Getting around by car on Kauai is the most convenient and flexible way to explore the island, but there are a few important things to know so you’re prepared:
What to Expect When Driving on Kauai
Pros
Freedom to explore: You can easily access all regions — North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville), East Side (Kapaa), South Shore (Poipu), West Side (Waimea Canyon).
Scenic drives: Lush valleys, ocean views, and dramatic coastlines (especially Kuhio Highway and Waimea Canyon Drive).
No freeways: Just two-lane highways and country roads — easy to navigate.
Things to Know
1. Limited Roads
No road circles the entire island. The road ends on both the North Shore (Ke’e Beach) and the West Side (Polihale).
The main highway (HI-56/HI-50) loops in a U-shape.
2. Traffic Can Be a Thing
Kapaa and Lihue experience bottlenecks, especially during:
Morning commute: 7–9 AM
Late afternoon: 3–6 PM
Plan accordingly, especially if heading to the airport.
3. Speed Limits Are Low
25–50 mph in most areas.
Locals drive relaxed. Speeding or aggressive driving stands out (and not in a good way).
4. Parking Can Be Limited
Hanalei, Ke’e Beach, and Queen’s Bath have limited or paid parking — go early.
Some trailheads and beach parks require reservations or permits (like Haena State Park).
5. Rental Cars Are Plentiful but Can Be Pricey
Book early — especially during holidays.
Consider Turo for more affordable or unique options.
4WD is not necessary unless you’re going to Polihale State Park (a rough dirt road).
6. Gas Stations Are Spread Out
Fill up before heading to remote areas like Koke’e or Polihale.
Prices are higher than on the mainland, but similar across the island.
7. Cell Service Can Be Spotty
Especially on the North Shore past Hanalei and in Waimea Canyon/Koke’e State Park.
Download offline maps if venturing far.
Bonus Tips
Don’t leave valuables in your car at trailheads or beach parks.
One-Lane Bridges: Kauai is home to several one-lane bridges, especially on the scenic North Shore. Take turns with oncoming traffic and yield to pedestrians as you cross these bridges.
Be courteous: locals appreciate it when visitors pull over to let faster drivers pass on narrow roads.
Watch out for wild chickens, especially in parking lots!
- From Lihue To:
- Kapaa 11 miles 20 min
- Princeville 28 miles 45 min
- Hanalei 32 miles 50 min
- Poipu 13 miles 25 min
- Port Allen 20 miles 35 min
- Waimea 25 miles 52 min
- Kokee State Park 40 miles 1 hr 30 min
- From Princeville To:
- Kapaa 22 miles 35 min
- Lihue 30 miles 51 min
- Poipu 43 miles 1 hr 14 min
- Port Allen 46 miles 1 hr 20 min
- Waimea 52 miles 1 hr 45 min
- Kokee State Park 69 miles 2 hr 10 min
- Haena 12 miles 30 min
- From Poipu To:
- Lihue 13 miles 25 min
- Kapaa 23 miles 45 min
- Princevillle 43 miles 1 hr 14 min
- Hanalei 45 miles 1 hr 20 min
- Port Allen 12 miles 23 min
- Waimea 19 miles 35 min
- Kokee State Park 36 miles 1 hr 20 min
- From Kapaa To:
- Princeville 22 miles 35 min
- Hanalei 26 miles 1 hr
- Lihue 11 miles 20 min
- Poipu 23 miles 45 min
- Port Allen 27 miles 50 min
- Waimea 34 miles 1 hr
- Kokee State Park 50 miles 1hr 45
- Hwy 50 Kaumuali`i Hwy
- Hwy 51 Kapule Hwy
- Hwy 56 Kuhio Hwy
- Hwy 58 Nawiliwili Road
- Hwy 529 Maluhia Road ( Tunnel Of Trees)
- Hwy 530 Koloa Road
- Hwy 540 Halewili Rd
- Hwy 550 Waimea Canyon Drive
- Hwy 552 Kokee Road
- Hwy 560 Kuhio Hwy (continuation of Hwy 56)
- Hwy 570 Ahukini Road
- Hwy 580 Kuamo`o
- Hwy 581 Kamalu Road – Olohena Road
- Hwy 583 Ma`alo Road
Tips for the Road
Remember you are on vacation, and driving on Kauai is unlike driving on the mainland. Our roadways, for the most part, are two lanes with little or no shoulder. Please use caution and be respectful of pedestrians and bicyclists. Kauai is a small island community. Locals are a little more relaxed and casual. It is our custom to show aloha, including on the roads. It may be a small gesture of letting others in line ahead of us or slowing down to allow a waiting car onto the roadways. Honking is usually used only to warn of hazards or danger, not to tell someone to hurry up.
- Traffic and Slowdowns Like anywhere, Kauai experiences our share of traffic due to road construction, accidents, weather, and just normal pau hana (after-work) traffic. If you are driving and need to know what is happening on the roads, tune into Kong Radio. Traffic updates and advisories are broadcast on 93.5 FM and AM 570. Kappa traffic can be avoided by using the alternate bypass roads. Show aloha, and please don’t display anger on our roads. Take a deep breath and relax on your vacation. Remember to drive slowly and enjoy Kauai and all the beautiful attractions and views Kauai has to offer.
- One-lane bridges are mostly found on the island’s north shore from Hanalei to Haena. There are several one-lane bridges you will need to cross.
- The local protocol is to proceed across the bridges 5-7 cars simultaneously. Priority is given to vehicles that arrive at the yield first. Stay in the middle of the bridges, and if a train of more than 7 cars is crossing, yield and let the waiting cars through.
- Seat Belt and Booster Laws Hawaii law requires a seat belt for all passengers; children till the age of eight or 80 lbs. must be in a child safety seat or booster.
- Cell Phones While Driving Cell phone usage without a hands-free device is prohibited.
The island is circular, with one main road connecting the North Shore and West Side. You cannot drive completely around the island, the rugged and beautiful Na Pali Coast makes that impossible. Drive through quaint coastal towns and rural upcountry neighborhoods while exploring Kauai. When on vacation, add to the fun by renting a convertible, exotic rental, or 4wd Jeep, or really be adventurous with a Harley Davidson rental and go home with a story. Keep Kauai Green by renting a bike or taking the Kauai Bus. Every bit counts, especially on an island.