Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, has started charging parking fees at its Keeaumoku Street store in Honolulu, Hawaii, as of May 1, 2025. The goal is to keep parking spots open for shoppers, not for people who park and leave, like construction workers or RV campers. This new rule has sparked excitement for some and frustration for others. Let’s dive into what this means for you, why it’s happening, and how to avoid extra costs.
Understanding the New Parking Rules
At the Keeaumoku Street Walmart in Honolulu, you get 3 hours of free parking. After that, it costs $3 every 30 minutes, up to a maximum of $48 a day. If you owe $50 or more, your car could get towed. Secure Parking Hawaii, a company that manages parking lots, helps Walmart enforce these rules. They use cameras to check license plates when cars enter and leave the parking garage. Payment machines will be added soon, so you can pay any fees easily.
This change is part of Walmart’s bigger plan to make shopping better. The company is updating 650 stores with a “Stores of the Future” design, which includes better layouts and customer-friendly features. The parking fees aim to solve a big problem: too many non-shoppers taking up spaces meant for customers.
Why Walmart Is Charging for Parking
The Honolulu Walmart is in a busy area. People who don’t shop at Walmart, like construction workers from nearby sites or RV travelers parking overnight, often fill the lot. This makes it hard for customers to find a spot. Shopper Ge Song explained the issue: “A lot less people will be parking here and walking to different stores, and I won’t have to spend 30 minutes finding a parking spot.” The fees stop non-shoppers from using the lot as free parking, so customers can park and shop without hassle.
Retail expert Neil Saunders supports the move. He told Daily Mail, “Walmart’s fix is fair: it is allowing customers to park free for 3 hours which is more than enough time to shop the store. After that it will charge. It is designed to deter non-customers from taking up space.” This policy helps Walmart prioritize shoppers, especially in a crowded city like Honolulu.
However, not everyone is happy. Kathleen Lee, a local neighborhood board chair, said, “Walmart is such a significant structure in our neighborhood that if they were to do something like start charging, it would be nice to give the neighborhood a heads up.” Some feel Walmart should have told the community more about the plan before starting it.
A Closer Look: Honolulu Walmart’s Parking Problem
The Keeaumoku Street Walmart is one of the busiest in the U.S. Its parking garage often gets packed, not just with shoppers but with non-customers. Construction workers from nearby building sites and RV travelers, who Walmart sometimes allows to park overnight, have used the lot for free. This left customers circling for up to 30 minutes to find a spot. Shopper Thomas Barber told KHON2, “It’s been really hard to find parking here because there are so many trucks and things here because of the construction across the street.”
On May 1, 2025, Walmart teamed up with Secure Parking Hawaii to fix this. Cameras now track cars entering and leaving the garage, and signs warn about the fees. Payment machines are planned but not yet installed as of April 2025. The result? Shoppers like Ge Song and Thomas Barber say parking is easier now. Reddit users agree, praising the fees for stopping non-shoppers from taking spaces. But some, like Kathleen Lee, want better communication from Walmart to avoid surprises.
This case shows how urban stores face unique challenges. Honolulu’s busy location, with construction and tourism, made parking a mess. The fees are a test to see if Walmart can balance customer needs with local demands. If it works, other busy stores might try it, though Saunders thinks rural Walmarts won’t need fees.
How the Fees Affect Shoppers
For shoppers, the fees are a mixed bag. On one hand, they make parking easier by keeping non-shoppers away. You’re more likely to find a spot quickly, especially during busy hours. On the other hand, if you stay longer than 3 hours, you’ll pay extra. Forgetting to pay could lead to a towed car, which is a big hassle. The 3-hour free period is generous for most shopping trips, but families or slow shoppers might need to plan carefully.
Walmart’s website notes that some stores allow RV parking overnight, depending on local laws and store managers. In Honolulu, the new fees might limit this, so RV travelers should call the store first. The policy also ties into Walmart’s push for better stores, like adding fuel stations and using more AI technology. Parking fees are just one part of making shopping smoother.
Tips to Avoid Parking Fees
You don’t have to pay extra if you’re smart about your visit. Here are some easy ways to avoid fees at the Honolulu Walmart:
- Set a Timer: Keep your shopping under 3 hours to stay in the free period.
- Check Signs: Look for parking rules posted in the garage.
- Use Curbside Pickup: Order online and pick up on Sheridan Street to skip the garage.
- Take Public Transit: Buses in Honolulu are a great way to avoid parking fees.
- Call Ahead for RVs: If you’re an RV traveler, ask the store manager about parking rules, as they vary.
These tips help you save money and avoid stress. Planning ahead is key, especially in a busy place like Honolulu.
FAQ
Which Walmart stores have parking fees?
Only the Keeaumoku Street store in Honolulu, Hawaii, as of May 1, 2025.
How much are the parking fees?
Free for 3 hours, then $3 every 30 minutes, up to $48 a day. Unpaid fees over $50 risk towing.
Why is Walmart charging for parking?
To stop non-shoppers, like construction workers or RV campers, from taking customer spots.
How are the fees enforced?
Cameras track license plates, and payment machines are coming soon.
Will other Walmarts start charging?
It’s possible if the Honolulu test works, but not likely for less busy stores.
Can RV travelers still park overnight?
Check with the store manager, as Honolulu’s fees may limit this.
Parking Fee Chart
| Time | Cost |
| First 3 hours | Free |
| Every 30 min | $3 |
| Max per day | $48 |
| Towing risk | $50+ unpaid |
What’s Next for Walmart Shoppers
Walmart’s parking fees in Honolulu are a bold step to help shoppers. They’re part of a bigger plan to make stores better, from new designs to more technology. While the fees make parking easier, they’ve upset some who wanted more warning. By planning your visit, using curbside pickup, or taking a bus, you can avoid extra costs. Check Walmart’s website or call the store for the latest rules, especially if you’re an RV traveler. This change might spread to other busy Walmarts, so stay informed.
Sources: Daily Mail (May 16, 2025), KHON2, Walmart corporate website.