Honolulu Charges the Highest Tourist Tax in the World

It’s no secret that travel can get expensive very quickly. But some destinations are more costly than others, especially if a tourism tax (a daily charge usually applied to hotel bills) is involved. U.K.-based financial comparison site Money recently rounded up five cities that charge the priciest tourism taxes around the world to help travelers make informed decisions about their next vacation.

For its analysis, Money took a look at the most visited places around the globe (according to data gathered from the market research site Euromonitor International) and then determined which destinations charge tourist taxes based on government websites and news articles. After making some calculations, Honolulu, with its 10.25 percent tax rate and an average tourism tax of $51.70 per night, came out on top as the destination with the most expensive tourist tax in the world.

While Honolulu is not a cheap place to visit by any means, there are still ways to save when traveling to the Big Pineapple. Consider planning a trip during the off-peak months of February, April, May, October, and November, when prices tend to be lower.

And while you’re on the island, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy such as relaxing on Oahu’s more than 125 postcard-worthy beaches or hikes to Manoa Falls or Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. Plus passes like Go City can get you discounted prices on popular attractions around town and offer valuable savings.

In addition to a tourist tax, travelers also have to contend with resort fees at many Hawaiian hotels, but some still have great value. Centrally located in Waikiki, Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club charges a small $25 resort fee, and the cost of a stay includes movie nights, meet-and-greets with Jack (the beloved hotel dog), and Aqua Zumba classes. And for reservations with no resort fees whatsoever, consider a stay at the 453-room, beachfront Halekulani Hotel and its sibling property, the 288-room Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.

As for other destinations that charge hefty tourism fees, four more U.S. cities appear in Money’s top 10 list: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orlando.