243 thoughts on “Nickle-And-Dimed To Death | Hawaii Visitors Reeling”
John L
Nickle and diming your visitors will slowly eliminate a major financial class. What you might be left with will be high-income folks. They can afford to pay the house prices which will further eliminate locals from the housing market. You need to focus on the bigger picture here.
Very happy that I was able to visit the islands as often as I did when visitors were welcomed and not being milked just to go to the beach.
Hope this approach works out for all the residents who depend on visitors for
their livelihood.
aloha To Hawaii.
Paying $10 per vehicle, then an additional $5 per person to visit a state park for a couple of hours is gouging. Accommodation and car taxes have gone through the roof, and along with the already more expensive costs, this is sending a clear message: Hawaii would rather do without my tourist dollars. Guess this is the last visit for us: we save for our rare vacations, and this just leaves a bad taste.
I think HI is saying there are too many of us coming; and only the wealthiest are wanted. I bet housekeepers, bell hops, restaurant owners are not in favor of this. Tourism keeps them employed!
No taxation without representation. Can locals please stop blaming people for things and stand up against the govt who is raising taxes on everything?!?!? People don’t want a pay raise here bc they want to live on the govt. Where do you think that money from the govt is coming from? Soon everyone including locals will be paying a fee. First just the locals then when they stop visiting, going be you paying!!!!! It is not a solution.
I was stationed at Hickam way back in the day. We’ve been scrimping and saving to go back now that the kids are grown and out. We made plans for October, booked airline Tix and a place to stay in Waikiki.
Finally though, I’ve had enough. I’m not forcing a trip for outrageous fees to a place I’m not wanted. I just cancelled everything. I’ll get my Hawaii watching reruns of Hawaii Five-0.
If Hawaii wants to change the attitude of the visitor they need to stop creating a us vs them with visitors vs kamaaina. When people have to pay for something it gives them a feeling of entitlement…maybe one of the reasons visitors are rude.
Just got back from the Big Island and yes everything is much more expensive than before Covid. I love Hawaii and hope it is always cared for. Putting everything on the backs of tourist is not the way to do it. If you drive the tourist away things will deteriorate until there is no money to care for these beautiful Islands. I live near Yosemite National Park and am sickened by the amount of trash thrown out car windows by tourist from all over the world on our beautiful drive to Yosemite. There will always be people who live there and that are visiting that act like “pigs”, we can only hope that more of us care than don’t. Hawaii is special but a lot of places are. God has created our wonderful planet, let’s share it with everyone.
I’ve been reading for years about how the rising costs will kill Hawaiian tourism – and as the crowds continue to grow, the comments continue to be made. It reminds me of something Yogi Berra said: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Hawaii is still paradise, tourism will continue, and people will complain.
I’d rather pay a $100 entrance fee to the state, but if people complain about paying some extra parking fees after forming out to fly, rent a car and stay, perhaps they should go elsewhere and leave the islands to the rest of us?
Random fact, pre-contact, the Kingdom knew of neither nickels nor dimes. (Lots of different paths to drag this comment down, discuss amongst yourselves.)
Aloha,
As a Native Hawaiian living in Hawai’i, it’s important for all visitors to note that our state has the highest cost of living in the country and our people barely make a living wage working multiple jobs. With that being said, visitors should expect a to pay a higher rates for items, lodging and “Hawaiian Experiences on their vacation. It is expensive to visit paradise, but can you imagine living here?!
The exorbitant hotel rates are set by Large Corporations not locals. The locals who work at the hotels earn just above minimum wage. We work for the large hotel companies to help them maintain their wealth, not ours. Aloha is alive but not free. If Hawai’i is too expensive please consider visiting another state or saving up!
I have traveled to Hawaii over 40 times in the last 50 years. after seeing the outrageous increase in taxes I will not be going back!
we even considered retiring in Hawaii and I can say that I’m glad that we did not choose that option.
My parents and grandparents and extended family have owned properties in Hawaii and it’s truly sad what has happened to the aloha spirit and the Hawaiian paradise.
Tourism to Hawaii doesn’t seem to be affected by the exorbitant fees and taxes. Everyone I know is either going to Hawaii or returning from the islands. I am not willing to pay outrageous prices, deal with the crowds and wait for service in the restaurants. Unfortunately our annual trip to Maui is on permanent pause and we have decided to do more local road trips around California. I work too hard for my money to spend on a vacation where I’m complaining about how much everything costs and I’m contributing to the crowds of tourists invading the islands.
