Hawaii Resort Fees Are Skyrocketing Again

Above, hotels in Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like that it was a good thing that I went to Hawaii when I did in 2016. Hotels and resorts are planning to hike their resort fees on stays.

Beat of Hawaii reported:

Hawaii resort fees rankle travelers and residents alike, significantly inflating the cost of a hotel stay. These charges can easily add hundreds more dollars to the bill, often covering questionably chargeable services like internet access or beach amenities that might otherwise be included in the room rate.

Combined with Hawaii’s 18% state and county accommodation taxes, plus a range of other fees labeled as everything from “conservation” to “local tax,” hotel bills can quickly surge by over 50%. That’s before factoring in parking costs, adding as much as an additional $60 per night.

Hawaii visitors often feel blindsided by how these fees are disclosed.

While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advocated for pricing transparency, most hotels reveal resort fees late in the booking process. On platforms like Booking.com, nightly rates have become loss leaders, luring travelers before piling on hidden costs.

Despite federal initiatives, resort fees will remain widespread across Hawaii in 2025, leaving many questioning if meaningful change is possible. Although earlier proposals inspired some hope, doubts persist about whether the industry will shift, even in the face of consumer outrage.

Hawaii resort fees now.

Resort fees in Hawaii vary significantly depending on the property. Here’s just an assortment. Since Hawaii has such a vast number of hotels, you’ll need to check. The Royal Hawaiian will increase its fee to $52 per night starting December 2024. Fairmont Orchid recently raised its resort fee to $48 per night. Hilton Hawaiian Village remains among the highest in Waikiki at $59 per night. Montage Kapalua Bay maintains its $50 per night charge, with additional costs for valet parking.

To read more, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Guide To O'ahu

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that vacation season is here and one is planning to spend a vacation in Hawaii, Lonely Planet has posted guide to O'ahu for first-timers. Oddly, it doesn't mention paying a visit to Pearl Harbor. That should be a must-see for everyone, especially first-timers.

It begins with:

Welcome to Oʻahu, home to some of the most well-known natural landmarks in the world – from famed Waikiki Beach to towering Diamond Head to the surfable North Shore.

Known as a beautiful beach destination, this island is great for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing to your heart’s content. But beyond the sunny shorelines, Oʻahu has a wealth of greenery-filled hikes, internationally-inspired restaurants, and cultural landmarks for you to explore.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Hotel Rates Rising

Above, surfers on Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I took a vacation trip to Hawaii eight years ago before the current inflation rate made hotel accommodations very expensive. Prices have risen so much so that it is pricing out some potential visitors.

According to SFGATE:

Hawaii’s hotel room rates have increased dramatically in the past five years. It’s causing some travelers to look elsewhere, as the number of visitors to Hawaii is declining.

The state’s average daily hotel room rate increased 35% in April 2024 compared to April 2019, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Hawaii Hotel Performance Report. Oahu increased the least, at about 20%.

“It’s inflation. Some people try to blame it on Hawaii. It’s everywhere,” Jo Wattle, travel adviser and owner of Travel with Jo, told SFGATE. 

The Island of Hawaii and Kauai top the state in terms of percentage increase. Daily room rates in April 2019 were $260 and $267 respectively, while April 2024 data shows rates have increased more than 60% to $442 and $432.

Josh Hargrove, general manager of the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, agrees that inflation has increased Hawaii’s overall room rates. 

To read more, go here. 

10 Best Honolulu Hotels For Every Type of Traveler

Above, a hilltop view of Waikiki hotels and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is a shortage of anything in Honolulu, Hawaii, it certainly isn't the number of hotels. There are plenty to choose from.

Travel + Leisure has compiled a list of what they consider to be the ten best hotels in Honolulu.for every type of traveler.

They begin with:

Honolulu, the capital of the “Aloha State,” located on Oʻahu, became a popular vacation destination with the advent of convenient air travel during the 1950s and 60s. Beloved for its gorgeous shoreline, stunning sunsets, tropical scenery, and friendly Aloha spirit, Honolulu has grown as visitors have increased over the years.

