Hawaii enacts ‘green fee' on tourists to raise $100M annually for climate, ecology protection
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, has signed into law a 'Green Fee' bill that will raise tourist taxes to help fund 'climate-change' mitigation.
Senate Bill 1396 raises the tourist tax on Hawaii hotels to 11% starting Jan. 1 — which would then increase to 12% the following year, according to the text of the bill.
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Portions of the revenue raised would go into the 'Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund' and the 'Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund,' according to the bill.
The bill addresses invasive species, wildlife conservation and beach management and restoration.
It will also help fund a 'green jobs youth corps' and areas of environmental concern.
'Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, recognizing their fundamental role in sustaining the ecological, cultural and economic health of Hawaiʻi,' said Gov. Green in a press release.
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4 Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, surrounded by lawmakers and supporters, signs legislation in Honolulu on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
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4 A person dives off rocks as a tourist boat passes along Kaanapali Beach, a popular tourist destination, on August 5, 2024 near Lahaina, Hawaii.
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The Aloha State governor added, 'The fee will restore and remediate our beaches and shorelines and harden infrastructure critical to the health and safety of all who call Hawaiʻi home, whether for a few days or a lifetime.'
In 2023, 9.6 million visitors traveled to Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
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Hawaii already has a 10.25% tax on short-term rentals.
4 The Carnival Miracle cruise ship is docked during a 15-day cruise on January 15, 2024 in Hilo, Hawaii.
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4 People visit Iao Valley State Monument, an important historic site and tourist attraction, on August 5, 2024 near Wailuku, Hawaii.
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The state's counties each add their own 3% surcharge on top of the state's tax, according to FOX 13.
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'Hawaii already imposes what some believe are high taxes on the hospitality sector and short-term stays,' said Travel Tomorrow.
The Green Fee is projected to generate $100 million annually, according to the release.
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National Geographic
6 hours ago
- National Geographic
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Tourists Will Be Charged $2.25 Per Day to Surf in Hawaii
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National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
Why June is the best month to visit this U.S. Virgin Island
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Charlotte Amalie, on the southern side, is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Photograph by Starcevic, Getty Images June is the golden time to spread out a beach blanket—liberally, when the sands aren't crowded—and dine at restaurants that are easier to get into. Much of what's served will be seasonal catches like marlin, bonefish, and tarpon from the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean's slower season means rates at hotels (moderate and luxury alike) are up to half-off what they'd be during early spring and the holidays, making it another reason why June is the best time to visit. What to see and do Snorkeling It's not unusual to see Virgin Islanders pop open the trunk of their car and pull out snorkel gear for an impromptu dip—it's that easy to spot vibrant fish and marine life at any of the plentiful public beaches year-round. But in June, there are even more chances to luck out with sea turtle sightings. St. Thomas hot-spots include Secret Harbour Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove, where leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles are far from shy. Novice snorkelers will want to check out Brewers Bay, which has less coral to navigate and a sandy bottom with the sea grass that green sea turtles love to eat. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn to shore to lay their eggs. Photograph by Douglas Rissing, Getty Images Charter a boat CrewZen owner and boat captain Kevin McCartney creates custom itineraries that circumnavigate St. Thomas or go out toward the other U.S. or British Virgin Islands. McCartney often goes to Lovango Resort & Beach Club, where guests can get a day-pass for this private island between St. Thomas and St. John. His other recommendation is to go swimming or snorkeling before visiting Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by boat. Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden Architect Patsy Breunlin has built a hilltop garden filled with the heady scent of lilies and orchids that bend in colorful splendor, ripe for leisurely walks. Wildlife includes lizards, parrots, and peacocks, and it's likely visitors will spot bananaquits, the yellow-bellied birds of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Where to shop St. Thomas has twice the duty-free allowance of most Caribbean destinations. Each U.S. citizen (including children) can bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods without paying sales tax. The Creative Native The Creative Native is part art gallery, part history museum. Owner and photographer Ama Dennis, whose family has lived on the triad of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for six generations, welcomes guests with a smile and a signature greeting: 'I don't sell art—I tell stories of the Virgin Islands.' Fish Face The aquatic photography is what started it all at Fish Face, an apparel, jewelry, and photography boutique in Palm Passage