If you’ve heard chatter about the new Hawaii tourist tax coming in 2026, you’re not imagining things – it’s real, it’s official, and it’s coming soon. Referred to as the “Hawaii Green Fee” (Senate Bill 1396, now Act 96), this new tourist tax was signed into law May 2025 and begins in 2026.

For most visitors, the Hawaii Green Fee will appear as a small addition to your hotel or vacation rental bill. Some are praising it as a much-needed environmental investment. Others feel like it’s just another added cost at a time when tourism still hasn’t fully bounced back post-pandemic.

So what exactly is this new Hawaii “tourist tax”, when does it start, and how much will it cost you?

Let’s break it down.

What is the Hawaii Green Fee?

Hawaii’s new “tourist tax” is a 0.75% increase to the state’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), raising the state portion from 10.25% to 11%. This increase is being referred to as the Hawaii Green Fee and applies to:

• Hotels
• Vacation rentals
• Short-term rentals
• Cruise ship cabins (beginning July 2026)

The tax takes effect on January 1, 2026, and will automatically be added to your lodging cost. It’s designed to generate funds specifically for environmental projects in the state.

How Much Are We Talking?

Let’s say you’re booking a $400-per-night hotel room. The Hawaii Green Fee adds about $3 per night to your bill. It’s not a huge jump, but it is something to be aware of when budgeting your Hawaii vacation in 2026 and beyond.

Between this tourist tax and other local taxes in Hawaii, you might notice that nightly totals can inch up – which is one reason our all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages are such a relief for many travelers. We roll all accommodation taxes into your upfront price, so you’re not left second-guessing every line on your bill.

Why Is There a New Tourist Tax in Hawaii?

The official reasoning behind the Hawaii Green Fee is to help fund conservation efforts and climate resilience initiatives. The state estimates the fee could generate up to $100 million annually, which will go toward:

• Restoring shorelines and maintaining beach access
• Combating invasive species
• Building wildfire break zones
• Managing dry vegetation in vulnerable areas
• Creating Hawaii’s first statewide fire marshal office

And while it’s fair to question how effectively any new fee will be used, the hope is that the Hawaii Green Fee will go toward real, visible improvements. That could mean keeping beloved beaches like Waikiki and Kaanapali clean, wide and accessible, restoring sand where it’s needed, and maintaining space for everyone to enjoy. It may help fund wildfire prevention efforts–like creating firebreaks and managing dry vegetation–which has become especially important in recent years. It could also support planting native trees, protecting endangered wildlife, and maintaining scenic trails and lookouts that are open to all.

If you’ve ever enjoyed snorkeling with a sea turtle, hiking to a waterfall, or watching the sunset from a scenic overlook, those are the types of experiences this tourist tax is aiming to preserve in Hawaii.

Is Hawaii’s New Green Fee a Good Idea?

That depends who you ask.

• Supporters frame it as a way for visitors to give back to the land they’re visiting. Hawaii’s natural beauty is a big part of why people come, and this green fee is supposed to help preserve it.
• Critics worry the money won’t be used efficiently–or that it might discourage some visitors at a time when Hawaii tourism is still recovering.

Do You Have to Worry About the Hawaii Tourist Tax?

Nope! The good news is: if you’re booking one of our all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages, you don’t need to worry about any of this.

We pay all accommodation taxes on your behalf as part of your package price. So even when this “tourist tax” kicks in, it’s already covered for you.

We just wanted to explain Hawaii’s new Green Fee in case you’ve seen headlines or were curious. We’ll always make sure you’re up to date and taken care of – so you can focus on the fun part.

Final Thoughts

We understand the hesitation. Nobody loves more fees. Personally, we’d love to see more travel incentives, not more line items.

That said, if it truly helps protect Hawaii’s natural beauty and makes a positive difference for the land and people who live here, then it’s good to at least know where it’s going.

And while Hawaii will never be the cheapest vacation on the map, it remains one of the most meaningful, memorable, and breathtaking destinations you can visit. We truly believe it’s worth every (green) cent. 🌺

Want help planning a stress-free Hawaii trip where everything’s already covered – including the new Hawaii tourist tax? Contact us today–that’s what we’re here for.