Maui has great resorts and many of them. It also has a large and much-improved airport, and the Valley Isle succeeded in attracting the most flights (including widebody) to Hawaii of any airport other than Honolulu. But now it has clearly become too much of a good thing. So what happens next and will there ever be a way to make everyone happy?
We’re focusing today on what is happening at some of the iconic Maui beaches, as well as in Lahaina, Wailuku, and soon thereafter, Hana. In the next few months, Maui will implement substantial visitor-only parking fees and limit hours of visitor parking entirely, at a range of popular beaches. The final start date of early 2023 is still being devised together with some further specifics outlined below.
Is it the money or the idea that stings visitors the worst?
We’ve had hundreds of comments about the plans for paid beach parking on Maui, and they have included various ideas.
- Residents say they can no longer park at these locations because the parking is overcrowded with tourists.
- Tourists are incensed that they will need to pay up to $30 for beach day parking.
- Others have mentioned that if you can afford to come to Maui, the $30 means nothing.
- Whether free parking is extended to Hawaii residents other than Maui County is not yet resolved.
- Comments have mentioned that charging a $30 flat rate encourages visitors to park for an extended period. In contrast, paid hourly parking (such as at Honolulu Zoo, for example) encourages those parking to leave sooner and make space available for others.
$30 beach parking for visitors. $0 for Maui residents.
The price range for parking may vary by location, season, and other variables yet to be set forth. The citations for violating the new parking rules also have not been announced.
The county locations included in the initial roll-outs include the following. These were confirmed last week by Maui County Council’s Vice-Chair.
The county said these locations were chosen partly because of the ease of implementing parking kiosks.
- Kamaole Beach Park I
- Kamaole Beach Park II
- Kamaole Beach Park III
- Ulua Beach
Other locations being discussed, likely with hourly rates:
- Paia Town
- Hana Town
- Lahaina Town
- Wailuku Town
The parking website says Maui’s “new parking management program strives to implement forward-thinking solutions for parking at beach parks, in business districts, and on streets throughout our island’s most heavily utilized areas.”
The theory.
“When parking demand clusters in certain areas, parking policies can mitigate congestion and improve access. Strategic investments in technology will streamline parking management and transform parking into a customer-friendly component of the overall transportation system.”
In other words, start charging now in the worst areas; raise prices as demand dictates until the desired reduction in vehicles occurs, then expand the program incrementally as quickly as feasible.
Why now?
Maui has more than 3 million visitors a year. The sheer magnitude and the lack of adequate infrastructure mean residents cannot easily access the island’s parks and beaches. PARKMAUI says, “Lahaina and Paia have become so unpleasant for residents to find parking, many have stopped going, and Wailuku has long suffered from a parking shortage.”
It’s been nearly a decade that the Valley Isle has been looking for ways to better manage congestion, initially in Wailuku and Lahaina. Subsequently, it became clear that the effort should be greatly expanded to include most beaches and parks.
Much like on Maui, beaches on Oahu and Kauai find themselves simply without parking much of the time. Examples are Kailua and Lanikai beaches on Oahu, Tunnels Beach, and Hanalei Beach on Kauai.
Highlights of the new parking program:
Maui County residents who register will have free parking at Maui’s parks and beaches at all times, as well as 1-2 hours of free parking and/or discounted parking in Lahaina and Wailuku.
Non-residents must pay for parking at Maui’s parks and beaches and in those two towns. Parking passes will be available online or via mobile app or pay stations. It sounds like the app may not be available at the program’s roll-out. Thus kiosk-based payments may be visitors only option.
The program hopes to be financially sustainable, reinvesting the revenue into various, unspecified County resources and programs.
State parks and beaches are not included.
Hawaii state beaches, including Makena Beach and Waianapanapa Beach, are subject to state rules and fees and not those from the county. Waianapanapa State Park, for example, charges $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle.
New PARKMAUI program.
What is your take on Maui’s visitor parking plan?
Since your editors are residents of Kauai County, we, like mainland visitors, may be subject to these new fees. We’ll have to give it thought before paying $30 for beach parking at Kam III on the next trip to Maui.
Pilot paid parking at Maui beaches.
Maui’s Ulua beach and Kamaole I, II, and III Beaches will have parking equipment installed. This will be evaluated during the first 90 days of operation, and changes may be made subsequently to enhance the program.
After that, paid visitor parking is planned “throughout South and West Maui beach park locations as timing, funding and permitting allows.”
Pilot paid parking at Lahaina and Wailuku towns.
In Lahaina and Wailuku, visitors compete with employees and residents for limited parking. Additional small-town parking fees will be implemented as soon as possible.
The announcement of the final plans is forthcoming.
Next week the Maui County Council’s Infrastructure and Transportation Committee plans to meet to finalize the terms of the measure. We just learned that residents might initially be able to insert driver’s licenses into the kiosks as proof of residency. Later, the app will be rolled out and will offer pre-registration for parking. The app is said to advise on parking conditions so that users can know in advance whether or not parking is likely to be available.
