How to Find Free (or Discounted) Kona Parking
Parking in downtown Kona along the Ali’i Drive corridor has been a site of contention for a while now. Kona Village is dying because private parking lots are charging exorbitant fees and free parking is slim pickings.
Visitors and locals alike are avoiding the area completely causing restaurants and retail stores to go out of business.
But we don’t want that! We want Kona to be a thriving and successful community for everyone!
There are ways around having to pay for these parking lots, but it’s definitely a challenge.
So let’s talk about how to find some free and discounted parking in Kona so you can still enjoy these businesses.
⚠️ Parking rules and regulations are constantly changing and it can be hard to keep up with it all. I am going to do my best to keep this page up to date as best I can, but you’ll always need to double check when you arrive.
📍 Download my Free Kona Parking Map
Free and discounted Kona parking locations already pinned
for easy navigation!
Free Kona Parking Options
Kuakini Parking Lot
There’s still one free parking lot along Kuakini Hwy, and if you’re lucky enough to get a spot, this is your best option.
Along Kuakini Hwy
Shoulder parking is free along Kuakini Hwy next to Coconut Grove Marketplace and is just a block away from Ali’i Drive.
There’s also a few spots in front of Kona Islander Inn.
Along Ali’i Drive
There are a few street parking spots on Ali’i Drive across from the Huggo’s sign.
Lanihau Center
If you’re up for a bit more walking (what’s an extra 2,000-ish steps added to your day?), parking in the Lanihau Center is free, just up the street on Palani Rd.
Pawai Place
Another extra-distance-walking free parking option is street parking along Pawai Place where Kona Brewing Co, Umeke’s, HiCo, and other businesses are.
Kailua-Kona Public Library
You’re allowed to park at the Kailua-Kona Public Library during off-hours.
Free Bus
For free public transportation, the Hele-On public bus Route 201 runs along Ali’i Drive with 4 stops to hop on and off.
To catch the bus, Park your car for Free at either:
- Keauhou Shopping Center
- Kona Commons Shopping Center
Technically the bus runs every 60 minutes but it’s not especially reliable.
Because of this, this is only a good option if you aren’t running on a set schedule or pressed for time.
Restaurants and Stores That Validate Parking
Coconut Grove Marketplace/Ali’i Sunset Plaza
Coconut Grove Marketplace and Ali’i Sunset Plaza share a parking lot.
Standard Parking Rates is $12.50/hr up to $15/hr during peak demand. Max of $35/day.
How it works:
When you enter the lot, your license plate gets scanned automatically. From there, register and pay by:
- Using the QR codes posted around the lot
- By the PARKLINQ website
- Calling 808-270-2760 if you don’t have a smartphone
You’ll get a 15-minute grace period to register, pay, or get validated by a business.
Coconut Grove/Ali’i Sunset Plaza businesses will validate parking:
- For Visitors: 90 minute validation at 50% off; stackable by patroning participating businesses
- For Hawaii Residents: 90 minute validation for Free; stackable up to 3hrs by patroning participating business; after that $3/hr with a max of $12/day
Participating Coconut Grove Marketplace/Ali’i Sunset Plaza Businesses for Validation:
- ABC Stores (bonus: spend $10 and get $20 for all-day parking)
- Laverne’s Big Island Alehouse
- Taka Sushi
- Gecko Girlz
- Island Lava Java
- Oceans
- Jack’s Dive Locker
- Big Island Running Company
- Foster’s Kitchen
- Kona Heaven
- Black Rock
- Tasty Kona
- Island Ono Loa Grill (2hr free validation for HI residents)
- The Temple Bar Kona (2hr free validation)
Visit the Coconut Grove Marketplace website for more information.
Waterfront Row Shopping Center
There is a paid underground parking lot beneath the Waterfront Row Shopping Center.
Some businesses will validate your parking:
- Kai Eats & Drinks
- 2hrs for free by providing restaurant host with license plate number
- Papa Kona
- $3.50 for 2hrs by providing restaurant host with license plate number
Quinn’s Almost by the Sea
If you eat at Quinn’s Almost by the Sea you get a $5 validation to park at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha across the street.
They’ve got great fish and chips, so grab some lunch then go shopping.
Huggo’s on the Rocks
If you eat at Huggo’s, they validate 2hrs free in their own parking lot and then charge $9/hr after that.
Free Parking for Hawaii Residents
Kona Farmers Market
The parking lot that hosts the Kona Farmers Market offers 2hrs free parking for Hawaii residents.
After that it’s a flat $12.50/hr. This is also the standard rate for visitors.
There is a 15 minute grace period parking for everyone if you want to run to a market vendor and buy something real quick.
📍 Download my Free Kona Parking Map
Free and discounted Kona parking locations already pinned
for easy navigation!
Reminder, everything here is fluid information and is constantly changing.
I follow the Fix Paid Parking In Kona Facebook group to stay up-to-date on parking rules and what’s being done to solve Kona’s parking problems.
