Kauai Vacation Rentals & Frequently Asked Questions About Kauai

Kauai Vacation Rentals - for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

Can someone tell me all the car rental places there are in Kauai?
I am trying to compare prices. And do you think I will need a convertible in Kauai or just a compact car will be fine? Thanks!

Where is the cheapest place to stay in Kauai?
I am visiting Kauai in May with my husband. We want to visit the North Shore and Lihue. Where are some cheap hotels to stay at? Do a lot of people camp in these areas as well?

Is there anything about Kauai, Hawaii that I need to be warned about?
I am planning on taking a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, and I was wondering if there was anything that I need to be warned about. Like any big things, poisonous things, etc. Thank you in advance. Also, any suggestions about Kauai itself or, any hotel recommendations would be awesome! Thank you in advance!

Which shore in Kauai is best to go to in the summer time?
Next summer we are going to Kauai. But I'm not sure which part we should go to. Which shore has the best weather? If you have been there before please give me information and opinions. Also, any activities would be appreciated. Especially luaus that teach you how to hula dance. Thanks!

What is a must do while vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii?

What are the best things to do during a vacation to Kauai?
Staying on the east side. What should we do besides sleep and sun bathe?

What are some Romantic places on Kauai?
My wife and I after 10 years are going to Kauai I've heard of a few romantic places but I thought I'd ask some locals. Just want to make it really special and you know maximize our time there. Can anyone help? Thanks for advise.

What are some things not to miss on a visit to Kauai?
I already have lodgings booked - just looking for suggestions of neat places and activities! I'm not looking for travel websites or generic information--I'm more interested in things people have had good experiences with themselves!

Can someone tell me all the car rental places there are in Kauai?
I am trying to compare prices. And do you think I will need a convertible in Kauai or just a compact car will be fine? Thanks!

A. I am going to give you the best advice on Kauai car rentals. Tourist car's rentals are easily spotted by local thief's because they rent a certain kinda car that's newer looking.

So you need to rent from "Island Riders" they provide you with a "Normal Looking Car" ...kinda Island Car looking. You would probably find a compact car witch is fine because you will have windows rolled down at all times and be so bliss to be on Kauai anyways and you only use your car to get from place to place.

Now I not saying tourist looking car's get ripped off all the time, But its a fact they are probably the first to have theft. So enjoy Beautiful Safe Friendly Kauai!.

A. Alamo
Avis
Buget
Dollar
Enterprise
Hertz
National
Thrifty

Price wise are pretty compatible, unless they run out of cars. If you are planning to go on perk, you might have better deal asking from travel agency (who have contracted rates with rental car).

Just a reminder, newer car might have less problems in engines etc.

Personally, I think a compact is all you need. Convertible is just for looking, not necessary the best drive (and it will attract more attention).

When driving down Waimea Canyon, be careful with brakes. There are reports of brakes malfunction because drivers tends to use it too often on it.

A. The major companies such as Budget, National, Alamo, and Enterprise are there so those should be your first choice.

As far as convertible vs regular compact car, that's completely up to you. As a lifelong resident of Hawaii, I personally don't see the point of a convertible but if you choose to go that route, don't forget your sunscreen AND your hat 'cause you're gonna need both of them!

Happy travels!

A. The only reason for getting a convertible is that it is fun. Do you want to pay the extra money for something fun? BTW, depending on where/when you're going you might be stuck in traffic a lot so keep in mind AC might be better than top down when you're only going 1 mph and the sun is raging.

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Where is the cheapest place to stay in Kauai?
I am visiting Kauai in May with my husband. We want to visit the North Shore and Lihue. Where are some cheap hotels to stay at? Do a lot of people camp in these areas as well?

A. Kauai Palms Hotel - a cheap, but great place to stay. It doesn't have a pool, and it's more just a nice motel, but the rooms are clean and the area is quiet AND it's right next to two of the best places on Kauai to eat: Hamura Saimin and BBQ Inn, both of which are cheap, but have really good local food. The hotel is in Lihue, and it's about an hours drive to the North shore and the west side. You can camp at Anini beach up on North Shore, or Salt Pond on the west side.

A. Seems to me that Kauai Sands in Kapaa is not too expensive. Nothing fancy about it, but it is clean & safe. It is near Lihue. I don't think there is anything cheap on the north shore. The island is small enough that you could use Kapaa as your base & visit the north shore during the day. There are places to camp, but you need a permit.

