Yes, the idea from the Magic Kingdom is likely Hawaii’s next inspiration. With the green fee gone for now, here’s what Hawaii has planned for visitors.
Yes, the idea from the Magic Kingdom is likely Hawaii’s next inspiration. With the green fee gone for now, here’s what Hawaii has planned for visitors.
I say the Hawaii government just needs to continue on the self-destructive path they are currently on and they won’t have to worry about that $25 fee or an App because they will soon get what they say they want…less visitors. Perhaps they should be thinking long term about how they are going to run the state when the tourists stop coming and locals flee because they can no longer afford to live in “paradise”.
Hi Sheryl,
Californian here. I would say that it sure seems like that is what the government of Hawaii wants… for people to flee, so only the rich and powerful can remain. The same has been happening in CA since Newsom took over.
What to do if you don’t have a “smart” phone (and never will) and can’t use the “app”…
Asking for a friend…
Hi Jay.
We’ve heard there will be an alternate provision.
Aloha.
97% of people have a cell phone. 90% own a smart phone. And around my parts, if you can’t afford one, the government will practically buy one for you.
Yani V.
If they keep on increasing fees and taxes, I would rather take my family to other destinations. There’s Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. We’re quite aware of what happened in Lahaina and we’ve contributed a lot. They don’t have to punish us visitors. We’re trying to help their tourism industry by going there but don’t make it such a hurdle.
I’d rather pay a upfront fee and not be bothered by a phone app or reserving a place on the beach. I don’t frequent the big tourism locations anymore except perhaps Kokee State Park. We know our way around smaller less popular but beautiful beaches and we spend just a little bit of time at any specific location. What I don’t usually do is plan what I’m doing each day on a vacation – we head out and plan it along the way each day.
Erika,
I’m with you! We used to rent a car for the entire trip. Now, we take the bus to Walmart and Costco. And, when we feel like heading out to, say, the North Shore, we rent a car for the day. So, we return the car before closing time and don’t have to deal with hotel parking fees.
RW;
Like the way you think. I do similar types of “work-arounds” on Maui to keep the hassles and costs under control.
If people are concerned about crowding at popular sites I have a better idea than an app. How about just get out of bed early and go. Before 9 AM it’s almost never crowded, pretty much anywhere. After 10 AM, forget it.
Hi Mike,
Not only that but if you enjoy photography, early morning shots are unique. That’s hard for me because I tend to stay up late – 1 or 2 am. So, getting up at 6 is hard. But sometimes you have to go for the shot.
But, car rentals are crazy when you figure $30, $40, $50 a day for parking. I think most of us are done by 6 or 7pm, so returning a rental should be a no-brainer in many cases.
What state are you from? I live in SoCal.
We are usually staying in a private rental home on the North Shore, not a resort, so a car is essential, as busses are few and far between. There are no parking costs when you rent a home and we don’t mind cooking on vacation. We usually take one or two longer trips to Kokee State Park for a long day. There seems to be a new bus/shuttle system on the North Shore beaches starting in Hanalei out to the end and back. We have not used it yet but wondering how well that works out.
The shuttle from Waipa parking lot to Ke’e is $40 per person (less for kids). And requires reservations. It’s not worth it just to go to Ke’e, but – unless you get on-line at midnight HI time exactly 30 days in advance – it’s the only way you can access the Kalalau trailhead to hike to Hanakapi’ai beach/falls, which is a popular hike gohaena.com/info-faqs/
As a regular visitor of Kaua’i & a former (temporary) resident of O’ahu, I would be happy to pay a green fee. Tourists are causing the greatest environmental impact & if we want to keep the lure of Hawaii- lush, preserved habitat for tropical vegetation & wildlife, then we should open our wallets & pay to protect it.
My personal feelings regarding an app are mixed. The negatives are connectivity. Cell service isn’t always available at secluded (and not) locations.
Secondly, it excludes some of the older generation who aren’t tech savvy & those wanting to disconnect. It may be a hassle for those using & structuring the service.
Positive-I would love to have a scheduled time w/ limited “company” at a popular site.
Julie,
“Tourists are causing the greatest environmental impact…” Fact or opinion?
First visit to Hawaii was in 1965. Been there many times since – my family never abuses the land, never.
Well, considering there are about seven times more tourists annually, than there are year-round residents, it’s logic and math.
Positive or negative impact from tourists… it could be argued that if tax dollars generated from tourists were used appropriately, it is a positive impact on Hawaii and the infrastructure.
Some of the tax dollars could be allocated to clean up junk cars, couchs, etc. that some locals leave alongside the roads and in wilderness areas too.
My biggest concern with apps to reserve a time slot is that when I tried such systems in the past, they always seemed full, or you have to make reservations a few days prior. I don’t always know where and when I will head to a location. OK for larger beaches or state parks but not for others.
Tourism will continue to crater. Just looked at booking a higher-end Maui hotel from December 19 through the 30th, basically an eleven-night stay during high season. The prices were shocking. The taxes even more shocking.
For a Non-oceanfront “garden-facing” room, you’re looking at anywhere from $900 to $1500 per night, so base cost was over $16,500. Oh, but the taxes and fees: Hawaii State Occupancy Tax, $1,720; Maui County Occupancy Tax, $503; Hawaii Sales Tax, $791; Resort Fee, $566. Taxes and fees = $3,580. Grand Total: just under $20,400.
This is why people stay in condos, airbnbs, and short-term rentals, and are opposed to even more taxes.
Hawaii is not setting hotel prices. The hotels are. That $900 to $1500 per night and goes straight to the corporate headquarters somewhere on the mainland, along with the resort fees.
Since the taxes are percentages, not fixed dollar amounts, those come down when room rates come down. Your beef is with the hotel companies.
From everything I have been reading lately, and for quite a while, I am glad we visited many times pre COVID when things were much easier and quieter. We would rent a condo on Kauai for a month and just relax and go hiking and walking and just blend in.
Surely most of you know that the attempts by the Greedy Politicians to gain more of you visitors monies Is Not Going To Stop! You Stop It by visiting somewhere else and spending your money where is is Appreciated.
Perhaps it would be more fair to increase income tax on residents. Or also increase the gasoline tax, which is half of the $0.35 California rate. Best of all, find better efficiencies in current programs – there must be at least $68 million there alone.
A $68,000,000 shortfall could be made up by about $50 per person per year (before considering additional business taxes).
Dear Hawaii Government,
My family is from Maui and my Grandparents still live on the island. I own a condo on the island as well. I just returned from a 2 week visit and I can assure you that many visitors are getting tired of how expensive hotels and rentals are on the the island. I always talk to people visiting and that was there number one complaint. Most are long time visitors who have been coming for years. 1 couple told me this is probably there last visit and will be going to Mexico from now on due to costs. I understand the impact of the fires on the locals & such, but we need tourists and the costs are extreme right now with the hotel/visitor tax for hotels and condo’s. Once tourists decide to leave, they will never come back
Well said Patrick G.
Unfortunately the one party special interest incompetent government of Hawaii isn’t listening and doesn’t really care what the average citizen thinks. They’re more concerned with promoting their misguided political agenda and consolidating power!
Daryl H, I couldn’t agree more. It seems like governor Green just doesn’t care about tourists to Maui. That is a need and will only help rebuild Lahaina and provide support.