Maui beach parking fee for non residents.

Question

Aloha,

The number of beach parks requiring non resident payment is rapidly increasing. There has been a lot of discussion on this topic for several years as it was implemented.

Can anyone direct me to a website that can help me understands the details concerning the fees?

How much does it cost for parking. Is it time based? Can you pay a weekly fee for unlimited parking? Does paying one fee on a certain day allow one to park at different beach parks?

I have been unable to use Google to find this information.

I am not passing judgement on the change as it seems reasonable at a certain cost level, I am just trying to understand.

Mahalo

Answer

Aloha! The topic of beach parking fees for non-residents on Maui has certainly gained attention in recent years as more and more beach parks have started implementing these fees. Understanding how these fees work is important, especially if you're planning to visit several beach parks during your stay. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. Cost of Parking: The parking fee for non-residents typically ranges from $5 to $15 per day, depending on the location and the specific beach park. Some parks with more amenities or higher visitor traffic might have higher fees. For example, popular spots like Kamaole Beach and Big Beach in Makena may charge around $10 per day, while other less visited parks may charge a lower rate.

2. Time-Based Fees: Yes, the fees are usually time-based. Most parking charges are per day, so if you park for a few hours, you still pay for the full day. Some parking lots may have hourly rates, especially in areas like Lahaina, where parking is limited, but daily rates are more common for most of the beach parks.

3. Weekly or Unlimited Parking Fees: Currently, there isn't a standard weekly parking pass for unlimited access to beach parks across the island. However, there are sometimes options for multiple-day passes or discounts for longer stays, but these vary depending on the specific beach park and whether the county or local agencies manage the park. For example, at certain locations, you may be able to get a discount if you're staying at a resort or property that offers parking perks.

4. Paying One Fee for Multiple Parks: Generally, you cannot use a single parking pass for access to different parks on Maui. The parking fee is specific to each beach park, so if you're visiting multiple locations, you would need to pay for parking at each individual park. This means that if you plan on visiting several beach parks in a single day, you'll need to pay separately for each one. However, some parking systems use a mobile payment app (such as PayByPhone) that may allow you to pay for parking at multiple locations with the same app, though this would still mean paying per park, not a single all-inclusive pass.

5. How to Find More Information: For up-to-date information on specific parking fees and locations, you can visit the Maui County website or the official county park and recreation pages. These websites usually provide details on parking fees, locations that charge non-resident fees, and any seasonal changes to the fees. Additionally, there are often local news outlets that report on changes to parking policies, so keeping an eye on those can help you stay informed.

In short, the parking fees are generally per day and per location, and you can't use one pass to park at multiple beaches. While a weekly or unlimited parking pass isn't typically available, there may be specific local options to reduce costs if you're planning to stay longer. I’d recommend checking with Maui County’s official website for the most current and detailed information on where parking fees apply, as well as the payment methods available (mobile apps, kiosks, etc.).

Mahalo for your understanding, and I hope this helps clarify the parking situation on Maui!