courtyard. Co-owners Kris Wall and Carrell "CW" Abbott left their corporate jobs to open the shop in 2008. Since then, they've expanded from Wall's colorful images of parrotfish, seahorses, and octopuses to other art and housewares from creators across the Caribbean. Where to eat and drink Blue 11 Splurge on a seven-, nine-, or 11-course tasting menu at Blue 11, where chef David 'Benji' Benjamin spotlights what's local and fresh. Bites typically include seared red snapper atop a warm citrus salad, and wahoo with pickled green mango. Or, check out Benji's other more casual restaurant, Indigo 4, for signatures like conch chowder. King of the Wing Festival Although Carnival season has concluded by June, there is one celebration that remains: King of the Wing Festival (June 14, 2025). Amateur and professional cooks compete for all the sweet, savory, and spicy chicken wing glory on the island, with proceeds benefiting local charities. de Frenchtown Bar Plates at the casual bistro are loaded with oxtail, jerk chicken, pulled pork, or pork ribs. Every now and then cornmeal-based fungi (foon-gee) dumplings are featured, and they go quickly. Pizza Pi St. Thomas' sailboat pizzeria is not to be missed. While the slices are divine (try the Peachy Goat with basil and a balsamic glaze), this Christmas Cove hot spot is also a floating bar with frozen cocktail-like concoctions. Locally inspired favorites include the Bushwacker, a piña colada and chocolate milkshake mashup that was invented in St. Thomas. For those who can't resist having a second—or even third—Pizza Pi has shuttle service options. Alloro The balmy temperatures in June are ideal for al fresco dining at Alloro. Cocktail connoisseurs don't want to miss out on the signature martini, featuring Prosecco, cointreau, citrus, and basil grown on-site. Explore like a local Beaches Magens Bay's smooth sands and calm waters are a crowd-pleaser, but for beachfront with more locals than tourists, visit the crystalline waters of Coki Beach. Even novice snorkelers will feel like they're swimming in an aquarium. June's calm waters make snorkeling an ideal activity on St. Thomas. Photograph by Westend61, Getty Images Dine & Dash Food Tours Exploring like a local is easy when you're with a local. Get a taste of six local specialties—like patés, savory empanada-like hand pies—when you travel from one end of the island to the other with Dine & Dash founder Desireè 'Dez' Wilkes. Expect food for thought along the way, with a rich history lesson that goes back as far as when Wilkes' family made their way to the area when it was still known as Danish West Indies. She always treats guests to a cup of bush tea—an herbal concoction made with lemongrass from her grandmother's garden—but in June, guests can also expect to sip a mango smoothie during the fruit's peak season. Shuttle to St. John If you live on St. Thomas, St. John is your sister island and the ferry your means of transport. It's worth adventuring on a 20-minute, camera-friendly ride over to Cruz Bay, where fixed-rate taxis await to zip visitors to beaches like Trunk Bay or Oppenheimer Beach. Or travel over for The Longboard alone. Chat up the mixologists at the open-air bar during happy hour from 2-4 p.m., when specialty cocktails are just $10. Farmers Market Saturday mornings are for fresh fish, vegetables, and the milk of just-cut coconuts at the Farmers Market. And, for the lucky early birds, a taste of Miss Annette's 'goat water.' This slow-cooked goat stew is available many weekends, but for those who miss it, there's Blue Mango Tours. Guides, like owner Mike Motylinski, can show you where else to find this Caribbean favorite. Where to stay The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Each of the 180 rooms at The Ritz-Carlton have oceanfront views, meaning you're just steps from the water. Splash in the waves before making your own at the new family pool with a waterslide. Although The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort, there are a number of new casual additions in line with St. Thomas' island vibe, including flip-flop friendly Sails Beachside Restaurant & Bar, and Southwind grab-and-go coffee shop. The Pink Palm Hotel The Pink Palm's 28 rooms—decorated in rich green, sandy white, and seashell pink tones—offer up an adults-only enclave perched high on a hillside in the heart of U.S. Virgin Islands capital Charlotte Amalie. That means guests are in the center of the action for dining and nightlife, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The Hideaway at Hull Bay This hotel's secluded beachfront is far from a traditional hotel experience thanks to its airy, spacious cottages (eight) and villas (two). But the biodiversity spread across two acres is just as much a feast for the eyes as the foodie. Farm-to-table fare at Hideaway Dining rotates daily, with freshly harvested potatoes, eggplant, and herbs grown on-site. Or visit The Shack next door, with casual fare like fish tacos and burgers served with a side of live entertainment most nights. How to get there, and around:In June, there is direct air to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Major carriers include American Airlines, JetBlue, and are fixed-rate per person, not per ride, across St. Thomas based on distance to and from popular landmarks (most prefer cash). Sedans or minivans with a driver can also be contracted with hourly rates. There are no rideshare services on St. Thomas or neighboring islands. When to go Summer in St. Thomas hovers around 84°F, and June averages the least rainfall of the season, with just 2.5 inches over the course of the month. Carley Thornell is a Boston-based Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who's been to 60-plus countries. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Afar, Robb Report, Skift, Global Traveler, OpenTable, USA Today, and many other publications. Her beats (and passions) include sustainability, diversity and accessibility, epicurean delights, luxury travel, and—most recently with the addition of her son—family travel.
