A visitor surcharge for parking on Kauai is set to be implemented.
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289 thoughts on “Should Visitors Pay New $10 Kauai Beach Parking Surcharge?”
A visitor surcharge for parking on Kauai is set to be implemented.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Too many taxes and fees plus crazy expensive accommodations, not to mention the hoops you have to jump through just to get to Hawaii now have stopped us from planning any more vacations there. There are other options (Mexico, Caribbean beaches) that are much easier and less expensive. I’m sad to not visit there anymore. They were some of our best vacations, but there comes a point where. You have to just say no to being nickeled and dined (or $20 and $25 or more) with everything you do.
Exactly Jen, it’s just like Vegas, slowly adding/increasing all these fees/taxes etc, as they say at some point the juice is not worth the squeeze. We all “budget” XX amount of $$ for a trip and if we keep to that budget at some point we move on to something/somewhere else. The locals on here who don’t seem to care about us tourists obv aren’t in the hospitality business, but at some point it will effect them all.
Aloha, Guys I think this is a big mistake to charge a per parking beach fee. Tourists will simply find other parking or other less used and free beaches, resulting in more wear and tear at some of our more pristine beaches and neighborhoods. Besides, I’ve seen this new system at work in Waimea Canyon and it doesn’t.
Been there several times. We will never go back. Their trying to make up money on the backs of tourists for the way their government handled the pandemic.
I love Kauai and have visited the island numerous times. I will probably not go back. I believe visitors are not responsible for all the problems. I do not feel welcome.
In addition to the statewide 4.712% GET tax and 10.25% TAT tax on accommodations, Kauai recently instituted an additional 3% Kauai tax! Not sure what is being done with this new tax, but I don’t think it is a deterrant. I love going to Hanalei, sometimes just to watch a sunset…I would not be happy at all about paying $10 to park there!
Maybe time to let those running Hawaii figure things out! For 40 years they wanted more Flights, more Hotel Rooms, more Rental Cars, now Premiums for Parking, Beach Fee’s, Masks, Tests 48 Hours before dropping $350 at Michel’s, John Dominus, Alan Wongs no longer choices! Figure it out, need more Hospital Beds, maybe they should have not built the Prince Hotel!
Never mind the discussion of charging tourists (identified by driving a rental car) money to visit the public beaches, it is a terrible idea logistically! At Poipu there are some little streets off of Hoone Rd. that will be severely negatively impacted. Hoone Rd. itself is not wide enough to accommodate bumper to bumper parking plus pedestrians carrying beach bags, surfboards, coolers, strollers etc. plus moving cars. This will be an accident or two or three or more waiting to happen.
One more straw on the camel’s back. Make an expensive place to visit even more expensive. No sense of fairness. Why are residents so special? Visitors pay more per day and contribute more to the economy than residents do. Don’t they impact the beaches and add to crowding just like visitors? Does the Council really think this will result in less crowded beaches? They’ll simply park wherever else they can.
I am from Michigan, and all visitors and state residents pay to park at our state parks. They can buy a season pass or pay by the day. I am more than willing to pay it or buy a season pass when visiting Hawaii. However, I feel residents should pay it also. Residents have more opportunity to use the beaches than most visitors do. Paying to park allows the state to maintain areas and also to control them. Visitors are already getting hit with higher hotel taxes now. Fair should be fair. Aloha!
Actually that’s not necessarily true most of us residents have to work most days in fact most of us don’t go to the beach much anymore. There are times where I don’t go for months actually. So don’t imply that we get to use it more than you do
Our main goal here in the islands is stop attracting visitors who pay cheap tickets to come here and don’t contribute to our economy as much as we need it. We aim for people with money who spend more coming here. $10 is not that terrible in my opinion because it upkeeps the parks and such so should be a small price to pay if you say you love it as much as you do. If you don’t want to spend $10 measly dollars coming here then don’t come. We are reaching our limits with over tourism anyhow
Obviously, airfares, whether cheap or not do not contribute to the economy of the islands.
