Hawaii is preparing to introduce a new round of tourist entry fees, joining a growing list of global destinations using paid access to protect fragile natural sites and fund maintenance.
According to an article by Financial Express, beginning in 2026, several of the state’s most visited parks will adopt varying fees aimed at addressing environmental pressures caused by heavy tourism and supporting long-term preservation.
The move aligns with broader changes in the United States, where the Interior Department has begun implementing higher costs for foreign visitors at national parks.
A $100-per-person charge for international travellers entering iconic parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon has raised concerns among tourism businesses about potential declines in visitation, though supporters argue the funds are essential for improving conditions at under-resourced park sites.
The fees are being positioned as a tool to enhance preservation and elevate the overall visitor experience.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed that “parking management and fee systems” will launch in January at four 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.
According to USA Today, non-resident visitors will be charged $5 per person for entry and $10 per vehicle at Wailuku River, Kekaha Kai, and Wailua River.
At Puu Ualakaa State Wayside, only parking will be charged at $7 per vehicle because the site serves primarily as a lookout stop. Additional parks—including Kua Bay, Rainbow Falls, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park—are being evaluated for future inclusion.
Roughly ten Hawaii state parks already charge non-resident fees, including popular sites such as Diamond Head State Monument, Waimea Canyon, Koke’e State Park, and Waianapanapa State Park.
Typical entry rates are $5 per person and $10 per vehicle, with young children usually exempt.
Some locations, such as Haleakalā National Park and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, have higher fees between $15 and $30 per vehicle, and many require advance reservations to manage capacity during peak periods.
Although rising travel costs have prompted some visitor concern, state officials stress that revenue from the expanded fee system will strengthen park infrastructure, bolster conservation work, and support visitor safety.
This shift highlights how major tourism regions are increasingly adopting structured access fees to promote sustainable outdoor recreation and protect natural environments for future travellers.