Can you drive all the way around the island of Kauai?
You cannot drive the whole way around the island of Kauai due to the large national park, but there are many scenic coastal drives that take you to all the best spots. Come experience it all and book your trip today!
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Seeing the whole island of Kauai in a day may sound like a lot, but it can indeed be done! Driving around the entire island takes around 2 hours, not including pit stops! If you want to make the most of your drive, the best way is to map out a few points you would like to explore along the route.
While our island is almost circular, (approximately 25 miles wide and 33 miles long) the Napali coastline prohibits construction of roads from the north shore to the west side, so driving times from one end of the island (Ke'e Beach on the northshore) to the west side (Polihale Beach) will take roughly 2 hours 50 ...
Eighty percent of Kauai is inaccessible by car, but that doesn't mean you can't explore further by Helicopter, ATV, horseback or by foot along miles of hiking trails Kauai has to offer. Kauai is an outdoor paradise waiting to be discovered.
Only around 10% of Kauai is accessible by car, and a large proportion is not accessible by foot at all. This means that some of Kauai's most incredible sights must be seen on foot, by boat and from the air!
There are only two main roadways on Kaua?i – Kuhio Highway (Route 56) and Kaumuali?i Highway (Route 50) – and the island is 25 miles long and 33 miles wide. This means getting around the Garden Island isn't very difficult – if you have a car.
One of the things we love about Kauai is its size. The island is big and diverse enough for all kinds of adventures, but small enough to drive in just a day. Driving around the island of Kauai is not only easy, but also offers stunning views of white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush tropical valleys and forests.
Personally, I feel that Kauai deserves your undivided vacation attention, and even a full devoted week in Kauai will still feel too short. For your 7 day Kauai itinerary, you definitely have time to move around and explore different areas for all the best things to do in Kauai.
For a well-rounded experience, spending at least 5-7 days on Kauai is recommended. This allows enough time to explore the island's diverse attractions and participate in various activities while having some downtime for relaxation. If you're short on time, 4-5 days will allow you to see most of the island.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.
This tropical paradise is a dream come true for anyone who loves sun, sand, and endless fun. Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and it's brimming with natural beauty, from its lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs to its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
Another famous location of Kauai, the Tree Tunnel Road is another amazing sight to see. The road is covered with tons of eucalyptus trees surrounding both sides of the road and over the road. Beginning off the side of Highway 520, this drive sets the perfect scene for a drive into Kauai's south shore region.
Taxis and ride share options from the airport are the most direct options for those without a rental car, but they can often be expensive. Don't forget that there are shared airport shuttles on Kaua?i that can get you from the airport to your hotel for a reasonable price.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
You can get around Kauai without a car, as there are bus services on the island and taxis are also available. However, public transport isn't particularly frequent and is quite limited in the areas that you can visit, so if you're looking for total freedom when getting around Kauai then a rental car is recommended.
While there may not be a “bad” time to visit Kauai, the late fall and winter months can be considered the island's low season. From October to December, Kauai experiences slightly higher rainfall, which can lead to more overcast days. However, don't be quick to dismiss this time of year.
If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.
High demand and limited infrastructure. There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of living in Kauai, making it an expensive place to live and visit. One of the main reasons is the combination of high demand and limited infrastructure.
Kauai's West ShoreThe West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel.
The West Side of the island, the leeward coast of Kauai, is drier and the mountains in the center of the island block the rest of Kauai from the rain. This is one of the least visited parts of the island, excluding the sights along Highway 550 (like Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park).
Hawai?i's State Park campgrounds are not set up for camping in vehicles, including campers, vans and trailers. Sleeping in vehicles in our campground parking lots is therefore not allowed. The single exception to this rule is at Wai?anapanapa State Park on Maui, which has a small area designated for camper vans.
Kauai is known for being laid-back in nature, and that characteristic certainly extends to the road. The maximum speed limit on the island is 50 miles per hour, and you may notice that many drivers are purposefully non-aggressive.
If you're looking for a solo adventure of your own, Kauai is my #1 pick on the planet. It's hospitable, safe, and full of beauty. Below, you'll find my solo traveler's guide to the island — but I'll readily admit that I've only scratched the surface of what there is to see and do.