After today’s article about Hawaii lodging taxes possibly reaching 20%, the flood of reader comments made one thing clear: frustration is rising, but so is reflection. Travelers weighed in, not just about what’s wrong—but what still makes Hawaii worth it. You can read that article and the responses here.
Sticker shock hits harder and harder.
From airfare to accommodations to new fees, actual and envisioned costs have reached a tipping point. Longtime visitor Mike C shared, “This will be our last trip. It’s been a great run over the years, but if I wanted to be “mugged,” I would walk the streets of New York late at night.” He’s not alone.
Teri, a Hawaii Island resident, recently did a staycation at Royal Kona Resort and said the added fees were a wake-up call. “All the taxes and fees added $217 to our bill. At least we didn’t have to pay $24/day for parking because we were in handicapped spaces.”
Others echo the sentiment. Just back from the Big Island, Eddie said, “We still had a wonderful time—but I couldn’t help noticing how many people around us were commenting about cost. One couple we met said it was their last trip for a while. It’s not the aloha that’s fading—it’s the affordability factor.”
Paradise has its limits.
Even travelers who deeply love the islands are cutting back. Terrance K used to visit Maui twice yearly but now says, “We’re going to Canada instead of Maui again and Portugal and Spain next year.” Don noted, “Higher prices mean fewer tourists. Just what the native Hawaiians want. Green only wants super wealthy people who don’t give a rip.”
Comments like those from Jack B reflect how pricing changes have made even staycations impossible. “Prices have skyrocketed and now everyplace has a resort fee and charges for parking. Add the TAT and just forget about it.”
Wildfire recovery and visitor trust issues.
The optics around post-Lahaina recovery and new visitor taxes are fueling deeper frustrations. Kaistutu wrote, “Kind of got to wonder what happened to all the millions raised just for Lahaina. There should have been enough to build at least half by now.”
Another traveler, Chris, added, “I am confused why the tourists are paying for the wildfire recovery. Poor management by local government was the issue, not tourism.”
Others like Steve see a broader issue: “This is the death of a thousand taxes to butcher a well-known quote. I’d be much more inclined to pay the higher tax if a portion went to relief for resident homeowners—not off-island or Oprah types.”
The elephant on the beach: new taxes.
On top of transient accommodations taxes, resort fees, and parking charges, the newly proposed Green Fee has pushed many over the edge. Mary M said, “Between the resort fee, taxes, and parking, I paid more in extras than I did for the entire rental car. That changes how often I return, pure and simple.”
Others were more blunt. Don K. wrote, “Apparently the guv’nur and the democratically controlled state legislature still believe they can tax Hawaii into prosperity. It has never happened anywhere and it never will.”
Matt said, “The aloha spirit is not what it once was, the islands are not as beautiful because of the over tourism, and the extra fees aren’t improving the experience.”
Visitors like Alisa are asking for transparency. “I think it’s reasonable to expect tourists to help support wildfire recovery and climate protection in Hawaii, but this patchwork of new fees feels like it’s being rushed and isn’t thought through. I’d feel better if the state could show exactly how past tourism revenue has helped the environment.”
The Hawaii that’s still worth it—for now.
Despite the pushback, not everyone is ready to give up on the islands. Mark M. put it this way: “Between the high costs and now this? Hawaii’s starting to feel like a much more fragile destination than I had ever assumed.”
Linda, an experienced snorkeler, pointed out the need for better beach safety but still emphasized the value of ocean experiences. “The one thing that would really make a difference is more lifeguards on more beaches and real-time information to swimmers.”
Kai, who was born and raised on Oahu and now lives on the mainland, shared a conflicted loyalty: “I want to support Hawaii’s future, but when even kamaaina have to pay the full price hike, it feels like we’re being penalized too.”
Tips for navigating 2025 travel.
Travelers who still plan to visit are adapting. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer better rates. Some are choosing Hawaii Island or Kauai while seeking more budget-friendly stays. Others carefully review resort fees, parking, and taxes before booking. A few recommend calling properties directly to get complete cost estimates upfront rather than relying on booking engines like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia.
Will Hawaii meet the moment?
