If you’re doom-scrolling through social media trying to figure out if you should cancel your Oahu flights, you’ve probably seen the chaos. One video says the islands are closed. The next shows a sunset that looks like a literal dream. Honestly, the reality of what is happening in Hawaii right now is somewhere in the middle—it’s a mix of massive legislative shifts, a volcano that won’t quit, and a community still rebuilding from the ground up.
It’s January 2026. Things have changed.
The biggest shock for most people landing at Daniel K. Inouye International this month isn't the humidity. It's the "Green Fee." As of January 1, 2026, the state officially hiked the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) from 10.25% to 11%. Basically, your hotel bill just got heavier. If you’re a cruise passenger, you aren't safe either; you’re now being taxed based on the time your ship spends in Hawaiian waters. Governor Josh Green’s administration is betting big that visitors will pay a premium to protect the reefs they’re snorkeling on.
The Ground Truth in Lahaina
You can’t talk about Maui without talking about the burn zone. It’s been over two years since the fires, but for the 946 households still in FEMA rental assistance, the clock is ticking loudly. Mayor Richard Bissen recently dropped a bombshell at a community meeting: federal rent subsidies are set to expire at the end of next month.
People are scared.
While the "burn zone" is seeing progress—the state just released $8 million to rebuild the outer marginal wharf at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor—the human side is messy. There is a "Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program" now in play. The county is literally buying high-risk properties so people can move on. It’s a weird vibe in West Maui. Some parts are thriving and open for business, while others are still grappling with the fact that their temporary housing might vanish by March.
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If you visit, don't be "that person" taking selfies near the construction fences. Just don't.
Kilauea is Putting on a Show (Again)
On the Big Island, the Earth is quite literally moving. On January 12, 2026, Kilauea kicked off its 40th eruptive episode in just over a year. We're talking 650-foot lava fountains at the north vent.
It’s spectacular. It’s also temporary.
These episodes are short—usually lasting less than a day—followed by a pause. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) is currently forecasting the next big fountaining event to hit between January 21 and 25. If you’re on the ground, you’ll see "Pele’s hair" (basically thin strands of volcanic glass) blowing through the air near the park. It looks cool, but it’ll irritate your skin and eyes faster than a bad sunburn.
What to Watch for at the Volcano:
- The Glow: Even when it’s not fountaining, the vents are glowing.
- The Wait: Expect crowds at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- The Air: SO2 levels are jumping between 1,000 and 5,000 tonnes per day. If you have asthma, keep the inhaler handy.
The New Laws of 2026
The 2026 Legislative Session just fired up, and the vibe is "protectionism." There’s a massive push to restrict how cell phones are used in schools and even talk of legalizing adult-use cannabis (SB1613) to help bridge the budget gap.
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But for you? The big news is the parking.
Hawaii has officially added "visitor fees" to four more state parks this month, including Wailuku River and Kekaha Kai. It’s usually $5 per person and $10 per car. Residents still get in free, which has caused some grumbling among tourists who feel like they're being "nickeled and dimed."
Is the "Anti-Tourist" Sentiment Real?
There’s this narrative online that Hawaii hates visitors. You’ve seen the "Haole Go Home" hashtags. Honestly? Most of that is digital noise. On the ground, the "Aloha Spirit" isn't dead, but it is tired.
Residents are dealing with a brutal housing crisis and a minimum wage that just ticked up but still doesn't cover a studio apartment in Honolulu. When you show up, just be cool. Respect the "closed" signs. If a trail is shut down for rock scaling—like the work currently happening on Honoapiilani Highway—don't try to sneak past. The state is actually pushing for laws (SB2358) that would force you to pay for your own rescue if you get lost on a closed trail.
That’s a bill nobody wants to receive.
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Actionable Tips for This Month
If you’re heading out there this week, here is how you actually navigate the new landscape:
1. Arrive Early for the Sunsets.
The National Park Service just issued a warning for Haleakala on Maui: arrive three hours early. I’m serious. They are turning cars away once the lot is full, and even if you have a park pass, it doesn't guarantee you a spot at the summit.
2. Budget for the 11% Tax.
Double-check your hotel confirmation. Many older bookings might not have the updated January 2026 tax rate included. Don't let a $200 surprise at checkout ruin your morning.
3. Monitor the HVO Feed.
If you want to see lava, follow the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) daily updates. The fountaining episodes are "blink and you'll miss it" events. If you see "inflationary tilt" on the charts, the lava is coming.
4. Respect the Water.
The North Shore is pumping right now. If you aren't a pro, stay on the sand. The winter swells in January are no joke, and the new Chief of Ocean Safety, Kurt Lager, has been vocal about the rise in near-drownings this season.
Hawaii isn't just a postcard anymore. It’s a state trying to figure out how to survive its own popularity while keeping its soul intact. Pay the fees, watch the lava, and remember that you’re a guest in someone’s home.