Getting to Kauai
Getting to the Garden Isle can be done by plane, with non-stop flights daily from the mainland. This is perhaps the fastest way to arrive at Kauai, but those who are looking for a more leisurely route can take a cruise via Vancouver or Ensenada. Most cruise lines take about five (5) days to cross the ocean, after which, visitors can spend another five (5) to six (6) days circling the island before landing. This is good option for people who have a lot of time to spare during their vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line is just one example of a cruise line that provides trips in-between the islands of Hawaii, which start and end in Honolulu.
Going by air is the only option for those who want to get to Kauai quickly. United Airlines offers non-stop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to the island, while American Airlines offers non-stop flights from Los Angeles. Alaska Airlines leaves from Seattle and US Airways from Phoenix. Meanwhile, Sun Trips offers trips from Oakland International Airport once a week. All these flights land on the Honolulu International Airport. Getting from Honolulu to Kauai takes 25 minutes on Go, Hawaiian, or Island Air. Planes land on any of the three airports in the island, namely Li Hu’e Airport situated on the west coast, Port Allen Airport on the south coast, and Princeville Airport on the northern coast.
Before planning a trip to the island, visitors are often advised to bring ample sun protection, summer clothing, protective eyewear, hats, wet wallets, and evening wear. Insect repellent and swimwear are also a must. You can bring light luggage as most of your needs may also be found on the island. However, some items, such as sunglasses, may fetch a higher price than what they would normally be worth in the mainland.
First glimpse of the island
The spectacular view of the island is another reason visitors opt to travel by air rather than take the cruise. You are treated to a majestic view from above when your first approach the island, getting a glimpse of Hauupu Ridge and Nawiliwili Bay. The Kilohana Crater is also another interesting sight that you will get to see on air before your plane lands. If you want to see the best view, you should request a seat on the left side of the plane; more often than not, planes will be landing on the north because of the trade winds.
Getting around the island
Buses and cars are the traditional means of getting around the island, although visitors can choose the scenic route and rent bicycles or scooters to discover Kauai at their own pace. The bus line offers limited tours from Monday to Saturday, spanning ten routes to cover half of the island. Cars are also available; you can ride by car to travel Highways 50 and 56, which cover two-thirds (2/3) of the island’s area. Highways 550 and 560 provide access to cars to the inner portions of the island.
Rental cars are the best options because they are way cheaper than rental car services on the mainland. This will also allow you to experience the island at your own pace without the restrictions of guided tour buses or shuttles. Gas stations dot the island, but most locals and tourists prefer the Shell Station in Kapaa and the Hanamaulu Shell Station because these are known to offer better prices for oil. Car rental stations often charge the highest prices on gas. Tourists moving around the island should also be careful when driving on unpaved and dirt roads, as most damage waivers offered by some rental car companies do not cover collision and other damages that occur on dirt roads.
Hotel shuttles also ply routes from the airport to hotels. Taxis are available, but they are not the best options for touring the island because they cost way too much money. The island has the Kauai Taxi company, which also offers bus and limousine services.
Renting a bike or a motorcycle is the most efficient way of getting around the island. Bike rentals are cheap and can be found everywhere. Scooters and mopeds are a common sight on the island, simply because locals of this island also use this form of transportation. Biking groups is a fun way to travel the island. Some agencies organize biking tours that feature stops in different attractions, popular resorts, or restaurants for meals. However, guests are required to have had experience in biking or driving a motorcycle before they can rent a bike, a scooter, or a moped. Drivers are also required to be 18 and above. In most cases, insurance is also required.
The road map of Kauai
Navigating the few roads of the island is easy. The two major highways start at Lihu’e. From its airport, a right turn will lead to the Kapule Highway. This highway then fuses with the Kuhio Highway, about one mile down the road. Motorists on this road will be led to the North Shore’s famous Coconut Coast and onward to Kee Beach, and from there, to the Napali Coast. Meanwhile, a left turn from the Lihue airport will take you to the south and southwest parts of this island. The Kaumualii Highway will stop at a dead end at the other side of the Na Pali Coast. There is also the Waimea Canyon Road, which is the road to take when going up to Waimea Canyon and further up to the Kokee State Park.
Travel tips
The people of Kauai know how to act on the road, despite the fact that the island only has a few traffic lights because of its size and limited roads. Locals follow the "aloha" custom of driving. This means driving slow, yielding to right of way, especially to passengers, and avoiding the annoying habit of tailgating. Visitors who follow these basics in road etiquette will find a pleasant driving experience on the island. When driving in Kauai, it is more important to enjoy the spectacular scenery right out of your window rather than hurry from one destination to the next. It is also an island mandate that all drivers wear seat belts and infants be strapped to car seats. A $50 fine awaits those who don’t follow this policy.
However, the island does have its share of traffic problems. Visitors are cautioned not to stay on the road in between 7am to 9 am and 4pm to 6 pm, which are the rush hour to work for most of the locals. The usual 15-minute ride through the main roads on the way to most popular island destinations will take about an hour or so during rush hour traffic. This is because the road that connects to the island is quite limited. You have the option of making your way earlier or waiting until the rush hour is over before hitting the road. Or, you can hit the bypass roads, which have been constructed in different locations to ease the congestion of the traffic during rush hour.
In some cases, some of the more secluded destinations, especially those situated in the inner portions of the island, cannot be reached by hiking, bus, or taxi. Aerial trips are there to give visitors a unique perspective of the island, from the spectacular coastlines to the Waimea Canyons, more fondly known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Travel details to Kauai
You can get travel details to Kauai by going online or contacting your local travel agent. Getting tickets from a bulk-reseller is also a good way to save on airfare, although you also have the option of finding cheaper tickets online. Websites such as Cheap Tickets and Hotwire are good places to start.
When to go
The best time to go for a vacation on the island, for those who enjoy the crowds and the bustle of the tourist season, is mid-December through Easter and from mid-June to Labor Day. You can expect crowds and full bookings during these months, so advance bookings for hotel accommodations is a must. One downside to going during the tourist season is that with more hotel reservations, more bookings for cars, vans, and shuttle services come the rise in prices.
The off-season is the best time for those who want to go to the island and experience it undisturbed. This is the best way to get the most out of the island, because aside from lower prices, you also have fewer people to deal with and can expect to have the majority of the island to yourself.
Hiking trails can become slippery in the rainy seasons, and dams are prone to breaking when this happens, although breaking dams are extremely rare. The most amount of rainfall occurs from December to March. The good thing is that most of the rainfall fall on the northern side of the island, which means that going to the other side is usually all it will take to escape the rain.
Armed with these travel tips, touring around the beautiful island of Kauai will be a leisurely experience.