Nonresidents Will Soon Have to Pay for Parking at “Big Beach”

Photo courtesy: Jimmie Hepp

Beginning the first week of January, nonresidents will have to pay $5 for parking at the Mākena State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Friday.

Commercial vehicles registered with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission will have to pay $10 to $40, depending on the number of passengers.

The paid parking comes after similar fees have been put in place at Hāʻena and the Kōkeʻe-Waimea Canyon state parks on Kauaʻi earlier this year.

“We believe parking fees are nominal and in-line with what parks in other states are charging,” state parks administrator Curt Cottrell said in a press release.

Hawai’i residents with a  valid state driver’s license or State of Hawai’i identification card will not be charged for parking.

Parking will continue to follow a first-come, first-served basis, and a roaming administrator will be on site to assist visitors.

“The vast majority of our 52 park units do not currently impose parking or entrance fees. However, at a number of parks, it is necessary to improve our funding stream for additional management capacity for both the specific park units and the Hawaii State Park system,” Cottrell added.

“There is a huge backlog of deferred maintenance and improvements to enhance quality.”

Three electronic pay stations are being installed at Mākena and visitors can only pay by credit card either at a pay station or by phone.