The Golden Rules of Hawaii Beach Parking
- Arrive early. Popular beaches fill by 9am on weekends. Aim for 7–8am at busy spots.
- Never leave valuables visible. Car break-ins are common at beach parking lots, especially less-staffed trailhead beaches.
- Check posted signs. Rules vary widely — overnight parking is typically prohibited and will get you towed.
- Respect residential neighborhoods. Don't park in front of driveways or blocking beach access points in local neighborhoods.
- Consider public transit. Oʻahu's TheBus reaches many beach parks and Waikiki's paid parking is expensive enough that transit makes financial sense.
Oʻahu Parking Guide
Oʻahu Beach Parking
Waikiki Beach
Hotel garages $15–30/day. Kapiolani Park has free parking on the Diamond Head end. Consider TheBus from anywhere on island.
Paid
Hanauma Bay
Reservation required. Limited lot, $3/vehicle. TheBus Route 22 runs directly from Waikiki. Sold out fast — book online well in advance.
Reservation
Kailua Beach Park
Free parking lot off Kawailoa Rd. Fills by 9am on weekends. Street parking available in neighborhood but don't block driveways.
Free
Sandy Beach / Makapuu
Large free lots along Kalanianaole Hwy. Rarely fills completely. Easy access from H-1 east.
Free
North Shore (Sunset, Ehukai)
Roadside parking along Kamehameha Hwy. Limited. During contest season (Nov–Feb) streets can be packed — arrive very early or park down the road and walk.
Limited
Ko Olina Lagoons
Each lagoon has a small free public lot that fills by 8am on weekends. Hotel guests have priority in the main lots. Arrive very early or use hotel valet.
Very Limited
Oʻahu Tip: TheBus is Underrated
TheBus covers most of Oʻahu and costs $3/ride or $7.50/day for unlimited rides. Routes 22, 23, and 57 hit the most popular beach parks. Skip the Waikiki parking nightmare entirely.
Maui Parking Guide
Maui Beach Parking
Kaʻanapali Beach
Whalers Village has paid lot, hotel lots are for guests. Kahekili Beach Park at north end has a free public lot — walk south along the beach. Best free option for Kaʻanapali access.
Mixed
Kamaole I, II & III (Kihei)
Large free lots at all three parks. Best free parking in South Maui. Kamaole III has the biggest lot. Arrive by 8:30am in peak season.
Free
Wailea Beach
Small free public lot at the end of Wailea Alanui Dr. Fills by 8am on weekends. Hotel lots are private. Wailea Beach Path walking access from Kamaole III is a decent option.
Limited/Free
Hoʻokipa Beach
Free lot above the beach on Hana Hwy. Good size but gets full when the surf is pumping. There's an overlook area too if you just want to watch windsurfers.
Free
Hamoa Beach (near Hana)
Small roadside lot, very limited. Former Hotel Hana guests had preferred access. Arrive early. The drive on Hana Hwy means you'll want to combine with other Hana stops.
Very Limited
⚠ Lahaina-Area Parking Post-2023
Following the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires, access and parking near Lahaina town has changed significantly. Check current conditions before visiting the Front Street area. Front Beach and nearby access points may have altered rules.
Kauaʻi Parking Guide
Kauaʻi Beach Parking
Poʻipū Beach Park
Decent free parking lot, but gets packed by 9am. Shipwreck Beach (at Grand Hyatt) has some public parking. The whole Poʻipū area is walkable if you park slightly further away.
Free
Hanalei Bay
Black Pot Beach Park and Hanalei Pavilion have free parking. Fills fast in summer. Hanalei town is walkable from several lots. Weke Rd has metered street parking.
Free
Keʻe Beach (Na Pali trailhead)
Now requires a parking reservation through the Hawaii DLNR site. Limited spots. Extremely popular — reserve weeks in advance. Shuttle from Haʻena State Park entrance available.
Reservation Required
Lydgate Beach Park
Large free lot, rarely fills. Good option near Kapaʻa. Family-friendly beach with lifeguards and easy parking makes this one of the most accessible on the island.
Free
Salt Pond Beach (Hanapepe)
Free lot, rarely overcrowded. One of Kauaʻi's best-kept secrets — historically excellent water quality and natural protected swimming area. Easy parking is a bonus.
Free
Big Island Parking Guide
Big Island Beach Parking
Hapūna Beach State Park
State park entry fee ($10/vehicle non-resident or $5 resident). Paved lot, fills on weekends and holidays. One of the best beaches on the island — worth the early arrival.
$10/vehicle
Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali)
Small free lot, extremely limited. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Kona coast. Fills by 8am on weekends — sometimes by 7am in peak season. Drive the lava road slowly.
Very Limited/Free
Magic Sands / White Sands Beach
Very small lot right off Alii Dr in Kailua-Kona. Fills fast. Street parking along Alii Dr is available but can be competitive. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
Limited/Free
Richardson Beach Park (Hilo)
Free lot, reasonable size. Hilo side beaches are less crowded overall. Richardson's is a great snorkeling spot with generally easier parking than Kona-side beaches.
Free
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Free paved lot, decent size. Very popular with tour buses. Go early in the morning before the crowds and bus tours arrive for a much better experience.
Free
Big Island Tip: Kona Roads Are Narrow
Some of the best Kona beaches are reached via rough lava roads (like Queen K Hwy access roads). Low-clearance rental cars may struggle. A midsize SUV is ideal for exploring the Kona coast's hidden coves.
Car Break-In Prevention at Hawaii Beaches
Car break-ins are a genuine concern at some Hawaii beach parking areas — especially at less-staffed, remote locations. Here's how to reduce your risk:
- Leave nothing visible. Towels, bags, and even empty coolers can attract break-ins. Put everything in the trunk before you park — not after you arrive.
- Use a waterproof pouch. Bring your key, ID, and a credit card in a dry bag. Leave everything else at the hotel.
- Don't leave your key in the car. Some people hide keys under the car or in wheel wells — thieves know these spots.
- Busy lots are safer. Staffed, high-traffic lots with lifeguards present tend to have fewer break-ins than isolated trailhead lots.
- Check rental car coverage. Your credit card or travel insurance may cover car break-ins. Know your coverage before you go.
Skip the Parking Hassle — Guided Tours
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with any government agency or parking authority. Parking information may change. Always check current posted signs and official county/state park websites for current fees and rules. Parking regulations change and this guide may not reflect the most current information.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out.