Hawaii’s travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, one that may not be immediately apparent to visitors. As the state’s tourism policies increasingly prioritize hotels over other sectors, tourists are finding fewer options, higher prices, and stricter regulations.
Recent legislative actions—ranging from Senate Bill 2919 to proposed county-level short-term rental bans—highlight the growing influence of Hawaii’s hotel lobby. These moves, which have shaped new laws and policies, demonstrate that the state’s tourism agenda is increasingly aligned with the hotel industry’s interests, rather than the needs of travelers.
The shift hasn’t gone unnoticed. Readers of Beat of Hawaii have voiced their concerns, with one commenter, Dan M., stating, “It’s fairly simple if you’re paying attention… follow the money.” He emphasized that while smaller vacation rentals face the brunt of criticism for overtourism, the larger hotel industry benefits financially without scrutiny. Another reader, Johnny M., took a sharper stance: “Hotels charge what they want, unchecked. Then they get a little competition from short-term rentals, and BAM! The government officials on the hotel lobby payroll come running to save the day. Meanwhile, the average person struggles.”
This increasing alignment between state policy and the hotel industry’s goals raises questions about the broader impact on Hawaii’s tourism landscape and what it means for visitors and local businesses alike.
