As reported by Hawaii's Best, travel to Kauai and the Hawaiian Islands in 2026 comes with several key changes and fresh opportunities that are important for visitors and property seekers alike.
One major trend is Hawaii’s new “Green Fee”, which takes effect in 2026 and adds roughly 0.75% to the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on hotel stays, vacation rentals, and other lodging. This new fee helps fund climate resilience and environmental protection efforts across the islands — areas that are essential for maintaining the landscapes that make Kauai real estate and tourism so desirable.
On Kauai in particular, the emphasis on sustainable travel experiences is growing alongside visitor preferences for authentic, nature-based activities. New experiences, like revitalized historic towns, enhanced trail access, and local cultural activations, are part of what travel experts are calling a “quiet revolution” in Kauai tourism — one that prioritizes quality over mass visitation.
For travelers planning an extended stay or considering longer-term relocation, these changes speak to broader lifestyle trends shaping Kauai property interest — from wellness tourism and eco-luxury stays to the dynamic interplay between visitor experiences and sustainable resort and real estate development.
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