In short
- $10 per vehicle for parking.
- $5 per person for entry.
- Credit cards only at the automated kiosk.
In this article
If you are planning to drive to the end of Highway 583, you need to know about the current Wailua Falls parking fee. The state requires non-residents to pay at the automated kiosk before viewing the waterfall.
What is the Wailua Falls parking fee for 2026?
Non-residents pay $10 per vehicle to park, plus a $5 entry fee per person.
This means a couple visiting in one rental car will pay a total of $20. You must use a credit card at the automated fee kiosk located in the parking lot. Cash is not accepted.
Do Hawaii residents pay to park at Wailua Falls?
No, Hawaii residents park and enter for free.
You must present a valid Hawaii State ID to waive the fees. Make sure to have your identification ready when you arrive at the lookout.
How do you pay the entry and parking fees?
You pay at an automated fee kiosk right next to the parking area.
The machine only accepts credit cards. Keep your printed receipt, as your daily parking and entry pass also covers admission to nearby 'Opaeka'a Falls.
Is it easy to find a parking spot?
The parking lot is small and fills up very quickly.
Because parking is permitted only in designated stalls, you cannot block the roadway or park illegally if the lot is full. Best Time to secure a spot before the crowds arrive.
Are there guided tours that cover the fees?
Yes, taking a guided bus or van tour means you do not have to worry about the parking lot.
Various half-day tours of Kauai's east side include a stop at the Wailua Falls lookout. These tours handle the logistics, so you can focus on taking photos from the viewing area.
Does the fee include hiking access?
No, hiking to the base of Wailua Falls is strictly prohibited and illegal.
Your entry fee only grants access to the official paved viewing area at the top. Do not bypass the warning signs or attempt to use the closed, heavily eroded trail.
Questions travellers ask
Can I pay the parking fee with cash?
No, the automated fee kiosk at the parking lot only accepts credit cards.
Does my receipt work at other state parks?
Your daily parking and entry receipt covers admission to 'Opaeka'a Falls, which is also part of Wailua River State Park.
How far is the parking lot from the waterfall?
The waterfall is visible directly from the paved viewing area right next to the parking lot. No hiking is required.
