What readers are saying about the proposed new visitor fees in Hawaii.
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76 thoughts on “Kauai Joins Maui On Visitor Fees: Backlash + Where’s The Money Going?”
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What readers are saying about the proposed new visitor fees in Hawaii.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
I really feel that the Mayors of Maui and Kauai are overreacting to what is most likely a problem now due to pent-up travel demands. Americans are anxious to travel in 2021 because they didn’t get to last year. Choices of places to go are limited; Europe, Canada, Mexico, cruises, etc all have traveling problems and so, “Let’s go to Hawaii!”. Now it’s a huge problem but the demand will diminish next year and beyond. Hawaii has always had the reputation of being an expensive destination, and the costs of travel there this year and with the threat of more fees, will only cement in that impression for future potential travelers.
Judy H.,
I agree that there’s definitely more than usual demand for Hawai’i due to the reasons you mention. However, the problems with overcrowding, lack of parking, and just general destruction of the natural beauty of Hawai’i due to the large numbers of tourists is something that’s been happening for a while now (i.e., pre-COVID) and needs to be addressed. Take, for example, the Haena State Park restrictions. Those were in the planning stage for YEARS before COVID and a flood there because of overcrowding, destruction of the area’s natural beauty due to huge numbers of tourists tramping all over the place, and parking in places they shouldn’t, etc. So, the problem is real. On the other hand, the solutions are difficult, and I suspect that whatever Hawai’i comes up with, it’s going to make someone/group mad as heck.
I’ve read most of these comments and one that sticks out is one that thinks he is a second class citizen because locals don’t pay all the fees tourists do…well..for one thing..we have to put up with you so we should get something for that. I guess I should feel like a second class citizen then when I go to mainland coastal areas that NO ONE can park without a local sticker on there car..like my old home Santa Cruz CA…or down in San Diego,San Francisco or any town by water…as far as I’m concerned..go elsewhere then if it’s a problem for you
It seems no matter how brutal the fees climb some tourists will just keep paying it. I am glad I went to visit when parts were still affordable and had local charm. Not much left in that department.
Mahalo to everyone that visits Hawaii. I am a (kamaaina) local resident of Kauai and don’t blame all tourist for the ills caused by a selected few that arrive to our beautiful islands unappreciative & with a selfish heart. Kauai & the Aloha State (as a majority) welcomes everyone with open hearts, a warm smile, and thanks for enjoying the island way of life. Many Hawaii residents embrace the kindness of tourist that makes Hawaii a destination for sun & fun. “E komo mai” “welcome.”
Bermuda solved the too many cars on the island problem decades ago by not allowing tourists to rent cars. They must use taxis or public buses. Smart!
Bermuda is 22 miles long and just over a mile wide. How about an apt comparison?
We have been to Maui several times, and have always found it friendly. Parking fees and such are a way of life, in Chicago parking is as much as 5 dollars an hour for everyone. My suggestion is if fees bother you buy a pool and stay home. Not all put may people who travel carry their rudeness with them and as a result never actually enjoy themselves. Relax and enjoy the time you have for it is actually very short.
John
The county is going to spend 30.000 to “study” non resident fees to visit Kauai’s parks and beaches. Are you serious? 30,000 DOLLARS!!!! For a study? Talk about a waste of money when there are numerous other things such as infrastructure and beach erosion that could use this money.
Pretty sure there is some nepotism as usual going on in this one. I mean seriously this would take anyone 20 minutes to do. I’m assuming they have an idea of how many people visit x parking fees minus percentage of locals. See I’m done mail the check to …. 🙂
In Washington state residents must pay for a Discover pass or a fee to park, because we should all pay to use these spaces and to keep them beautiful. In the end Mayors or a council can decide on which projects to allocate the monies each year. Maybe residents can nominate projects? I would sure like to see a road connecting Walia to the road up country. Thanks
Hello,
So sad what a mess. It’s true all the visitors will take a toll on the Island but I have to agree the problem is the governments mismanagement. People don’t just visit Hawaii to stay at a resort they also want to explore all the beauty so government should have planned on the impact it would have on the land. Toilets not working for two years??? How is this not fixable? If you can’t get some movable bathrooms up and running wow is there any hope? I am a respectful visitor, but I also don’t have a large income to pay fees I’m the “coupon clipper” but that doesn’t mean I’m going to disrespect anyone or any land. The government needs to set limits, not fees, to correct the impact on the island. Don’t forget your reef friendly sun screen! Keep Hawaii beautiful if we all do our part local or visitor.
