Once Free Pali Lookout Now Has Parking Fee for Visitors

If your Hawaii vacation includes visiting the island of Oahu, chances are you’ll be visiting the Pali Lookout. It’s part of the Nuuanu Pali state park and is located at the very top of the Pali Highway which connects the East and West side of the island. You’ll find spectacular views of the Koolau mountain range and the west side of the island from this amazing vantage point. The Pali lookout is one of the most visited state parks with more than 900,000 visitors a year.

Up until recently this was completely free for both residents and visitors alike, however, that recently has changed. There is now a three dollar parking fee to visit the lookout for non Hawaii residents. This new parking fee is part of a program that has been implemented by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to help support maintenance and repairs at state parks. Funding for these kinds of repairs have been cut back over the years with the budget challenges created by budget deficits.

Fees for once free activities seem to be on the rise here in the islands. Guess it’s just a sign of the times. It wasn’t too long ago that Hanuama Bay and Diamondhead crater were free so we should probably expect more of these in the future.

I wouldn’t let the three dollar fee discourage you from seeing this great attraction. You may even want to consider spending more time here because there is a great hiking trail that goes along the Old Pali Highway which gives you a perspective that not many see. If you’d like more information about what to see here just give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 and any agent can help you.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Mar 9, 2010