Hawaii is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. My wife and I have made our last trip to the islands. What if every state charged people from out of state a fee to go or do anything? Greed is going to be the death of Hawaii tourism.
Greg, Tourism is certainly not the “golden egg” to most Hawaiians. California, and every other state I have visited absolutely does charge a fee (tax) on hotel, car rental and attractions. “Greed” is not exclusive to Hawaii. I live in Calif as well, and there are times when I wish the tourists would go home.
I agree! I just moved from Oahu to Tampa and it’s aggravating having to pay tolls daily, parking at every beach, and fight the traffic and massive amount of visitors while trying to learn and enjoy our new location. It can be draining in so many ways. But definitely thankful to live in such a beautiful area and the blessings we had living in HI!
You are 100% correct, but alas this is old news. I have been commenting on thsi blog for years about how the multiple fees added to your accommodation booking just continue to grow. I do believe many now charge an admin fee to sort out all of the fees – this is not a joke.
Clearly, the real life tourist/guest is not wanted in Hawaii. Due to having a real life budget, Hawaii will have to remain on my bucket list and will never be realized. This is so heartbreaking because I have always wanted to learn about and experience Hawaii through the eyes of the locals. Caribbean, here I come. At least I know I will be welcome in my ancestral land of the Barbados.
I went to Hawaii for the 1st time to visit family and stayed in a Waikiki hotel. The amount of money spent and the crowds was honestly not worth the trip. I can go to most Caribbean islands for less. The value for what you pay for is not worth it.
We went to the Big Island this year. We stayed at a lovely condo, it was just perfect for my spouse and myself. Was it expensive? A little more than we have paid previously, but having looked around I realized all the condo’s have gone up substantially. We had a wonderful time, but it was very expensive compared to previous years. Will we be back? No. It was just too expensive. The good folks of Hawaii need to be careful. They seem to forget that Tourism is their bread and butter, and if they keep it up, they may lose.
Hawaii would be better off instituting a Statewide r Osland by island visitor pass. Apply it to non residence on airline tix, hotels, car or BnB rentals
Whole heartedly agree. When you “enjoy” Disneyland you have to pay for the privilege. Hawaii is it’s own little Disneyland for adults. Visitors should expect to pay for the privilege of enjoying a scarce resource (as long as it is a reasonable fee and not anywhere near the cost of a Disneyland pass….).
We have been visiting Hawaii, especially Kauai, for 40 years. I’m sad to see how much it has changed to accommodate tourists. Hawaii has been overrun by tourists for years. You have to remember that this is someone’s home and many tourists are not always the nicest people. Keeping people away because they don’t want to be “nickeled and dimed” is probably a good strategy. What do you pay for parking in any other large city? How much do you pay for a hotel room in New York or Los Angeles? Have you been to a National Park lately? They all charge a pretty good price to get in, so that they can keep the parks beautiful for you. Prices are going up everywhere and should in Hawaii as well. Aloha should go both ways.
True National Parks charge a fee. A fee that’s paid by everyone including residents of the state the parks are located in. When you are only charging out of state residents something is amiss.
I hate to call all these fees “nickel and dime”.
They’re more like five-and-ten-dollaring!
When you’re listing all the visitor fees, don’t forget some of the highest fees and taxes for rental cars in the nation. The taxes/fees just about double the daily rate!
I’d like to know how to save money while on vaca. I go to Oahu most often, so I am wondering if we could hear from recent stories of people who have actually saved money whether by using coupons, visiting at a certain time of year, how to get hotel upgrades without paying thru the nose. What meals to skip, whether dining at restaurant or ordering to go. Does it matter? The tips will decline I imagine if places/restaurants, etc keep upping the prices, and that isnt going to benefit anyone. Been flying to Oahu for over 22 years so any advise on these recent taxes and fees would be appreciated. Please reply and thank you, Shell
If you could post in an area about this I’d appreciate it!
Comments are on point. California has a wonderful network of state parks and beaches where daily fees are charged regardless of whether you are a California resident. Many beaches are free to all & can get quite crowded. While as an American citizen visiting another state I cringe at paying a fee that state residents don’t pay, we’ve done so without complaint on recent visits to Kauai & Maui. My preference would be to purchase an annual pass where all the money goes to maintaining Hawaii’s natural resources. I’d consider it a donation.
Tried upgrading a seat on Hawaiian it was $160 per seat extra add in you bag fees your around $500 extra one way for 2 !!! Then you arrive and pull up to your hotel $55 parking, $50 resort fee, $15 WiFi (some have taken that out). Another $15 in taxes per night. Starts adding up. What you get long lines, blah overpriced food, poor service, lack of staff.
