Hawaii’s iconic Road to Hana could soon see major changes, as Senate Bill 217 (SB217) aims to introduce tolls on one of Hawaii’s most popular and congested highways. If passed, this bill would give the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) the authority to implement tolls on state highways, with Hana Highway likely being the first target.
The road to Hana: a beloved but controversial journey.
The Road to Hana is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest and most unforgettable scenic drives, offering travelers breathtaking views along its 65-mile stretch from Kahului to Hana town. However, its increasing popularity has led to significant congestion, safety concerns, and serious environmental strain.
Hawaii officials have previously taken steps to alleviate pressure on the road, including installing no-parking signs and visitor information flyers and advocating for tour-based travel rather than self-driven trips. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of rental cars and visitors has continued challenging Maui’s infrastructure.
A Beat of Hawaii article on Maui road trips noted that Maui officials installed 70 no-parking signs with fines reaching $235 per violation. Yet, illegal parking and dangerous pedestrian activity remain issues. In response, officials have also encouraged visitors to use tour services—though options were limited and costly, with a shuttle-based trip priced at $299 per person.
What the proposed toll could mean for visitors.
Under SB217, tolls would be implemented between mile markers 32 and 40, one of the most congested sections of the highway. Supporters argue that revenue from the toll could improve road maintenance, enforce parking regulations, and enhance visitor management.
A key bill provision seeks to exempt local residents from toll fees, but state transportation officials have pointed out that such exemptions could face legal hurdles under federal law. The U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause generally prevent states from treating visitors and residents differently in ways that could restrict interstate commerce or create unfair advantages. Additionally, federal highway funding regulations impose strict guidelines on tolling policies, requiring equitable treatment for all users.
Despite these challenges, local businesses see the potential benefits of toll revenue, which could fund much-needed
Future toll road possibilities are coming to Hawaii.
If the bill passes, the implications could extend far beyond Hana Highway. The DOT would gain the authority to implement tolls on other state highways, including Honolulu’s H-1, H-2, and H-3 freeways, among other roads across all of the Hawaiian islands.
Other possible toll road examples include the North Shore Kauai road from Hanalei to Kee Beach, which currently requires parking reservations, and the Waimea Canyon and Kokee lookout points with their current parking fees.
Transportation officials note that while tolling could provide funding opportunities, each project would need thorough consideration to determine feasibility and alignment with existing regulations.
With SB217 having passed its initial hearing, it moves to the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee for further review. This will be a fascinating one to watch.
What are your thoughts on toll roads in Hawaii, and how that will impact visitors?
Hana-Highway-Bill-217Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
This bill concerns me that there would need to be assurances in place to ensure that ultimately, tolls would not become just another infusion to the State’s general fund being spent on unrelated items.
My wife and I first drove the Hana Highway in 1978 on honeymoon. It was almost deserted, a very rough road, with waterfalls and guava trees. We drove it a few more times since then, but I don’t think we’ll do it again. We’ll just remember what it used to be like.
Please no tolls on Hana HWY !!
Residents already have high insurance and it’s too tough to commute daily with proposed toll.
5-corner Peahi Resident Maui
There wont be any tourist coming to Hawaii if the State keeps nailing them with all these fees. It’s beyond ridiculous, and I am a born and raised Kauai resident saying this.
Every time I believe the Hawaii legislature can’t get any more stupid, they come along and say “Here, hold my beer.” They want a toll road, fine, but let everyone pay the toll and see how long it lasts.
What they really need is someone to fine those who block traffic on single-lane bridges to get out and take pictures of waterfalls. They are a public nuisance, and potential menace to emergency services.
Could all users be tolled then residents get a state tax break on toll expenses?
In California the toll roads are like weeds, they’re just popping up everywhere. First the taxpayers pay for the land to build the road and pay to build the road than we use it for awhile and than they start building toll signs and “boom” you have to pay to get on the freeway or at least in the fast lanes. We also pay 1.25 a gallon for road maintenance and improvements, when does it all stop.
Maui tourism is at best struggling, down 35% or more and all this negative talk is just making it all worse.
