Kona’s Ali‘i Drive is an important place: it’s a gathering place, celebration space, and a vibrant heartbeat of our West Hawai‘i lifestyle. From parades and fireworks to beach volleyball and family strolls, this coastal stretch with marvelous scenery has held memories for generations of kama‘āina (locals) and visitors alike.
An Unwanted Change to Ali’i Drive
Since COVID, the energy along this iconic road has noticeably shifted. Many local businesses struggled or closed, and the once-busy sidewalks feel quieter. What added to the challenge? The quiet conversion of most of Kailua-Kona’s public parking into paid QR-code-based systems.
Almost overnight, free parking disappeared. Kama‘āina residents now find themselves paying to access places they’ve always enjoyed freely, and international visitors are often left confused by tech-driven systems that aren’t always user-friendly. The result? Fewer people lingering. Less foot traffic. And a stretch of town that no longer feels as welcoming or alive. We definitely see the difference from 20 years ago when we moved to Kona.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening—and why it matters.
Paid Parking: A Solution That’s Created New Problems
The idea of easing congestion and increasing parking access sounds great in theory. But in practice? The rollout of QR-code-based paid parking across Kailua-Kona has created new friction, especially for our community:
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Locals face fees where they once had free access. Many lots no longer honor kama‘āina or long-standing local use. It is especially hard to find parking towards north of Alii Drive.
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International visitors struggle with the tech-based payment system, leading to frustration and confusion. I often have to help my Japanese clients park.
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Businesses are feeling the impact as fewer people linger, shop, or dine due to parking limitations or unclear rules.
For a town still finding its rhythm post-COVID, these small frictions add up and it shows. The buzz along Ali‘i Drive has quieted.
The County’s Proposal to Save Ali’i Drive Culture
From May 1st, Hawai‘i County is launching a 90-day pilot project to test turning part of Ali‘i Drive into a one-way street. The goal? To create more free public parking. This one-way proposal is prompting fresh and essential questions about how we’ve been balancing tourism, infrastructure, and community well-being.
For many of us, Ali‘i Drive is where community happens. It’s where we gather for the Christmas Parade, watch 4th of July fireworks, or meet up for casual games of beach volleyball. My own kids have marched in many of those parades. Emil and his son spend weekends spiking volleyballs barefoot in the sand, just steps from the waves.
These shared spaces are about connection. We must ensure that in the pursuit of streamlining or modernizing, we don’t overlook what makes Ali‘i Drive matter in the first place.
What Would This Revitalization Look Like?
How would Ali‘i Drive look with this much needed change that would bring back foot traffic, energy, culture, and free parking? Here’s what we think:
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Integrated parking solutions that honor local residents and are intuitive for tourists.
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Open-air events that celebrate our arts, music, and food, bringing locals and visitors together.
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Support for small businesses that rely on foot traffic and visibility.
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Clean, walkable paths that invite people to linger, not just pass through.
The one-way trial is just that—a trial. And while increased free parking is a welcome idea, let’s keep our eyes on the bigger picture: reviving the soul of Ali‘i Drive.
Let’s Keep this Conversation Going
As residents, business owners, and stewards of this island lifestyle, we all have a role in shaping Kona’s future. What are your thoughts on the proposed changes? What do you think Ali‘i Drive needs most right now?
Let’s be sure the solutions we support both fix this parking problem and reignite a place we all love and call home.
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