I’m going to Oahu in mid August to visit in-laws. I haven’t been back since 2000. I think I’m in for a big surprise. I’m staying with relatives so I’ll save alot of money.
Recently traveled to the Big Island. Found beach fees to be excessive to pay daily. As a result we didn’t go to the beach every day like we used to. Plus beaches charged differently from one another. Before going I was looking to purchase a one time beach pass, they don’t have such a thing. Always when we did go to the beach every day we would purchase food from local food trucks – so the locals who make a living selling food are getting hurt as well.
This article is an insult to the people of Hawaii. Clueless and disrespectful visitors (not all visitors) do significant damage to the beaches and natural areas on all of our islands. It is expensive to clean up after them. Hawaii has also allowed corporate interests to overdevelop tourism. Any reduction in the number of tourists visiting annually is welcome by both Hawaiians and kama’aina. Granted that some of these charges may feel like being nickel and dimed as they are a patchwork of bandaids put in place to try to preserve our precious land. If visitors don’t wish to contribute to the upkeep of our islands and more specifically damage they are collectively causing, they are welcome to visit Florida instead.
So just trying to understand…do you think you shouldn’t contribute fees to the upkeep of your island? Do you think that you are not causing collective damage? People are people, all causing damage equally. Are you saying “I’m allowed to cause damage, but I curse outsiders causing damage?”
Pat G
Assuming your “you” is referring to Hawaii residents, I believe they/we do pay for the maintenance of our land.
We pay property tax, general excise tax, income tax, sales tax – on food and prescriptions as well as on clothing, cars, gas.
I believe the “maintenance” of the land is paid for, in part, by some of these tax dollars. Hawaii’s population is approximately 1.4 million; last year we were visited by approximately 2.8 million people. We fix what they break, we restore what they damage, we clean up their trash, we even risk our lives to rescue “stranded” hikers as well as those who ignore no trespassing/private property/ falling rocks signs. Aloha is not a one-way street. And not everything can be fixed.
Wow, do you seriously think that visitors, non-resident owners, etc. don’t pay taxes and fees? Non-resident owners actually pay 5 times the property tax that residents do. That money makes almost the entirety of the Affordable Housing Fund. And now visitors will be paying more in fees than residents do. So I’m still trying to understand your distinction.
I live here, and I guess I can see now why I see so much destruction being perpetrated by locals. They must believe they have the right to do it, because they pay “taxes and fees”!
2
Chris R
Sorry, but I am not hauling my old washer or car to the islands to dump along the roadway
We own a timeshare on the Big Island. It’s fee has gone up, but that is for improvements to the property. We will see that accommodations tax this February. Over $400 of our rental car cost is taxes and assorted fees…so yes, really nickled and dimed there…not to mention they have not lowered the rates at all….still seeing rates up to $3,000 for a month. Double+ what they were before COVID. I’m just waiting for beach fees…and yes, pretty soon, Hawaii can charge all they want…but when there are fewer people to pay it, and the small business owners can’t make it, perhaps then, Hawaii (the government) will be happy.
Yes, I believe that’s what’s going to happen, and that after the mass exodus of our graduating children, hospitality workers and their families, and closure of all of the industries that support them, those left will indeed be happy. There will always be government handouts for those left.
I agree with the nickel and diming on airlines, but that isn’t exclusive to Hawaii. It appears airlines are trying to makeup for lost revenue from covid lockdowns, in addition to simple greed.
Hotels everywhere are changing extra tax fees, again… it’s not just Hawaii. I live here and traveled to Australia and was shocked at how outrageous the extra fees were for everything.
The beach fees for visitors are because travelers haven’t respected our beaches and leave behind their trash. We have to clean up after them and we do.
Take a walk in a neighborhood here on the islands and you probably won’t see dog poop anywhere. We respect our neighbors and the land.
Yes, I laugh every time I read a local complaining about trash that visitors leave behind. Some of the neighborhoods, mostly filled with long-term renters, are full of trash, engines up on blocks with oil spilling into the gutters, etc. I live here, and all of us locals need a dose of reality about who is causing what.
After visiting the Islands every year (except Covid year) for the past 20 plus years – the islands have lost their luster, vitality and sprit with the absorbent pricing. Add to that a rental car for a week cost more than airfare for 2 people. Plus flying and all the hidden lies, fees and charges, the lines at TSA standing in the sun for hours to check in. Really sad to see and witness. The beauty will always be there but I can find peace in a stream, river or lake in my own state without the hassles of traveling and needing an armored car to carry the $’s to pay for all the nickel and dimes. The spirit of Hawaii should be put on the endangered list.
