Why are there no cars to rent in Kauai?

Why are there no cars to rent 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 do you get around Hawaii without a rental car?

For most islands you can also get around by shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.

Why are there abandoned cars all over Hawaii?

1) People are constantly moving on and off the island. Some of the people abandoning their cars are leaving the island on short notice and are unable to sell it or unwilling to pay the disposal fee at the dump. 2) Hawaii vehicle taxes are absurdly high at $200-$500 per year based on weight.

Are there any cars to rent in Kauai?

A rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the best way to get around the island, with most destinations being no more than a couple of hours away. Visit one of our convenient neighborhood car rental locations in Kauai or rent a car at Lihue Airport (LIH).

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.

Is Uber available in Kauai?

Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Kauai Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Kauai. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.

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 it possible to get around Kauai without a car?

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.

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.

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.

Is there still a rental car shortage 2023?

Through 2023 at least, limited vehicle availability will continue. However, most experts report some recovery on the horizon. There were finally early signs of increased allocation to rental fleet channels in fall 2022. Operators still need to be clever in how they source cars as we inch toward supply recovery, though.

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.

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 available in Hawaii?

The root of the problem is two-fold. When the pandemic hit and Hawaii imposed the nation's strictest travel rules, car rental companies like Hertz and Budget started to sell off portions of their fleet and ship some of their inventory to the U.S. mainland, where they could still make money.

How long does it take to drive around the island of Kauai?

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.

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.

Why is there such a shortage of rental cars?

That is because the shortage of semiconductor chips that has held up auto manufacturing persists, leaving rental car companies to operate with lower inventory after they sold off chunks of their fleets in the early days of the pandemic. Building that stock back up has been more difficult than expected.