304 thoughts on “New Hawaii Tourist Fees: Creative Hikes Set to Curb Tourism”
Paul B
I have visited all the Hawaiian Islands countless times over the past 50 years. I am sad to say I can no longer afford them. You are going to be flooded by the entitled millionaires and billionaires of this world.
Hawaii is going to tax visitors to the point where only the wealthy will come to a limited number of fancy hotels where they stay on site and have limited contact with the community. I would guess that probably 70% of small businesses which have a tourist base will not survive. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
I think most of the comments you will see here will be identical to or similar to the ones given over the $50 proposed visitor fee BOH posted last week. Additional fees will cause many people to explore alternatives to Hawaii, where the climate is similar, costs are significantly lower, and visitors are more welcome. With a decreased number of visitors, Hawaii will continue raising fees and taxes upon those who are able to afford to visit to make up for the revenue lost from those who can’t.
Hawaii tries to curb tourism by raising fees and taxes. Curmudgeons complain that they’ll no longer spend their tax dollars here and vow never to return. Two birds. One stone.
The state always finds new ways to stick it to the little guy and shoot itself in the foot. We hate tourism, yet it still remains the only game going. This will drive down tourism, for sure, and also important tax revenue as well as reducing business for local families who depend on tourism for their very survival. We can’t have it both ways. We saw what happened to Maui businesses after the fires. Tourists got the message loud and clear – you’re not wanted here. So they stayed away. Then the governor tried to backpedal, but it was too late. The damage was done. Now he’s doubling down. The state and local governments won’t stop with adding taxes until every resident is on welfare. That’s where we’re headed.
I moved 30something years ago because I couldn’t afford to live there any longer! Now retired it is becoming too expensive to visit! Sad to be a tourist on the island I grew up on!
We’re retirees on a fixed income. We look forward to going to the islands once a year. Adding on these additional fees will mean that we won’t be able to afford the islands any more, which saddens us. We always try to support by buying locally made products and respect the people, the land and ocean.
In essence, people on fixed incomes will no longer be able to afford going to the islands And we’re the responsible ones trying to support the environment and its people.
Imagine being able to afford to vacation in Hawaii every year and still thinking of yourself as unfortunate because you have to curb that to every other year.
Not sure why the hate towards someone who worked hard enough to save some $$ for retirement. Their circumstances have nothing to do with others with financial or housing issues. The housing is a self made prophecy caused by Hawaii. I say this with no hate.
If housing is an issue address it. It wasn’t visitors that allowed Wailea to grow with no affordable housing or allow uncontrolled growth of vacation rentals.
No need to imagine. It’s happening. Many save up all year for their annual vacations after working hard – even overtime. But your comment recognizes the hyper-inflated costs being added to the Hawaiian getaway. It is unfortunate to have to go to Mexico after experiencing Hawaii.
I just can’t believe that there are too many people for whom an additional $200-$300 is truly the breaking point that prevents them from making the trip. But, that just proves the point that Maui is not in danger of losing tourists — if hotel prices drop $100/night, all of these people saying they cannot afford Maui anymore would presumably be lining up for another visit. (On the other hand, I would pay more to have fewer people there.)
After reading all the posts from the disgruntled let’s summarize:
1. I don’t have the money to visit Hawaii anymore, so I’ll take the time to complain about that fact by making up reasons to never visit Hawaii again.
2. The corrupt government that runs Hawaii is running the state into the ground. BTW, ever visited Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida…? Most of the states that contribute less to the federal budget than they take back in federal dollars can’t even provide basic needs to their citizens, and Florida, especially, has become unlivable due to its own insurance crisis.
3. There are plenty of other places I can spend my dollars. Then do just that. Why complain on a site that focuses on Hawaii travel?
1) People have a right to comment on things that affect them. Maybe they are sad because they can’t visit. It doesn’t help to criticize them for it unless your true intent is to not have them visit in the first place.
2) So other states are badly run, and that excuses Hawaii? This kind of argument (“but someone else does it”) was quickly and justifiably crushed by adults when I was 5 years old.
3) See (1) above.
This move by the governor of Hi. is added cost to visit family and friends that live there.
