How to Get to East Kauai
You can only arrive at Kauai by air. At 550 square miles, Kauai, the oldest northernmost Hawaiian island, offers its visitors ideal vacation adventures. The Coconut Coast, how the eastern side of Kauai is called, is lined up with coconut palm trees and is one of the most populated commercialized region. There are just so many fun and exciting things to do in the island. So don’t fail to stop by the Coconut Coast to see what breathtaking sites await you and your loved ones.
Going to the east of Kauai
Arrival of Kauai visitors is via this laidback island’s major airport at Lihue, a small terminal served with inter-island flights by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United Airlines, and US Airways, These carriers offer non-stop service from the U.S. West Coast.
Lihue is known to be the business center of Kauai, where most tourist and business activities take place. For a piece of travel tip, always prepare for your air tour to Kauai and flying into Lihue. For the best possible view, select a window seat on the left side of the aircraft. More often than not, landing will take place at the northern side because of trade winds. From this angle, it is impossible for you not to see you the dramatic cliff view every visitor would marvel at during air tours. There is also the deep water port at Nawiliwili for cruise ships. From and to Honolulu, Norwegian Cruise Lines has cruises that take you between the islands.
Modes of transportation
You may avail of air tours in East Kauai to give you the opportunity to see many of the landforms created after the collapse and reconstruction of the island, since the island has experienced catastrophic failures in the past. On the other hand, ground transportation on East Kauai includes rental cars, hotel shuttles, taxis, and mopeds. You also wont't have too much trouble looking for guided tours aboard motor-coaches, four-wheel drive vehicles, mini-buses, vans, and limousines.
Kauai also has limited bus service, but rental car is still the best way to really see the island and the only way to get to some remote and scenic spots. It's good to know that many rental car companies have branches and offices near the Lihue Airport. Car rentals allow for travelers’ convenience and flexibility to roam around. All passengers in a vehicle are required to wear a seatbelt and all infants must be strapped into car seats.
Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they're not in the crosswalk. There are only a few traffic lights necessary to maintain the smooth flow of traffic. This is because everyone follows what they call the "Aloha" traffic customs, that is, driving slow, giving in to others, and avoiding tailgating. Experience the local style of driving when on one-lane bridges. Give way to oncoming traffic when in a one-lane bridge. If you are the oncoming traffic and there is a line waiting on the other side, stop and let the other vehicles cross.
Another option for transportation is the use of bicycles. Plans of developing a major bike path for the east side of the island are underway, as of early 2005. Though there are visible bike paths, most connections between towns are found through the major highways. Eventually, the ins and outs of East Kauai can easily be accessed through exclusive bikeways.
Kauai has two main highways on Kauai, and they both start at Lihue. Through Kaumualii Highway, you can head to the west and go to the towns of Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Waimea, and Kekaha before the Na Pali Coast. Meanwhile, Kuhio Highway is the best route when heading north from Lihue. From this highway, you can go to Kapa`a, Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei and reach Na Pali's other side. Either way, you are going to get to East Kauai.