Free Parking for Waikiki Beach

I think we’ve all wondered at one point whether there is free parking in Waikiki. The short answer is no. Long answer is yes, but they are always full, or yes, but they are far from the center of activity. Let me explain.

An example of the first long answer, yes there is free parking, but they are always full; I’m talking about the parking along the Ala Wai canal. It’s there, and it’s free, but it’s always full. Not useful information unless you are willing to go round and round in circles along Ala Wai for an hour trying to compete with a dozen other drivers who are looking for a spot, while simultaneously pissing off the locals who are only trying to get out of Waikiki while you block traffic trying to find an open spot.

An example of the second long answer, yes there is free parking, but they are far from the center of activity; I’m talking about the Ala Moana Beach Park parking, or Kapiolani Park parking. So, my favorite place to park free when I want to visit Waikiki is Kapiolani Park. It’s free, and there is always space available, and it’s the closest free parking to the center of Waikiki. I’m writing about this information because it took me a while to recognize this, and they are deceptively mixed in with the paid parking there.

Map of free parking along Kalakaua:

First, in order to get there, you will most likely be taking Kalakaua Ave all the way down. Please refer to my page on the best way to pass through Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave. Once you get to the end, keep to the right and stay on Kalakaua.

The reason for this is you might get lucky and find free parking on the right hand side of Kalakaua. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t find any. See picture below:

If you cannot find parking on the right side, as in the picture above, take the first u-turn back. After you make a u-turn, do not park on the slanted metered parking spaces because it’s not free parking.

Go to the end of the road which will make you take a right on to Monsarrat. As soon as you get on Monsarrat, there is free parking on the left side of the street. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t find any here either. Be careful to read the parking signs because there is a sign that marks the beginning of legal parking spots, and another sign at the end of it. Do not park outside these signs or you will get towed. See picture below:

Finally, on Monsarrat, if you take your first right, you will be in the free parking lot with plenty of spaces for all. See picture below:

On the weekends, occasionally, there are marked spaces for vendors for some festival at Kapiolani Park, so don’t park there or you will get towed.

Map of free parking area:

It's a bit of a walk to Queen's Beach, which is the nearest beach to the parking area. It's also a bit of a walk to the Marriott area as well, but if you need to go to the Cookie Corner or take your tourist friends to Cheeseburger in Paradise (Kama'aina discount available) or something, it's a nice option to not have to pay for parking. Good luck!