So it’s apparent that the other 49 governors of the US may need to charge so-called impact fees (taxes) for visitors from Hawaii, maybe they can afford it easier.
Is the tourism industry Not Hawaii’s golden goose? It not only funds state and county governments with tax revenues, but more impotantly helps establish and maintain private business ownership, which creates jobs locals needed to pay for the high cost of living, including housing. It also seems that if our elected officials truly want to help locals access affordable housing, then they would focus on policies that increase worker pay; AND develop a master plan using intelligent city planning and remove the mountains of red tape that make Hawaii housing unaffordable to most residents. I guess it’s politically easier to simply blame tourism for the problem.
Unfortunately, mass tourism hasn’t created any “private business ownership” on Maui for many, many years. Most of the profits in Kaanapali went to the Westins, Marriott and now Hilton Vacation Clubs.
That’s a good point Eva. Keeping the profits local would be better for Hawaii. But don’t local people earn a living working at those big resorts? And don’t their wages support local businesses?
Eva, I see. That is different. So Maui does not have Native Hawaiian business owners while 10 percent of the state’s tourism businesses are owned by Native Hawaiians? Do you have any ideas about the reasons for this disparity?
I don’t understand your question. Even if 10% of the tourist business in Hawaii would be owned by native Hawaiians, that would leave 90% of the tourist business in the hands of outsiders. However, I could not find an updated report that this is still the case …may be Beat of Hawaii could look into this? I do know small business owners that are owned by Hawaiians and of course they employ other Hawaiians and are not looking to California to find employees.
John G
Three simple words: I love Maui!
All these tax increases will cause me to seriously consider a return. They reduce tourism, which will adversely affect Maui’s rebuilding after the wildfires. Hawaii has no other industry or export that can bring in revenue to the extent tourism does. Respectful tourism means life for all the islands, but especially for Maui. To the state anf county government: be careful you don’t bite the hand that feeds you!
Aloha loa!
Wow are you really under the impression that, the locals are here only to serve you? Are the locals in your opinion, not contractors, doctors, nurse, teachers, etc. We can and will survive, without as much tourism. It has gotten ridicules when you can’t even be in your own yard without someone coming by thinking you are their personal conceige.
I agree with you. My friends are nurses, teaches etc. The only person who works in the tourist industry is a valet at the Ritz and he has 2 other jobs to support his family.
Perhaps other states should impose ridiculous taxes and fees for Hawaiian residents. Having need born in Hawaii.. Their residents are seen subjects by the elites. With the extreme wealthy buying up all the land there and displacing the native Hawaiian people it’s only a matter of time till Hawaii’s culture is gone and the government there is welcoming it. So sad!
The State better start planning revised policies to enact once these prove disastrous to tourism and revenues by killing the golden goose. Once again Hawaii stumbles from one lousy policy to another.
Hawaii’s residents can no longer enjoy the beauty of our own state! Taxes imposed on our hotels and car rentals have become so outrageous we can no longer afford to vacation here.
Forget a quick flight for a weekend getaway. Our children are the losers. They’ll never be able to see the beauty of Waimea Canyon on Kauai or the The Big Island’s volcano erupting in person. I have stood on the soil of every island in Hawaii, including Niihau and Kahoolawe, and am so sad our Keiki may never see our state’s beauty except in photographs.
Thank you for sharing that perspective, it can be easy to overlook the fact that this impacts residents wanting to visit other islands in addition to visitors from the mainland.
My wife and I used to frequent Hawaii a few times a year to vacation and visit friends. When we compare hotel stays and value, we’ve decided to spend our hard earned greenbacks in Tahiti.
We have spent 2 weeks on Kauai for many years, 1 on north shore & 1 in Poipu area. While we have visited other islands, we loved the quieter, less touristy feel compared, especially compared to Maui. Alas, even Kauai has become more crowded. Many are not not looking for a “Disneyland” vacation. I know this won’t be a popular comment, but I miss the less touristy Kauai! I think overall, Hawaii is right to want to slow visitors to their beautiful state. Like the rest of the planet, preservation of resources, natural beauty and the climate should be a top priority everywhere.
