3 Surprising Fees That Could Hit You When You Travel to Hawaii
Written by
Stacy Sare Cohen
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Traveling to Hawaii has always come at a premium, but starting Jan. 1, 2026, visitors will be charged additional fees that have nothing to do with flights or beachfront views.
The state is raising its Transient Accommodations Tax, branded as a “green fee,” that will affect nearly every tourist as well as residents who book stays at luxury resorts, hotels, vacation rentals or even a cruise.
These are where the unexpected fees could hit you on a vacation to the Aloha State.
The Green Fee Tax
Senate Bill 1936, signed by Governor Josh Green, addresses the urgent need to protect climate change by providing essential funding against potential environmental threats and promoting sustainability.
Hawaii is the first state in the nation to implement a green fee. The governor said in a press release that Hawaii is committed to protecting its natural resources, recognizing the need to sustain the ecological, cultural and economic health of the island, which will raise $1 million per year.
“Hawaii cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action; we must build resiliency now, and the Green Fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future,” said Green.
Supporters of the tax increase include government officials, environmental advocates and Native Hawaiian groups, who argue that the tax is a matter of accountability. With 10 million visitors each year and growing climate risks, they said that the burden should no longer be subsidized by residents’ taxes, according to the Beat of Hawaii.
Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals
Tourists already pay a hefty room tax for hotels, vacation rentals and luxury resorts. With the new bill, the island’s existing 10.25% tax on short-term lodging will increase by 0.75%, bringing the total to 11%. Combined with other state and county taxes, visitors will pay a nearly 19% levy on their stays, one of the highest rates in the country, reported ABC 7.
Cruise Ships
As of July 2026, cruise ships will also need to pay a new 11% tax, one they’ve never had to pay before. The tax will be prorated based on the number of ships docked in Hawaii ports to bring the taxes in line with the room taxes that lodging customers pay on land, according to a Cruise Critic contributor.
However, cruise ships are pushing back, arguing the fee places a burden on cruise lines and their passengers.
“With Hawaii’s per-passenger port fees and taxes expected to increase from $200 to $350, several travel advisors and policy experts said they anticipate the tax could be a tourism deterrent,” reported Travel Weekly, citing a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
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