Cheap Car Rental in Lihue

Car Rental in Lihue: The Heart of the Garden Island

There couldn’t be a more fitting name for Kauai than “the garden island”. Filled with verdant valleys, majestic mountains and the melodious sound of rushing water from its numerous springs and rivers, Hawaii’s fourth largest island is no less than an emerald paradise. Just beyond the cascading Wailua Falls lies Lihue, Kauai’s commercial center and the living, breathing hub of the island, home to an eclectic mixture of natural wonders speckled with a hefty dose of vibrant culture and history. Renting a car is the best way of getting around in Lihue. This will enable you to travel from laid-back beach to thriving shipping center in the same day.

When to Visit

If it’s heat you’re after, Lihue definitely takes the ticket. The town enjoys a year-round balmy climate, with temperatures ranging between 69F and 80.6F, so you can make the most of Lihue’s sun kissed beaches whenever you visit. Rainfall is rife due to the island’s tropical location, with the wettest months being December and January, so it’s best to book your auto-rental outside these months if you don’t like too much rain. Consider visiting in late June and July if you want to get the best value from your car rental; the longer days mean that you’ll get to see a lot more sights during daylight hours. Summer is also Hawaii’s low season, as it is in the winter months that the whole state sees an influx of mainland US tourists. It’s advisable to book your vehicle well in advance if you’re visiting during the winter time.

Getting Around – Top Tips & Prices

Public transportation in Lihue is minimal to say the least. Taxis operating out of Lihue Airport are fairly expensive, while the Lihue bus only operates from Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 3.40 pm. This is why hiring a car is your best option; it works out way cheaper than a taxi and offers you the flexibility of exploring Lihue without constraints. You may even choose to venture further afield and drive around the whole island; Kuhio Highway, also known as Highway 56, originates in Lihue and leads all the way past Hanalei and into Kee Beach. You can then take the Kaumualii Highway (Highway 50) through Kekaha, which lies on the west side of the island, and drive in a leisurely fashion back to Lihue. Driving is a breeze, with laid-back motorists and a fairly low speed limit on the highway (40 mph). Drive slowly, yield to oncoming traffic and have your camera at the ready; the scenery is spectacular!

Practically every major rental car company – with Avis, Thrifty and Enterprise, among others, having stalls at Lihue Airport – is represented in Kauai and Lihue, so you’ll have no problem finding a good deal if you shop around. Prices vary considerably between the high and low seasons, and you can expect to pay anything between $40 and $50 per day, depending on the length of hire, car type and pick-up/drop-off location. It is therefore recommended to time your vacation to coincide with Lihue festivals and events, as many companies offer great discounts and packages during these times. Check out our list below for typical car rental prices:

• Hyundai Accent (economy class) - $41 per day
• Nissan Versa (compact class) - $42 per day
• Hyundai Elantra (intermediate class) - $46 per day
• Hyundai Sonata (standard class) - $47 per day
• Chrysler 200 (fullsize class) - $49 per day

Lihue Must-Sees

There are a lot of places to punch into your sat-nav in Lihue, whether you’re a nature-lover or a culture-vulture. Head north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road to Hanamaulu for a glimpse of the breathtaking Wailua Falls, an 80-foot-high torrent of cascading water located at the south end of Wailua River. Or visit Kalapaki Beach for a day of snorkeling, sunbathing and exciting watersports, such as surfing and kayaking. While you’re at it, book a kayak tour to check out the legendary Alekeko fishpond, which lies only minutes away from Lihue. This ingenious example of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture has been on the National Register for Historic Places for over forty years! If kayaking’s not for you, though, you can drive up to Hulemalu Road for a fantastic photo-opportunity. Lihue also houses the historic Kauai Museum, the historic plantation estate of Kilohana and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum.

Additional Information

1. Spoken languages in Lihue are English and Hawaiian.
2. You must be over 20 years of age to rent a car on Lihue. Drivers aged 20-24 may be subject to a Young Driver Surcharge. Please note that some car types may not be available for rent to this age group.
3. Hawaii is part of the US so you may use your US driving license for renting your automobile. Most rental car companies will require a safe driving record. Tourists arriving from outside the US must present an international drivers’ license.