A new “parking ambassador” rule is being designed for those who will be handling parking enforcement.
What’s your take on Maui’s parking plans?
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Rose N says
The UK is an island with many more visitors than Maui. Popular tourist spots have a Park and Ride system.
Why not do improve your transit system with the money raised from parking? It’s great that Maui has coastal boardwalks in some areas so we can walk to places instead of driving.
Andee says
I live in Washington, about a twenty minute drive from downtown Seattle and their famous Pike’s Place Market but I haven’t been there in well over five years because the last time I went, the parking was way too expensive. Additionally, I pay the same price to park at popular trailheads in our area that our out of state visitors do and I’m okay with that, even though it means that in summer months I have to arrive at the trailhead at 6:00 a.m. or earlier in order to snag a parking spot. I’m okay with all of that because the population of the Earth is going to continue to grow and add pressures to people who live in popular destinations, but I disagree with pricing anybody out of visiting my area or anywhere else they’d like to visit.
Mike H. says
Maui seems like a tacky generic west coast suburb these days. Charge what you want, but I don’t think it’s fair in the US to discriminate the fare based on state of residence.
And a real holistic system would charge all and use the revenue to support shuttles and alternatives to the paid parking. Not make this another mystery tax.
Tom K says
$30 a day is ridiculous, during the pandemic Maui was talking about how to manage future tourism. Obviously, as usual Greed wins. We love Maui and have been coming here for more than 30 years, we are not rich by any means.
Another example of the loss of the Aloha spirit over money. So, so sad
To the dying Aloha spirit
Tom & Beth K
Matt B says
I own property and a car on Maui. However, being a Canadian citizen, I am only allowed to spend up to 6 months per year on island. As a part time resident my property taxes are roughly 3x higher than a full time resident, and I pay the same yearly fee for my vehicle license. Yet I do not qualify for free parking, this does not make sense to me. It is one thing to change $30 a day to someone on island for 1-2 weeks, and other for someone who is on island for 5-6 months a year. There should at least be a deeply discounted month/annual parking pass option for property owners.
Russell H says
I don’t have a problem with residents getting preference. For so many friends from here in the Northwest, when I mention Hawaii, they only think of Maui. As the Big Island is my favorite I’m ok with that. The Big Island does charge for parking at the favorite beaches, but not $30.
charles l says
Obviously in violation of the Privileges and Immunities clause of the US Constitution
Russell H says
Not at all. Residents in most every state have such rules
Fran says
Please say more about that.
Mahalo.
Michael A says
On our last trip ( aug-sept 2022 ) , parking was typical for all the hotspots , we don’t have a problem with paid parking like in Lahaina The problem we had was with all the ” closed ” signs & boarded up windows / doors of shops , staffing of eateries , poor food , the bums on every corner and just the overall run down feel / vibe of Lahaina and Paia.
Barbara T says
For those of us who spend months on Maui,I recommend a monthly pass option. We have been spending a lot of time yearly for 20 years. $30 per day is ridiculous for timeshare owners who spend a lot while on the island already, including on real estate taxes. We are not casual tourists!
Ron M says
No tourists during the pandemic. Huge loss of money but locals were able to enjoy the islands the way they would like them to be. We get it.How about no more tourists allowed,then when the locals no longer have jobs and can’t pay for housing,they can move to all those free parking spots.
don p says
You were able to enjoy them during the pandemic because, and solely because of all the free money given out. If you didn’t get thst you wouldn’t have enjoyed it. At least admit that.
Ron M says
California has parking meters directly in front of our larger beautiful beaches that don’t discriminate between tourists and locals . Locals have to pay too! If you choose not to park here, there is plenty of free(on the street parking) for you.
LmcGary says
After having recently spent 10 days with a rental car in Maui, I came to see how expensive it is to live there. The service industry people that support tourism drive a long way to get to their jobs, especially in luxury resorts such as those found in South Maui. Because beach conditions change over the course of the day, I would urge an hourly rate such as already in place at one of the marinas there. The residents deserve a perk like this.
ken h says
the comment “what is another $30 to park”, we were in Maui last year and of the 14 days we went to the beach 10 times. That’s and extra $300. Plus the parking to visit Lahaina and other times we took boat excursions. That adds up to $400 or more per visit.
There has to be a better long term solution.
Robert T says
That’s extrmely high cost for parking flat fee. Why not limit numbers of visitors on Maui if there’s not inrastructue, or would that be a source of income loss and concern for the greedy who want more and more money from visitors?
Patrick says
Limit the number of visitors? And how would you propose to do that? I would think, at a minimum, Hawaiian Airlines would have something to say about that.
George H says
Quit allowing more vacation rentals. If you build it they will come!
Anna B. says
Encourage All visitors to use resort sponsored buses/shuttles for their day at the beach. Encourage all visitors to utilize resort beaches.
