New State Park Fees at Wailua River

From USA Today.

In a recent announcement, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said it will implement “parking management and fee systems” at four popular state parks − Wailuku River State Park and Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii Island; Wailua River State Park on Kauai; and Puu Ualakaa State Wayside on Oahu − starting in 2026.

Nonresidents and commercial vehicles will be subject to the fee, which is meant to “enhance experiences, improve traffic flow and ensure that park resources are cared for sustainably,” the agency said. Wailua River Park will soon have a $5.00 entrance fee per person (kids under 3 are free),  and a $10.00  parking fee. “We’re always looking for ways to make our parks more enjoyable for both residents and visitors, ” Division of State Parks Acting Administrator Alan Carpenter said in a news release. “These partnerships allow us to provide more consistent visitor management ensuring that the revenues collected are reinvested directly into our parks.”