You make it sound like $10 is a small amount to pay however people who come to Hawaii for a week want to go to the beach at least once a day, if not more. If it’s for a family of three or four people that could end up costing a lot for the length of the vacation stay. Lodging is already expensive, most of the islands. You should look at getting more of the accommodation taxation from the owners.
ERIKA,if the tourists stop coming, what will your economy be? Isn’t it Tourism?
We just returned from the Big Island. We had to pay $10 parking fee plus $5 per person admission fee for Hapuna Beach State Park. We had the same issue at Akaka Falls in Hilo. We had to pay the same fees. It cost us $25 to go look at the Waterfall. I understand the parking fee but admission per person as well?? They had people in parking lot uniforms (some guy’s parking company) standing guard at the pay stations to make sure everyone paid. It seems a bit excessive and expensive for big families
Many places on the west coast charge for parking. Winter parking passes are everywhere. It isn’t only Hawaii that does this. If you want a piece of paradise it will cost you regardless of which western state you choose.
It might sound a little anti-tourist but there is still a staffing problem here in Hawaii, but not a tourist shortage.
Us that live here get tired of all of the whiners who complain about everything.
Aloha is not about whining.
Thank you gentlemen for the platform.
Yes you are correct, a lot of places (cities/states) charge for parking, but it is charged to EVERYONE not just tourists…what’s fair is fair, my rental car causes the same amount of “damage” as the locals’. Free or reduced entry in to parks/beaches etc for locals, but parking c’mon.
Can you please name a west coast state that charges only tourists for parking?
As a past resident of Hanalei I do understand the desire to get some extra money from tourists and to cut down on the crowds. Once I moved to the mainland I often returned bringing my wife and children back where I spent some of the best times of my young life. It was affordable and I didn’t mind spending money to help out all the local businesses. Now…. I can’t come visit due to the high cost of accommodations and crazy tourist taxes that come with everything. I think the $10 parking is a no
Don’t forget about the new 3% Kauai TAT which brings the total to almost 18%.
$10/day to park at Poipu beach is going to really upset visitors and definitely encourage them to visit other islands and Mexico. If the county needs the money then it should just raise it without forcing visitors to pay every day – especially something as egregious at $10 to park in a lot that has been previously free. I’ve never seen the lot full so the argument about overcrowding doesn’t ring true.
Aloha,
Tomorrow I am headed for a 3 week stay in Kauai from the mainland, and just looked up the taxes I will be paying. Lodging tax: $ 558, Rental car taxes/fees: $374.00 Total $932! That comes to $310/week of taxes now levied on the visitor. If you annualize that to a full year $310 x 52 weeks, that amounts to $16,120/year of taxes! That is 3x the property taxes paid to local and state government on the mainland. Happy to do my share as a visitor. You sure more is fair?
Tourists have plenty of vacation options away from Hawaii.
So, $10 today, $20 in 5 years. As fewer visitors park at the beach, the fee will continue to go up to replace the “lost revenue.” Politicians don’t put taxes on for the stated purpose. They like to get a little here, a little there, think those who pay the taxes won’t notice. Well, we do notice.
Ave sales tax rate in the USA is 6.35%, Kauai/Hawaii should look at that. Those who use the beaches year-round will pay their fair share.
“Kauai visitors already pay high taxes through their accommodations and elsewhere. Those include the 4.712% tax on pretty much everything, plus 10.25% tax on accommodations.” You forgot to mention the County of Kauai accommodation tax of 3% in addition to the State 10.25% tax. The total comes to 17.96%. I can’t think of any other state where visitors are charged a higher rate than residents (although I’m sure someone will correct me on that).
I own a B&B on the Main Land and will be charging all visitors who all Hawaii residents a 25% surcharge to stay at my establishment.
Sadly, I won’t go back. Greed & anti-visitor is not the Kaua’i I knew. I’d rather have my great memories.
Another reason to not even visit any parts of the state at all. The local governments have become more greedy since Covid and made foolish decisions all along about visitations, and now trying to recoup losses of revenue because of less tourists!!