Ellen S says
Regarding the statement that “If one can afford to go to Hawaii,they can afford $30 a day to park.” This is not factual. The truth is, many people save for years to be able to go to Hawaii. Some push back needed home improvements, updating cars, doing without other things, just to get to Hawaii for a week or two. Not every visitor is wealthy. They may be putting their favorite guilty pleasure first, a Hawaiian vacation being that pleasure. I am one of those people. I speak of experience,that Hawaii has taken residence in my soul as it has for many Islanders and mainlanders. To read articles that do not portray the actual facts of most of your visitors, makes me sad. Please try to see both sides of this story.Thank you. We are not all rich.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Ellen.
Thanks for your first comment. We did not say that; it was not an article. It was a comment from someone else.
Aloha.
Peter says
Exactly where my wife and I are at. We give up a lot to be able to go to Hawaii. I think we have been priced out of the market. It’s too bad we love the place we’ve met lots of really nice people but will have to look elsewhere to get away from Canadian winter.
Kathy D says
Try Bucerias Mexico–it’s a lot less expensive and the food is fantastic. A lot of Canadians spend the winter here.
SCOTTW says
Think about those of us who live here and have had our quality of life greatly impacted by tourism. Parking is the not the real issue here, it is the impact of tourism. If tourism levels were reduced by 50%, which is back to what it was 15 years ago, locals would not be complaining to the county council and parking would be free. They won’t do that because the hotels and restaurants would then complain, so they try bandaids like parking fees.
Mark T says
The Maui aloha is gone . Many years feeling aloha , it is now leave your money but not your foot print . Discrimination really is not ok . We spend 20-30k every time we go to Maui . No more . Please do without tourist money and find gainful employment in another way . This is our last trip , enjoy the space .
George H says
Government is the problem. How about a moratorium on construction in vacation rental zones. Fees, taxes, delays in airport improvements, etc. are attacking the problem from the wrong end. If you build it they will come!
Gary C says
If tourist numbers dropped 50%, how many hotels, restaurants and shops would close and how many Maui residents would either be unemployed or have drastically lower income? Would the farms and ranches survive the loss of restaurant and grocery store income? What about the income of fisherman supplying those restaurants? How many civic employees like cops and garbagemen would you need with less visitors? I don’t think many Maui families would not lose substantial income. The largest part of the economy appears based on tourism. Less tourists,less work and money. More beach time if you have no money but is that really the desired trade?
Jerry says
Thanks for the updates! I think this is hilarious. What will happen when they are overcrowded with residents who don’t pay. Maui is off my visit plans for the foreseeable future. Love the islands… the politics, not so much. Generally they offend while smiling at everyone.
Phill says
After parking for free next to the Kona Farmers market and in the lot next to Uncle Billys Kona Bay Hotel for years i find both lots have been aquired by the company “Parkinq” and require $10 an hour parking. This can only result in more conjestion in the area as locals and employees and spend more time driving around looking for a place to park. This can have a negative effect on employees who are likey only making minium wage, and the efffect of less dollars being spent at local business like the farmers markets and small shops on Alii Dr. since locals will have less to spend due to legal ramifications subjected on locals from parking violations for parking without paying, to traffic grid lock and rising tempers.
C. M. says
I agree with hourly parking. I think people would send less time and free up parking spaces. I also think parking isn’t the problem so much as tourist only economy. The island is only so big. What’s the capacity for the infrastructure? Limit fights, limit cars etc. build bike paths? Maui is so beautiful and every person I met there are so beautiful as well.
Deborah L says
This is short sighted plan. Tourists will not happily fork over $30 US or$41 Canadian to sit on a beach and find the wind comes up an hour later and they have to leave. It won’t take long for them to decide to drop mom and the kids off at the beach and drive into the residential areas and park on the street and walk back. And people have a short memory. When the pandemic first hit, yes the beaches were empty and the water pristine, but many locals were out of work and had to leave the island. Tourism needs to be managed in a sustainable, comprehensive manner, not by playing whack-a mole as problems arise.
Kathy B says
I have long wondered how long it would take until parking fees were implemented and why the environmental impact from the increased traffic hasn’t been an issue up to now. I feel shuttles and excursion buses available to all- not just the high end hotels-with alternating drop off and pick up times can be a definite assistance in this matter. Suggested flat fee is too high in my opinion.
Ken R. says
Going to Maui today for the first time! Despite everything I have read in this site, we expect to have a wonderful time!
JohnW says
You will! Keep in mind the angry finger pointers opinions define them and their perspective on Maui, not Maui. If you go with the attitude you have you will have a great time, if you go trying to find fault you’ll find that. The choice is yours, sounds like you’ve made the right choice. Have fun!
KEN R. says
When my wife and I visited Maui last week for our first experience on this island (we still consider Kauai our favorite!), we stayed around our resort in Kaanapali, which allowed us to park for free, and take numerous trips into Lahaina on the resort shuttle! No problem at all!