Well, Aloha was always just a made up marketing myth… and soaking the tourists for every nickel and dime possible has always been the Hawaiian tourism / tax system philosophy… so sounds like there are just a bunch of newby visitors that weren’t expecting to be treated the same way all Hawaiian tourists have always been treated by the state and county governments: As ATM machines. Tourism / tourist tax dollars pay for virutally Everything in the state–and like a crack fiend kicking in your back door and destroying your $7000 air conditioning system to steel $50 in copper to pay for his next fix–at this point the state and counties can’t help themselves–can’t stop themselves from killing the goose that lays the golden eggs….
Dunkin Donuts is a blight on the landscape and culture. When I lived on Oahu in the late 1990s, there were No Dunkin Donuts stores. Now I see there three on the South Shore! Hawaii, have some pride, geesh.
I agree with everyone’s comments (including my own!). If only the rest rooms were better maintained, etc., I’d agree with visitors paying a fee. Think about it – I said “A Fee” not a fee every time you parked your car somewhere! We are so lucky to have been to Kauai so many times – we can pick and choose where we don’t want to frequent yet another time (Waimea Canyon has not change in the 27 years we’ve been coming and spending $20 to see it again – probably not). But that concept of being “nickeled and dimed” is Just Plain Annoying and Off-Putting!
Back in the 1960’s, Hawaii did actually charge 10 cents to use public restrooms. I was young then, so it may have only been at the airport. But I do remember everyone either holding the door open for you, or, inserting an empty toilet paper roll to prop the door open.
I do not understand the rationale behind charging the Tourist to Park at a Beach, but not Residents. If the $$ are for “Maintaining” the Parking Lot, Bathrooms, Beach Cleanup, etc, do the locals not use the Bathrooms or park in the lots? This is Madness.
I agree Gloria. I have seen first hand on our many trips to Maui how the “locals” treat the parks and beaches. Broken down, stripped cars are left on the beach. Trash all over and these are in areas that tourists aren’t frequenting because of the “unhoused” residents that are hostile and aggressively chase them out. Tourists are the scapegoats. Plenty of residents don’t live with much respect for the land and water. I am not opposed to fees for use but the locals should pay as well. A reduced resident fee but still a fee to help offset the cost of water, trash, toilet paper, etc.
Wow! Just Wow! This is sounding more and more like not the place for a vacation! Very sad. .tourism is your main source of income…now what will you do? It’s a big world with lots of pretty places!
I’m all in for being nickeled and dimed. If you don’t like it go somewhere else. If you are comparing Hawaii to other vacation locations, you just don’t understand Hawaii.
I think I get it…they need tourism to keep the economy going but hate them… a little extreme. So should Las Vegas hate all the islanders that come to live and make more money. Las Vegas is not the place it was 20 years ago. Its very sad as most of my family lives there. California is not what it was either but we have to decide what is worth it. I Love Hawaii for its peaceful places but the theft and dislike seems to be spreading. I would hate to never go back but there are other places that have beauty
Based on the comments here from people supporting your island lifestyle, I believe they definitely understand what Hawaii has devolved into…..it’s sad for everyone who loves the islands.
The exorbitant hotel and car rates will remain as long as people are willing to pay them. Just like here in California. So how long they stay remains to be seen.
Hotels and airlines have been nickel and diming people for years, it’s always been infuriating and has nothing to do with covid. Those industries will cry poverty but look at where they spent the money that was thrown at them in 2020.
I’m used to paying visitor-only entrance fees because I’ve been fortunate to have traveled often. They are a different thing for most Americans probably, just like tipping is seen by foreign visitors to the US, they do not like it.
Nickle and diming your visitors will slowly eliminate a major financial class. What you might be left with will be high-income folks. They can afford to pay the house prices which will further eliminate locals from the housing market. You need to focus on the bigger picture here.
70 year resident. This will ruin the the industry.
Yes, the tourism model in Hawaii now seems to be: “Keep Hawaii green, bring money”! A sad state of affairs for the Aloha State.
Very happy that I was able to visit the islands as often as I did when visitors were welcomed and not being milked just to go to the beach.
Hope this approach works out for all the residents who depend on visitors for
their livelihood.
aloha To Hawaii.
Individuals are complaining like this is an exclusive Hawaiian issue.
