Planning a trip should be exciting — not confusing. That’s exactly the goal behind a new move by the state of Hawaii to eliminate hidden travel fees and increase price transparency for visitors and residents alike.
Starting with the 2025-2026 legislative session, Hawaii introduced Senate Bill 1035 (SB 1035) — a law aimed at combating deceptive “drip pricing” practices in the tourism and event industries. Under this policy, businesses that offer short-term lodging (like hotels and vacation rentals) and live-event ticketing must disclose the full cost upfront, including all mandatory fees such as resort charges, cleaning fees, and service add-ons, at the very first point of contact.
What does that mean for travelers? In simple terms: the price you see is the price you pay. Gone are the days of browsing for rooms or tickets only to be hit with unexpected fees during checkout — a practice that has long frustrated consumers nationwide.
Hawaii’s initiative isn’t happening in isolation. The state has joined a growing list of others — including Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oregon, and more — that are passing similar regulations to fight hidden charges in tourism, hospitality, and other sectors. These efforts are part of a broader movement across the U.S. to enhance consumer trust, simplify travel planning, and encourage tourism growth by making costs clearer and more predictable.
For anyone booking vacations, summer vacations, family getaways, or even local experiences, this new wave of transparency means less confusion, fewer surprises, and more confidence when planning travel. Say aloha to transparency!
