No matter how much money they may have, visitors don’t like the feeling of being nickeled-and-dimed to death. Had we not heard those exact words used countless times in your comments, it may not have caught our attention in the way that it just did. Here are some examples. Let us know which comment you agree with most.
Lori: I would rather pay one fee than be nickeled and dimed at each park, beach, and attraction.
Steve: It appears that rather than welcome tourists, the goal is to nickel and dime them over every little thing possible. Every trip I find more things that are being charged for, and while some are worthwhile, many are just a way for the state to take in money, with little of the money spent on improving the park or area.
Lynn: Budget determines where folks can and will go. This may cause Hawaii to lose money from visitors choosing not to go somewhere where they will be nickeled and dimed for everything on vacation.
Andy: Airlines continually nickel and dime the traveler over and over and they are oblivious to the fact that they are notoriously hated.
Rita: As a frequent visitor… we already pay higher taxes for residing at Hawaii hotels /resorts… It seems like visitors are perhaps being nickeled and dimed to death and not appreciated… Unless the goal of the Hawaiian government is to keep visitors away.
Barbara: I would gladly pay a “visitor’s fee” rather than be nickel-and-dimed every day when I want to visit a beach. I totally understand that concept of visitors participating in maintaining Kauai but please don’t hit me over the head every day of my stay!
Jim: Doesn’t matter how rich one is. No one likes to be nickel and dimed.
Jen: We’ve loved going to Hawaii for years. But the taxes and fees are getting to the point of being ridiculous. I feel like Hawaii is making it clear that tourism is not wanted. We usually spend a good amount of money there. We don’t go cheap but want to spend our money where we can go and know that we won’t be nickeled and dimed.
Tony: What I believe Kauai should try to avoid is looking like the Disneyland Money machine where every time you turn around you are laying out more cash and feel nickel & dimed to death… Where does $ go?
Tana: These islands seem to be nickel and diming tourists and it’s getting really old and annoying. Hawaii is expensive to go to and stay at, real people have to save and work extra to go, all these fees will add to the difficulties of going.
Nickle-and-diming feels like the antithesis of aloha.
It isn’t just how much you charge, but the perception of the value of both the product offered and the visitors who are the consumers. At every level, Hawaii has clearly missed the boat in this area.
Hotel rates and resort fees: How does the $1,600/night average rate sound?
In the latest month reported by the state (see report below), Wailea hotels lead the average rates being charged with a whopping $1,136 per night. Not including taxes and fees including resort fees. In total, that represents approximately $1,600/night on average.
Accommodation taxes: the highest in the country.
The accommodation taxes added to hotels and vacation rentals went up 3% in the last year. Hawaii’s legislature kicked off these increases via HB 862. That measure went into effect starting last October. As a result, the state now has the highest combined accommodation tax in the US.
The state legislature approved the accommodation taxes. Previously, the counties received an allotment of the statewide uniform 10.25% accommodations tax rate, but that ended. Instead, each county had to add its own 3% surcharge to that existing statewide tax. Those taxes are plus an additional 4.17% GST on Maui and 4.712% GST elsewhere in Hawaii. The combined tax on hotels and vacation rentals is approximately 18%.
It is worth noting that Hawaii residents and visitors pay the exact same taxes on accommodations.
Hawaii beach parking fees.
We recently reported that Maui is implemented a paid beach parking system for visitors with possible rates of up to $30. The other islands also have similar plans in the works. So it isn’t a question of if but of when and how much.
Hawaii state park visitor admission fees.
Of the 50 Hawaii parks in Hawaii, 10 already have visitor admission and parking fees (those are typically $5 per person and $10 per vehicle). That includes Hanauma State Park, where the entrance fee was increased to $25/person. Hawaii residents are exempt. Visitor admission fees will also come to all of the state parks. We don’t yet know when they will arrive at the other 40 parks, how they will be managed, and what the fees will be.
Airlines and airlines fees.
Except for most competitive routes, Hawaii airfares are going high and higher. Competition is shifting, and on most mainland routes it is now diminished. That became obvious when Southwest Hawaii flights were terminated on 10 routes. Airline fees are resuming too, and we recently got stuck with a huge airline change fee, as we reported.
Can you avoid being nickel-and-dimed in Hawaii?
One of the differences is that tourists are being asked to pay exorbitant rates for everything, plus different additional fees that residents don’t pay. While true in other countries, it is far less common in U.S. interstate travel. As we pointed out, however, everyone, including residents, pays the accommodation taxes.
Where do Hawaii taxes and fees go?
