How to Get to West Kauai
Getting to West Kauai is not that difficult, as you have several travel options to choose from. Almost all tourists will be coming from the Lihue Airport, the laid-back island’s major airport which is a small terminal served with inter-island flights by several airlines. As Kauai's major airport, many car rental and shuttle services are available here.
Getting to West Kauai
From the airport, you can ride a taxi, opt for a shuttle service, or a bus ride. For more convenience, you can look for car rental services so that you can roam around West Kauai with more privacy. It's best to actually have car rental services booked in advance way before you land at the Lihue airport. This way, you won't have to worry about your transportation when you reach your destination.
Getting to West Kauai by bus
The west side of Kauai may also be reached by taking the Kauai Bus which offers limited service and schedules from Monday to Saturday, with numerous routes serving most areas of the island of Kauai.
Getting to West Kauai by car
If you decide to travel by car, you may take the highways 50 and 56, which are about two-thirds of Kauai's coastline. Highways 550 and 560 provide limited access to the interior island area.
This beautiful island of Kauai is comprised of two major highways, and the starting point of each begins in the busiest part of this tropical paradise, the town of Lihue where the hustle-bustle of Kauai goes on. And since you are planning to spend your vacation tour in the western side of the island, you must take the first route, which is the State Route 50, also known as the Kaumualii Highway. This path, which heads to the west, will pass through the various towns of Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Waimea, and Kekaha before finally reaching the end at the Na Pali Coast. The other route, on the other hand, is for heading north, so don’t take that way. If you notice you are or your driver is heading to State Route 56, or taking the Kuhio Highway, and you are passing through the charming towns of Kapaa, Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei, ending at the other side of Na Pali, then that means you have taken the opposite way and need to retrace your path.
Upon reaching the west side of Kauai, you will instantly notice that this part has drier weather than the other areas of the island. It features hot, sunny beaches that stretch from Hanapepe to Waimea, Kekaha, and beyond. It will take you only about forty-five minutes to drive up from the coastline, going to the forested heights of Kokee State Park, which will definitely amaze you and your loved ones as it offers an entirely different world to its visitors.
For easier access to vacation destinations, you may avail of car rental services to provide you convenience and flexibility to explore the island. Buckling up in vehicles is very much a requirement every time aboard a vehicle, while all infants must be strapped properly into car seats or child seats. As in any place, pedestrians always have the right of way, but in Kauai, they also have the right of way even if they're not walking along the crosswalk. Just remember to always follow the “aloha” traffic rules while getting around in Kauai, which is to drive carefully, let your neighbors pass, and never to tailgate. Driving here is more laidback as this region is known for its laidback lifestyle.
Getting around in a bike
If you are thinking of how you can get around the island and explore while getting a lot of exercise, try biking. Bicycles, as well as bicycle maps, are available at biking facilities scattered throughout the area.