I love Hawaii. My family loves not just beautiful beaches and climate but the complex history and beautiful culture of native Hawaiian language and practice. We teach our kids to learn in a real touch and feel way the ugly face of colonialism in the history of America.
As a tourist, it’s becoming harder each year to justify a return. We try to use YouTube and news sites (including Beat of Hawaii) to plan ahead, be aware of local challenges, and do our best to travel respectfully and spend locally.
We are reaching close to the point of not returning. Since 2017 when we first visited each trip has been thousands of dollars more expensive than the last with no net increase in travel class. Tourists can only be milked so far.
Visited Maui in 2022 for the first time since 1995. The additional accomodations that had been built on Kaanapali since 1995 was significant and definitely changed the ‘vibe’ of the area. At some point the government approved all of that additional development not only in Kaanapali but south Maui as well. If you build it they will come, and come they did. What did they think would happen? There really is no place like Hawaii but it’s hard to spend so much money to travel to a place where many do not want you to visit. The additional taxes and fees on top of the $ you’re contributing just by spending your tourism dollars will turn more away, but I guess that’s the goal.
I agree that the islands are over touristed, damaging the aina and the people who live here. I also don’t want only wealthy people as tourists and landowners. How about less of these numerous tourist taxes and instead a wealth tax and higher tax rates on properties above, say 5M?
This winter we won’t be back. The Islands can’t figure out what they want, or don’t want. The taxes for tourism are making me change plans to another warm place. 26 trips to Hawaii, since 1993 all the neat things and locations are gone. Plus high taxes and fees for looking or driving around the island.
RS
I have visited all the Hawaiian Islands countless times over the past 50 years. I am sad to say I can no longer afford them. You are going to be flooded by the entitled millionaires and billionaires of this world.
Thats the idea.
Hawaii is going to tax visitors to the point where only the wealthy will come to a limited number of fancy hotels where they stay on site and have limited contact with the community. I would guess that probably 70% of small businesses which have a tourist base will not survive. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
I think most of the comments you will see here will be identical to or similar to the ones given over the $50 proposed visitor fee BOH posted last week. Additional fees will cause many people to explore alternatives to Hawaii, where the climate is similar, costs are significantly lower, and visitors are more welcome. With a decreased number of visitors, Hawaii will continue raising fees and taxes upon those who are able to afford to visit to make up for the revenue lost from those who can’t.
Stayed in Maui 7 weeks yearly for 40 years. Looks like I’m going to have to find an alternative destination for Dec & Jan. Boo Hoo
Hawaii tries to curb tourism by raising fees and taxes. Curmudgeons complain that they’ll no longer spend their tax dollars here and vow never to return. Two birds. One stone.
The state always finds new ways to stick it to the little guy and shoot itself in the foot. We hate tourism, yet it still remains the only game going. This will drive down tourism, for sure, and also important tax revenue as well as reducing business for local families who depend on tourism for their very survival. We can’t have it both ways. We saw what happened to Maui businesses after the fires. Tourists got the message loud and clear – you’re not wanted here. So they stayed away. Then the governor tried to backpedal, but it was too late. The damage was done. Now he’s doubling down. The state and local governments won’t stop with adding taxes until every resident is on welfare. That’s where we’re headed.
I moved 30something years ago because I couldn’t afford to live there any longer! Now retired it is becoming too expensive to visit! Sad to be a tourist on the island I grew up on!
We’re retirees on a fixed income. We look forward to going to the islands once a year. Adding on these additional fees will mean that we won’t be able to afford the islands any more, which saddens us. We always try to support by buying locally made products and respect the people, the land and ocean.
In essence, people on fixed incomes will no longer be able to afford going to the islands And we’re the responsible ones trying to support the environment and its people.
Imagine being able to afford to vacation in Hawaii every year and still thinking of yourself as unfortunate because you have to curb that to every other year.
Not sure why the hate towards someone who worked hard enough to save some $$ for retirement. Their circumstances have nothing to do with others with financial or housing issues. The housing is a self made prophecy caused by Hawaii. I say this with no hate.
