Island in Hawaii, United States
Getting around Kauai
How to get around Kauai
A rental car is essential; book early because supply is tight. The Kauai Bus covers main routes but is slow and infrequent.
Ways to get around Kauai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | 60–120 USD per day | Needed for beaches and trailheads; book months ahead |
| The Kauai Bus | 2 USD | Limited routes and times; luggage restrictions |
| Bicycle | Rental per day | Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path on the east side |
| Shuttle to Ke'e Beach | Varies | Required for Haena State Park with reservations |
Ride-hailing apps in Kauai
A 5 km ride costs about $15–30 ($15–30).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited availability outside Lihue, Kapaa and Poipu |
| Lyft | Few drivers; book early for the airport |
- Rideshare and taxis are sparse and pricey. Rent a car; some resorts run shuttles.
Arriving in Kauai
Lihue Airport (LIH)
Rental car on arrival; rideshare or taxi to Poipu 35–50 USD, about 25 min; to Princeville 60–90 USD, about 45 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Scooter and e-bike rentals exist in some towns; rain and winding roads make them risky. Helmets are required for riders under 18.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kauai?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around Kauai?
A rental car is essential; book early because supply is tight. The Kauai Bus covers main routes but is slow and infrequent.
How do I get from the airport to Kauai?
Rental car on arrival; rideshare or taxi to Poipu 35–50 USD, about 25 min; to Princeville 60–90 USD, about 45 min.
Is Kauai walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Kauai
Going to Kauai solo?
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Sources
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
- FlixBus
- Lihue Airport (Hawaii Department of Transportation)
- Kauai Visitors Bureau
- Haena State Park reservations
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.