News flash it’s not.
Governments and resorts all over the world have turned tourism into a nickel and dimed cash cow. Why solve a problem when you can cash in on it.
Currently it doesn’t seem to be slowing down tourism to the islands.
Paying $10 per vehicle, then an additional $5 per person to visit a state park for a couple of hours is gouging. Accommodation and car taxes have gone through the roof, and along with the already more expensive costs, this is sending a clear message: Hawaii would rather do without my tourist dollars. Guess this is the last visit for us: we save for our rare vacations, and this just leaves a bad taste.
I think HI is saying there are too many of us coming; and only the wealthiest are wanted. I bet housekeepers, bell hops, restaurant owners are not in favor of this. Tourism keeps them employed!
What beach is shown in the article’s main photo here? As much as I hate how expensive Hawaii has become, I would still like to visit in the future.
No taxation without representation. Can locals please stop blaming people for things and stand up against the govt who is raising taxes on everything?!?!? People don’t want a pay raise here bc they want to live on the govt. Where do you think that money from the govt is coming from? Soon everyone including locals will be paying a fee. First just the locals then when they stop visiting, going be you paying!!!!! It is not a solution.
I was stationed at Hickam way back in the day. We’ve been scrimping and saving to go back now that the kids are grown and out. We made plans for October, booked airline Tix and a place to stay in Waikiki.
Finally though, I’ve had enough. I’m not forcing a trip for outrageous fees to a place I’m not wanted. I just cancelled everything. I’ll get my Hawaii watching reruns of Hawaii Five-0.
If Hawaii wants to change the attitude of the visitor they need to stop creating a us vs them with visitors vs kamaaina. When people have to pay for something it gives them a feeling of entitlement…maybe one of the reasons visitors are rude.
Just got back from the Big Island and yes everything is much more expensive than before Covid. I love Hawaii and hope it is always cared for. Putting everything on the backs of tourist is not the way to do it. If you drive the tourist away things will deteriorate until there is no money to care for these beautiful Islands. I live near Yosemite National Park and am sickened by the amount of trash thrown out car windows by tourist from all over the world on our beautiful drive to Yosemite. There will always be people who live there and that are visiting that act like “pigs”, we can only hope that more of us care than don’t. Hawaii is special but a lot of places are. God has created our wonderful planet, let’s share it with everyone.
I’ve been reading for years about how the rising costs will kill Hawaiian tourism – and as the crowds continue to grow, the comments continue to be made. It reminds me of something Yogi Berra said: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Hawaii is still paradise, tourism will continue, and people will complain.
Albert I agree.
I’d rather pay a $100 entrance fee to the state, but if people complain about paying some extra parking fees after forming out to fly, rent a car and stay, perhaps they should go elsewhere and leave the islands to the rest of us?
Random fact, pre-contact, the Kingdom knew of neither nickels nor dimes. (Lots of different paths to drag this comment down, discuss amongst yourselves.)
Aloha,
As a Native Hawaiian living in Hawai’i, it’s important for all visitors to note that our state has the highest cost of living in the country and our people barely make a living wage working multiple jobs. With that being said, visitors should expect a to pay a higher rates for items, lodging and “Hawaiian Experiences on their vacation. It is expensive to visit paradise, but can you imagine living here?!
The exorbitant hotel rates are set by Large Corporations not locals. The locals who work at the hotels earn just above minimum wage. We work for the large hotel companies to help them maintain their wealth, not ours. Aloha is alive but not free. If Hawai’i is too expensive please consider visiting another state or saving up!
I have traveled to Hawaii over 40 times in the last 50 years. after seeing the outrageous increase in taxes I will not be going back!
we even considered retiring in Hawaii and I can say that I’m glad that we did not choose that option.
My parents and grandparents and extended family have owned properties in Hawaii and it’s truly sad what has happened to the aloha spirit and the Hawaiian paradise.
Ditto…I lived on Oahu for 1.5 years and hubby and I planned to retire there. No more.
Tourism to Hawaii doesn’t seem to be affected by the exorbitant fees and taxes. Everyone I know is either going to Hawaii or returning from the islands. I am not willing to pay outrageous prices, deal with the crowds and wait for service in the restaurants. Unfortunately our annual trip to Maui is on permanent pause and we have decided to do more local road trips around California. I work too hard for my money to spend on a vacation where I’m complaining about how much everything costs and I’m contributing to the crowds of tourists invading the islands.
Hawaii is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. My wife and I have made our last trip to the islands. What if every state charged people from out of state a fee to go or do anything? Greed is going to be the death of Hawaii tourism.
