Do You Have to Pay Resort Fees in Hawaii?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you might be wondering whether or not you have to pay resort fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to know what to expect before you book your accommodations.

What are Resort Fees?

Resort fees, also known as amenity fees or destination fees, are additional charges that hotels and resorts tack on to your bill. These fees can cover a variety of things, such as Wi-Fi access, pool towels, gym access, and other amenities that the hotel provides.

Are Resort Fees Mandatory in Hawaii?

In short, yes. In Hawaii, resort fees are considered mandatory and are required by law to be disclosed upfront when booking a hotel room. This means that even if you don’t plan on using any of the amenities provided by the hotel, you still have to pay the fee.

How Much Are Resort Fees in Hawaii?

The amount of resort fees varies depending on the hotel or resort that you’re staying at. On average, however, you can expect to pay around $30-$40 per night in resort fees in Hawaii. Some hotels may charge more or less than this amount.

What Do Resort Fees Cover?

As mentioned earlier, resort fees can cover a variety of amenities provided by the hotel. Here are some common things that resort fees may cover:

  • Wi-Fi access
  • Pool towels
  • Gym access
  • Newspapers
  • Parking
  • In-room coffee and tea
  • Tennis court access

It’s important to note that not all hotels provide the same amenities with their resort fee. Be sure to check with your specific hotel to see exactly what is included in their resort fee.

How to Avoid Resort Fees?

Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to avoid resort fees in Hawaii. However, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the impact of these fees on your wallet:

  • Look for hotels with lower resort fees
  • Book directly with the hotel and ask if they can waive the fee
  • Use hotel rewards points to cover the cost of the fee

The Bottom Line

While resort fees can be an annoying additional expense when traveling to Hawaii, they are mandatory and cannot be avoided. Be sure to factor these fees into your travel budget when planning your trip. And remember, even if you don’t plan on using any of the amenities provided by the hotel, you still have to pay the fee.