Getting around on Kauaʻi

Most visitors to Kauaʻi will want to rent a car. Having done that a number of times, here is what advice I have from experience.

But first, some visitors may be fine without a car:

• if you are going to a resort and not venturing far away
• if you are camping in one spot (so long as you can manage to get there and back)
• if you have a friend on the island available to show you around

Kauaʻi Bus [link] is an option, but you should be aware of some limitations:

• the bus route runs mostly along the highway, from Hanalei (north) to Kekaha (west)
• routes originate out of Lihue, so it takes two buses to get from, say, Kapaʻa to Kalaheo
• there is an airport route that connects in Lihue to the main routes
• wait times can be long: buses run hourly much of the day, on weekends every-other-hour 
• there is no room for luggage: what you carry needs to fit on your own lap (if you show up with a big suitcase you will be refused to ride)
• check latest routes and schedules (link above): unfortunately, they do not support Google Transit

The major rental car agencies have offices at the Lihue airport with shuttles to take you to the nearby offices where the cars are. I have always had good luck getting a ride right away - it is not far to go at all. Rates can vary significantly so it pays to shop around. In terms of service I have found all of them to be about the same. They all seem to be understaffed and waiting several minutes in line seems to be par, sometimes longer.

What I do is reserve a low-end model car online in advance and then ask about upgrades when I show up at the counter. I have heard of shortages (2009) and it is not hard to imagine that on an island there is a limited supply so I suggest reserving ahead (though I imagine that is hardly a perfect guarantee of availability).

Every time the agent has been happy to look for a "great" deal for me and usually they find one. Renting for a longer time seems to help. One precaution: be sure you understand the total cost of the upgrade which they like to quote as the difference on top of your "base rate" and there are a lot of taxes and fees and surcharges on top of everything: check the estimated total before signing off.

If you are adventurous and want to save some money, there are low-cost local rentals such as Island Cars. I had good luck renting a pickup (authentic island local look, including the rust) from them but the selection of cars and condition is not the same: older cars, plenty of dents, "check engine" light on, you get the idea.

Resources:

• Hawaii driver's handbook
• Local gas locations and prices (if you are a member, Costco in Lihue is lowest price).
• Tip: on Thursdays the Hanama'ulu Shell takes 5 cents off, and they (every day) pump the gas for you.

Finally, please drive with "aloha spirit" here, seriously. People do drive a little differently here and it makes a difference. Take it easy, watch what the drivers do, and maybe have a more pleasant trip.