Greg, Tourism is certainly not the “golden egg” to most Hawaiians. California, and every other state I have visited absolutely does charge a fee (tax) on hotel, car rental and attractions. “Greed” is not exclusive to Hawaii. I live in Calif as well, and there are times when I wish the tourists would go home.
I agree! I just moved from Oahu to Tampa and it’s aggravating having to pay tolls daily, parking at every beach, and fight the traffic and massive amount of visitors while trying to learn and enjoy our new location. It can be draining in so many ways. But definitely thankful to live in such a beautiful area and the blessings we had living in HI!
You are 100% correct, but alas this is old news. I have been commenting on thsi blog for years about how the multiple fees added to your accommodation booking just continue to grow. I do believe many now charge an admin fee to sort out all of the fees – this is not a joke.
Clearly, the real life tourist/guest is not wanted in Hawaii. Due to having a real life budget, Hawaii will have to remain on my bucket list and will never be realized. This is so heartbreaking because I have always wanted to learn about and experience Hawaii through the eyes of the locals. Caribbean, here I come. At least I know I will be welcome in my ancestral land of the Barbados.
I went to Hawaii for the 1st time to visit family and stayed in a Waikiki hotel. The amount of money spent and the crowds was honestly not worth the trip. I can go to most Caribbean islands for less. The value for what you pay for is not worth it.
SN what do you mean Marriot is not even taking points?
We went to the Big Island this year. We stayed at a lovely condo, it was just perfect for my spouse and myself. Was it expensive? A little more than we have paid previously, but having looked around I realized all the condo’s have gone up substantially. We had a wonderful time, but it was very expensive compared to previous years. Will we be back? No. It was just too expensive. The good folks of Hawaii need to be careful. They seem to forget that Tourism is their bread and butter, and if they keep it up, they may lose.
Hawaii would be better off instituting a Statewide r Osland by island visitor pass. Apply it to non residence on airline tix, hotels, car or BnB rentals
Whole heartedly agree. When you “enjoy” Disneyland you have to pay for the privilege. Hawaii is it’s own little Disneyland for adults. Visitors should expect to pay for the privilege of enjoying a scarce resource (as long as it is a reasonable fee and not anywhere near the cost of a Disneyland pass….).
We have been visiting Hawaii, especially Kauai, for 40 years. I’m sad to see how much it has changed to accommodate tourists. Hawaii has been overrun by tourists for years. You have to remember that this is someone’s home and many tourists are not always the nicest people. Keeping people away because they don’t want to be “nickeled and dimed” is probably a good strategy. What do you pay for parking in any other large city? How much do you pay for a hotel room in New York or Los Angeles? Have you been to a National Park lately? They all charge a pretty good price to get in, so that they can keep the parks beautiful for you. Prices are going up everywhere and should in Hawaii as well. Aloha should go both ways.
True National Parks charge a fee. A fee that’s paid by everyone including residents of the state the parks are located in. When you are only charging out of state residents something is amiss.
I hate to call all these fees “nickel and dime”.
They’re more like five-and-ten-dollaring!
When you’re listing all the visitor fees, don’t forget some of the highest fees and taxes for rental cars in the nation. The taxes/fees just about double the daily rate!
Aloha now means. No money. It will keep going up till visitors are tapped out sadly
I’d like to know how to save money while on vaca. I go to Oahu most often, so I am wondering if we could hear from recent stories of people who have actually saved money whether by using coupons, visiting at a certain time of year, how to get hotel upgrades without paying thru the nose. What meals to skip, whether dining at restaurant or ordering to go. Does it matter? The tips will decline I imagine if places/restaurants, etc keep upping the prices, and that isnt going to benefit anyone. Been flying to Oahu for over 22 years so any advise on these recent taxes and fees would be appreciated. Please reply and thank you, Shell
If you could post in an area about this I’d appreciate it!
Hi Shell.
This was done with you in mind.
https://beatofhawaii.com/secrets-to-frugal-hawaii-2023-no-tent-needed/
Aloha.
Comments are on point. California has a wonderful network of state parks and beaches where daily fees are charged regardless of whether you are a California resident. Many beaches are free to all & can get quite crowded. While as an American citizen visiting another state I cringe at paying a fee that state residents don’t pay, we’ve done so without complaint on recent visits to Kauai & Maui. My preference would be to purchase an annual pass where all the money goes to maintaining Hawaii’s natural resources. I’d consider it a donation.
