Legislators in Hawaii are implementing a tourism tax they believe will help the state take action against climate change. Known as the first ever 'Green Fee' in the U.S., Act 96 will raise the ...

He noted that Hawaii is the first state in the country to link hotel tax revenue directly to climate and environmental protection. “We had a $13 billion tragedy in Maui, and we lost 102 people.

Hawaii boosts lodging tax to fight climate change disasters. New funds target beach erosion, hurricane protection, and wildfire mitigation.

Hawaii has passed legislation to increase taxes for people staying at hotels to help the islands cope with the increasing pressures from climate change. The bill, SB1396, adds a 0.75% levy to ...

The increase in the hotel room tax, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, means locals and Hawaii visitors who stay in hotels or other accommodations will soon pay an overall rate of 14%.

It also levies a new 11% tax on cruise ship bills starting July 2026, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports, to bring cruise ship taxes in line with room taxes on land.

“The impact to travel to Hawaii will cover our needs as we deal with climate change and superstorms and all of the things we’ve known to be true after the wildfires,” said Gov. Josh Green ...

Hawaii lawmakers approved a first-of-its-kind bill on Friday that increases the state’s lodging tax to fund environmental protection and strengthen defenses against climate change-fueled disasters.

Hawaii already levies a 10.25% tax on short-term rentals. As of Jan. 1, the tax will rise to 11%. Hawaii's counties separately charge a 3% lodging tax, and travelers also have to pay the 4.712% ...

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, surrounded by lawmakers and supporters, signs legislation in Honolulu on Tuesday, May 27, 2026 that raises the state's tax on hotel rooms and other short-term ...

In addition, Hawaii’s counties each add their own 3% surcharge and the state and counties impose a combined 4.712% general excise tax on goods and services including hotel rooms.