Hawaii is the latest destination to join the club in a growing trend among popular global travel destinations charging entry fee to tourists.
From 2026, tourists visiting several of Hawaii’s state parks will be charged varying fees as part of an ongoing effort to manage the environmental impacts of tourism and fund park maintenance.
The US Interior Department has also introduced charges to entry in several national parks. A $100-per-person (€86) charge for foreigners entering Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and other popular national parks is stoking apprehension among some tourist-oriented businesses that it could discourage travellers, but supporters say the change will generate money for cash-strapped parks.
The fees will be used as a tool for preservation and quality visitor experience.
Which four Hawaii parks will now charge fee?
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, beginning in January.
Park visitors without a Hawaii ID will pay $5 per person over the age of three to enter and $10 per vehicle at Wailuku River State Park in Hilo, Kekaha Kai State Park in Kona on Hawaii Island and Wailua River State Park, according to USA Today.
At the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside, visitors will only be charged parking at $7 per vehicle since it’s “a short stopover” at a lookout in Honolulu, an official told USA TODAY.
Additional parks are under evaluation to potentially join the fee system, including popular spots like Kua Bay, Rainbow Falls, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, according to Beat of Hawaii.
Which 10 parks in Hawaii already charge entrance fee?
Currently, there are around ten state parks that already charge fees, including well-known sites such as Diamond Head State Monument, Waimea Canyon, Koke’e State Park, and Waianapanapa State Park.
Typical non-resident fees are about $5 per person for entry and $10 for parking per vehicle, with children under the age of 3 or 4 generally exempt.
Some parks, like Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, charge higher entrance fees ranging from $15 to $30 per vehicle. Many parks also require advance reservations, especially for high-traffic sites to regulate visitor numbers.
Are visitors concerned?
While some visitors have expressed concerns about rising travel costs, state officials emphasise that funds collected will improve park infrastructure, conservation efforts, and visitor safety, Beat of Hawaii reported.
The policy also aims to encourage responsible tourism by reminding travellers of the environmental footprint associated with visiting Hawaii’s natural landmarks.
