Car Rental Lihue

If you’re arriving in Lihue by plane, you’ll find the airport is just a few minutes from the main town via Ahukini Road. From Lihue, it’s easy to reach many of the other destinations on the island – Kauai is only around 40km long and just over 50km wide, so car rental in Lihue is the perfect way to explore it all.

Lihue enjoys excellent road connections to other destinations on the east coast, including the largest town on the island, Kapaa, located 16km along the coast via Hawaiian Route 56 (HI-56). This route covers much of the east coast and will also lead you to Kalihiwai, Princeville and Hanalei.

In the other direction, it’s easy to travel south from Lihue to reach Puhi, Lawai and Kalāheo along the HI-50. This route then continues to the west of the island, passing through Kaumakani, Waimea and Kekaha. To reach Waimea Canyon State Park from Lihue, you can follow HI-50 and join the HI-550 leading inland.

As you might expect, driving on Kauai is a little different to the mainland. There are no Interstates and you’ll mostly use two-lane highways to get around. Although traffic can get busy during peak times in towns such as Kapaa, driving on the island is generally a relaxed experience. In the busiest times, make sure to plan your routes and leave plenty of time for travel.

Despite its remoteness, Kauai does share some driving rules with other parts of the US, and you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road here. Speed limits are generally lower than across the rest of the US, sitting at 55mph (88km/h) on highways, while on most roads the top limit varies between 25mph (40km/h) and 45mph (72km/h).

Lihue is the perfect place to begin your visit to Kauai. Home to the island’s main commercial centre, airport and shipping hub, it also boasts its own beautiful beaches and fantastic sports facilities. By renting a car in Lihue, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the town’s charm as well as exploring further afield to take in more attractions on Hawaii’s oldest island.

Beach highlights

Any trip to Hawaii has to include the beach, and there are plenty of options in and around Lihue to indulge in this pastime. Kalapaki Beach, like many others across the island, is perfect for swimming and water sports such as surfing. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, because lessons take place here all year round and are suitable for all abilities.

Just a short walk away you’ll find Ninini Beach, a secluded area with calm waters that are ideal for snorkelling. Or if you want to fit in a round of golf during your stay, head to the nearby Hokuala Golf Resort. Its 18-hole Jack Nicklaus course boasts fantastic ocean views to enjoy while you play, while there’s also  a barefoot mini golf course to keep the kids entertained.

Grand Canyon of the Pacific

From Lihue, it’s not far to the biggest natural attraction on Kauai – the spectacular Waimea Canyon, just over 50km to the west. At around 16km long and 900m wide, it’s not as big as its cousin on the mainland, but it’s still a magnificent sight, boasting an enormous chasm peppered in glorious tropical vegetation.

Roadside parking is available at the lookout points Puu Ka Pele and Puu Hinahina, as well as the Waimea Canyon Overlook. There are hiking trails to suit all abilities winding around the canyon – just make sure you have your camera ready to capture its colourful hues and frequently seen rainbows.

Rugged grandeur

Another must-see for any visitor to Kauai is Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on the north-west coast.  Named after its high cliffs that rise more than 1,000 metres above the Pacific, this park boasts spectacular views of the ocean as well as nearby waterfalls and valleys.

If you’re an experienced hiker, you might want to head for the 17km Kalalau Trail, which takes you across lush tropical valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach. The first stretch of the trail, from Ke’e Beach to Hanakāpīai Beach, provides a shorter alternative. The ascent makes it a tough hike, but you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of the coastline and the coral reef at Ke’e beach.

If you decide to head down from the trail to spend some time on Hanakāpīai Beach, don’t be tempted to get in the water. Like many beaches along this part of the coast, strong rip currents and hazardous conditions mean this beach is not suitable for swimming. However, the protected lagoon at Ke’e Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling in calmer climates. The Nāpali Coast State Park is also a perfect place for some whale watching, with tours departing daily from November through to May.

With Lihue car rental, you’ll have the chance to set your own itinerary and tick off some real bucket list experiences on your trip around Kauai.