Aloha Reader!

I want to share with you a change coming to Hawaii travel in 2026 that I think will make your family's trip even more meaningful.

Starting January 1st, Hawaii will add a 0.75% "Green Fee" to hotel stays. For most families, that's about $25 for a week-long trip.

Before you roll your eyes about another fee...

This isn't just another cost - it's actually an incredible opportunity to make your Hawaii vacation more educational, more impactful, and honestly, more memorable for your kids.

Here's what your $25 is funding: → Coral reef restoration (in the waters your kids will snorkel)
→ Native wildlife protection programs
→ Beach preservation and cleanup efforts
→ Climate resilience projects
→ Invasive species removal from hiking trails

But here's the exciting part...

Hawaii is now creating amazing ways for families to participate directly in these conservation efforts. I'm talking about:

• Coral restoration programs where kids help replant coral fragments
• Sea turtle monitoring where families contribute to research
• Native plant restoration on hiking trails
• Beach cleanup adventures that feel like treasure hunts for kids
• Sustainable farm experiences teaching traditional Hawaiian agriculture

Why this matters for your family:

I've been researching sustainable Hawaii travel for months, and the families doing these conservation activities are having completely different experiences. Their kids come home passionate about marine biology, environmental science, and conservation.

Instead of just another beach vacation, you're creating environmentally conscious kids who understand their impact on the places they visit.

What you need to know:

1. Budget an extra $3-4 per night for hotels starting in 2026
2. Look for certified eco-tour operators when planning activities
3. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (protects the coral your fee is helping restore)
4. Consider this an investment in keeping Hawaii beautiful for your kids' future trips

I just published a complete guide to "Green Hawaii Vacations" with specific conservation activities by island, certified eco-tour operators, and age-appropriate programs for kids.

​Read the Complete Green Hawaii Family Guide →​

The families who embrace this shift - who see the Green Fee as an opportunity rather than just a cost - are going to have fundamentally different Hawaii experiences.

Your kids will remember the trip where they helped save coral reefs way more than another day at the pool.

Questions about planning a conservation-focused Hawaii trip? Just reply - I read every email!

Aloha,

Marcie

P.S. Some of these conservation programs fill up fast, especially during school breaks. If you're planning a 2026+ Hawaii trip, it's worth looking at options now.