On 27 May 2025, Hawaii became the first US state to implement a climate impact fee on visitors, aiming to support environmental and climate resilience efforts across the islands.
Under the newly passed Act 96, a 0.75% surcharge will be added to the existing 11% transient accommodations tax (TAT), taking effect from 1 January 2026. The charge will apply to hotels, short-term rentals, and – for the first time – cruise ships.
The additional fee, estimated to bring in US$100 million annually, will go toward initiatives focused on sustainability, disaster preparedness, and natural resource protection. For example, a traveller paying US$300 per night for lodging would now have to pay an additional US$2.25 per night.
Governor Josh Green described the measure as essential, especially given Hawaii’s vulnerability to climate change. “As an island chain, Hawaii cannot afford to wait,” he said, citing the 2023 Maui wildfires – the deadliest US wildfire in over a century – as a major catalyst for urgent action.
The law aims to ensure visitors help shoulder the costs of maintaining Hawaii’s fragile environment, rather than leaving residents to bear the burden alone. Cruise ship passengers, who had previously been exempt from the TAT, will now contribute under the new rules – addressing long-standing calls for fairness across the tourism sector.
According to Chris Benjamin, head of the state’s Climate Advisory Team, the new fee is a “historic investment” in protecting both the land (aina) and local communities. The team was established in the wake of the Maui fires to help shape the state's climate response strategy.
Hawaii’s move follows a growing global trend, as other popular destinations like Bali, Greece, and the Galápagos Islands introduce or raise similar charges to cope with the environmental toll of tourism. While the overall effectiveness of such fees remains debated, supporters hope Hawaii's version will set a precedent for sustainable travel in the US.