Starting January 1, 2026, Hawaii will implement an increase in its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), which applies to hotels, short-term vacation rentals, and timeshares. This change will impact visitors to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, as well as other accommodations across the state. In this article, we’ll break down the details of the tax increase, how it affects bookings, and what guests should keep in mind when planning their stay.
Overview of the Transient Accommodations Tax
What is the Transient Accommodations Tax?
The Transient Accommodations Tax is a state-imposed tax on lodging, including hotels, vacation rentals, and timeshares. It is designed to generate revenue from tourism, which is a significant part of Hawaii’s economy. These taxes are paid upon checkout, so both DVC members and renters will be required to pay them when vacationing at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
New Tax Rate
- Current Rate: 10.25%
- New Rate (Effective January 1, 2026): 11%
The City & County of Honolulu’s additional 3% TAT and the 4.712% Hawaii General Excise Tax will remain unchanged.
How the Tax Increase Affects Aulani Guests
Room-Only Reservations
For room-only bookings at Aulani:
- The updated 11% TAT rate will not be reflected in the final booking price until January 1, 2026.
- Guests booking stays for 2026 on the Aulani website before the new year will initially see the 10.25% rate applied. However, the additional 0.75% will be charged upon check-in or checkout and will appear on the resort folio.
Vacation Packages
For packages that include add-ons like ground transportation or a Vacation Protection Plan from the Aulani website:
- The updated 11% TAT rate will be included in the final booking price for stays in 2026.
- Guests with existing reservations will receive an email notification about the updated tax rate.
Tips for Planning Your Stay
- Understand the Tax Structure: Be aware of the additional charges that may apply to your booking, especially if you’re planning a stay in 2026.
- Check Your Reservation Details: Review your booking confirmation and any follow-up communications from Aulani to ensure you’re prepared for the updated tax rate.
- Compare DVC Rentals With The Aulani Website: If you’d like to save a serious amount of money, be sure to shop DVC rentals at Aulani. Check out one of our latest articles that compares the pricing and benefits between your booking options.
Conclusion
The increase in Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax is an important consideration for anyone planning a visit to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, or other accommodations in the state. By understanding how the tax applies to your booking and staying informed about updates, you can better prepare for your trip.
Whether you’re a DVC member booking your home resort or a renter, being aware of these changes will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!
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Aulani Resort & Spa
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