Mahalo,
Erica
It’s frustrating to see fees added to areas that should be accessible to everyone. That’s just not right. The reality is that one HI figured out that people want to see and experience the natural wonders of HI it now wants to make money. There should not be fees to access public areas like parks and beaches. These were originally created to be used by everyone. HI dies receive federal money which also tourist continue too. I find this unacceptable. The truth is that people will stop going in larger numbers once they see how bad it is. My family and I just got back a week ago and I did not plan on returning for at least two years. If HI doesn’t get its act together I’ll vacation elsewhere. Given the price for everything it’s not worth it. Too expensive for the service you get and the congestion. It was obvious that HI was not ready for the tourism to return. It felt so disorganized and chaotic. That’s not an enjoyable vacation. Instead HI should be focusing on how to help its residents meet this demand so it’s not out of hand. Such as better translation and more roads. HI residents need the tourism. Don’t destroy it.
After rebooking three times we will finally visit the Big Island in November. I’m not too concerned with “user fees” as they are not uncommon. But I am concerned about the way tourists are being treated. Hawaii is on probation and our upcoming trip will make or break a decades long tradition of visiting. The examples of NYC and Paris of years ago is a lesson for Hawaii. Just sayin…
>Michael: Yes, tourists are rude and disrespectful.
We travel to the islands (primarily Kauai) twice a year for two weeks at a time and are anything but rude & disrespectful. We rent a house (yes, it’s a legal rental) in a residential neighborhood and have become friends with some of our neighbors over the years. We donate to a number of local charities, including but not limited to KKCR, The Kauai Humane Society, The Lanai Cat Sanctuary, The Kauai Community Cat Project, The Kilauea Lighthouse and Bird Refuge, and others. We patronize local businesses and restaurants and not chains. We leave no footprints. We understand that some tourists are rude and disrespectful, but resent being stereotyped.
I agree whole heartedly. Some of us who visit regularly actually love the islands and cherish and care for them as we do our own “home”. Yes, there are tourists that are rude and disrespectful. But, please, do not place that label on all of us.
Thanks me too! Kauai community cat project does great work. I got involved when I was last there 2016
“many of you said that you want to see any fees reinvested directly into the islands’ infrastructure.”
Not if the oahu rail debacle is any indicaion of how money is wasted by the county and state governments
I have lived and worked on Big Island of Hawaii for 19 years. We employed a local independent home builder who employed local residents to construct our home. We employee local folks for home yard & home maintenance & garbage pick up.
I agree with Suzanne that roadway garbage & abandoned vehicles need to be addressed in a more timely manner. It would be great if our local government would include some of the the “tourist fees” for roadside cleanup.
Thank you for providing this forum. But, most of all, thank you for the daily updates concerning our beautiful state of Hawaii.
Hi Mike.
Thank you! Happy to read your first-time comment. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Aloha
I live in Arizona I think we should enact a snowbird tax and since we are being invaded by California and the west coast how about an extra tax on those people. Last I checked Hawaii is part of the U.S. what’s the difference?
As someone who called Hawaii home for 20 years let’s not act like the locals are great caretakers and do no wrong.
I did not read all the comments, but travel fees? For most of us, it’s already very expensive for us to travel there by plane, we spend money on accommodations, car rental, parking, food, etc..I think most of us probably buy a ton of souvenirs, in my opinion, if you are trying to out price most people, charging extra fees would do it. Maybe the richest of the rich could afford, but the blue collar workers who just need a beautiful place to vacation and relax? We may be to poor to help out the economy. I know I spent a lot when I just traveled, giving extra tips, buying local, and local companies for tours/activities, etc…I love Hawaii, but not sure I work at a high enough paying job to continue to travel if there were more extra fees.
In all respect,
Mahalo for listening!
Hi Sheryl.
Thanks for your input and your other comments.
Aloha.
When do you think Kauai will impose these fees for beach parks and parking?
Hi Lisa.
That timing is unknown at this time.
Aloha.
