Do you really need a car in Kauai?

In short, the answer to whether you need a rental car in Kauai is yes! The areas of population on the island are geographically distant from each other, so unless you're planning on staying in the same place for your entire vacation, you'll need a car to travel from town to town.



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Having a car at your fingertips on Kauai makes all the difference in your island experience. Kaui has one major thoroughfare — the Kuhio Highway — and it takes just under 3 hours to travel from the North Shore's Haena to the West Side's Polihale.

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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.

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These include taxis, limousines, airport shuttles, and limited bus service. Really, though, the only way to see our island is with your own rental car. The island is home to all major rental car companies and several discount ones.

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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.

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With much of the Aloha State easing its travel restrictions, visitor numbers — and rental car prices — are skyrocketing. During the pandemic, rental car companies were forced to sell vehicles and thin out their fleets when a lack of visitors left them with nowhere to park all of the unused cars.

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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.

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Uber and Lyft are good bets. These companies will offer you the best price, and have reasonable availability in the hub towns, like Hanalei, Kapa?a, Lihu?e, and Po?ipu.

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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.

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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!

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It might seem like a short trip, but seven days is the right amount of time on Kauai. A week will get you to the best hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints and restaurants, and all at a pretty relaxed pace. One of the prettiest beach backdrops in the Hawaiian Islands is here at Tunnels Beach.

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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.

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SUVs on Kauai With an SUV, you'll be able to navigate most of the island's roads. Another advantage of an SUV is that they are widely available for rent on the island. Many rental companies offer a range of SUVs at affordable rates, so you can easily find one that suits your needs and budget.

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Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin. Maui: All in all, the scenery on Maui is more accessible than what's found on Kauai.

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Kauai is the winner It 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.

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Bear in mind that June is also the start of the Kauai hurricane season, which lasts until around November. Chances of severe tropical storms aren't particularly high, but it's still worth considering when booking your trip.

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Last year, the Hawaiian islands mandated a bevy of steep travel restrictions to keep residents safe during the pandemic, and as a result the number of visitors to Kauai shrunk dramatically. The rent a car companies had so few customers they were forced to start selling off their fleets just to stay a float.

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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. Need help planning? Kauai.com offers a free concierge service to help plan.

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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).

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With taxi options limited and city buses only covering a small portion of the island, a rental car is the best way to see all parts of the island at your own pace. Many customers opt for a Jeep, convertible or SUV while visiting Kauai.

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