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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Allan M says
We liked the Big Island of Hawai’i because it’s safe, the food and water are clean and the people are wonderfully welcoming.
We get hit because we’re used to thinking in Canadian dollars. In Canada taxes are added onto the price and are visible. In much of Europe and the Antipodes taxes and tips are included so there’s no after purchase shock at the total. Visible taxes upset visitors.
DesW says
Are you tired of the outrages taxes and nicle and dime tactics in Hawaii. Try Tahitti with friendly locals, spectacular scenery and warm tropical water.The flight to Papeete from SFO is only 3 hour longer than SFO to HNL. There is much to do in French Polynesia You might like to try a visit paradise.
Dan r says
Everything costs more in Hawaii. Most expensive place to live. And the wages are very low. Especially for servers and hotel staff. Most locals have 2 jobs.
Charles J. says
Up until 5 years ago I used to go to Maui every year at least once. But with the increased fees for parking, state parks and accommodation fees going up and up, I can no longer afford to do so Hawaii is becoming a no-go Zone. Sad in all respects
Aloha (goodbye), Hawaii.
Cj says
Sadly…same for me. The car rental highway robbery is #1 followed by accomodations. Aloha nui, Hawaii….
Stef S says
Kauai is especially ridiculous!! Trying to find a beach other than Hanelei Bay is absurd! No parking, need a permit or simply closed. I’m from the PNW. I get it. Visitors are literally loving our beautiful state to death. But you’re no exception. Sorry. Ppl with continue to vacation on your island no matter your feelings on the subject. The Big Island was way more welcoming and easier to get to the beaches.
Bruce I says
Big island has more beaches? Lol That is a laugh!
Linda c says
Please check out Anini beach on the north shore of Kauai for a beautiful beach experience
Skip S says
Why would you tip those guys? If they had let you stay a few minutes to help your Aunt, then a tip would have been appropriate.
AJ L says
Oh! The fees! Most Waikiki hotels charge $35-$50 for the privilege of parking there. I took my elderly aunt back to her hotel, the Moana Surfrider. After a long day out, she had difficulty making it up the front stairs on her own. The valet guys were screaming at me to move and they could see I was helping my aunt up the stairs. It’s not my fault the hotel schedules multiple weddings a day and all the brides want the iconic photo at the top of the staircase. They insisted on parking my vehicle instead of giving me a few minutes to help a frail old lady. They didn’t even offer to help. It took almost thirty minutes to retrieve my car and because my aunt was staying there I got the discounted rate of $40 instead of $50. Plus tip!
Skip S says
Why would you tip those guys? If they had let you stay a few minutes to help your Aunt, then a tip would have been appropriate.
Gloria G. says
I agree with Skip. This tipping thing is way out of control and I refuse to feel it is my duty to supplement the wages of someone’s job. People are hired to do a job at a wage. When they serve me my food, or take my order, or get my car they are doing a job that they are getting paid for. Hawaii has raised all their prices like crazy so it is now supposed to cost me more to tip a percentage that is on a higher bill. I live on the coast in California. Fresh fish comes out of the water and we are charged $25 – 30 in a restaurant for a fish meal. Even if Hawaiian Ahi is served fresh it is around $30 and it is flown here. Please tell me why when the fish comes out of the ocean in Hawaii, we are charged $40 for that fish?
NoWaterLeftHere says
My 600 sqft 2 bedroom on Maui is the worst you can get here, hands down. I pay $2,300/month plus $200 electric and I turn my breakers off unless Im using it. My 4 yr olds school, thats $1100/month. We get paid wage plus tips, our employeers count on us to get tipped. Wages dont cover half what we need to survive. Missing out on a tip from a guest we served could mean we dont make rent. Your Hawaii budget needs to include 15% tip bare minimum whatever the charge, for everything. If you cant do that, please dont come. Regarding fish, the fishermen get $4/pound average, and customers take priority over selling. We all live off of our tips. The f
Chris says
Please don’t come? Do you hear what you are saying? If your restaurant closes down because you advise people “don’t come” then you will have no wage at all. Tips are for outstanding service, not to supplement your emloyers’ wages. Tell your employer to pay you more if you don’t like your wage, but for goodness sake don’t tell customers, “Don’t come!”
