Do I need to rent a car in Kauai?


Do I need to rent 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.


Which island is better Maui or Kauai?

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.


How do people get around without a car in Kauai?

The Kaua?i Bus provides transportation options to get to and around Kapa?a. Skip the Kapa?a Crawl traffic by walking through town or renting a bike and riding along the Kaua?i Path (Ke Ala Hele Makalae). Click here for more information on other transportation options.


Can foreigners drive in Hawaii?

What is the requirement to drive in Hawaii using my valid foreign license? Countries that ratified the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), may use their foreign national driver's license along with their valid passport to legally drive in Hawaii.


Is a week in Kauai too much?

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.


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.


Which Hawaiian island do you not need a car?

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


What percentage of Kauai is inaccessible 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.


Which Hawaiian island is best without a car?

Should I rent a car on Oahu? Restaurants, shops, beaches, activities and several major attractions (including the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and the U.S. Army Museum) are within walking distance of most hotels in Waikiki, so if you're not going anywhere else, you won't need a car.


Is car rental necessary in Hawaii?

Unless you want to just relax at your hotel, the answer is yes. Driving is the best way to get around and will provide you with the most flexibility. Hawaii Island is known as “The Big Island” for good reason — spanning 10,931 square miles, it has a lot of ground to cover.


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.


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.


Is there a hop on hop off bus in Kauai?

Embark on a captivating journey through Kauai's rich history with our 20-mile scenic Hop on hop off Kauai Tour. Experience the birthplace and cherished playground of the esteemed kings, immersing yourself in the local heritage that has shaped this remarkable destination.


Is Hawaii doable without a car?

Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island to visit without a rental car. Traveling around the island is cost-effective with a mix of Ubers or taxis, guided tours, and staying in Waikiki.


What is the best month to visit 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!


Is it hard to get around Hawaii without a car?

While other islands, like Kauai, would be almost impossible to navigate without a car, Oahu is well connected by public transportation and ride share. Plus, most of Honolulu's main sites are close together. There are lots of alternatives to renting a car in Oahu in order to see and do a lot on the island.


What is the busiest month to visit Kauai?

The holidays, especially Christmas, are the busiest time of year and prices will reflect the increased demand. During the spring and fall, visitation is typically down (meaning fewer crowds) and prices will reflect the decreased demand for accommodations.


Is Kauai the prettiest island?

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.


Is it worth a drive around Kauai?

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.


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.


Why are there no rental cars in Kauai?

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.


Is there a bad time to visit Kauai?

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.


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.