Getting Around

Ground transportation on Kauai includes rental cars, hotel shuttles, and taxis. Several companies provide guided tours aboard motor-coaches, mini-buses, vans, four-wheel drive vehicles, and limousines. Every major rental car company is represented and with the number of them, it keeps prices competitive.

Kauai also has limited bus service, but most travelers rent a car to enable them to see all the sights on their schedule. Kauai is a circular island and one major highway nearly circles it, beginning in Lihue and going north, Kuhio Highway (Hwy. 56) goes to Kee Beach past Hanalei. Going west, Kaumualii Highway (Hwy. 50) travels past Kekaha nearly to Polihale State Park.

All passengers in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt and all infants must be strapped into car seats. Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they're not in the crosswalk.

Kauai has only the number of traffic lights necessary and to maintain this, everyone follows "aloha" traffic customs. Just remember to drive slow, yield to others, and no tailgating. Make the most of your time on the island by immersing in the local style of driving when on one-lane bridges. Yield to oncoming traffic when you arrive at a one-lane bridge. If you are the oncoming traffic and there is a line waiting on the other side, stop and let your neighbors cross. It's much more laid-back than driving on the mainland, so enjoy the scenery and drive safely.