Couples, families, groups of friends, and business travelers flock to Honolulu’s beaches, restaurants, and attractions like the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial, museums, golf courses, and places of natural beauty like Diamond Head. Hotels have been built, renovated, and recreated to meet the demand, and there’s something for every type of traveler, from budget to extravagant. 

Combining recommendations from travel advisors, frequent visitors, and Travel + Leisure readers who vote in the annual World’s Best Awards, we’ve created this list of Honolulu hotel suggestions.

To read more, go here. 

Family-Friendly Hawaii Resorts

Above, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort was a favorite place to stay for Elvis Presley. According to an article in Travel Weekly, it is also a good place to stay if one has children in tow.

I have never personally stayed there, but I did wander around the resort's outside area and bought some ice cream at their ice cream stand. 

Travel Weekly has posted a list of the best resorts in Hawaii for families.

They begin it with: 

Considering that Hawaii visitors will be spending the majority of time outside of their hotel rooms, it's not always necessary to find a resort that caters to children and teens, or even has amenities they might appreciate. But there are some Hawaii resorts that do, and the kids love them for it.

Here's my short list of hotels where I've personally stayed with kids and that I would recommend for any families traveling to Hawaii. 

To read more, go here. 

3 Best Hotels In Honolulu

Above, a view of Diamond Head from the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Previously, I had blogged that hotels in Hawaii have hiked their prices around 70% since the end of the pandemic. Some say that this may ease the "overtourism" that has been reported.

Those who are undaunted about going to Hawaii, particularly Honolulu, The Manual has posted what they consider to be the three best hotels there.

As it turns out, the first one listed is the Sheraton Waikiki, which recently completed a massive renovation. I stayed there in 2016 and, even then, it was quite a nice hotel.

The Manual starts with: 

Honolulu is home to some 47,000 hotel rooms. And while it’s virtually impossible to have a bad time in paradise, some of these establishments are in an elite league of their own. Like the very best wines or a timeless rock ‘n’ roll record, the superiority lies in the details.

The following three hotels in Honolulu not only offer prime locations and unmatched service but also go the extra mile by way of unrivaled experiences like high tea or immersive luaus. Some are teeming with incredible history, while others get bonus points for being highly sustainable. Together, they capture the incredible brand of hospitality genuinely unique to Hawaii and allow visitors to absorb legendary Waikiki and Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest metro area and a delightfully diverse one at that.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Hotel Prices Up 70%, May Stifle Overtourism

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The "powers that be" in Hawaii are talking about stifling overtourism by adding fees lately.'

However, that may not be necessary since hotel room rates have risen 70% since the end of the pandemic. They may take care of the overtourism "problem".

According to Beat of Hawaii:

With the nightly cost of Hawaii hotels, the state may not need to worry much longer about over-tourism. Between high prices and the pressure on vacation rentals, the issue could become self-regulating. Regular commenter John W. said today that “Hawaii hotel prices are outlandish.” And we concur. The December numbers speak for themselves.

BOH editors will be in West Maui in February to bring you more on-the-ground coverage. What we found, no matter how hard we tried, or where we looked, was what we deemed to be just too high pricing. In the end, given the cost, we chose not to book yet, waiting until the last minute. In addition to costs, the cancellation notice and penalties were too much to feel comfortable.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Vacations Less Expensive In 2024?

Above, a pool at the Sheraton Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel experts say that travel to Hawaii in 2024 will be more affordable.

I, for one, would have to see it to believe it. 

Travel Lifestyle has posted an article in which this is what the experts are saying.

It begins with:

Hawaii is a state that relies heavily on tourism revenue. However, there will come a point — experts suggest sooner rather than later — when cost-cutting will be necessary to sustain this tourism.

The terrible wildfires on Maui in August played a major role in the decline in visitor numbers this year. In addition, the cost of travel to other tropical destinations, including Bora Bora, has dropped significantly, forcing Hawaii to keep up with tourism demand.

According to experts, demand and price will soon be more in line in Hawaii, resulting in far less expensive travel. Experts and travel gurus predict Hawaii will become more affordable as prices fall elsewhere.

