Big Island beach and park entrance fees and parking

Question

I own a house in Keauhou Bay and pay property taxes, etc. continuously for the past 25 years. My main home is in California, but we go back and forth from here to there. I've seen more and more of the beaches, parks, and recreation areas now have entrance and parking fees. One higher price for visitors and one lower price for residents.

My question is, since I do pay Hawaiian property taxes and every other expense a resident pays to live here, shouldn't I be considered a resident and not have to pay the visitor fees? How do I acquire the proper permits to do so? I would really appreciate your help with this. If I should contact a government department please direct me.

Thank you so much!

Answer

Thank you for your question. On the Big Island, as in other parts of Hawaii, many state and county parks, beaches, and recreation areas now have entrance and parking fees, with different rates for residents and non-residents. The lower resident rate typically requires proof of Hawaii residency, which is separate from property ownership alone.

Key points regarding resident status for park fees:

Owning property and paying property taxes in Hawaii does not automatically qualify you as a resident for state or county park fees. Resident rates generally require proof of permanent residency, which usually includes a Hawaii driver’s license or state ID and registration for state services like voter registration.
Visitors and part-time residents who maintain a primary residence elsewhere (e.g., California) are generally charged the visitor rate, even if they own property in Hawaii and pay property taxes.
The distinction is intended to differentiate those who live in Hawaii year-round versus vacationers or part-time residents. Property taxes alone do not establish legal residency.

Steps to acquire resident permits or ID (if eligible):

Check with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which manages many state parks and beach areas, for information on resident permits and required documentation. Their website and offices provide details on eligibility for resident rates.
Typical proof may include:
- Hawaii state driver’s license or state ID
- Hawaii voter registration card
- Evidence of Hawaii income taxes or employment
For county-managed parks and beaches (e.g., Hawaii County), contact the County Parks and Recreation Department to ask about resident passes and documentation requirements. Each county may have slightly different rules and permit applications.

Recommended actions:

Contact Hawaii DLNR for state-managed beaches and parks:
Phone: (808) 587-0400
Contact Hawaii County Parks and Recreation for county beaches and parks:
Phone: (808) 961-8311
Prepare documentation showing intent to establish residency, including Hawaii ID, utility bills, and tax returns if applicable. Ownership of property alone is not sufficient.

In summary, although you have owned property and paid taxes in Keauhou Bay for many years, resident rates at parks require legal Hawaii residency, not just property ownership. To access these lower fees, you will need to provide proper documentation through the appropriate state or county departments. Contacting DLNR and Hawaii County Parks directly is the best way to clarify eligibility and obtain the necessary permits.