Renting a Car on Kauai: What to Book, and When
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Short answer: yes, rent a car. The Kauai Bus works for locals, but it won’t get you to trailheads, sunset spots or remote beaches, and taxis and rideshares are scarce and pricey outside Lihue.
Renting at Lihue Airport
The big companies all serve Lihue Airport. Follow the rental car signs from baggage claim to the shuttle and counter area; there are several separate rental facilities, so check which one is yours.
Guy’s Rental Car Tips
Book early
Kauai has a limited fleet and it sells out. Book with free cancellation as soon as flights are set, then re-check prices and rebook if they drop.
Be flexible
You may get a different car than you reserved. People extend stays or return cars late, and early flights can land before your car is cleaned and processed.
Expect lines
There are several rental facilities and they’re often short-staffed. If you’re a preferred or loyalty member, use it to skip the counter.
Which Car is Right for You?
Couples
Compact or midsize sedan: easy to park, cheapest on gas.
Families
Minivan or midsize SUV for beach gear and car seats.
Fun factor
Jeep or convertible for sunsets. Passing showers are common, and you can’t lock valuables in a soft top. Most contracts ban off-road driving.
Big Companies vs. Turo
Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental app, like Airbnb for cars: you rent a local owner’s personal car.
Big companies
Pros: airport pickup, loyalty programs, easy swaps if something breaks.
Cons: lines, and the car you get may not be the one you booked.
Turo
Pros: often cheaper, you pick the exact car, and some owners deliver to the airport.
Cons: quality varies by owner, pickup can take coordination, and insurance works differently, so read the protection plan and your own policy carefully.
No Car? Local Options
The Kauai Bus runs between the main towns and is cheap, but it’s slow and limited. Some resorts offer airport shuttles, so ask yours. For Haena State Park, the Go Haena shuttle saves you the parking hunt.
Driving on Kauai
- Two lanes, mostly. There are very few four-lane stretches. Roads are winding and hilly with limited visibility, especially in bad weather. Don’t rush. (Who’d want to rush on Kauai anyway?)
- One-lane bridges on the North Shore: let 5-7 cars cross, then yield to the other side. Wave thanks.
- No honking, and pull over to let faster local traffic pass.
- Traffic: Kuhio Highway through Wailua and Kapaa backs up mornings and late afternoons. Use the Kapaa bypass road.
- Break-ins: never leave valuables in the car at trailheads or beaches, not even in the trunk.
- Post-hurricane: expect repair lane closures. See HDOT lane closures.
Gas
Gas costs noticeably more than on the mainland. Main stations are in:
- Lihue: the most choices. Costco Lihue (4300 Nuhou St.) is usually the cheapest on the island, but it’s members only (Costco hours).
- Kapaa: several stations along Kuhio Highway.
- Poipu / Koloa: a station on Poipu Road in Koloa, plus more in Kalaheo.
- Princeville: the last gas on the North Shore. There’s nothing past Hanalei.
- Waimea: fill up before heading to Kekaha or up to the canyon.
Drive Times
Lihue to Hanalei
45-60 min
Lihue to Poipu
25-30 min
Poipu to Waimea
30-35 min
Poipu to Hanalei
About 90 min