To read more, go here. 

When's The Best Time of The Year To Visit Hawaii?

Above, a view of Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we went to Hawaii seven years ago, it was during the month of May. We enjoyed warm weather and no rain.

The places we were at were Waikiki/Honolulu and at Kona on the Big Island. 

If one is wondering when is the best time of the year to visit Hawaii, AFAR Media has an article that will be a big help in one's trip planning.

It starts with:

There isn’t exactly a bad time to visit Hawai‘i. But while its islands enjoy year-round sun and consistently warm temperatures, other factors like hotel prices, crowds, and your itinerary can determine a more ideal time to visit the Hawaiian islands. Humpback whale migrations take place from December to March, making that the perfect time for snorkelers hoping to hear their calls. Meanwhile, those trying to catch (or watch) those totally-gnarly-dude
swells also may want to come in the winter, when 30- and 40-foot waves hit the North Shore.

Peak crowds arrive in December and January and on a lesser scale during the summer as people migrate for the holidays and school vacations, offering the argument that the best time to visit Hawai‘i is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November. During this period, the crowds thin out and the state experiences less rainfall (though topography, like whether a location is on Hawai‘i’s leeward or windward side, can affect precipitation amounts).

To read more, go here. 

Sheraton Waikiki Unveils $200 Million Renovation

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For me, the criteria for liking a place enough is to want to go or stay there again. Such is the case of the Sheraton Waikiki, where I stayed in 2016 while in Oahu. Yeah, I'd stay there again.

The hotel, even then, was a nice place and it has recently completed its $200 million renovation. 

According to Travel Weekly:

The oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki has completed its $200 million renovation of all 1,636 guestrooms and suites. Guests will also notice upgrades in the hallways, elevator landings and event and retail spaces.

The refreshed guestrooms feature platform beds, spa-like bathrooms and daybeds on the balconies.

"We're thrilled with the results of the renovations and are beyond excited for our guests to experience the beauty, comfort and aloha spirit that the Sheraton Waikiki offers," area general manager Tom Calame said in a press release.

To read more, go here. 

Elvis Presley and the Ala Wai Heliport

A little rock 'n roll history trivia for you since this year marks 50 years since the Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii broadcast.

In January 1973, Elvis Presley was in Hawaii for his Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii satellite concert broadcast that was seen by over one billion people worldwide. 

A part of that broadcast was footage of his arrival at Waikiki by helicopter at the Ala Wai Heliport. The Ala Wai Heliport is no longer there.

From Hawaii.gov:

The Ala Wai Heliport was a State-operated heliport facility located makai [out to the ocean or seaward] of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon and adjacent to the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.  The heliport consisted of a parking pad, a take off and landing pad, and perimeter fencing.  No overnight parking was permitted; transient parking was limited to 15 minutes for loading and unloading of passengers. No fuel facilities or fueling was permitted at the heliport.

Above, the heliport was located behind the trees.

During our 2016 trip to Hawaii, we were at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. As we sat on the beach at the lagoon, behind us were trees and on the other side of them was where the Ala Wai Heliport used to be. It was closed on May 24, 1990. 

Above the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Duke
Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to our trip, I wondered where the heliport was located. With a little sleuthing, I found out where it was once located. I took a walk there, but there were no traces of the former heliport. It is now just a big parking lot.

Amazon Prime Hawaii Travel Deals Starts Today

Above, a view of Waikiki surfers and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Amazon Prime is in the travel business? Who'd have "thunk" it?

Well, they are and, today and tomorrow, they are promoting some Hawaii travel deals.

According to Beat of Hawaii (from yesterday):

Big Hawaii deals are poised to be featured front and center on Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day, that will take place starting tomorrow, July 11-12. We said before that Amazon would be voyaging into the world of travel. What better place to start with than Prime Day + Hawaii. And this will be the first time ever.

Priceline will be the first travel brand to offer an exclusive Prime Day deal. The site currently runs ads throughout Amazon’s portfolio of streaming and audio products.

To read more, go here. 

What Not To Pack For A Hawaii Vacation

Above, the Royal Hawaiian Center at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since many airlines slap on surcharges on luggage weighing over 50 lbs., more people are learning the fine art of packing light.