Tried upgrading a seat on Hawaiian it was $160 per seat extra add in you bag fees your around $500 extra one way for 2 !!! Then you arrive and pull up to your hotel $55 parking, $50 resort fee, $15 WiFi (some have taken that out). Another $15 in taxes per night. Starts adding up. What you get long lines, blah overpriced food, poor service, lack of staff.
I’m going to Oahu in mid August to visit in-laws. I haven’t been back since 2000. I think I’m in for a big surprise. I’m staying with relatives so I’ll save alot of money.
Recently traveled to the Big Island. Found beach fees to be excessive to pay daily. As a result we didn’t go to the beach every day like we used to. Plus beaches charged differently from one another. Before going I was looking to purchase a one time beach pass, they don’t have such a thing. Always when we did go to the beach every day we would purchase food from local food trucks – so the locals who make a living selling food are getting hurt as well.
This article is an insult to the people of Hawaii. Clueless and disrespectful visitors (not all visitors) do significant damage to the beaches and natural areas on all of our islands. It is expensive to clean up after them. Hawaii has also allowed corporate interests to overdevelop tourism. Any reduction in the number of tourists visiting annually is welcome by both Hawaiians and kama’aina. Granted that some of these charges may feel like being nickel and dimed as they are a patchwork of bandaids put in place to try to preserve our precious land. If visitors don’t wish to contribute to the upkeep of our islands and more specifically damage they are collectively causing, they are welcome to visit Florida instead.
Don’t complain, just don’t come to Hawaii.
So just trying to understand…do you think you shouldn’t contribute fees to the upkeep of your island? Do you think that you are not causing collective damage? People are people, all causing damage equally. Are you saying “I’m allowed to cause damage, but I curse outsiders causing damage?”
Pat G
Assuming your “you” is referring to Hawaii residents, I believe they/we do pay for the maintenance of our land.
We pay property tax, general excise tax, income tax, sales tax – on food and prescriptions as well as on clothing, cars, gas.
I believe the “maintenance” of the land is paid for, in part, by some of these tax dollars. Hawaii’s population is approximately 1.4 million; last year we were visited by approximately 2.8 million people. We fix what they break, we restore what they damage, we clean up their trash, we even risk our lives to rescue “stranded” hikers as well as those who ignore no trespassing/private property/ falling rocks signs. Aloha is not a one-way street. And not everything can be fixed.
Wow, do you seriously think that visitors, non-resident owners, etc. don’t pay taxes and fees? Non-resident owners actually pay 5 times the property tax that residents do. That money makes almost the entirety of the Affordable Housing Fund. And now visitors will be paying more in fees than residents do. So I’m still trying to understand your distinction.
I live here, and I guess I can see now why I see so much destruction being perpetrated by locals. They must believe they have the right to do it, because they pay “taxes and fees”!
Sorry, but I am not hauling my old washer or car to the islands to dump along the roadway
We own a timeshare on the Big Island. It’s fee has gone up, but that is for improvements to the property. We will see that accommodations tax this February. Over $400 of our rental car cost is taxes and assorted fees…so yes, really nickled and dimed there…not to mention they have not lowered the rates at all….still seeing rates up to $3,000 for a month. Double+ what they were before COVID. I’m just waiting for beach fees…and yes, pretty soon, Hawaii can charge all they want…but when there are fewer people to pay it, and the small business owners can’t make it, perhaps then, Hawaii (the government) will be happy.
Yes, I believe that’s what’s going to happen, and that after the mass exodus of our graduating children, hospitality workers and their families, and closure of all of the industries that support them, those left will indeed be happy. There will always be government handouts for those left.
I agree with the nickel and diming on airlines, but that isn’t exclusive to Hawaii. It appears airlines are trying to makeup for lost revenue from covid lockdowns, in addition to simple greed.
Hotels everywhere are changing extra tax fees, again… it’s not just Hawaii. I live here and traveled to Australia and was shocked at how outrageous the extra fees were for everything.
The beach fees for visitors are because travelers haven’t respected our beaches and leave behind their trash. We have to clean up after them and we do.
Take a walk in a neighborhood here on the islands and you probably won’t see dog poop anywhere. We respect our neighbors and the land.
Visitors are the scapegoat for Hawaiian trash. I see charcoal grills, fishing poles, and other items on beaches that are certainly not from visitors.
Yes, I laugh every time I read a local complaining about trash that visitors leave behind. Some of the neighborhoods, mostly filled with long-term renters, are full of trash, engines up on blocks with oil spilling into the gutters, etc. I live here, and all of us locals need a dose of reality about who is causing what.