If housing is an issue address it. It wasn’t visitors that allowed Wailea to grow with no affordable housing or allow uncontrolled growth of vacation rentals.
Vacation rental growth is near zero. No licenses issued for 3 years and limited resort area growth.
No need to imagine. It’s happening. Many save up all year for their annual vacations after working hard – even overtime. But your comment recognizes the hyper-inflated costs being added to the Hawaiian getaway. It is unfortunate to have to go to Mexico after experiencing Hawaii.
I just can’t believe that there are too many people for whom an additional $200-$300 is truly the breaking point that prevents them from making the trip. But, that just proves the point that Maui is not in danger of losing tourists — if hotel prices drop $100/night, all of these people saying they cannot afford Maui anymore would presumably be lining up for another visit. (On the other hand, I would pay more to have fewer people there.)
After reading all the posts from the disgruntled let’s summarize:
1. I don’t have the money to visit Hawaii anymore, so I’ll take the time to complain about that fact by making up reasons to never visit Hawaii again.
2. The corrupt government that runs Hawaii is running the state into the ground. BTW, ever visited Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida…? Most of the states that contribute less to the federal budget than they take back in federal dollars can’t even provide basic needs to their citizens, and Florida, especially, has become unlivable due to its own insurance crisis.
3. There are plenty of other places I can spend my dollars. Then do just that. Why complain on a site that focuses on Hawaii travel?
I agree with you, James B.
They’re asking for feedback. Every ‘complainer’ previously had the money – would love to return but obviously have concerns with the tax on tourism.
I can afford it but don’t I don’t care to be taken advantage of.
I guess I could post comments on a Montana site but it just wouldn’t be the same.
1) People have a right to comment on things that affect them. Maybe they are sad because they can’t visit. It doesn’t help to criticize them for it unless your true intent is to not have them visit in the first place.
2) So other states are badly run, and that excuses Hawaii? This kind of argument (“but someone else does it”) was quickly and justifiably crushed by adults when I was 5 years old.
3) See (1) above.
This move by the governor of Hi. is added cost to visit family and friends that live there.
So it’s apparent that the other 49 governors of the US may need to charge so-called impact fees (taxes) for visitors from Hawaii, maybe they can afford it easier.
Is the tourism industry Not Hawaii’s golden goose? It not only funds state and county governments with tax revenues, but more impotantly helps establish and maintain private business ownership, which creates jobs locals needed to pay for the high cost of living, including housing. It also seems that if our elected officials truly want to help locals access affordable housing, then they would focus on policies that increase worker pay; AND develop a master plan using intelligent city planning and remove the mountains of red tape that make Hawaii housing unaffordable to most residents. I guess it’s politically easier to simply blame tourism for the problem.
Unfortunately, mass tourism hasn’t created any “private business ownership” on Maui for many, many years. Most of the profits in Kaanapali went to the Westins, Marriott and now Hilton Vacation Clubs.
That’s a good point Eva. Keeping the profits local would be better for Hawaii. But don’t local people earn a living working at those big resorts? And don’t their wages support local businesses?
Hawaiians working at those resorts are a very small minority which was not the case when I first visited the islands 30 years ago.
That’s interesting, Eva. Do you mean ethnic Hawaiians or Hawaiian citizens? Or both. Who are filling those positions if not locals?
Maui is unlike other places. This report shows ten percent of tourism businesses are owned by Native Hawaiians.
Eva, I see. That is different. So Maui does not have Native Hawaiian business owners while 10 percent of the state’s tourism businesses are owned by Native Hawaiians? Do you have any ideas about the reasons for this disparity?
I don’t understand your question. Even if 10% of the tourist business in Hawaii would be owned by native Hawaiians, that would leave 90% of the tourist business in the hands of outsiders. However, I could not find an updated report that this is still the case …may be Beat of Hawaii could look into this? I do know small business owners that are owned by Hawaiians and of course they employ other Hawaiians and are not looking to California to find employees.
Three simple words: I love Maui!
All these tax increases will cause me to seriously consider a return. They reduce tourism, which will adversely affect Maui’s rebuilding after the wildfires. Hawaii has no other industry or export that can bring in revenue to the extent tourism does. Respectful tourism means life for all the islands, but especially for Maui. To the state anf county government: be careful you don’t bite the hand that feeds you!
