Starting January 1, 2026, the Aloha State will introduce a new “green fee” aimed at protecting its beaches, reefs, and communities from the impacts of climate change and overtourism.

This new levy will bump Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax from 10.25% to 11%, which works out to around $2 a day for most visitors. Hotels, short-term rentals, and even cruise ship passengers will be on the hook for it. The goal? To raise about US$100 million annually for environmental projects like beach restoration, coral reef protection, and removing fire-prone grasses — a response sparked in part by the devastating Maui wildfires in 2023.

Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green says the fee will help preserve the islands for both locals (kamaʻāina) and tourists. He’s already got a wishlist of projects, from shoring up eroding coastlines to creating sustainable tourism programs that actually benefit local communities. In fact, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is being phased out in favour of a new Destination Stewardship Organization focused on community values and sustainability over mass marketing.

The move puts Hawaii in line with other destinations charging eco-focused tourism fees. Mexico’s Baja California Sur has a C$34 “Embrace It Tax,” Venice charges day-trippers about $12, and Bhutan’s long-standing Sustainable Development Fee now sits at $200 per day. So while $2 might feel like a drop in the ocean, it’s part of a growing global trend where travel dollars double as an environmental investment.

Of course, not everyone’s stoked. Some budget-conscious surfers are calling it a “surf tax,” while others worry that extra fees could make tourists spend less at restaurants or local businesses. But supporters point out that without clean beaches, healthy reefs, and protected trails, Hawaii’s tourism industry wouldn’t exist in the first place.

So, if you’re booking that Vancouver-to-Maui flight for 2026, just remember: the Mai Tai might cost more than the green fee — but both will go towards keeping paradise in good shape.

For more info check out the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Website.

Source: 604NOW