Really? Those tourists leaving burned out cars everywhere on Maui too?
Hopefully these new parking fees will be reinvested in the beach parks and not disappear into unrelated funds.
Used to be my favorite place to visit will never go back to any of the islands tired of it.
Mahalo!
After visiting the Islands every year (except Covid year) for the past 20 plus years – the islands have lost their luster, vitality and sprit with the absorbent pricing. Add to that a rental car for a week cost more than airfare for 2 people. Plus flying and all the hidden lies, fees and charges, the lines at TSA standing in the sun for hours to check in. Really sad to see and witness. The beauty will always be there but I can find peace in a stream, river or lake in my own state without the hassles of traveling and needing an armored car to carry the $’s to pay for all the nickel and dimes. The spirit of Hawaii should be put on the endangered list.
Well, Aloha was always just a made up marketing myth… and soaking the tourists for every nickel and dime possible has always been the Hawaiian tourism / tax system philosophy… so sounds like there are just a bunch of newby visitors that weren’t expecting to be treated the same way all Hawaiian tourists have always been treated by the state and county governments: As ATM machines. Tourism / tourist tax dollars pay for virutally Everything in the state–and like a crack fiend kicking in your back door and destroying your $7000 air conditioning system to steel $50 in copper to pay for his next fix–at this point the state and counties can’t help themselves–can’t stop themselves from killing the goose that lays the golden eggs….
Dunkin Donuts is a blight on the landscape and culture. When I lived on Oahu in the late 1990s, there were No Dunkin Donuts stores. Now I see there three on the South Shore! Hawaii, have some pride, geesh.
I agree with everyone’s comments (including my own!). If only the rest rooms were better maintained, etc., I’d agree with visitors paying a fee. Think about it – I said “A Fee” not a fee every time you parked your car somewhere! We are so lucky to have been to Kauai so many times – we can pick and choose where we don’t want to frequent yet another time (Waimea Canyon has not change in the 27 years we’ve been coming and spending $20 to see it again – probably not). But that concept of being “nickeled and dimed” is Just Plain Annoying and Off-Putting!
Back in the 1960’s, Hawaii did actually charge 10 cents to use public restrooms. I was young then, so it may have only been at the airport. But I do remember everyone either holding the door open for you, or, inserting an empty toilet paper roll to prop the door open.
I do not understand the rationale behind charging the Tourist to Park at a Beach, but not Residents. If the $$ are for “Maintaining” the Parking Lot, Bathrooms, Beach Cleanup, etc, do the locals not use the Bathrooms or park in the lots? This is Madness.
I agree Gloria. I have seen first hand on our many trips to Maui how the “locals” treat the parks and beaches. Broken down, stripped cars are left on the beach. Trash all over and these are in areas that tourists aren’t frequenting because of the “unhoused” residents that are hostile and aggressively chase them out. Tourists are the scapegoats. Plenty of residents don’t live with much respect for the land and water. I am not opposed to fees for use but the locals should pay as well. A reduced resident fee but still a fee to help offset the cost of water, trash, toilet paper, etc.
Wow! Just Wow! This is sounding more and more like not the place for a vacation! Very sad. .tourism is your main source of income…now what will you do? It’s a big world with lots of pretty places!
I’m all in for being nickeled and dimed. If you don’t like it go somewhere else. If you are comparing Hawaii to other vacation locations, you just don’t understand Hawaii.
I think I get it…they need tourism to keep the economy going but hate them… a little extreme. So should Las Vegas hate all the islanders that come to live and make more money. Las Vegas is not the place it was 20 years ago. Its very sad as most of my family lives there. California is not what it was either but we have to decide what is worth it. I Love Hawaii for its peaceful places but the theft and dislike seems to be spreading. I would hate to never go back but there are other places that have beauty
Based on the comments here from people supporting your island lifestyle, I believe they definitely understand what Hawaii has devolved into…..it’s sad for everyone who loves the islands.
Marriot is not even taking points.
The exorbitant hotel and car rates will remain as long as people are willing to pay them. Just like here in California. So how long they stay remains to be seen.
Hotels and airlines have been nickel and diming people for years, it’s always been infuriating and has nothing to do with covid. Those industries will cry poverty but look at where they spent the money that was thrown at them in 2020.
I’m used to paying visitor-only entrance fees because I’ve been fortunate to have traveled often. They are a different thing for most Americans probably, just like tipping is seen by foreign visitors to the US, they do not like it.