A. Motel Lani and the hotel at Tip Top (both in Lihue) are inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. I believe it's Motel Lani that is described in a tour guide as "a gross, cheap dump." LOL. Kapaa Sands is inexpensive and is in a pretty good location. Not fancy. There is also Kauai Sands.

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Is there anything about Kauai, Hawaii that I need to be warned about?
I am planning on taking a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, and I was wondering if there was anything that I need to be warned about. Like any big things, poisonous things, etc. Thank you in advance. Also, any suggestions about Kauai itself or, any hotel recommendations would be awesome! Thank you in advance!

A. Nope, nothing I can think of, like everyone already told you no snakes or poisonous insects. Oh wait, if you get a rental car and will be driving yourselves around, please remember that there are other people on the road. Most problems that local have with tourists are their driving habits. I admit it, even I get mad and yell at tourists because they never signal, always slam on their brakes because they don't want to miss something, or go so slow I could get where I'm going faster if I walked, and they park in random places. Earlier in the year, a tourist pulled over on the side of a busy highway to go look at something and a local guy hit the car. Needless to say, the local guy was pretty mad, but in his defense, the tourist had no right parking on the side of a busy highway.

Also, that one girl that answered in retarded, and I'm really getting tired of saying this: Locals do NOT hate white people (my grandmother is full Hawaiian and married a white guy from California and stayed with him till he died and I'm currently dating a white guy from Ohio who just moved here last year) , we hate STUPID white people. The people who come here thinking they're so much better than us and we're supposed to drop everything for them because they're tourists, then they make fun of our lifestyle and pick fights with locals, THEN go home and say locals hate white people. Respect is EVERYTHING in Hawaii, no matter what island you go to. So long as you respect the people here, our lifestyle, and our land (no littering, please pick up your trash, we work hard to keep this place beautiful), you'll be fine. If you get the book, which I don't recommend as people have died taking the unmarked trails it lists, do NOT act like you know everything. I've met so many people thinking they know everything about the island just because they bought the book. AND the chickens are not unexplained, I imagine she just never asked. It's because a long time ago, chicken fighting was a big thing in Kauai, what with our large Filipino population, and lots of people had chicken farms with around 100 chickens each. When hurricane Iniki hit in 1992, the farms were destroyed and the chickens where set loose, and since so many of them were around, it's been too hard to get them all under control, so they just roam free.

I hope I've helped you understand a little about the island. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me, I'm always happy to help.

A. My family and I visited Kauai and had a very pleasant experience. Everyone on the Island was very friendly and helpful. Kauai is a bit more laid back than Oahu but is lush and green. Traffic can be on the heavy side and gas prices will most likely be above $4.00 per gallon. We stayed in Poipu, it is quieter on that side of the Island. The Sheraton Kauai Resort is a nice place to stay. There are no snakes in Hawaii but the mosquito's love to on nibble tourist. The geckos are friendly(smile). Be sure to take the bus tour around the island. It takes most of the day but is a wonderful and memorable tour. It is well worth the price.

When you leave the island be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, traffic, traffic, traffic. Other than that, you should have a wonderful time.

Aloha

A. The main thing to worry about is that you will love it so much you won't want to leave.

A. Nothing at all to worry about. In fact Hawaii dos not have any poisonous snakes or anything. I have been to Kauai several time and it is still my favorite island. I really enjoyed doing the movie tours. I have been on 2 different kinds and both were really cool. My kids liked the ATV touring. They came back all muddy and happy. My favorite mid priced restaurant is Roys in Poipu area, but to tell you the truth I haven't been to a bad restaurant there at all If you want to buy inexpensive gifts and trinkets, go to the sprouting horn and you will see a whole bunch of street vendors there. Great prices. We usually stay at the Kiahuna plantation at Poipu. They are very nice condos. Right next door is the Sheraton which is also very nice. You will need to rent a car there as it is kind of difficult to get around without one. Hope this helps.

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Which shore in Kauai is best to go to in the summer time?
Next summer we are going to Kauai. But I'm not sure which part we should go to. Which shore has the best weather? If you have been there before please give me information and opinions. Also, any activities would be appreciated. Especially luaus that teach you how to hula dance. Thanks!

A. Any of them, really. Summer has the tamest surf in Hawaii, so you're relatively safe where ever you go. Poipu is a beach resort and the beaches on the south side (where Poipu is) are quite good. I live on the east side and we have nice, smaller beaches as well as cute little towns for shopping. There isn't much nightlife here at all. August and September are our hottest months -- it averages 85 degrees during the day and we haven't had much in the way of tradewinds this summer, so humidity is high.