That goes for travel to Hawaii. There are things that are unnecessary to pack as most are available to purchase in Hawaii.

Beat of Hawaii posted an article on things not to pack before leaving the mainland.

They start with:

Whether you’re the most seasoned traveler or a newbie who doesn’t think about a packing checklist for Hawaii, today’s post will help keep your luggage under control. Your editors, Rob and Jeff, use Google Docs to keep a packing list up to date for mainland travel, and even then, something is always forgotten.

What to pack for a Hawaii vacation should seemingly be pretty easy given our general lack of dress codes, casual nature, and near-constant tropical temperatures. We say, “Keep it simple” and “Less is better.” But even then, it can get weird.

Here’s what not to pack for your Hawaii vacation.

First, there’s almost nothing you can’t buy here in Hawaii if you need it, including food and medications. Second, most of it won’t cost much more than on the mainland if you shop wisely. So don’t lose sleep if you should forget something. Leave these things off the list to begin with.

To read more, go here. 

50th Anniversary Edition of Elvis Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite

The actual 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's "Aloha From Hawaii" concert was last January.

But the occasion is to be commemorated by a 50th edition of the record album and CD version. It is a pre-order item and will be available around August 11.

From Graceland.com:

RCA Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release the definitive 50th anniversary edition of Elvis Presley's monumental Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite record-setting global concert telecast/double live album on Friday, August 11.

The 50th anniversary edition of Elvis Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite -- newly remixed and remastered for the occasion -- will be available in a 3CD + Blu-ray combined package as well as in 2LP and digital configurations and may be pre-ordered HERE. 

For more information, including ordering, go here.

The following isn't part of the package, thought I'd post it here:

Two Dukes

Above, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the Hilton Hawaiian
 Village in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is a lagoon next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It is a man-made lagoon named for Duke Kahanamoku. Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the sport of surfing.

In May 2016, we swam in the lagoon while in Oahu.

Duke Kahanamoku was a friend to another "Duke" until his death in 1968: John Wayne.

From the official John Wayne Facebook page:

Above, John "Duke" Wayne and Duke Kahanamoku in a scene from Wake of the Red Witch (1948). ​​​​​​​​

Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was a Hawaiian competition swimmer who introduced a powerful style of swimming, winning five medals (three gold) over three Olympic Games. He then became a surfing ambassador to the world, popularizing that sport. A Native Hawaiian, he was born to a minor noble family less than three years before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.​​​​​​​​

​​​Did you know? While living in Newport Beach, California on June 14, 1925, Duke Kahanamoku rescued eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in heavy surf while attempting to enter the city’s harbor. Using his surfboard, he was able to make quick trips back and forth to shore to increase the number of sailors rescued. Newport’s police chief at the time called Duke’s efforts “the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen.” Thus was born the tradition of lifeguards having rescue surfboards at the ready.​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​Duke and Duke both lived in Newport Beach, CA, were members of the famed Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, HI, and starred in Wake of the Red Witch. They remained friends throughout their lives.​​​​​​​​

Hawaiian Tourists May Get Taxed $50

Above, a sunset from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following should not come as any surprise since the state of Hawaii's government is dominated by Democrats.

As we all know, Democrats love to impose taxes on anything and everything.

From Time Out: 

Travel to Hawaii may soon increase in price for visitors. 

A proposed $50 tourist tax, or so-called green fee, aims to proactively protect Hawaii's much-visited natural spaces, such as beaches, and offset the negative effective of over-tourism.

“We saw so clearly the impacts of 10 million annual visitors on our islands that in addition to my proposal, there are several being discussed at the legislature. The bottom line is that we need to generate as much revenue as we can from travelers, to help mitigate those impacts," Hawaii Governor Josh Green told The Points Guy. Green promoted a "climate impact fee" during his campaign. 

The Hawaii Green Fee is currently passing through Hawaii's state legislature and is priced at $50  per nonresident over the age of 15, with the goal of generating between $400-500 million annually. Worldwide, protected destinations, including Galapagos National Park and Palau charge over $100 per visitor. 