I’m not sure that fees are the answer. Tourists (and locals too) need to be better educated on the fragile nature of the environment, especially the reefs. Could the state government make a video on how to take care of the land and the water that could be shown on the flights prior to landing? Or possibly give visitors pamphlets on the care of environment. Hotels should also make sure their guests are educated. It could also cover the dangers of the environment, especially the ocean. I don’t think most tourists deliberately mistreat the islands, they are just ignorant as to how fragile the islands are.
Thanks for providing this comment area.
Hi Jan.
Thanks for that input!
Aloha.
As someone who has been to the Islands 85+ times since 1986, where even into the early millennia these were 4-5X’s a year a week at a time, Business and Pleasure, and over the last 10 years more like an annual trip, normally in the Spring, until we postponed February ’20, given China’s impact locally and their travel worldwide. Initially, we were scheduled for September ’20, but despite having reservations, the Moana had not re-opened, thus pushing back to May ’21, when again, the reports of having to wear Masks on the beach and a 6 Hour Flight, plus 2 Hours each way in Terminal or transit to Hotel Room seem too much! Now, January ’22, is firm, 10 days. With many friends that are “Locals”, it appears it was Hawaii that was not ready for the re-open, and in a State 99% dependent on Military and Tourism, it’s hard to fathom some of these folks going back to the 1980’s and “Local’s Only” as was Makaha. Certainly even in Oahu, it can be seen as the once bucolic North Shore from Kahuku to Haliewa is not stop n go, with no Beach Parking available, or even Matsumoto’s newer enlarged location. Fares are already higher to Maui and Kauai, Kaanapali, Wailea and Kapalua (DT Fleming) are pretty much self-contained, so too Poipu or Princeville. The Governor wanted to grab all the Counties $ from Hotel Tax for a General Fund, to what end, higher Rates, re-initiated locally? Do not forget the impact of the AirBNB game, not registered in Hotels, paying Room Taxes etc., but actually being the ones bypassing most of the regulations. Our last 10 trips have been to Waikiki, International City, all the amenities, great Hotels and Dining and consistant weather. Governor Ige had turned the Unemployment Compensation into a negative $500M+ hole, don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg! Hotels are still not fully open, ditto Dining, it can only get better.
This is a tough problem and one that isn’t unique to Hawai’i. There are many places where the number of tourists is having a negative impact on exactly the reason there are so many tourists. In the case of Hawai’i, it’s pretty simple. There’s a push/pull between the economy, which is very dependant on tourism, and keeping the islands as pristine and beautiful as they were in the past. Crowds, lack of parking, and heavy traffic aren’t what people come to Hawai’i to see or experience. As someone who’s planning his retirement in Hawai’i I’m really concerned that when I do get there, it won’t be what I experienced, but rather just another crowded place full of rude tourists. BTW, the “Ugly American” is real, and he/she travels to Hawai’i. In the end, the only way to really fix the problem is to reduce the number of tourists. As someone else mentioned, that’s hard to do when your economy depends on getting ever more people to come to Hawai’i and the government continues to approve big resorts, bigger airplanes, etc. BTW, widening the roads, building more “infrastructure” in general, isn’t the answer either because those projects often destroy the very natural beauty that the tourists are there to see. So, in the end, the right answer is the most difficult one. It’s to limit the number of visitors that are allowed to come to Hawai’i. I know that won’t be a popular choice, but it’s the right choice in my opinion. The question is, how do you do that in a fair and equitable way? I don’t think that use fees or fees, in general, are the right answer because what that means is that only the people who are rich will be able to visit. I think that perhaps it’s a simple “visa” like system that’s done on a first come first served basis that might be the answer. Then everyone has an equal chance of getting to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth. The hard part will be coming up with a number of visitors per day/week/month/year that keep the Hawiian economy healthy.
Hawaii-in particular the some of the outer islands – are doing a magnificent job of discouraging tourists. And, my guess is that they – and their leadership – read it politicians – will pay the price.
Why not welcome tourists instead of milking Hawaii’s beauty in exchange for a cash cow? I own property
In Hawaii as well as being – until now – a frequent tourist.
Good luck!
