What is driving like in Kauai?

Remember you are on vacation, and driving on Kauai is unlike driving on the mainland. Our roadways, for the most part, are two lanes with little or no shoulder. Please use caution and be respectful of pedestrians and bicyclists. Kauai is a small island community.



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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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North Shore Mobility Study Kauai's narrow roads, unique terrain, and limited parking contribute to many issues when it comes to navigating the north shore smoothly and safely.

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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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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.

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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.

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Do I need a 4wd vehicle anywhere on Kauai? No - any rental car type will get you where you need to go, as long as you stay on the paved roads. There are some road restrictions on Kauai where rental cars are not allowed, and you would need to check at the counter when you pick up your vehicle.

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Kauai's West Shore The 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.

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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.

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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 ...

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Do I need a 4wd vehicle anywhere on Kauai? No - any rental car type will get you where you need to go, as long as you stay on the paved roads. There are some road restrictions on Kauai where rental cars are not allowed, and you would need to check at the counter when you pick up your vehicle.

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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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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 so many places to go, you will want to have the freedom of spending as much time exploring as you like. A trip from the north to the south of Kauai spans 119 miles, which should entail about 4 hours of driving.

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Oahu is the only island with a comprehensive bus system, simply known as TheBusOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

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The island is circular in shape, with one main road connecting the North Shore and West Side of the island. You cannot drive completely around the island, the rugged and beautiful Na Pali Coast makes that impossible.

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Maui vs Kauai: Crowds Maui is a larger island (465,000 acres vs 353,000 acres for Kauai), but it still feels more crowded than Kauai. You won't be able to escape the crowds completely on either island — they are both popular vacation destinations — but Kauai is the less crowded option.

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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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Kauai is also famous for its stunning natural attractions, from the majestic Waimea Canyon to the awe-inspiring Napali Coast. And let's not forget about the island's rich culture and history, delicious food, and the warm Aloha spirit of its people.

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