As the final round of land stabilization and renovation wraps up, officials warn that Iao Valley will require reservations to visit. That will make Iao Valley State Monument the fourth state park to implement such a requirement.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since Iao Valley State Monument was devastated by a once-in-a-century storm. Since then, the park has seen numerous projects aimed at stabilizing the area, making adjustments to conform with the erosion that occurred, and general maintenance. The most recent of these began late last year and is now in its final stages, though the project is running behind schedule. But as the title of this article states, a big change is coming when the park reopens.
Iao Valley Will Require Reservations
When the park reopens on May 1, we now know that Iao Valley will require reservations for non-residents. Like at other Hawaii state parks that already have the system in place, non-residents will only be able to enter the park if they have pre-scheduled reservations – walk-ins will not be permitted. The goal, of course, is to provide visitors and locals alike with a better experience. After all, we know from visitor satisfaction surveys that overcrowding is strongly disliked by visitors – it ain’t just locals complaining.
What’s not changing with the new reservation system are the entry fees. For those entering the park on foot, it’ll cost $5/person, while those driving in will need to pay $10 per vehicle. Commercial vehicles get assessed a fee between $25 and $90, depending on their capacity.
It’s worth noting that residents with a Hawaii State ID or Driver’s License may enter without a reservation and will not have to pay an entry or parking fee. Further, a third of all available stalls will be excluded from the reservation system for the enjoyment of residents.
Final Thoughts
I know that Iao Valley will require reservations in addition to entry fees will anger some, and many will call it unfair. But, as I keep saying, MANY other states charge entry fees to non-residents at their parks. California and Florida are two that jump immediately to mind – and I paid those fees in California during my recent trip (more on that soon). But it makes sense. Residents pay taxes that traditionally maintain the parks. However, with visitors often outnumbering residents at these parks, they ought to pay these fees, too. And I have no problem paying the fees myself when I visit other states – it’s my fair share.
In Hawaii’s case, fees collected at parks go straight into a special fund that helps pay for the upkeep of the park and may even be put towards improvements. So, really, the reservation and fee system is a win-win for everyone.
At any rate, reservations for May 1st and beyond go live on Monday, April 17. To make your reservation, head to: Go Hawaii State Parks