So currently we tourists pay, at minimum:
Rental car concession Fee: 11.11%
Rental Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax: $5/day
Vehicle license fee: $0.35 to $1.45/day
State Excise tax: 4.166%
Transient accommodations tax:10.25%-14.96%
(open ended as each island can add up to 3% more.
State sales tax: up to 4.5% Kauai is 4.712%
And now Gov.Ige has proposed a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary drinks.
My numbers might be dated but I think the point is valid. As much as we love Hawaii, I’m seeing better value on a Caribbean cruise.
Maybe US tourists should boycott Hawaii, there are plenty of beautiful tropical vacation destinations with all inclusive resorts, making travel much more reasonable….
As a more respectful tourist I can say many tourists are disrespectful and sometimes just so ignorant they don’t even know they are being disrespectful.
Some tourists are super chill and help clean up after those other tourists.
This is an over reaction to opening up. It was obvious this would happen so why come out with this nonsense? What will happen when spending goes back down after the initial opening??
Will they just keep these fees forever.
I spend a lot of time in Hana and indeed people park and drive like tools.
IMO I see people litter and trample the land for amazing photos and visuals through ignorance and selfishness/pleasure. It is not always about you and your desires.
I would add I never trust government to actually responsibly allocate funds so that money may never actually go to were it is promised.
One day soon I will have my own place out here and be able to live a simple but enjoyable life 🙂
Perhaps Hawai’i should build a sustainable economy within it’s own industries so the islands don’t rely on tourism. I read and heard a lot of talk during covid but seems as if they were just waiting for it to be over to bring back the disrespectful people traveling from around the world. When you build an economy around tourism unfortunately it’s no surprise that’s what you’re going to get. But locals blame tourists when they should be blaming the government and the s**t corporations taking advantage of the land instead of preserving it (backed by the government). Build an economy around the locals so they can afford where they’re from, pay a living wage, and for the love of Hawai’i start thinking of the people within instead of the outsiders that see Hawaii as a party zone or those who use Hawai’i as a personal piggy bank when it should be redistributed within Hawai’i and it’s people – I’m an outsider but a respectful one who has love for Hawai’i and it’s people.
The shame of it all is that the local government officials welcomed the big money interests without properly planning for the increase in tourism and how to manage the influx of visitors. As a result, the existing circumstances are the outcome of the money driven actions of those we expected to make good decisions on behalf of the local residents and the tourists who visit the islands.
I have been visiting the islands annually for 25 years and am used to paying the very high time share fees due to very high property taxes and the costs of maintaining real estate in the damp climate, the high cost of food and gas, the high costs of activities, dining out, etc. In addition, we now pay a “resort” fee per day to the state of Hawaii to use our timeshares. Since abandoning their culture, agriculture, and all industries other than tourism, Hawaii has changed greatly. Not for the better. So now more added fees, inconveniences, restrictions, etc. are headed our way if we want to use those Hawaii timeshares. At some point, it will be time to bid farewell to the islands which are not the islands I fell in love with decades ago. So Sad.
The Kihei trolley (hop-on-hop-off) is great idea, and if free, even better!
Heck, I’d even use it and I live in N.Kihei.
I don’t have a problem with user fees for specific locations , parks or facilities but not for blanket fees for all visitors . I like that Kauai is still beautifully undeveloped, and that parts of Maui are still non developed yet, but the islands have allowed the rampant expansion of accommodations without an accompanying increase in infrastructure to keep up with it. Covid has pointed out that Hawaii is still a long, crowded, masked flight away and mainland US is a lot closer and cheaper, varied and beautiful. If Hawaii doesn’t want me to come back every year it is ok with me. 49 closer located US states are eager for me to visit, and are being more welcoming . Europe is just as appealing for me to visit, and from the East Coast, it is a lot closer….. and for my travel dollars a better value right now.
We love Kaua’i and would not mind paying some sort of “impact” fee as long as it goes towards improving the infrastructure for the beach parks, parking improvements, restroom improvements, etc. As much as we love it there, it’s hard to ignore the absolutely horrid condition of most of the park restrooms. Maui seems to have a much better handle on their beach park maintenance than Kaua’i does.
Aloha, BOH!
Hi Ed.
Thanks for your input on this important subject!
Aloha.
