Two Popular Maui Beach Lots Start Charging Visitors July 15. The Morning Rule Matters More.

Hawaii travel news can change quickly. Always confirm current details with official sources before making travel plans.

MAUI – Parking at two of South Maui’s most popular beaches is about to work differently.

Starting Wednesday, July 15, 2026, visitors will have to pay to use the paved parking lots at Kamaole Beach Parks I and III.

Hawaii residents will continue to park free, but a separate morning rule may have a bigger effect on visitor plans.

Audio overview

Where the new parking rules apply

The ⁠County of Maui announced that Park Maui will launch at the paved parking lots for Kamaole Beach Parks I and III on July 15.

This does not mean the beaches are becoming resident-only. The parks and beaches remain open to everyone.

The restriction applies to the designated parking lots, not access to the sand or ocean.

Kamaole I is near the northern end of the Kamaole beach area. Kamaole III is farther south and has a larger park area with lawns, picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground.

These are two of the most useful beach lots for travelers staying in Kihei. That is why the change may catch visitors off guard during the first few weeks.

The before-10-a.m. rule travelers may miss

The biggest change may not be the $10 fee.

On weekends and Maui County-observed holidays, the paved lots at Kamaole I and III will be reserved for Hawaii residents before 10 a.m.

Visitors should not arrive at 8 a.m. on a Saturday expecting to pay and park. Paying the visitor fee does not override the resident-only period.

The beaches will still be open. Visitors will need to find other legal parking or wait until 10 a.m. to use the designated paved lots.

This is easy to misunderstand because arriving early usually improves your chances of finding beach parking. At these two lots, arriving early on a weekend may do the opposite.

How much visitors will pay

The published nonresident rates are:

• $10 per day
• $50 per week
• $150 per month

The program uses pay-by-license-plate technology.

Your parking session is connected digitally to the vehicle’s plate number, so there is no paper ticket to place on the dashboard.

That makes entering the correct rental-car plate important. One wrong number can make a paid vehicle appear unpaid during enforcement.

My full guide explains ⁠how to use the Park Maui app and payment system.

The weekly rate may make sense for travelers staying in South Maui who expect to use these lots several times. For one beach day, the $10 daily option is simpler.

Hawaii residents continue to park free

Hawaii residents can park free at participating Park Maui beach locations with a valid Hawaii driver’s license.

According to the official Park Maui information, residents can scan the barcode on the back of their driver’s license at a payment station or through the Park Maui mobile app.

The early-morning parking period is also meant to give residents better access to heavily used parks before visitor traffic builds.

This is part of a larger visitor-management pattern across Hawaii. Popular places remain open, but parking, reservations, and access are becoming more structured.

Kamaole II is not included yet

Kamaole Beach Park II is not included in the July 15 launch.

Maui County says Kamaole II will be added after South Kihei Road improvements in that area are complete.

That distinction matters. The three Kamaole beaches sit close together, but the first round of parking rules does not apply to all three in the same way.

Travelers should not assume that signs or payment rules at Kamaole I automatically apply at Kamaole II.

Check the official Park Maui information closer to your visit because the program may expand.

How to pay without getting cited

The system is based on the vehicle’s license plate. Visitors should enter their vehicle information and complete payment before leaving the lot.

You can use the Park Maui mobile app or an available payment station. Look for the instructions posted at the parking lot.

Take a screenshot or save your payment confirmation. This is especially useful with rental cars, unfamiliar license plates, and inconsistent cell service.

Update the parking session if the rental company switches your vehicle. The payment follows the license plate, not your name or rental reservation.

What this means for a South Maui beach day

You do not need to avoid Kamaole because of the parking program.

You do need to plan around it.

For a weekday visit, arrive when it fits your schedule and pay for the appropriate parking period. For a Saturday, Sunday, or county holiday, plan on using the designated paved lots after 10 a.m.

Walking from nearby lodging may also work when the route is safe and practical. Many Kihei condos are within walking distance of at least one Kamaole beach.

Do not park illegally along residential streets, block driveways, or treat a nearby business lot as free beach parking. A $10 parking fee is still cheaper than a citation or tow.

For more help planning your Maui trip, see my ⁠five-day Maui itinerary and guide to the ⁠best beaches in Maui.

FAQs

When do the Kamaole Beach parking fees begin?

Paid nonresident parking begins Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the paved parking lots for Kamaole Beach Parks I and III.

How much does parking cost at Kamaole Beach?

The published visitor rates are $10 per day, $50 per week, and $150 per month.

Can visitors park at Kamaole before 10 a.m.?

On weekends and Maui County-observed holidays, the designated paved lots at Kamaole I and III are reserved for Hawaii residents before 10 a.m. Visitors can use them after 10 a.m., subject to available space and payment requirements.

Are the beaches closed to visitors before 10 a.m.?

No. The beach parks remain open to everyone. The resident-only rule applies to the designated paved parking lots.

Does the new parking program include Kamaole II?

Not yet. Maui County says Kamaole II will be added after related South Kihei Road improvements are finished.

Do Hawaii residents have to pay?

Hawaii residents can park free with a valid Hawaii driver’s license. Residents may verify eligibility at a payment station or through the Park Maui app.

Sources

• County of Maui, “Park Maui Launches With Free Parking, Priority Access for Kamaaina at Select Kamaole Parks,” July 9, 2026.
• Park Maui, “Beaches,” accessed July 10, 2026.