Peak season Dec–Apr · shoulder season pays off May–Jun & Sep–Oct 6 main islands · start with one, not four Hawaiʻi–Aleutian Time (HST) — no daylight saving, ever Currency: US Dollar — no exchange needed for US visitors Hawaiʻi travel news & updates
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NEWS Hawaiʻi Travel News

What's actually changing for visitors right now

Fees, entry rules, new attractions, and access changes that affect trip planning — not marketing announcements. Every item links to the official source.

FILM & CULTURE

HIFF46 begins 21 October: films, venues and tickets

84 feature films and 86 shorts; Oʻahu screenings from 21 October, with neighbour-island dates through 15 November. Plan by venue and book a specific screening.

TRANSPORT

Gulick Avenue closes for a year as H-1 overpass is rebuilt

A full Kalihi road closure, Beckley Street restrictions and a Route 307 detour are now in effect during H-1 widening work.

WEATHER & SAFETY

Hurricane Lowell: Kauaʻi Under Hurricane Warning

A major hurricane is approaching west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, with hurricane conditions possible, dangerous surf and statewide flood risk.

FEES & TAXES

Hawaiʻi's Accommodations Tax Rose to 11% in 2026

The state's transient accommodations tax increased on January 1, 2026, funding wildfire and climate resilience work.

FEES & TAXES

Hawaiʻi State Park Fees Now Cover 14 Sites

Non-resident entry and parking fees have expanded well beyond Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay.

TRANSPORT

HawaiianMiles Has Retired — Atmos Rewards Is the New Program

Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program merged into Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards.

ATTRACTIONS & ACCESS

New Island-by-Island Visitor Management Plans

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's 2026–2028 plans flag new reservation systems and access limits at several popular sites.

ACCOMMODATION

Maui's Vacation Rental Rules Have Tightened

Post-wildfire housing pressure has led to real restrictions on short-term rentals in apartment-zoned buildings.

ENTRY & VISA

Entering Hawaiʻi: Current Rules for Visitors

A plain-English refresher on ESTA, visas, agricultural inspection and TSA rules, with links to official sources.