Hiking in Hawaii has risen in price by 50%: fees for visiting parks and trails are increasing

By TravelWiseFeb 3, 2024 20:43 PMNews
Share:
Travelers should help preserve the environment, says governor. Source: pixabay

Visiting scenic parks and hiking trails in Hawaii may soon become a fee for tourists thanks to a bill being considered by state lawmakers. The measure would charge travelers a fee to purchase a license to visit a state park, forest, hiking trail, or other natural area in the state by introducing a visitor fee program.

The actual amount of the fee is being debated. While the Senate passed a version of the law that sets the fee at $50, the House Finance Committee last week removed the actual dollar amount. This was reported by travelandleisure.com.

"All I want, frankly, is to make travelers responsible and to be able to help pay for their impact. We get 9 to 10 million visitors a year, (but) we only have 1.4 million people living here. These 10 million travelers should help us preserve our environment," said Governor Josh Green.

The impetus for the fee was the fact that the number of out-of-state visitors has increased by 50% over the past decade. And these travelers are looking for more and more places that are in the middle of nowhere.

"It's not like it was 20 years ago when you would come with your family, visit maybe one or two famous beaches and go see Pearl Harbor. And that was it. Today, it's more like, "I saw this post on Instagram and there's a great rope swing, a coconut palm tree...". All these places that didn't have visitors, now they have visitors," said Congressman Sean Quinlan, who chairs the U.S. House Tourism Committee.

Most state parks in Hawaii are currently free, but some require reservations and fees. Last year, Diamond Head State Monument on the island of Oahu introduced a reservation system for out-of-state visitors, hoping to reduce the number of tourists. The park entrance fee is $5 per person and $10 per car.

Top Articles

Discover the Best Restaurants in San Jose: Must-Try Spots

Dec 29, 2024 23:49 PM

Explore the Best Shopping Spots in San Francisco

Dec 28, 2024 23:14 PM

Explore the Best Tide Pools in San Diego

Dec 27, 2024 22:53 PM

Uncover The Best Museums in San Francisco You Must Visit

Dec 15, 2024 23:30 PM
More News

Big Savings on UK Rail Travel for Early 2025

Jan 15, 2025 13:33 PM

Upcoming Railway Maintenance: Impact on Travelers

Jan 15, 2025 08:32 AM

AirAsia Philippines Expands Travel Access with Festival Partnership

Jan 15, 2025 04:31 AM

Shaping 2025 Travel Trends

Jan 15, 2025 00:30 AM

Genova-Ventimiglia Rail Suspension: What It Means for Travelers

Jan 14, 2025 23:35 PM

Tauck’s Solo Travel Discounts Highlight Industry Trends

Jan 14, 2025 19:34 PM

Festive Travel Trends Among Brits

Jan 14, 2025 18:00 PM

Finnair’s Partnership Opens New Routes to Mexican Destinations

Jan 14, 2025 15:33 PM

Michelin-Starred Chefs Join British Pullman Journeys

Jan 14, 2025 11:32 AM

Calgary-Mexico City Flights to Launch in 2025

Jan 14, 2025 07:31 AM

Ryanair Seeks to Recover Costs After Passenger Disruption

Jan 14, 2025 02:30 AM

Health Risks While Traveling: What You Need to Know

Jan 13, 2025 21:32 PM

Direct Travel Solution from Fife to Edinburgh Airport

Jan 13, 2025 14:31 PM

Expanded Loyalty Program Enhances Travel to Finland

Jan 13, 2025 08:30 AM

AirAsia Introduces New Routes to Northeast Thailand

Jan 12, 2025 20:34 PM

Torino Porta Susa Named Key Transit Point for Universiade 2025

Jan 12, 2025 15:33 PM

New Route Links Jeddah to Djibouti

Jan 12, 2025 10:32 AM

Qatar Airways Introduces Formula 1 Packages for 2025 Travelers

Jan 12, 2025 05:31 AM

East Coast Rail Closures: Impact on Travelers

Jan 12, 2025 00:30 AM

What Travelers Need to Know About New Restrictions on Russian Airspace

Jan 11, 2025 18:34 PM

AirAsia and Tourism Efforts to Boost Inclusive Travel

Jan 11, 2025 12:33 PM

Transforming Travel: UK Hotel Openings in 2025

Jan 11, 2025 09:32 AM

Air Canada Introduces Flexible Rebooking Amid Southern California Wildfires

Jan 11, 2025 06:31 AM

Travel Trends of 2025: What's Changing for British Tourists

Jan 11, 2025 03:30 AM

Madrid’s New Bus Service Enhances Travel Options

Jan 10, 2025 21:34 PM

Affordable Flights Now Connect Cluj-Napoca and Castellon

Jan 10, 2025 19:33 PM