Car rental in
Kauai, HI
Our top branches in Kauai, HI
Our services at Kauai, HI
SIXT Car Rental in Kauai
Pick up your SIXT car rental in Kauai at the convenient Lihue Airport (LIH) branch for your trip to Hawaii’s Garden Isle. Our large fleet is composed of vehicles from top manufacturers, so you’re sure to get what you need. Flexible booking options are available via the SIXT app to streamline your rental experience. When you rent a car in Kauai, you can discover the island’s world-famous coastlines, lush valleys, and quaint small towns on your own schedule. A car rental in Kauai is perfect for exploring beaches, state parks, and beautiful sights throughout the island.
Reserve your SIXT car rental in Kauai now and enjoy freedom of movement on the island, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or both.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in Kauai
- SUVs: Ideal for navigating Kauai's winding, hilly roads and accessing the island’s state parks and scenic lookouts.
- Convertibles: Great for soaking up the tropical weather and for views during panoramic coastal drives, especially along the Kuhio and Kaumualii Highways.
- Minivans: Perfect for families or groups needing extra space and comfort when heading to Poipu Beach or Waimea Canyon together.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Kauai?
The price of a car rental in Kauai will depend on a few different factors:
- Vehicle type: Choose from compact cars, practical SUVs, or premium and luxury vehicles, which each have different daily rates.
- Rental duration: Weekly and monthly rentals often provide better value for money than short-term bookings.
SIXT Pro Tip: To find the best rates for your rental, book your car early and compare travel dates.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
Make your car rental your own with bookable extras and comprehensive protection:
- Book extras like GPS, child safety seats, or additional drivers to make your life easier.
- Feel more safe with your rental car and choose from our protection options.
Driving Tips for Kauai
Driving in Kauai is straightforward, but take note of weather events and unique road layouts that are specific to the island.
Traffic Rules in Kauai
- Cell phone use is not permitted while driving unless you use a hands-free device.
- Yield at one-lane bridges, especially on the North Shore, where local custom is to allow 5-7 vehicles from one side to cross at a time before swapping sides.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Stay alert for cyclists, wild chickens, and pedestrians, particularly around popular beaches and parks.
- Rainy conditions can make the pavement slick quickly, and flash floods may cause temporary closures, especially during winter and spring.
Parking in Kauai
Parking in Kauai is typically straightforward, with official lots at main attractions and beaches, but availability can be limited during peak hours.
- Kalapaki Beach Access Parking: Ideal for accessing Kukii Point and Kalapaki Beach.
- Hanalei Center Parking: Best for shopping in Hanalei town and visiting Hanalei Beach.
Fueling Instructions
Kauai offers plenty of fueling options, including Shell, Chevron, 76, and other local brands. Gas stations are common in major towns, but plan ahead if you’re heading to remote areas like Waimea Canyon.
- Local labels include Regular, Plus, Premium (gasoline); Diesel.
- Most stations are self-service. Credit and debit card payment is widely accepted, but some locations may offer discounts for cash payment.
SIXT Pro Tip: Save time when you return your vehicle by letting us take care of refueling and charging with our refueling service.
Tolls
No tolls apply for local roads or highways anywhere on Kauai or in the rest of Hawaii.
Top Places to Visit by Car in Kauai
A SIXT car rental in Kauai allows you to explore the island and all its gorgeous scenery on your own terms.
Waimea Canyon State Park: The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
- Distance from central Lihue: 29.6 miles (47.6 km)
- Estimated driving time: 48 minutes
Waimea Canyon captivates with dramatic red-rock gorges, sweeping overlooks, and lush valleys. The canyon stretches 14 miles long and drops more than 3,600 feet, making it one of Hawaii’s most stunning natural landmarks.
Poipu Beach Park: The South Shore’s Family-Friendly Favorite
- Distance from Lihue Airport: 16 miles (25 km)
- Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
Poipu Beach is prized for its gentle waves, lifeguard presence, and great snorkeling, attracting families and sunseekers. The beach was once named America’s Best Beach, and you may spot sea turtles or monk seals basking on the sand.
Hanalei Bay and Town: For Iconic North Shore Views
- Distance from Lihue Airport: 31 miles (50 km)
- Estimated driving time: 60 minutes
Hanalei Bay offers an iconic crescent beach backed by waterfalls and lush mountains, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.
Opaekaa Falls & Wailua River Lookout: For An Easy-Access Waterfall
- Distance from Lihue Airport: 6 miles (10 km)
- Estimated driving time: 15 minutes
Opaekaa Falls is one of Kauai’s most accessible major waterfalls, offering a stunning year-round cascade. The nearby Wailua River Lookout also provides excellent views and a glimpse of ancient Hawaiian temples.
A car rental in Kauai gives you the flexibility to enjoy the island on your own schedule.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Kauai, HI. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Kauai, HI
You will need to be at least 21 to rent with SIXT on Kauai. Some specialty and larger car categories require drivers to be 25.
All drivers need a valid driver’s license. International renters also need their passports and an international driving permit if the license uses a non-Roman alphabet like Japanese.
Select the flexibility option when booking where you pay on arrival and cancel your rental free of charge if you need to.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