I have a vacation to Kauau already booked– it will be my last, and hopefully other vacationers will do the same. There are other places to go and feel welcome…Probably much cheaper!! I will star doing my research!!
Yes the taxes on everything in Hawaii was shocking when I made my reservations After a couple years forced sabbatical. I’ve been going for 25 to 30 years every year. A $300 a night room ends up to be closer than $500 with all the taxes. And they just added another one.
not fair!!! parking is too much to add!!
Let’s get real! My first thoughts were to figure out what side streets we know about at Poipu where we could park for $0. Then thoughts went to Lydgate – yes, parking there can be a nightmare but how are they going to tell resident cars from visitor cars. Etc Etc Etc. There is so much resentment about the charge to park at Waimea Canyon – let’s just cut off another hand that feeds the economy!
Once Californians took over Maui, Kauai and the Big Island and god knows what else change was coming and I as said to my wife, after visiting the Islands for 40 years and being in the 25th Inf, good things are going to happen. Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines became Hawaiian. Competition, what is that? Make that buck and ruin paradise. To go from Maui to the Big island which use to be 15 minutes is now 1/2 day and of course any inter-island flight goes thru that truly Hawaiian City, Honolulu. Hawaii may have to be known as what it is, Western California. Now parking fees and entrance fees for open beaches? Californians will be charging Hawaiians for everything. GOB bless their greedy little hearts!
Just another way for Kauai government to recoup their losses from tourism. The resort fees are enough already. This will drive people even further away from Hawaii. Such bureaucratic crap.
I hope the money spent on this study concludes with charging NO parking fees at all or charge a minimal fee for both visitors AND residents. I would prefer no parking fees at all since the beaches are small and parking is already limited at all the beaches. Plus many of us visit more than one beach in a day. Paying additional parking fees will only increase expenses for an already expensive island.
The non refundable parking fee for the north shore is expensive and has created an anti-visitor spirit in the north. The north shore residents act as if it’s their own private HOA up there which is discerning to me as this is the first time in over 30 years of feeling this way toward this beautiful garden area island.
Thanks again BOH for your important and impactful reporting!
Hi Lee.
Thanks. We value your input.
Aloha.
Kauai government officials clearly have an economic calamity game plan for their citizens. They should be openly courting the exact people that view & comment on this website…those of us who love Hawaii (especially Kauai), have been there multiple times and are eagerly awaiting the time we can safely return (which is likely much sooner than later with widespread vaccinations ahead). It pains me to see the lack of commonsense and perhaps outright disdain for respectful visitors who share the Aloha spirit. I sincerely hope things change before it is too late to salvage the Kauai we all love. Thanks BOH for being a place one can get objective Hawaii information. Happy New (& Better) Year to All!
Hi Phillip.
Thanks for your input on this and all your other comments too. The state, counties, and other Hawaii travel stakeholders are well aware of BOH and thousands of comments each month. Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Aloha.
Yikes. I think it’s good to think about how all the foot traffic and vehicles are affecting the environment and limited space but I really think they should work on providing better parking before implementing fees. Hanalei looks great (though I can’t believe how long it took to complete the project). I’d prefer they gradually work on upgrading a few of the busy parking lots and wait at least a few years before talking about beach parking fees.
Even as a resident, it would feel so uninviting going to enjoy the beach and have it be all regulated and waiting in lines to park and all that. Not to mention it’s such a negative vibe for the visitors.
We already have fees at a handful of places throughout the island. There shouldn’t be fees at all the beaches.
Please…
We love Kauai and before the pandemic we would come 2 – 3 times a year. If there are fees imposed for parking and going to the beaches, we will no longer be coming. We are Canadians but we will find an other destination.
This sounds like NJ where you pay for parking and a fee to go on the beach for the day and this is done to locals and tourists.
One thing I loved about Hawaii the beach’s were free.
