Is it a good idea to rent a car in Kauai Hawaii?
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Kauai Hawaii? 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.
Do you need a car in Kauai?
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.
What happened to rental cars on Kauai?
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel to the state of Hawaii, there was no longer a demand for rental cars. As a result, car rental companies moved a large portion of their fleet off to the mainland and also sold some of their vehicles. It is estimated that Kauai only has 60% of their pre-COVID rental fleet.
How to get the best rental car rates in Hawaii?
1: Go local for the best price (no prepayment, no cancellation fees) The best way to find a good deal often is to check with the bigger local booking sites as they pre-negotiate discounts for their customers with all major rental car companies that serve Hawai?i (Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, etc.).
Is it difficult to drive in Kauai?
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.
Can I get around Kauai without a rental car?
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.
Why is car hire so expensive in Hawaii?
The coronavirus pandemic halted tourism in the islands in 2020, and that hit the rental car industry. Once tourism reopened, the demand for rental cars skyrocketed – and so did the cost. People wanting to rent a car in Hawaii saw prices go from about $30 a day to more than $700 in some cases.
Why is car rental in Hawaii so expensive?
Low Supply of Vehicles Due to Sell-Off Hawai?i's remote location makes the problem even more challenging here. This sell-off is one reason why rental cars from Hertz, Enterprise, and other big companies are so expensive in Hawai?i and throughout the US right now.
Should you rent a car or take tours in Hawaii?
Tours pick you up from your hotel to bring you around the island. We recommend that you do two or three tours during a week-long stay, but a daily tour will make your vacation prohibitively expensive. A rental car will save you money as you drive yourself to Hawaii's abundantly free attractions.
What percentage of Kauai is not accessible by car?
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.
Why are rental cars so expensive in Kauai right now?
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.
What is the best month to go to Kauai?
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!
Should I rent car in lihue?
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.
Why is it so hard to rent a car in Kauai?
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel to the state of Hawaii, there was no longer a demand for rental cars. As a result, car rental companies moved a large portion of their fleet off to the mainland and also sold some of their vehicles. It is estimated that Kauai only has 60% of their pre-COVID rental fleet.
How many days is enough 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.
How do you avoid expensive car rentals?
Renting a car can be expensive, but there are various ways to save money on your next rental. You can significantly reduce your expenses by using corporate, AAA, or university codes, renting during off-peak times and avoiding additional fees for gas and tolls.