Gloria G says
I’m glad someone finally said it. This tipping thing is so out of hand – First I have to pay $40 for fish that costs less than $4 – I can appreciate all the other costs involved, but paying someone’s wages shouldn’t be part of it. I go to a restaurant, pay for the food it needs to be served to me and I don’t need to pay 20% on top of all of that.
Lisa S says
If you can’t afford to go out and tip, then you should stay home. People in hospitality don’t make an hourly wage to live on!
Gloria G says
What does that have to do with people on vacation? Why would I be expected to pay someone’s wages? I’ve overpaid for my meal and I’ve left a tip. Why is 20% expected? How did that get to be the normal. Ridiculous. It is my decision as to how much I leave.
TONY P says
People in hospitality who live in a $2,300 month apartments, with $200 month electric and $1,100 month school bills should look for a higher paying job and not expect other people to subsidies your poor choice of employment. Your anger should be directed at your employer not at your customers who are paying a 300% markup on their food and a 600% markup on their liquor. Take a walk to a better paying job and see how long your employer stays in business without serving and household staff. Restaurants are serving at 50% occupancy because they cant get people to work at their low wages. Telling customers to stay home will close down your place of employment and force you to look for a better job.
Michael G. says
Hawaii is now for The Rich And Famous!
Pegm says
Actually most hotel rates are pretty crazy right now. They certainly are where I live and where I like to travel.
Pookie says
Hawaii doesn’t want more fulltime residents either..
I used Truila for property on Big Island the rep was full of questions.
Are you here now? Have you ever been here? Why do want to move here?
Blahnik, blah no one contacted the listing broker to get back to me. I’m multiracial and I felt discrimination.
Goodbye.
Frank says
We just returned from Kauai, where we saw a pickup truck on the north shore with the racist sign “Be A Good Haole”. I can only imagine the outcry if I had driven around the island with a sign “Be A Good Hawaiian”.
Michael G. says
Right On! Hawaii Is Now For The Rich and Famous Only! In the 80’s and 90’s The Hotel Rates are now out of sight…
David P says
I never really felt welcome when visiting Hawaii. There is no charge to park at beaches in Mexico. Aloha!
Mike says
Their plan to reduce tourism is in play. If they continue to raise fees to the visitors they can chase some away but make up lost revenue from these fees. Its no longer the wonderful place to go. I suggest spending your vacation money where you are appreciated like Hawaii used to be. But is no longer! Shame.
Larry H says
Fees at Waimea are way to high. Should only charge for vehicle admission not both vehicle and per person fee. Also, if I am paying a fee, should I also not expect better roads. Sections of the road are terrible especially past Koke State Park. Tired of being ripped off with nothing in return.
Michael G. says
Hawaii Is Now For The Rich and Famous Only! In the 80’s and 90’s Rates were affordable now The Hotel Rates etc. are out of sight…
Aloha for the Rich and Famous only!
susan c says
I totally get what everyone is saying about the nickel and dime. hawaii in my opinion has always been. expensive and getting more expensive every time I go back home to visit. I noticed places that started charging for parking and entry to parks and beaches. I understand inflation but, this is getting ridiculous. places like Hanauma Bay for instance never charged entry fee to go to beach. I can understand paying for parking but, to go to the beach????
RON D says
Don’t forget the rental cars. They’re just as bad. I flew to Honolulu for 18 days on December 1 of last year. That was the 1st day the new rental car facility on airport opened. They tried to charge me the $5 a day passenger facility usage charge. I refused to pay it. That was not listed in my original reservation. What really irked me was I’m only using the facility to pick up and drop off the car. That’s 2 days total of using the facility yet they wanted me to pay an extra $90 for all 18 days. A complete and total ripoff. It’s not just Hawaii on that one. Every airport does the same thing. I’m flying over again on December 3rd and I honestly think it’ll be my last trip. Just way too expensive anymore. This will be my 102nd trip to Hawaii.
Michael G. says
Hawaii is not what use to be for Vacations.
Gloria G says
They have taken the Joy out of it! Please tell me why a piece of fish that comes out of the ocean off the coast of the island you are staying on should cost $40.00, and here in San Diego, Hawaiian Ahi costs a little more than 1/2 the price?