2 Big Island state parks to start charging parking fees for nonresidents

Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources announced this week that four more popular state parks — including two on the Big Island — will begin charging parking fees for nonresidents and commercial vehicles.

Hawai’i residents, however, will continue to receive free parking.

The parks being added are:

• Wailuku River State Park (Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots) in Hilo and Kekaha Kai State Park in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.
• Wailuā River State Park on Kauaʻi.
• Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside on Oʻahu.

State officials say the move is designed to enhance visitor experiences, improve traffic flow and ensure park resources are cared for sustainably.

The fees will be the same as the 10 parks where nonresidents already were being charged for parking.

Nonresidents are charged $10 to park noncommercial vehicles at state parks, state monuments, state recreational areas, state historic parks and state wilderness parks, as well as $7 to park at state wayside parks where parking fees have been implemented.

Commercial vehicle rates at those parks depend on the type of park and number of passengers.

Funds raised from the additional parks now charging for parking will continue to support park maintenance, facility upgrades and long-term resource protection.

“We’re always looking for ways to make our parks more enjoyable for both residents and visitors,” said DLNR Division of State Parks Acting Administrator Alan Carpenter in the state’s announcement of the additional parks to add parking fees. “These partnerships allow us to provide more consistent visitor management while ensuring that the revenues collected are reinvested directly into our parks.”

Private operators that received approval for permits to manage the parking at each of the parks can implement systems that help manage traffic, improve safety and reduce vehicle break-ins, as well as make fee payment more convenient.

The selected companies include Diamond Parking Services, which will manage parking at Wailuku River and Kekaha Kai State Parks on the Big Island; Republic Parking Northwest, tabbed to manage parking at Kauaʻi’s Wailuā River State Park; and Pro Park, slated to manage Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside on Oʻahu.

“Safe and efficient parking management is an important part of the overall visitor experience,” Carpenter added. “These improvements will help us maintain a balance between visitor access and keeping these highly popular parks free and accessible to residents.”