As tourism dips and discontent rises, the state faces an ever-clearer crossroads. Longtime visitors, even those with deep ties to the islands, are making different choices. Bruce F. warned, “Let’s just put fear into the minds and hearts of the common visitor, so that the billionaires, of which there are plenty, will enjoy less crowded roads and even more privacy.”
Hawaii’s beauty remains unmatched, but its future as a top destination depends on rebuilding trust and showing value. As Randy R. put it, “If help were needed, that person would be responsible and pitch in with the team. Emergencies take precedence.” The same could be said for the islands themselves.
Will Hawaii rise to the challenge—or will loyal travelers find paradise elsewhere? Please comment.
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Let’s cut through all the bologna. The Hawaiian government’s greed and complete mismanagement of the islands is the main reason I will not go back ever again after going there 10 times. That incorporates so much that’s wrong with all of Hawaii. Doesn’t help that the locals don’t have aloha spirit either.
Made the mistake of being talked into a Maui vacation. Might as well have gone to Detroit or Cleveland instead.
Ive been a long time vistor to Hawaii (mainly big island and Kauai). We just got back from an 8 day hopper between the two islands. The costs and nickel/diming are just outrageous. A lower end hilton garden in charging well over 500 per night when you include taxes and fees is just not affordable. Therefore, people dont spend elsewher on thier vacation.
Kauai/Big island were extremely quiet; the dive boats cancled on us serveral times due to no one else being booked. The overall economy is already seeing the lack of visitors due to the costs. Kauai apparently is down 20 percent YOY already.
I can get a full week of diving, better food and a remote quiet experience in Bonaire for less than a single day in Hawaii.
I am a hiker, that supports local as much as possible, but im not welcome because i dont spend thousands per night. OK, the high end resorts may get booked, but the overall local economy is not supported…..
I will not be back for a while…..
I just returned to Arizona from Oahu. Although it’s good to be home with my husband, puppt and cat, I miss the Island and my Ohana friends. It is expensive in Hawaii, but if you stay away from the Tourist areas, you’ll manage better. It’s still expensive but doable. I have to rave about a little restaurant we went to a couple times while there. It’s in Kailua on the Windward side calle “Oh My Grill”. Prices were very reasonable and the food was Great!. They have opened other locations on the Islalnd. If you go to Oahu, look this place up. I know you’ll love it.
The Hawaiian legislature is considering raising the Transient Accommodation Tax. Maui County already created their own 3% tax. If these tax proposals are approved an additional 20%+ will be added to what you’ll pay for accommodations. These high tax rates make me feel like I’m being gouged by the local government.
The government in the islands hasn’t learned anything from the Carribean. They take no responsibility for the fires or any of the other serious challenges the islands have. Soon the so called “locals” will have the “slums of the pacific” all to themselves . I’m curious as to how they plan to support themselves after all the despised tourists are long gone. Which will be sooner than later. Those that understood the Aloha spirit and the necessity for hospitality are waning and the angry mob that is left over is in for a big surprise.
Chris G…no offense – we likely agree on the central affordability issues afflicting Maui (and Kauai to a strong extent and soon likely most neighbor islands), but you’re talking what, $2-3,000 per night/room for a family of three? I may be wrong, but doesn’t that place you firmly in the top 1-2% of travelers worldwide? Is that Maui’s target market now? Comparison is apt, but it’s not even close to reality for most people to travel this way – except maybe once in a lifetime.
Yet, I don’t think Hawaii has a lifetime for avg wealth to increase to the levels required for most to afford staying a week there now, esp with premium air seats, hotels, attractions, and food all along the way. Maui is now at levels of vacation expense that prove demand and supply always apply (my econ prof is very happy) and will see demand drop precipitously below present levels given many options less expensive for most – even in many beautiful alternative places – as you mention. Then what?
I sure hope you’re right that demand drops off so prices come down. For what I look for in vacations, the value isn’t there for us at their current prices. There is better to be had around our planet for the prices as they are.
Kamaaina should not pay additional fees. Even Disneyland gives locals a break every year. Maybe not all year long but for a period of time each year.
I spreadsheet everything and there are much better options for the same price across this earth of ours. Bora Bora hotels can be had for the same price as Maui hotels, only difference is a slightly longer flight and island hopper flight. Easy choice for my money.
