donnie Downer opinion.
dbedt.hawaii.gov/visitor/tourism-forecast/
These fees mostly are a concern for budget travelers and locals, I’m here to tell you most visitors to Hawaii aren’t budget travelers. These increased fees are not going to slow travel to the islands.
A 7.50 parking fee for a first timer is a bargain when compared to parking in San Francisco or any other big city.
Pandora’s box was opened when locals thought it was a good idea to tax and raise fees on visitors to the islands, yet like any other good idea government and big corp have turned it to a cash grab.
By the way I do know that in places locals don’t have to pay or have a reduced fee, but how long do think that’s going to last.
Pretty common for states and cities to charge fees to the folks who don’t vote in the state or city, that is, the out of staters and out of towners.
More fees? Along with higher air, car rental and hotel costs…looks like Hawaii won’t be on our trip plans.
We traveled to Hawaii 8 times. Never felt impacted by fees except hotel parking. The airfare and hotels are expensive. Due to the fees now being assessed, it appears we’ll never be able to afford another Hawaii vacation. So very dad. The grandkids really wanted to see Hawaii after all our stories.
It should be noted that visitors to Hawaii are already assessed the Transient occupancy tax – which has yet to figure in this discussion (unless I may have missed a reference).
Tourists are already being gouged for simply being visitors…no additional taxation or fees should be expected.
Hellomy family and I are going to Oahu and Maui on June 8th and hopefully everything will go great if not then I will not go back again. We’ll see and I’ll update you guys about it.
I can’t recall ever visiting a place that did not have some form of TOT, worldwide.
Peg M,
The first time we encountered the TOT was in Oregon but I should add that most of our travels to that point had been.to destinations east of there. In all of our travels in the east, north and south we have never been charged a TOT – it seems to be a phenomena of travel in the west and Hawaii. This existing tax certainly places the introduction of more taxes and fees in an even worse light for travelers to areas with a TOT already in place.
I don’t know why they call them TOT. I pay hotel room taxes in my home state and when I’m on the road. Resident/non-resident, it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
As I said, worldwide. Perhaps Americans should broaden their horizons.
Yes, there are states that rely on other states for funds but their money comes from somewhere.
Blue states are paying for that infrastructure and education. Sadly, that education is not getting through.
My family and I have been vacationing in Hawaii for over 25 years. we have enjoyed all the islands, We love the culture, the history the food the beauty of all the islands. We haven’t been to the islands sense Jan 2020. But after reading all about the changes and the new fees and charges for hotels rental cars I’am not sure I want to. It makes me feel like the Hawaiian gov is trying to detour island travel. We have found other vacation options that are appealing and affordable. I hope things will get back to normal and we can afford to vacation again in Hawaii.
Lonnie,
If I may ask, what are some of the other destinations you are considering?
Thanks,
Warren
I am a Hawaii resident, but travel extensively…we spent a month in Portugal recently and it was phenomenal.
Get a life. Hawaii depends on tourism for 99.9% of its income, but the state doesn’t welcome “tourists” anymore. I felt it on a recent trip. C’mon, get real. Hawaii is just another state. Maybe it’s not worth my attention any longer. There are other places to visit.
Les W
I know you want to make a point, but tourism accounts for about 25% of Hawaii’s’ annual GDP.
25%, that’s huge!!!
75% is huge. 25% is significant.
James,
Most of the time that would be true. But, when your economy depends on one industry for 25% of its revenue, that’s huge.
The largest industry in the USA as a whole is a little less than 2% of GDP. So, 2% vs 25% – I still say that’s huge.
Sources:
ibisworld.com/united-states/industry-trends/biggest-industries-by-revenue/
ceoworld.biz/2022/03/31/economy-rankings-largest-countries-by-gdp-2022/#:~:text=The%20nominal%20GDP%20for%20the%20United%20States%20is%20%2424.79%20trillion%20in%202022.
Whatever it is, they’ve mismanaged it because of greed and laziness. Hawaii no longer has the “mana,” as far as I’m concerned.
L. W
Just another reason not to visit or spend any money in Hawaii, They are trying to make up all the lost revenue caused by their ludicrous decisions.
Last trip to Hawaii. Maybe we charge more for you to come to mainland.
Hawaii has been on my bucket list for 5 years. COVID directly impacted 2 planned trips. I’ve been a faithful reader of Hawaiian history and BOH having researched my trips and wanting to take part in eco-tourism and travel as “non-tourist” as possible. But now, I’m just over it! The fees, the rental car prices, the feeling of “Us vs Them” even in articles has soured my taste and desire to ever come. At 55 I’m hoping by the time I’m 60 maybe things will improve! For now I’m just done! Ireland is calling now!