As you’ve pointed out, Hawaii has squandered most of its tax dollars in perpetuity. So we are left with ridiculously high rates and largely third-world tourism infrastructure. But sometimes, we see changes when admission fees are added. One case in point is Diamond Head. Before fees, hawkers ran rampant, tunnels and bunkers were not lit, and the trail needed work. All of that has been remedied, and a staircase added near the top to create an alternate route for visitors.
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Christopher m says
Aloha Beat Of Hawaii. Our very greedy government and county has put Hawaii out of reach for locals and visitors alike. Unfortunately, my family is being forced out of kauai due to sky high inflation after living here all of our lives
Ntoy says
Hawaii is becoming a “Disneyland.” Corporate and personal greed, in the name of “infrastructure and environmental preservation fees” are only going to increase over time. From charging for parking, to resort fees, to Habitat revitalization and Native Hawaiian Educational Resource Betterment Fund (I just made up those names… for Hawaii’s Tourism Department to use…) and any other spin-phrase$, they will only get more creative (& greedy) over time. America!!
Hawaii still has the best, good-hearted, chill citizens in our US and A!
Richard C says
Just to give some prospective we’re booked for first week of October 8 day 7 night stay on Oahu.
First 5 days 4 nights at Disney’s Aulani Second half 4 days 3 nights at Outrigger Waikiki beach with rental car through Costco Travel $3,163.00.
I have a basic room booked at Aulani Club Ocean view room at Outrigger which includes all our meals including lunch and evening cocktails.
Plane tickets booked with points.
They’re are still good deals for Hawaii if you know where to look.
Emily says
Hotels in Hawaii are not owned by Locals, especially the ones charging >$1200 per night. That money goes to Corporations and people outside of Hawaii. Hotels do not even pay a living wage. Yes, Corporate greed is a problem for everyone.
Ribert L. says
On your way to economic ruin. Se you all on the mainland soon.
Kevin S says
I don’t believe that the politicians and bureaucrats are intentionally doing this to drive visitors away, rather they are tone deaf. They honestly believe that it’s just a small incremental increase here and there that no one will notice. And if these tax and fee increases are coming from different places they don’t realize the cumulative effect. They should be better coordinated, but that isn’t going to happen.
Ntoy says
Two words: money grab….
IR says
Visitors forget that those fees they spend for airlines, hotels, and rental cars are not from Hawaii. They are mostly mainland or international companies who pay sub-standard wages to locals. While your fees are the highest, wages to hospitality employees in Hawaii are the lowest in the country.
The fees in parks and for beach parking mitigate only a portion of the cost of rescues, infrastructure upkeep, maintenance. They also serve to keep some open space for locals who are increasingly shut out because tourists have crowded everything to unprecedented levels.
The part about aloha….it’s rich telling locals that mainland corporations raising fees is not showing aloha. we get it…they also do not show aloha to locals either.
Sandy E. says
I am nickel and dimed to death to live in Hawaii, why should visitors get a discount? Truly, it’s so overcrowded we cannot even go to the places we once loved. Seems prices could go up for visitors who are using more of our resources than we do on most days.
Andy m says
It’s unfortunate. Planners on every island did not plan well with regards to infrastructure snd a truly balanced economy. And now everyone is paying the price. Kauai is a microcosm of Maui a microcosm of Oahu. It’s unfortunate that the beauty abd spirit of our land ocean and true culture has been compromised.
Jeff M says
Tourism, Hawaiis number one industry is under attack.Draconian covid measures were not enough, now its the destruction of Hawaii’s number one industry.Soon with the increasing price for food, housing, electricity and high priced fuel.
Jeffrey B says
I have been vacationing in Hawaii twice a year for the past decade. I am in Maui now and I believe this will be my last time. The cost are way up and the benefits way down. Between the rampant homelessness and abandoned vehicle’s and trash to rude sales associates and locals. I have always been respectful and treat this magical place with care and love but now I know the ultimate goal is to stop tourism period. I know when I am not welcome. I will take my hard earned money somewhere it is appreciated.
Robin K says
I believe that some people forget that the state of Hawaii receives federal money. I pay my federal taxes and some goes to Hawaii.Please refrain from this elitist attitude .
When we go we spend hundreds and sometimes more at local businesses. I am sure others do too!
I live in a tourist area on the coast of CA. We welcome visitors.
GaryB says
Aloha Y’all 😉! Hawaii has been our go-to R&R spot for years but Forbes said it best:
“Politicians often find it easier to slap on special travel taxes than to raise broad-based levies on their constituents. The idea is to shift the burden to outsiders, who don’t vote.”