We stayed in Oahu last August. We cooked most nights, did a lot of sightseeing in our rental car and snorkeled, fished and went diving. We are heading back this summer for a month. We will touring the parts we didn’t see the last trip and doing many of the same things. However, after the cost of lodging, rental car, tickets this will be our last trip to Hawaii. We are looking for a new vacation spot. Loved the people & the beauty just has become unaffordable.
In September to October 2023, my family took me to Oahu and see Polynesian Cultural Center see fire dances and hula, and Big Island to snorkel, see luau, see Volcano National Park, swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Quest, and shop to buy us our friends and family a souvenirs,
My mom wants me to save souvenirs for our trips.
In next February in 2026, we’ll go to hawaii again, in Oahu, my Dad and older brother, Austin will have a karate at one place maybe near by Polynesian Cultural Center.
Aloha.❤️😊🤙🤙🤙
Wen̈t from the staying in hotels and shopping main drags to just renting a van and camping for our vacation. It’s the only way to afford à tro these days. Free public showers at all the beaches and lots of places to post up
“All good things must come to an end.”
My mother was a junior in high school on Oahu when Pearl Harbor was attacked. She remembers when there was only the one stoplight along with a few of the historic hotels on Kalakaua. My father, flying mustangs from Iwo, was on R&R when he met her and they were married in July of 1945 on Oahu. Later, in July of 1976, my wife and I married in the very same church. Throughout the years of visiting numerous times, as a young man, and then when married, I watched with sadness how ‘progress’ slowly caused the true Aloha Spirit to diminish. Each visit was more and more painful to watch. Being a realist, and not cynical, the Hawaiian Islands will never return to the memories so many of us remember and treasure. Perhaps that’s the human condition to have been a part of the unthinkable.
I’m with you, it’s been incredibly painful to watch Hawaii turn into a tragicomic shadow of the paradise it once was. All in the name of “Development and Tourism”. Sidenote: My Dad used to talk about the road into Waikiki being nothing but crushed coral when he first arrived in WW2.
Best Regards
Just back from 2 weeks on Kauai. We have been to Hawaii Many times. We have loved it, until this trip. The message we get from 18% extra tax for lodging, plus the new fees and restrictions at Ke’e (really hostile to expect us to get up at 4am every day for 2 weeks to try to get parking pass when you don’t tell us you’ve literally destroyed most of the parking lot with a new construction project) & Waimea canyon, all send us the message “tourists not wanted”.
That said, there are still Some wonderful people with a spirit of Aloha, but it doesn’t fully counter the hostile taxes and fees.
My husband and I will continue to go to Maui as long as we are healthy. We love Maui and the peace that we feel at the beach. We are fortunate to have a timeshare that allows us one or two trips a year. Flights are not too expensive from the Bay Area and we shop at Times Market and cook most of our meals. Beachin’ Rides, Uber and the Westin shuttle get us where we need to go. Life is short and we want to spend part of our time left on earth in Paradise!
The long standing problem for Hawaii, which has been present for DECADES now is the economic over reliance on tourism. I see the same over reliance on property taxes where I live now in New Hampshire.
NH has no sales or personal income taxes so it puts an extraordinary burden on property taxes. So much so that many seniors on fixed incomes decide to move away simply because they cannot afford the property taxes even when their mortgage is paid off.
Like NH and taxes, Hawaii needs to change its reliance on tourism.
Some say Hawaii is suffering from an “overreliance on tourism”. So what’s the alternative? What might Hawaii change its economic reliance over to?
My family moved to the Islands in the ’50s and I’ve lived there on/off since, working and owning more than one residence and loving my days in that former Territory and current 50th State.
The old “joke” in the ’50s was: “only two things are cheaper in Hawaii than on the Mainland – haircuts and pineapples”. It hasn’t changed much.
And it was basically true. But to complicate the limited options and current economic mess – over the decades, Hawaii has managed to destroy the sugar cane, fishing, and pineapple industries – and now – it’s in the process of doing the same to tourism.
The only “growth industry” in what was once “Paradise” is now bigger government with its associated higher taxes and fees – unsustainable – a good deal for some, but how about the other 90% of the folks in the real world?
We’ve visited Hawaii about 5 times in the past. Price and other issues recently had us choose Tahiti instead. Wow, fantastic! Nuff said.