Haha, the last time we went to Ireland (pre-pandemic) we called it “Ireland on a $1000 a day”. That was our third trip, my husband has aunts, uncles and cousins there.
So, good luck with saving money!
Happy to spend my 1000 a day where it’s appreciated.
Not a problem. The 7.50 is not a problem. Being treated like u are the problem is the problem.
Thanks for the money. jerk go home.
Ireland is a very good choice. You will love it! Such a beautiful country and welcoming!
I will never set foot in Hawaii ever again. I’ll take my $6000 I spend on a Maui vacation and go to Costa Rica all inclusive for $2500!!!
We have been coming to Kauai for over 20 yrs. 12 yrs ago bought a condo and spend about 4 months a year there. Even though we are part time residents, we are treated as visitors in terms of fees despite we pay twice the property tax as a resident and our vacation rentals contribute thousands of dollars to the state and local budgets as well as providing income to cleaning services, plumbers, handymen, etc. Also, our guests pay some of the highest visitor taxes in the country and spend way more money than a local and pay taxes on that too. So how much money do you want to suck out of part time residents and visitors? I contend we are already more than paying our way to support the infrastructure of Hawaii. This attitude is killing the aloha.
You spend twice as much (maybe) in taxes because your condo is a second home unit. Residents do the same as you regarding employing and supporting the local economy. Every day residents pay into the tax system. You only pay local GET when you are present on island. Visitors have a choice, and obviously our unique archipelago is the draw that keeps up the visitor count. Consider yourself one of the fortunate few who can own more than one home and enjoy your condo while, I assume, making money while renting it out when you are not on island. Why not view visitor fees — and you are a visitor since you reside in another state — as a donation from a blessed individual rather than viewing them as “killing aloha”?
“Aloha” is merely a campaign slogan to entice visitors.
Hawaiian politicians wanting to keep their cushy jobs by making the voters happy are raising costs to tourists so the locals can enjoy the same items for free. What they are missing is you are destroying your livelyhood. You will only chase away vacationers which will reduce the taxes you collect, destroy tourist related jobs which way too many locals depend on. So this mindset is going to splatter in your face!
Its already begun! When Hawaii decided to sell their state to tourism they couldn’t see the waves through the ocean. You want tourists money but it comes with actual tourists!
Wow!
Being a part time resident does not make you a local. The reason why locals aren’t happy is because you come here, buy a condo, rent it out to pay for that condo (and yes, all the taxes you pay are crazy, but we pay it also). Locals cannot even afford to live in their own homeland. Don’t expect to be treated as a local because you purchased a rental property and now can vacation here 4 months out of the year. We live here. We love that tourist can come to visit but go home afterwards. There’s not any affordable rentals or homes for us cause people like you come here and speculate and expect to be vetted in here like you are a kamaaina. You’re not. Come here, enjoy, go home.
Why is ProPark collecting the fee, and how much is the state actually paying ProPark to do it. As someone eho has used a ProPark facility in CT near my workplace, I can’t believe they are doing this without making a profit! On a Cross country Drive in 2017, I’ve visited many places where there were fees for out-of-state visitors. They were generally collected by state park rangers, which seems to be a much cheaper way for Hawaii to enforce these fees, therefore limiting the actual increase!
I feel $7.50 is definitely price gouging! I have been there in the past, but I won’t stop again.
It may be more digestible to charge one set fee, and then list a “locals’ discount.” Would emphasize the
Fee for Use concept for all, it give a substantial discount to residents. This is done in many Nevada casinos and is considered a thank you to locals who dine, use the spas or stay in hotels for people going to either Reno or Vegas. For example I know I get at least a 20% discount for services. This could work for parks, beaches, etc.50% less for beach use, parks, etc. Do think the viewpoints charge off putting.
I lived on Maui and support visitor fees.
Just imagine what living and is visiting Hawaii world be like if the Hawaiian Heritage Movement takes hold. They’ll destroy encrypting.
What?
“everything” ? Spell checker?
I am a regular visitor to Hawaii. I love it and respect the indigenous people and culture. I do think having a visitors’ fee where locals are free, will promote an us vs. them mentality. It also erodes the great Hawaiian feeling of Ohana. I always feel welcome and although a guest of the beautiful Islands, I feel like Ohana.
But..
You aren’t.
Talk about an us vs them attitude. Suggest a little introspection.
Many of our “ohana” in Hawaii pay taxes, which (hopefully) in part goes towards paying for maintaining the various areas tourists love so much to visit.
I live in Japan and see nothing wrong with knowing that I contributed to the upkeep of these beautiful islands by means of a fee.
Let’s help keep Hawaii beautiful… Budget accordingly!
Hawaii has lost its Aloha and it is all about the beloved dollar soon Hawaii will be only for the very wealthy not even the Hawaiians will be able to afford their state. James V