Paying for parking may definitely be the straw that breaks the camels back! For the normal, not wealthy, visitors that like to come to Hawaii, we already paying for plane tickets, car rental, accommodations, eating at reasturants and food carts, entertainment, sovineirs for ourselves and family, and now covid testing. That is a lot out of pocket for us and income for the people of Hawaii. Add additional fees and we may not be able to come. We really love Hawaii. My Dad was stationed there with the Navy. I have wonderful memories. Please don’t make it too expensive for us to visit your wonderful islands. I love to sit with a group of Hawaiians and play my Ukulele with them!!
If you want to know where the islands are heading just look to Jackson wy. Keep complaining about tourist and keep increasing costs so the only visitors will be the ultra rich you’ll will be living else were or in government housing. I use to live on Oahu in the 70s and it is already happening. Each and everyone one of you need to wake up I hear word aloha and find it not that welcoming you better find away to open up to everyone or find out that the rich don’t care who you are or that you don’t like tourist. We will always welcome you on the mainland….aloha
Please do not charge for parking…tourists are already paying way too much to visit Kauai!
I agree. I absolutely love Kauai. It is my favorite place to visit, but I come from Nashville. Although our airport says “international”, we just got flights to the UK 1 year ago. We are not a hub for anything, so just flying there with my husband in economy is 3k. If I bring the kids, it costs a fortune! Paying for parking would just add another nail in our coffin.
My family has a timeshare since aniki parking at most of the beaches is poor at best. I’d sell the timeshareand never come back if I could get a decent price. Not ten cents on the dollar. We have pumped a lot of money into the local economy over the years. Pepe we have.made friends with have moved to my home state. You are losing people to the high cost of living. You should encourage people to come and not try to nickel and dime Everyone paid parking for tourist will soon be fees for everyone
Dear tourists,
Please go someplace else.
Sincerely,
Kauai Hawaii
—
Dear Kauai,
Don’t worry, we and our money will go elsewhere. Enjoy your poverty. Maybe you can farm pineapples as a subsistence crop.
Sincerely,
Everybody from everywhere else
👍
FYI: You’re Biting The Hands That Feed You! If you are going to put a fee for parking it should be for All!
Why not! i go california i pay parking at the beaches up and down the coast. So does when i go snow boarding. So why not!!!
You raise good points about all the fees. Is tourism something Kauai wishes to foster or extinguish? We have visited Kauai in the past and planned to return during this very week. We had to cancel our trip due to Covid-19. Still, we were hoping to reschedule the vacation as soon as possible. The new rules and steep fees make it an interesting question for our family.
We were on Kauai a year and a half ago for our grandson’s high school graduation trip and we all loved it. Now for the parking fees for island guests. No one likes to pay more for anything but as long as it’s a reasonable fee if we can afford to pay for a trip to HI then I think we can pay for a couple parking fees especially if it includes lifeguards and maintained lots. As for the tax, well here in AZ we pay over 10% for just about everything we buy, we think buying gifts for the next Christmas is a bargain not buying food or gas but jewelry or things at Sam’s Club or Costco, phones, computers, cameras, etc. We come to HI for a month a year, we love all the islands but The Big Island is our favorite, hope to be able to make it there in May. Mahalo Nui Loa
Hawaii has the perfect time to bring in and start new industries and change the landscape of the state for years to come. Unfortunately they don’t have the leadership to see this thru. They keep going back to the same old tax tax tax the tourists. How about some leadership and using this time to expand into tech and bring in people with incentives. But that will never happen because the government culture won’t allow it. Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years one thing you can count on is lack of change. One proposal I saw was a 40% GET tax on tourists which would be an effect rate of 67%. This proposal would reduce over tourism and bring in the people they want to visits not my words but theirs.
They have told me with this policy and a few others – go elsewhere. Don’t come here. I’ll grant them their wish – I will not return to Kauai.
Unfortunately this type of policy is just another mail in the coffin for Kauai’s tourism industry. Maybe that is the point—weed out the overage. As a frequent visitor, the fees charged are already hefty. We have always supported small businesses while there and if there wasn’t parking available at our beach choice for the day, we moved on. For the price of a parking fee, will the bathrooms and garbage cans at Salt Pond be maintained? The lack of maintenance and overuse certainly isn’t the fault of tourists alone.