Hawaii's Green Fee Raises Hotel Tax to Fund Climate Protection 🌺

New Hawaii Hotel Green Fee

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Hawaii will add an 11 percent “Green Fee” to all hotel stays, rising to 12 percent in 2027. Signed by Gov. Josh Green, the levy is expected to raise about $100 million annually for a new Climate Mitigation & Resiliency Fund and an Economic Development & Revitalization Fund—covering projects such as beach renourishment, wildfire prevention, reef restoration, and a youth green-jobs program.

“Visitors love Hawaii for its beaches and biodiversity,” Green said at the signing. “It’s only fair they invest in keeping both alive.”

Where the Money Goes

• Beach restoration – Pumping fresh sand back onto shrinking Waikīkī and Maui shorelines

• Wildfire defense – Clearing flash-burn invasive grasses, cutting new firebreaks, and staffing the state’s first fire marshal

• Invasive-species control – From coqui frogs to little fire ants, the uninvited guests get eviction notices

• Green Jobs Youth Corps – Paid fieldwork for local teens and twenty-somethings, because the next generation needs résumés and reefs

• Coastal Infrastructure – Elevating roads, bolstering seawalls, and retrofitting storm drains for king-tide futures

How It Hits Your Wallet

A $350 resort night will tack on about $74 in combined state, county, and green fees once the full 12 percent rate kicks in. It’s on par with the typical resort fee, but this surcharge funds beach nourishment and wildfire breaks rather than Wi-Fi and extra towels.

Could Other Destinations Follow Hawaii's Lead?

Bank on it. From Key West to the Seychelles, tourism boards are watching the Aloha State’s experiment. If Hawaii succeeds in funding climate initiatives through visitor fees without driving away tourists, similar legislation could spread across the globe.

Yes, visiting Hawaii will cost a bit more now, but that extra fee goes straight to fixing eroding beaches, protecting coral reefs, and reducing wildfire risks. In short, travelers are pitching in to keep the islands’ sand, sea life, and forests healthy—so the sights you came to see stay beautiful for everyone.