(877) 465-2824 [email protected]

How To Have An Enjoyable Kauai Vacation Without Renting A Car

When planning a trip to Kauai, you will find many resources and people recommend you rent a car. While having your own car is extremely helpful, it is not necessarily something you need to do. If you are trying to vacation to Kauai on a budget, here are our 3 best Kauai vacation tips on how to get around the island without renting a car.

#1. Choose Your Kauai Vacation Rental Wisely

The first thing you should consider when you’re planning to visit the island without renting a car is where you’re going to stay. By staying at a centrally located Kauai vacation rental, you’ll be a short walking distance to several local businesses and grocery stores (some of them open 24 hours a day), not to mention several Kauai activities and beaches.

Featured Kauai vacation rental: Waipouli Beach Resort A106


Featured Kauai vacation rental: Waipouli Beach Resort A106


By thoughtfully choosing where to stay while vacationing on Kauai, it is possible to visit the island without having to rent a car. You’ll be vacationing on Kauai, so there’s not really a bad place to stay, but there are some places that offer more amenities and conveniences than others, so make sure you choose your Kauai vacation rental wisely.

#2. Consider Renting A Bike

Kauai only has one main highway that almost completely circles the island, but doesn’t due to the 20+/- miles of Na Pali Coastline. Some Kauai beaches and destination spots can’t be accessed by car, but you can get there on foot – and often with a bike.


The bike path in Kapaa

With several Kauai bike rental companies offering an assortment of bicycles for both adults and children on a daily or weekly basis, why not opt for renting a bike? A bike is a great way to get around town when there is a lot of traffic and is also an inexpensive way to explore Kauai and its beaches.

#3. Catch A Ride On The Kauai Bus

If riding a bike doesn’t sound appealing to you, or you want to travel a little farther than you’re willing to venture on foot or on a bike, you can always catch a ride on The Kauai Bus. Yes, Kauai has a transportation system, and it conveniently is in service 7 days a week.

The Kauai Bus picks up and drops off visitors and residents to most parts of the island (from Kekaha to Hanalei), is handicap accessible, and has bike racks. The cost for riding The Kauai Bus is $2.00/trip for the general public (with senior and child rates available, too).

Please Note: The Kauai Bus schedule is modified during holidays, including Hawaiian holidays.

Visiting Kauai On A Budget

The above Kauai vacation tips hopefully provide you with helpful alternatives to renting a car. Other ways you could save money on a Kauai vacation include:

  • Shopping at Local Farmer’s Markets
  • Enjoying Free Kauai Activities vs. Chartered or Guided Activities