Are you unknowingly risking a $48 fine every time you visit Walmart or Sam’s Club? Find out the new parking rule
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If you’re a regular at Walmart or Sam’s Club, you might want to double-check where—and how long—you’re parking.
A new parking policy at select locations has left many shoppers fuming, with some threatening to take their business elsewhere.
Could your next shopping trip end with a surprise $48 bill? Here’s what you need to know to avoid an unwelcome hit to your wallet.
What’s Behind the New Parking Policy?
Starting May 1st, certain Walmart and Sam’s Club stores—specifically the Keeaumoku locations in Honolulu, Hawaii—rolled out a strict new parking enforcement system.
The goal? To keep parking spots available for actual shoppers, not for people looking for free parking while they run other errands or head to work nearby.
The new rules are simple but strict. The first three hours of parking are free, but after that, you’ll be charged $3 for every additional 30 minutes, which can add up to a whopping $48 per day if you overstay your welcome.
And if you rack up $50 or more in unpaid parking fees, your car could be towed.
To enforce these rules, Walmart and Sam’s Club have hired Secure Parking Hawaii, which uses video cameras to monitor license plates as cars enter and exit the parking structure.
Payment kiosks will be installed on-site, making it easy to pay your fee—if you remember.
Why the Change?
If you’ve ever circled a crowded parking lot, you know how frustrating it can be to find a spot.
According to Walmart, the new policy is designed to make parking easier for actual customers.
Also read: This Grandma was slapped with $340 in parking tickets, but what happened to her car next will shock you!
In busy urban areas, it’s not uncommon for non-shoppers—like local workers or residents—to use store lots as free, all-day parking. This leaves genuine shoppers out of luck.
As one local put it on social media, “That’s what happens when residents and workers in the area use Walmart parking as a personal parking lot.”
Another added, “Three hours is plenty to shop over there—if you are parking your car and leaving their property, they have no obligation to let you park there for free.”
Shoppers Sound Off: Outrage and Understanding
Not everyone is on board with the new policy. Some shoppers are furious, saying they’ll take their business elsewhere rather than pay for parking.
Others see the logic, especially if it means they won’t have to hunt for a spot. “I will never shop there if I have to pay for parking.”
“Just one more reason why it makes sense to have items delivered to my doorstep.” a shopper remarked.
“I’m not paying for parking and shipping, I’ll go to Pearl City instead.” one said.
But others are more understanding, saying, “It’s private property and the owners can do what they want.”
“If you’re actually shopping, three hours is more than enough.”
Source: KHON2 News / Youtube.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re shopping at the affected Walmart or Sam’s Club locations, here’s what you need to do:
1. Keep an eye on the clock. Three hours is your free window. If you think you’ll need more time, plan accordingly.
2. Pay before you leave. Once payment kiosks are installed, make sure to pay any fees before exiting to avoid fines or towing.
3. Don’t ignore the rules. If you rack up $50 or more in unpaid fees, your car could be towed—a headache nobody wants.
Parking policies are changing, and it pays to stay informed. While the new rules may be frustrating, they’re designed to make shopping easier for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Walmart or Sam’s Club—especially in Honolulu—be sure to check the parking rules before you go.
Read next: This lawyer exposed a shocking fine print error! Learn the loophole that could save you hundreds on parking tickets
Have you been hit with a surprise parking fee? Do you think these new rules are fair, or will they drive you to shop elsewhere? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
A new parking policy at select locations has left many shoppers fuming, with some threatening to take their business elsewhere.
Could your next shopping trip end with a surprise $48 bill? Here’s what you need to know to avoid an unwelcome hit to your wallet.
What’s Behind the New Parking Policy?
Starting May 1st, certain Walmart and Sam’s Club stores—specifically the Keeaumoku locations in Honolulu, Hawaii—rolled out a strict new parking enforcement system.
The goal? To keep parking spots available for actual shoppers, not for people looking for free parking while they run other errands or head to work nearby.
The new rules are simple but strict. The first three hours of parking are free, but after that, you’ll be charged $3 for every additional 30 minutes, which can add up to a whopping $48 per day if you overstay your welcome.
And if you rack up $50 or more in unpaid parking fees, your car could be towed.
Some Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in Keeaumoku, Honolulu, Hawaii, have introduced a new parking enforcement system from 1 May, allowing only three hours of free parking. Image source: M / Unsplash.
To enforce these rules, Walmart and Sam’s Club have hired Secure Parking Hawaii, which uses video cameras to monitor license plates as cars enter and exit the parking structure.
Payment kiosks will be installed on-site, making it easy to pay your fee—if you remember.
Why the Change?
If you’ve ever circled a crowded parking lot, you know how frustrating it can be to find a spot.
According to Walmart, the new policy is designed to make parking easier for actual customers.
Also read: This Grandma was slapped with $340 in parking tickets, but what happened to her car next will shock you!
In busy urban areas, it’s not uncommon for non-shoppers—like local workers or residents—to use store lots as free, all-day parking. This leaves genuine shoppers out of luck.
As one local put it on social media, “That’s what happens when residents and workers in the area use Walmart parking as a personal parking lot.”
Another added, “Three hours is plenty to shop over there—if you are parking your car and leaving their property, they have no obligation to let you park there for free.”
Shoppers Sound Off: Outrage and Understanding
Not everyone is on board with the new policy. Some shoppers are furious, saying they’ll take their business elsewhere rather than pay for parking.
Others see the logic, especially if it means they won’t have to hunt for a spot. “I will never shop there if I have to pay for parking.”
“Just one more reason why it makes sense to have items delivered to my doorstep.” a shopper remarked.
“I’m not paying for parking and shipping, I’ll go to Pearl City instead.” one said.
But others are more understanding, saying, “It’s private property and the owners can do what they want.”
“If you’re actually shopping, three hours is more than enough.”
Source: KHON2 News / Youtube.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re shopping at the affected Walmart or Sam’s Club locations, here’s what you need to do:
1. Keep an eye on the clock. Three hours is your free window. If you think you’ll need more time, plan accordingly.
2. Pay before you leave. Once payment kiosks are installed, make sure to pay any fees before exiting to avoid fines or towing.
3. Don’t ignore the rules. If you rack up $50 or more in unpaid fees, your car could be towed—a headache nobody wants.
Parking policies are changing, and it pays to stay informed. While the new rules may be frustrating, they’re designed to make shopping easier for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Walmart or Sam’s Club—especially in Honolulu—be sure to check the parking rules before you go.
Read next: This lawyer exposed a shocking fine print error! Learn the loophole that could save you hundreds on parking tickets
Have you been hit with a surprise parking fee? Do you think these new rules are fair, or will they drive you to shop elsewhere? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
