PerkJolt
Is the Hawaii hotel and resort fee charged on top of the nightly rate on Oahu?
Short answer: Yes. There isn't one statewide "Hawaii resort fee." Each hotel sets its own mandatory daily fee, and it is added to the base nightly rate. The fee is also taxed. Federal rules now require the advertised total to include it. Points stays can sometimes skip it, depending on the hotel brand.
The details
- It is billed on top of the room rate. At Waikiki and other Oahu resorts, the fee shows up as its own line next to the room charge. Many properties still lead with the base rate and then add the fee. Typically it runs from the $40s to the low $60s per room per night at big Waikiki hotels, last we checked. That is our estimate. The hotel's own booking page shows the exact figure.
- The fee is taxable. Hawaii's Department of Taxation guidance includes a daily resort fee in the gross rental proceeds that the transient accommodations tax applies to. Its worked example taxes the room charge and the resort fee together. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Expect taxes on top of both. Rates change, so use the hotel's final checkout screen for the real total.
- Total-price rule. The FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect May 12, 2025. It covers short-term lodging, including hotels. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The FTC's own example is a nightly rate plus a mandatory daily resort fee. The fee must be included in the total price shown. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- The rule doesn't ban fees. It does not prohibit any type or amount of fee. It requires businesses to tell consumers the whole price up front. (checked Oct 12, 2026) So the fee is still there. It should just be easier to see before you book.
- Hawaii has also considered its own rule. The Legislature has had a bill (SB 1529) that would require disclosure of all resort fees before booking. (checked Oct 12, 2026) We can't confirm from that page whether it became law, so rely on the FTC rule for now.
- Parking and other extras are separate. Parking is usually not part of the resort fee. Check each hotel's fee page for parking, cleaning or housekeeping charges.
Tips
- Compare all-in totals. Look at the nightly price with the fee and taxes included. Don't compare base rates. Do this on the hotel's own site before you choose between two Waikiki hotels.
- Check the award rules by brand. Hilton and Hyatt generally waive resort fees on points stays. Marriott generally does not. Confirm in each program's current terms before you transfer points. See our transfer partners guide for ratios. Examples are Chase→Hyatt at 4:3 and Bilt→Hilton at 1:1.
- Treat cash-and-points as cash. A partial-points booking may still carry the fee. Ask before you confirm.
- Look at what the fee covers. If a hotel lists amenities you won't use, such as activities or a pool you'll skip, factor that into your choice. You can also ask the front desk about the fee at check-in. Don't count on a waiver.
- Screenshot your booking page. If the final charge differs from the total shown at booking, you'll have proof when you contact the hotel or your card issuer.
FAQ
Is there a single Hawaii resort fee set by the state?
No. Each hotel sets its own mandatory daily fee. Hawaii's tax guidance treats it as a "resort fee" that is part of taxable rental proceeds. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The amount differs by property, so check the hotel's own booking page.
Does the advertised Oahu hotel price now include the resort fee?
It should. Under the FTC rule, mandatory fees must be included in the total price shown, though government taxes are generally shown separately. (checked Oct 12, 2026) If a price omits it, compare with the checkout screen.
Are resort fees taxed on Oahu?
Yes. State tax guidance includes the resort fee in the amount subject to the transient accommodations tax. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Other taxes can apply as well, so the final checkout total is the number to trust.
Can I avoid the resort fee by booking with points?
Sometimes. Hilton and Hyatt generally waive it on award nights, while Marriott generally doesn't. Policies can change, so read the program's current terms. Also check the final screen for any fee line before you confirm.
Do vacation rentals on Oahu charge resort fees?
Rentals usually don't call it a resort fee, but cleaning and service fees are common. The FTC rule covers vacation rentals as well as hotels. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Compare the all-in total, not the nightly rate.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
More questions about Oahu
- Are points hotels in Waikiki worth booking?
- Can I use points for a Waikiki hotel on Oahu?
- What is the best way to use Hilton or Marriott points in Waikiki?
- Should I Stay in Waikiki or on the North Shore of Oahu?
- Waikiki Hotel or Condo: Which Works Best for a First Trip?
See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. The most likely changes are each hotel's fee amount, brand award-stay waiver policies, and any Hawaii state disclosure law. Check the hotel's own booking page and the FTC page at https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/federal-trade-commission-announces-bipartisan-rule-banning-junk-ticket-hotel-fees
- https://files.hawaii.gov/tax/legal/tir/tir19-02.pdf
- https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB1529_.pdf