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gary.
Long time no see over here! Good to hear from you.
Aloha.
Joan H says
Thanks for all of your updates on such a wide variety of topics!
We come to the BI to visit family, but venture out on our own. As of yet we have not found a yearly state park pass. Why not offer a daily, weekly, or yearly option for some of these places like most other states? Hawaii would still get our $ but give us the freedom to hop in for a short time with out feeling like we needed to stay and get “our moneys worth “.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Joan.
Thanks! The idea of a pass has certainly been mentioned, but beyond that, we haven’t heard anything about the state heading in that direction.
Aloha.
Jennifer H. says
Maui resident here – we are so overwhelmed with tourists that residents can’t enjoy the beauty of our home. These fees help residents to at least have a chance at getting a parking spot at the beach, having a spot for our family picnic at the State or National Park, etc. It has become so crowded here that most residents can’t even get up to Haleakala because all reservations are snatched up by tourists months in advance. We live here and work here and sometimes want to relax at the beach on our one day off a week but no parking. We see our places being completely taken over by tourists. We can’t eat out at restaurants because they are booked out 4-6 months with tourist reservations. This is our home first, your vacation spot second.
Jerry B says
So much for living the the dream.
It is not my dream vacation any more.
Michael B says
Reading the comments, it seems that a lot of people think that tourism dollars are what make Hawaii operate at a viable level for locals. Remember: the locals of Hawaii lived, endured, thrived, and flourished before tourism. They thrived before whaling, before sandalwood, before sugarcane, before pineapple. These are passing industries. If you think that tourism is the only thing Hawaii has got going for itself, then think again.
I agree with the fees imposed at state parks (including beaches). These help improve the parks. Maybe the fees can be used to improve our infrastructure as well. Other west coast states do this. Hawaii is behind the times on this. It is not nickel-and-diming. It makes sense. The 18% hotel tax, on the other hand.
Gloria G. says
Michael B:
I agree about the improvements, but if that is the case All Should Pay, not just visitors. Locals use the beaches and parks as well. What is fair for one, should be fair for all.
Tim m says
Hi guys , I still go to hawaii often ( Waikiki ) and do have access to reasonable condo/hotel rates but the housing rental law may affect me ( it’s on hold now til April ) so I am doing my traditional November monthly stay but for the first time in 20 years I am not going for my traditional short 10 day stay in March2023 and my 3 week stay in may2023 , instead i have found cruises for those tines .the cruises are cheaper and on ship the food is free . I would estimate waikiki will be losing about $5000 total I would have paid for condo or hotel, food and beverages . Also the airlines will have one less paying customer.
Mikey says
We decided to do the same River cruises include air and room, food plus you can see the world for much cheaper than Hawaii.
Brad K says
I love your blog as it keep me connected to issues on the ground and it’s good to hear the deliberations taking place within your tourism circles.
Having said all that, this nickel & diming issue is kind of Old News, and was further exacerbated by covid plus these other things:
1) no meaningful way to address this key issue
2) absentee owners looking to have tourists pay for their future retirement pad = $$$$
3) taxation that’s excessive (like some other places) w/o anything in return
4) the greed factor that often takes over when demand is up
If I have a tenant and I dont like them, jacking up the rent to get rid of them ultimately will make everyone including me unhappy. That’s where Hawaiian tourism is heading.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Brad.
Thanks for saying that. We appreciate your many comments.
Aloha.
Chris S says
Those of you stating you won’t be coming back are doing exactly what our government officials and tourism administration are hoping for. It’s no secret the goal is to cater to the tourist that brings maximum spending.
Less numbers with equal revenue means economy stays healthy with less footprint on the islands.
Not my plan, just our administrators…please don’t shoot the messenger
Jerry B says
But they will not be getting my money.
Staying on the mainland, Florida Gulf coast.
Mike H says
Yes, but wait till the yen stops visiting. The Japanese also has a strong fascination with Hawaii but they can only stand so much too.
JR says
It truly boggles my mind as to why anyone who isn’t a “one percenter” would tolerate $700, $800, or $1000+ per night in a money pit resort hotel. As both an owner and user of vacation rentals, the value isn’t even remotely comparable, even with the highest transient taxes in the country. Let the 5-star hotels price themselves into oblivion, there’s always a fantastic condo waiting for a “ninety-nine percenter” somewhere you want to be.
Patty says
We were just in Wailea/Marriott we parked our rental car in the self parking garage.
When we checked out we were charged for parking our own car…. really… self parking!!