How did you find the overall vacation cost compared to Hawaii.
Different Chris…but when I was spreadsheeting last year, Hawaii vs Bora Bora for three of us(toddler) including flights, premium economy because of the toddler, for 7 nights. Maui Four Season delux club ocean view 28k, St Regis overwater otemanu view 28k, Four Seasons 1 bedroom overwater mountain view 22k. This doesn’t include the island hopper flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora but that’s pocket change compared to the trip. I’m sure prices have changed a bit since then but for that money and how we like to vacation it’s bora bora 10 out of 10 times for my money.
As a former Hawaii resident, 14 years; Hawaii continues to shoot itself in the foot with these higher taxes, fees, and obvious lack of Aloha towards visitors. The Hawaii government has priced Hawaii out of reach for most visitors, but maybe that’s what they want. Sadly, it’s the people of Hawaii that will ultimately suffer the short-sightedness of the people they keep electing.
As a Canadian, the current political climate is unacceptable and unfortunately we will not travel to any part of the US. Our love for Hawaii will remain strong for the future
What does that have to with this article? If you didn’t read it, the subject was the high cost of traveling to the islands.
I hear you, Joan. And in solidarity without, I won’t be traveling to Canada any more. Too bad, since the Maritimes are great in the summer. But politics matter more than our petty personal lives.
As a Hawaiian resident with the current political climate I will not be visiting Canada anymore…..instead I will buy a Tesla…..sheese.
Jane, 😂, good reply. Love it.
If airlines passengers decline the price may go way up to meet operating costs. Then fewer flights, airport options etc. Desperation sales may occur but at some time the airlines will have to ask themselves Is Hawaii Air Travel Profitable? If not then watch airlines drop Hawaii and Hawaii will then have a very serious problem.
I’m definitely with those visitors who would like more transparency concerning where these new taxes will be spent. Hawaii had a wildfire abatement plan for years that it ignored to Lahaina’s peril. Now Gov. Green is asking visitors to pay for the mistakes of Hawaiian government? We’re in Hawaii three times a year, have family there, love the place, and will continue to visit, but if we’re having to pay extra, we’d like to see where the money is being spent.
I don’t quite know the intentions on Hawaii travel. Australia travelers to the US have a 3 day layover in Hawaii. Fragmented flights from Tahiti what a 1 day layover. These short stays still generate the 20% tax, airport transfers, and quick shopping. Little time to venture around and suck up island beach time or adventures. This quick island hop keeps travelers in town and not to the outskirts where native Hawaiians live. Grab the quick cash and send the traveling tourist to the next destination as quick as possible. IMO Green is steering away from people who want those 5-15 day stays on the islands. Another sign he just wants your wallet and not the tourist.
Talk about taking someone’s words out of context! “Longtime visitors, even those with deep ties to the islands, are making different choices. Bruce F. warned, “Let’s just put fear into the minds and hearts of the common visitor, so that the billionaires, of which there are plenty, will enjoy less crowded roads and even more privacy.” I am not a longtime visitor. I am a longtime, 40 year resident. This comment was made about your article saying that the islands are sinking. Big money is talking loudly, making life for the common resident and common visitor less enjoyable. I love respectful middle class tourists, including those who understand that blowing your car horn needlessly is considered rude. I am not happy with billionaire oligarchs who feel the world revolves around them. Are you listening, Mark Z, as you steal all the water from the now-defunct Kaloko Reservoir and deprive others of the streams which ran for centuries and centuries…
My wife and I are Canadians and love traveling to Hawaii. We have been there likely 6-7 times visiting every island. With our low Canadian dollar and the cost of accommodations and food we can no longer afford to come to these beautiful islands. I get the need to curb the masses on these islands. They can only accommodate so many. Many tourists (partyers) can put a lot of wear & tear on things.
Too many are there to use and abuse good things. That cost everyone money including those who are there to enjoy the people and the beauty of the islands.
I hope you get all these issues that are affecting the economies of the island worked out soon.
We do plan to bite the bullet and come back in the next couple years.