Aloha loa!
Wow are you really under the impression that, the locals are here only to serve you? Are the locals in your opinion, not contractors, doctors, nurse, teachers, etc. We can and will survive, without as much tourism. It has gotten ridicules when you can’t even be in your own yard without someone coming by thinking you are their personal conceige.
Get real we all know this never happened to you in your yard.
I agree with you. My friends are nurses, teaches etc. The only person who works in the tourist industry is a valet at the Ritz and he has 2 other jobs to support his family.
Perhaps other states should impose ridiculous taxes and fees for Hawaiian residents. Having need born in Hawaii.. Their residents are seen subjects by the elites. With the extreme wealthy buying up all the land there and displacing the native Hawaiian people it’s only a matter of time till Hawaii’s culture is gone and the government there is welcoming it. So sad!
The State better start planning revised policies to enact once these prove disastrous to tourism and revenues by killing the golden goose. Once again Hawaii stumbles from one lousy policy to another.
Hawaii’s residents can no longer enjoy the beauty of our own state! Taxes imposed on our hotels and car rentals have become so outrageous we can no longer afford to vacation here.
Forget a quick flight for a weekend getaway. Our children are the losers. They’ll never be able to see the beauty of Waimea Canyon on Kauai or the The Big Island’s volcano erupting in person. I have stood on the soil of every island in Hawaii, including Niihau and Kahoolawe, and am so sad our Keiki may never see our state’s beauty except in photographs.
Thank you for sharing that perspective, it can be easy to overlook the fact that this impacts residents wanting to visit other islands in addition to visitors from the mainland.
My wife and I used to frequent Hawaii a few times a year to vacation and visit friends. When we compare hotel stays and value, we’ve decided to spend our hard earned greenbacks in Tahiti.
The rich score again! So long Hawaii.
I’m sorry, but have you ever visited French Polynesia? If you think Hawaii prices and fees are high, you probably haven’t.
We have spent 2 weeks on Kauai for many years, 1 on north shore & 1 in Poipu area. While we have visited other islands, we loved the quieter, less touristy feel compared, especially compared to Maui. Alas, even Kauai has become more crowded. Many are not not looking for a “Disneyland” vacation. I know this won’t be a popular comment, but I miss the less touristy Kauai! I think overall, Hawaii is right to want to slow visitors to their beautiful state. Like the rest of the planet, preservation of resources, natural beauty and the climate should be a top priority everywhere.
I love Hawaii. My family loves not just beautiful beaches and climate but the complex history and beautiful culture of native Hawaiian language and practice. We teach our kids to learn in a real touch and feel way the ugly face of colonialism in the history of America.
As a tourist, it’s becoming harder each year to justify a return. We try to use YouTube and news sites (including Beat of Hawaii) to plan ahead, be aware of local challenges, and do our best to travel respectfully and spend locally.
We are reaching close to the point of not returning. Since 2017 when we first visited each trip has been thousands of dollars more expensive than the last with no net increase in travel class. Tourists can only be milked so far.
Visited Maui in 2022 for the first time since 1995. The additional accomodations that had been built on Kaanapali since 1995 was significant and definitely changed the ‘vibe’ of the area. At some point the government approved all of that additional development not only in Kaanapali but south Maui as well. If you build it they will come, and come they did. What did they think would happen? There really is no place like Hawaii but it’s hard to spend so much money to travel to a place where many do not want you to visit. The additional taxes and fees on top of the $ you’re contributing just by spending your tourism dollars will turn more away, but I guess that’s the goal.
I agree that the islands are over touristed, damaging the aina and the people who live here. I also don’t want only wealthy people as tourists and landowners. How about less of these numerous tourist taxes and instead a wealth tax and higher tax rates on properties above, say 5M?
This winter we won’t be back. The Islands can’t figure out what they want, or don’t want. The taxes for tourism are making me change plans to another warm place. 26 trips to Hawaii, since 1993 all the neat things and locations are gone. Plus high taxes and fees for looking or driving around the island.
RS