Tips for Parking in Kailua Kona

Parking in downtown Kona (Kailua Village) involves a mix of free, paid, and validated options, with some free street parking on Aliʻi Drive (check signs for time limits/freight zones) and county lots, plus a commercial garage. 

 There are ways to find free parking, so please support the downtown businesses! 

*Free parking is available along the makai side of Kuakini Hwy above Coconut Grove Marketplace and in the County Lot (between Kuakini Hwy and Likana Ln). See photo.

You can also park along Alii Drive across the street from Huggo's. You can also find parking along Alii Drive on the makai side south of the Royal Kona Resort. You can also park in the library parking lot after hours on Hualalai Road. 

*Several businesses in Aliʻi Sunset Plaza and Coconut Grove Marketplace validate parking. There is a 15 minute grace period to walk to a participating business and submit your license plate number for parking validation. 

*Hawaiʻi residents receive free parking in some lots however this requires messaging a photo of your Hawaiʻi Driver's License to ParkLinq /downloading their mobile app. 

• 2 hours free parking in the "L" shaped lot next to the Kona Farmers Market and the parking lot behind Uncle Billy's.
• 90 minutes free parking in Aliʻi Sunset Plaza and Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Parking rates of $-$15+ per hour have been observed in Kailua Village. Rates vary and may be higher during "surge pricing". Search current ParkLinq rates.

Free & Public Options:

• Street Parking: Some spots on Aliʻi Drive are free, but be mindful of daytime freight zones (7 am-3 pm) and time restrictions.

• Kuakini Lot: A county lot off Kuakini Highway near Palani Road offers free spaces. (between Kuakini Hwy and Likana Ln)
  You can also park along Alii Drive across the street from Huggo's. You can also find parking along Alii Drive on the makai side south of the Royal Kona Resort. You can also park in the library parking lot after hours on Hualalai Road. 

• Park & Ride: Here is the link to the HeleOn Bus that the County runs: https://www.heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov/getting-around/bus-schedules-and-maps/west-hawai-i/route-201-kona-trolley-via-ali-i-dr

Validated/Paid Options:

• Restaurants: Many businesses offer parking validation in the Waterfront Row parking garage (e.g., Kai Eats & Drinks, Papa Kona) for 2 hours free or a small fee with purchase.
• Island Ono Loa Grill and Temple Kitchen and Bar at the Alii Sunset Plaza next to the Coconut Grove Marketplace offer validation. 
• Commercial Lots: Expect paid parking in many lots around Aliʻi Drive and the Kona Marketplace, often managed by companies like Diamond Parking, with QR code payment systems. 

Tips:

• Look for Signs: Always check signage for rates, time limits, and validation rules.
• Consider the Trolley: Use the Park & Ride to avoid the downtown hassle and enjoy free transit.
• Dine & Park: If eating out, ask your restaurant about parking validation options first. 
• Consider walking: Many of the condo complexes and local hotels have parking lots! Walk to shopping and restaurants. You can also park on the street next to Tony Honda off of Kuikini Hwy and walk to town from there, too.
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Concerned about the high price of parking? Join our Fix Paid Parking Kona Facebook group as we look for solutions through advocacy and public outreach. 

If you would like to learn more about Kailua Kona, follow my 365 Things to Do in Kona Facebook page, and if you are looking for a place to call home, join our Ohana for information and emails about events and real estate!