As a long time visitor (usually to Kauai) I am opposed to this proposal. We (visitors) get nailed every time we turn around without an opportunity to object. We are, after all, not residents of Hawaii, so why should the legislature care about what we think? And what is to guarantee that the money will be spent on the road, and not disappear into the general fund as it appears that every other tax has done?
I for one will NOT vote for this!! This is a horrible idea. Oahu Resident
Maui is turning into a tourist trap and all of these scheduled visits and toll roads will decrease tourism!
Local government is turning it into Disneyland, but they will point the finger at tourists and say that we treat it like Disneyland.
I hope someone brings a case citing the Equal Protection Clause for all these “ideas” Hawaii comes up with to charge different US citizens different amounts for public access.
Interesting, so could the equal protection clause apply to everywhere else in Hawaii that visitors have to pay for but residents don’t?
Ie: state parks, county parks , parking (downtown Kona). Or no fishing license for residents but $45. for visitors (Last time I checked).
One more reason for visitors like us who used to return every year for the past 40 years to find other places to go. We have not been back for 3 years and were hoping to come back for a couple weeks for a memorial service for a friend. With the cost of the condo, car, airfare taxes and fees it was going to cost over $17,000 and that doesn’t include food, paying for beach parking or any extra activities. We have a 2 week cruise to 3 countries that is going to cost less than that. Nope….Hawaii is a special and beautiful place, but we prefer to go where they appreciate our dollars and treat us the way Hawaiians used to.
Sad to hear your lack of support for fellow Americans. We need to work on controlling high costs everywhere from Massachusetts to Maui.
Hawaiians are Americans and deserve to make a decent wage.
This has absolutely nothing to do with supporting fellow americans, it is the corporations that are not paying their employees, raising rates or increasing fees will not fix this. If you think charging more fees or higher rates = a higher wage, you are sorely mistaken unless you are running your own business.
Regarding a toll… the reason people are upset about this is that the government is already charging taxes for this, they are just looking for more ways to pocket money.
You’re right. Cannot but wonder what is that pesky little thing that Massachusetts and Hawai’i have in common, and why so many people from Hawai’i move to Nevada, instead of Massachusetts?
I just went to Dallas and encountered toll roads there. Dallas has no views nor aloha spirit. I have driven in the road to Hana several times. Except for the last time when it was pouring rain I enjoyed it thoroughly. Charge a toll. It’s worth it.
Also get tour buses to reduce their rates so people could afford to use them
This is the best idea I’ve ever heard of . Imagine all the traffic jams that will happen when people stop to pay the toll.
They won’t only stop to pay the toll, but ask a ton of questions, directions, weather forecast, how’s family…
If it is passed by the local government, I hope someone challenges the toll and sues the state for big money!!
It is the US taxpayers money that finance, at least in part, these projects.
Why would some be exempt from paying the toll when the work is paid for by all taxpayers.
It is highly discriminatory.
stick it to the tourist. the hell with federal law. just give us your federal highway dollars And pay tolls to use Our roads–while we’re exempt. What have we done with all those tourist fees and taxes we’ve collected over the decades to maintain infrastructure? Who knows?
Large parts of L.A. County will have years of rebuilding after the fires. Will they say, let’s charge tourists tolls to pay for our infrastructure? Will they blame a housing shortage and lack of affordable housing on visitors? Yeah.
I’m not surprised. All the corrupt politicians in HI know how to do is tax and spend. When will HI voters fire them? There is no other reasonable access to Hana so it’s doubtful this will actually stick.
I wouldn’t limit that problem to Hawaii. The legislators in the state of Washington (and the governor) also have a serious problem with tax and spend.
Road maintenance? LOL. Here’s a novel idea – how about voting incompetent politicians out because they obviously can’t stop wasting taxpayers money, and instead vote qualified people in who will spend where it’s actually needed?
H-1, H-2 and H-3 are a lifeline for residents of O’ahu who are already paying exorbitant taxes, some of the highest in the nation on top of the highest cost of living. They need these roads daily to get to work, many struggling to survive or moving to Mainland in droves, and the best you can come up with is to tax them even more? You can’t make this stuff up, but believe it or not, that’s what people keep voting for.
Hawaii can’t seem to find more ways fast enough to drive tourists away.