To read more, go here. 

In Search Of Elvis’s Hawaii

Above, Elvis Presley often stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since today is Elvis Presley's 88th birthday, the following is appropriate to mark the occasion.

TravelAwaits has posted an article on sites in Hawaii associated with the King of Rock 'n Roll.

They begin it with:

Elvis Presley was born in Mississippi and lived in Tennessee, but for many fans, this musical legend is known as “the last Hawaiian king.” 

As Jerry Hopkins, author of Elvis In Hawai’i, states: “Elvis Presley, son of a sharecropper from Mississippi, whose Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, is the second-most visited home in the United States (behind the White House), may be the single personality most closely identified with Hawaii, excepting those who were born and raised here.”

Presley visited several times for personal vacations, but he’s best remembered for his professional appearances. He filmed three movies in Hawaii: Blue Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), and Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966). He also made history with several concerts. They included a benefit for the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor and the 1973 Aloha From Hawaii show, the first concert by a solo artist broadcast around the world.

Elvis’s legacy and spirit are alive and well on the island of Oahu, and music lovers can easily put together their own Elvis-themed tour. I experienced it for myself this Christmas when my husband and I put together an Elvis-focused trip for my mother, a huge Elvis fan. Based on our experiences, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Speaking of the Aloha From Hawaii concert, this month marks 50 years since the concert took place.

To read more, go here.

2023 Hawaii Travel Forecasts

Above, hotels of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that travel to Hawaii has recovered since the pandemic.

There was a conference held in Phoenix, Arizona last week and Beat of Hawaii has some "takeaways" from that conference on what to expect in 2023 when it comes to Hawaii and other travel.

They begin with:

Trying to figure out what will happen in Hawaii travel next year is challenging at best in these uncertain times. We attended some of last week’s Global Travel Marketing conference in Phoenix. And here are takeaways for what’s ahead in Hawaii travel that you’ll want to know, including our cost prediction.

The good news is that the Hawaii travel industry has largely recovered post-Covid, and with the exception of international arrivals, is reaching or even going beyond 2019 volumes at times. That’s what we saw in 2022, and the travel forecast for 2023 may be vastly different, be it Hawaii, domestic travel overall, or international.

To read more, go here. 

The 16 Most Amazing Attractions In Honolulu

Above, a view of surfers and Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has ever been to Honolulu, Hawaii, they are sure to miss some attractions there by either not knowing about them or by time constraints.

If one falls under the former catergory, MSN has posted a list of 16 "most amazing" attractions in Honolulu.

They begin it with:

Honolulu is the most populous island and capital of Hawaii which is known for its fabulous natural setting, the city is filled with gorgeous beaches and adventurous hikes. Aside from the breathtaking views, Honolulu has a pretty vibrant food scene, with Pipikaula and delicious Laulau topping the charts. Start the day with a hike on the diamond head for spectacular views at the top or take a moment of solace on Waikiki beach, the place is pretty much worth every moment.

In Honolulu you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Uss Arizona Memorial, Check Out The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, and Waikiki Beach and many more. Continue scrolling to know more.

To read more, go here. 

20 Things To Do In Waikiki

Above, Diamond Head from the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that people can go to Hawaii again, if one needs to plan out what things to do in the Waikiki/Honolulu vicinity, all they have to do is to read an article posted by Travel2Next.

They posted a list of 20 things to do in Waikiki.

It starts with:

Waikiki is a stunning city to the south of Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. Forming part of the greater Honolulu metro area, Waikiki is where people come to have a great time in Hawaii, with some of the state’s best restaurants, shops and beaches. You’ll most definitely find many exciting things to do in Waikiki, its beach and vibrant streets.

Waikiki’s beaches are world-famous, and the city is a natural wonderland. As the former seat of power of the once mighty Hawaiian monarchy, Waikiki is a cultural and historical beacon of Oahu. From the famous Diamond Head Crater, which looks over Waikiki, to the sprawling Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki has so much to see, do and experience that makes coming back to Waikiki again and again fun every time.

To see what are the 20 things to do, go here.