New fees begin at Wailua River State Park in 2026. Here’s what Kauai visitors need to know before visiting waterfalls and river sites.
Out-of-state visitors should expect new fees when visiting the Wailua area, as the State of Hawaii has introduced a new entry and parking management system at Wailua River State Park beginning February 22, 2026. The updated system applies to several of the region’s most visited and culturally significant stops—including Wailua River Marina, Opaekaa Falls, Poliahu Heiau, and Wailua Falls—and is designed to improve parking flow, reduce roadside congestion, and support the ongoing care of these sacred and scenic landscapes. Non-residents will now pay a modest per-person entry fee along with a per-vehicle parking fee, while Hawaii residents continue to receive free access with valid identification, ensuring that Wailua remains both welcoming to visitors and responsibly managed for the future.
Fees are paid at on-site kiosks located throughout Wailua River State Park, and all payments are credit card only, with no cash accepted.
Hawaii Residents: Free entry and parking with valid Hawaii State ID or driver’s license
Non-Residents:
- Entrance: $5 per person (children 3 and under free)
- Parking: $10 per vehicle
These fees are valid for a single day only, so visitors should plan their Wailua sightseeing accordingly. Because Wailua Falls sits a short drive inland and is often visited separately from the Wailua River and its marina and overlooks, some travelers may find themselves paying the entry and parking fees more than once if they choose to explore the different sites on separate days.
In recent years, Wailua’s most scenic stops—particularly the roadside waterfall lookouts—have experienced heavy visitation, at times leading to crowded parking areas and safety concerns along narrow shoulders. The new system is designed to create a more orderly, enjoyable experience for visitors while ensuring that the landscape itself is protected for future generations, according to the State of Hawaii.
It also brings Wailua in line with other managed natural and cultural sites across Hawaii, where modest visitor fees help fund essential stewardship—from trail and overlook maintenance to cultural site preservation and visitor services.