I have been travelling to HI since I was a child in the 70s. I still love it with all of my heart, it is my Happy Place. But it takes a lot of research now find an affordable lodging that still offers an enjoyable Hawaiian experience – my beloved Maui is now off the list in favor of other islands – the taxes and fees are the killers. And the food costs – ouch! Mexico and the Caribbean are not a good substitute in my view; and often unsafe to boot. I will continue to travel to HI until I can’t..but there will come a day when the hotel/condo costs tip the balance.
Similar experience but different conclusion – I will never go back to Hawaii after going 10 times – never!
I agree with the governor and Hawaiian people. Visitors should pay blindly to rebuild, make beaches safer, make sure locals don’t have to pay for their own mistakes. That’s why I’m supporting a measure in California that is going to tax Hawaiians that fly into the west coast. We have huge wildfires that destroy towns much larger than Lahaina almost every year. Our food truck vendors are struggling due to locals spending hard earned money in Hawaii and now can’t afford buy food from locals.
The only difference in my plan is that in California, we will actually use the money to rebuild and improve the safety for future generations.
Give it a thought, Governor Green?
Hey guys everything is more expensive everywhere. Have you recently tried booking a trip to Vegas or heaven forbid Disneyland prices are off the charts.
I just had friends comeback from Cabo they spent every bit as much on that trip as we spend on Maui.
I own an automotive repair business 30 years ago we charged $29.95 today it’s $129.95 for complete oil service. Labor costs are up, insurance is up, fuel prices are up, food prices are up, taxes are up and we just went through the worst inflation we’ve seen in years, so yes the days $100.00 a night beach front stays on Hawaii are over.
By the way currently on Costco Travel they’re some excellent values available for higher end resort stay travel to Hawaii mostly Maui.
I actually have 2025 booked stays on both Maui & BI full of perks for far less then we paid in 2023 or 2024.
Kauai will always remain my happy place. There’s something magical about the island. In an increasingly hectic, toxic, stressful, and unfulfilling life here on the mainland I find it necessary to get out there as often as possible (twice per year or more) to help balance me out. Thankfully I’m blessed to own a business where I rack up a significant amount of hotel points to offset the ridiculous accommodation fees.
The troubling part is that hotels are starting to devalue point redemptions to the point to where it requires nearly double the amount of points compared to years past. I will still continue to go but I will probably scale back how often I frequent. Which is truly unfortunate because I have cultivated a lot of meaningful friendships over the last several years by staying at the same resort. I literally know half the staff there and they make me feel like family.
What they have done to ke e beach alone makes me never want to go back
Honestly I have no idea how these resorts/airbnb have any occupancy at these rates (especially the off seasons). Rates have nearly tripled in 5 years. That and we all feel the anti-tourist sentiment from the locals. The locals are only happy if you stay in the resorts.
Aloha! We love Hawai’i but it has gotten more expensive than 2004, the first year we visited. Two of our visits the car cost was as high as our plane cost. This year our rental car was $470, for a week, and our trip was a total of $466. We’ve visited the Big Island once and Oahu three times. On Maui we did the “touristy” stuff the first couple of visits, but like this last visit we just relaxed. We don’t really worry about our stay cost but our timeshare is getting very costly; this year $1600 for one week; $230 a night avg. We started 20 years ago at $1200 a week; $171 avg. We love the islands but if “Green only wants super wealthy people who don’t give a rip” or HTA, that’s what they’re going to get, but even Europeans and Asians don’t really want to bring their money to Hawai’i. Mahalo & Aloha.
All I can say is that I’m glad I have a Brother-In-Law to visit who has a vehicle I can borrow. With out that, my visits would be far and Few between, if ever.
I don’t know how people can pay for all the stuff that is happening now.
We have vacationed in Hawaii for the last 10 years, but we will not be returning. The high prices for accommodation and all the fees and taxes add up. I believe the Hawaiian government has taxed themselves out of the market. Many travellers are now going elsewhere. It’s very sad that the greed of government will ruin the Hawaiian economy. Maybe things will change, but I highly doubt it!
I would also like to know where all this money is going, as nothing has changed in infrastructure since we have been going, in fact I think it has declined. Wishing Hawaii well! Aloha!
“Rise to the challenge”? The only thing Hawaii pols seem to rise to is upping their pay and figuring out ways to impose new taxes and fees on a hapless public…
Best Regards