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Hawaii Parks Now Charging Tourists Entry Fees
2 Dec
Summary
- Four Hawaii state parks will implement new entry and parking fees.
- Non-residents and commercial vehicles will pay, residents with ID enter free.
- Fees aim to enhance park experiences and fund maintenance and upgrades.
Hawaii state parks are implementing new fee systems for non-resident visitors beginning in early 2026. Four popular locations—Wailuku River State Park, Kekaha Kai State Park, Wailua River State Park, and Puu Ualakaa State Wayside—will introduce charges to manage visitor numbers and enhance park resources. These changes aim to ensure sustainable park care and improve the overall visitor experience.
Non-residents will face an entry fee of $5 per person and a $10 per vehicle parking charge at three of the parks, with a $7 parking fee for Puu Ualakaa. Residents with valid Hawaii IDs will continue to have free access. The revenue generated is earmarked for park maintenance, facility upgrades, and long-term resource protection, following a model already in place at other popular state sites like Diamond Head.
This initiative is part of Hawaii's broader strategy to foster a sustainable travel industry, addressing the impacts of overtourism. The state has also introduced a climate impact fee to fund environmental stewardship and resilience projects. The new park fees are expected to contribute to these efforts without significantly deterring tourists, ensuring the preservation of Hawaii's natural beauty for future generations.