We have been going to Hawaii since the early 90s and, other than Lahaina, roads have not been improved. The volume of tourism could throttle itself. It’s been crazy busy for a few months. Give it time to right itself after the overreaction to Covid
This will be the second year I’m going to Mexico instead of Hawaii. We’ll try for Maui in 2022. Cancun then a month later will be Cabo this year. Hopefully Hawaii will get their act together next year.
I’ve read the comments and truly believe the answer is the hop on/hop off trolleys. Anaheim (Disneyland) has them. I do believe they are subsidized by the hotels, Disney etc. it solves the problem of parking at the park, local restaurants among other businesses .The trolleys are quick, easy and reliable.
I don’t know what you are talking about. We have been coming to Maui for 25 years and it is not tourists burning cars on the side of the road and threatening people at state parks and waterfalls. I could count on one hand how many times I have seen a tourist act disrespectful to a native or the land. I hope if this rule passes my state reciprocates and charges Hawaii residents the same tax to come to my state. tit for tat
With all due respect you don’t see mass groups of Hawaiians or people from Hawaii destroying the mainland, it’s culture, language, history, etc. Also, just because you haven’t witnessed such things doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen more often than not. I’m not a fan of either side being disrespectful to one another but you have to admit that locals of Hawaii have it tougher than the visiting tourists.
This is kind of off topic, but we own a condo in Poipu and it is a vacation rental. We do, however, spend about 4 months a year on island. Our property taxes are based on it being a vacation rental, which I am completely on board with. When I was on island in February, I tried to renew my Hawaii ID (I have a REAL ID/drivers license in WA). I was told by the Kauai DMV employee that I could only have one REAL ID. I only need one REAL ID and that is from WA. I am wondering if just a regular Hawaii ID is able to be obtained or has it been discontinued? I like having the Hawaii ID when I am on island for visiting Haena and Waimea Canyon, etc (for parking). Just wondering if there is another option?
Same here, Delores. We used to have valid Hawaii IDs, although our drivers licenses were from our mainland state. Tried to renew the Hawaii ID a few years ago, and the federal law regarding “real ID” (but not for voting because, well, you know) precludes individuals from having more than one.
Not a huge deal, but having HI ID for getting into Ke’e without a reservation would be nice. We can flash our expired ones to the Auntie at the gate, and good enough for her (caveat: this was before tourists were allowed back so was very quiet out there).
Oops….that was suppose to be next, not new, year.
I agree with Kathleen! Not all tourists are the same. I’m going to be the best & most respectful visitor when I come new year! I’m looking forward to learning about Hawaii’s culture with the cultural activities that are on the itinerary😍 Well, as I have been doing my research about Hawaii I’ve also been learning already & I cant wait to come🍍🥥🌍🏖✈🌈
We will not pay $30 to park at a beach in Hawaii or anywhere else. It is becoming unaffordable to travel to Hawaii; we are going on business this month but would probably opt for the Florida Keys if it were ‘just’ a vacation.
For years, Florida has been charging outrageous parking fees to anyone using a parking space, local resident or tourist. $30 is cheap.
I really hate the word “tourists” as it is just one notch above an insult (and in some cases is intended as exactly that). I absolutely love it that our guests love this place and keep coming back. I make it a point to strike up conversations with our guests, to learn about them, where they’re from, what their interests are, and then providing input congruent to who they are and what they want to do, steer them to certain things and away from others. Full disclosure: I live in Hilo and we just don’t have the descending hordes in any way, shape or form here. Just the same, for the time being, tourism is our mainstay. If the collective ‘we’ don’t like that, no problem, we can move our economy toward something else, but in the meantime (actually, at all times, no matter what), I believe that all of us who are so blessed to be able to call this place home, we would do well to live out our aloha to and for our guests.
Sad to see what is going on but not unexpected. As someone who called maui and Oahu home for 20 years it’s a shell of its former self. There is no aloha spirit left. I dont Understand the mad rush to get there. just watch some YouTube videos of the lines for restaurants and all the fees being charged and let’s not forget about the rental cars. Maybe this is what Hawaii wants price everyone out of the market except those that can afford it. I’m fine with that personally but I’m not fine with feeling like I’m getting messed over.
Hawaii isn’t it’s our country. It benefits from the federal taxes I paid. It’s not entitled to entry fees from other Americans. Stop being ridiculous.