As another poster said, Kauai has the Wettest Spot on Earth -- Mt. Wai'ale'ale. The rest of the island benefits from Wai'ale'ale's bounty by being green and lush and gorgeous! We have a lot of waterfalls...some of them just right off the road as you drive by! It's spectacular. If you stay on the east side, you will be sort of mid-way on the road that goes most of the way around the island, so you won't have as far to drive if you want to see things on the north shore, etc. Definitely buy Kauai Revealed -- it will give you lots of tips about beaches, activities, luau, etc. (There is no 's' in Hawaiian, so it is luau instead of luaus and lei instead of leis...just so you know.)

Have a great time and aloha!

A. I have been to Kauai, and I would probably stay on the south shore, as the weather is drier, and the swimming is safer. Poipu is a good place to stay. We stayed on the north shore in Hanalei Bay,and I really like that place. It rained every night we were there, but the days were beautiful. I also live on another Island, and I love to go to Kauai, as I have a friend of mine on the north shore. There is a very good book Kauai Revealed, and it will give you all the information you need. I really enjoyed the helicopter trip we took as we saw the whole Island by air and it was an awesome ride. They have had a couple of crashes on the helicopters, but if you use a reputable company and the weather is good, then I would highly recommend it. Aloha.

A. The weather in the summertime is going to be pretty nice wherever you are. However, it's important to remember that Kaua'i gets more rain than any other place on earth. That's why it is so incredibly beautiful. Usually you can escape it by going over to the leeward (west) sides of the islands. The east or windward sides of the islands tend to get much more rain, but they are also cooler, lusher and offer amazing scenery.. Probably you will get a little rain and a little sun. Island weather changes so quickly, but it's so beautiful you won't mind. Kaua'i isn't really all that big, and you will hopefully get to go around and see the whole thing.

Don't know about luau with hula, sorry, I live on another island, but I'm sure there will be lot's of brochures when you arrive to your destination. Have a wonderful time!

A. South shore is drier but north shore is prettier...take your pick. It doesn't really matter anyway because the island is small enough to travel from one end to the other in an hour so it really depends on what hotel you like. Take a look at the Sheraton Kauai Beach resort in Poipu if you are after some thing really special.

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What is a must do while vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii?

A. Go to Coconuts restaurant in Kapaa. It's pricey, but they have excellent seafood.

Go to Waimea Canyon. You can pull over and stop along he way up to see some interesting sights, particularly the part that looks like the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale. Eventually, you'll come to a parking lot where the road is chained off and you can't go any further. Park here and walk a couple miles up the hill.

Eventually the paved road disappears and you're on a dirt/mud path through the jungle. When you get to an open path with a dirt embankment on your left, look over the embankment. There you'll see a sheer drop-off through the jungle out to the sea thousands of feet below. If it's not fogged over, you should be able to see about a half dozen rainbows, as the rain clouds pass one after the other. It's truly spectacular. If you feel up to it, you can continue on a couple more miles to the top of the hill, where you will find a metal plaque on the ground saying that you have reached the rainiest spot on Earth, with some 495 inches of rain a year.

For snorkeling, the best place is Ke'e Beach Park, up by Princeville. Just follow the main highway north past Princeville until it ends. There you'll find a bay that's protected by coral reefs a couple hundred yards out. The water is very clear and the fish are abundant. Access is also very easy. Poipu Beach to the south of the island is also good for snorkeling. To the east of Poipu Beach is Brennecke Beach. This is an expansive sand beach, if that's what you're looking for. Across the street from the beach is a restaurant called Brennecke's Broiler that has an open air dining room on the second floor that looks out to the ocean. It's very lively and loud, but great for a happy hour if you can get in (it's a very popular spot).

The best boat tour is a sunset cruise to the Napali coast. This is where the sheer cliffs are that you look down on from the top of Waimea Canyon. The cliffs, the jungles, and the rock formations are stunning. And, you'll likely attract a pod or two of dolphins along the way who will swim along side your boat. And, from December through April is whale season. If you go then, you're sure to see some whales as well.

I would say don't bother with the fern grotto. There's not much to it. There's basically a rock formation under this growth of tree canopies that's dripping wet from the rainfall, and there's a lot of types of ferns growing on the walls. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by boat up the river, and then about a 5 minute walk. But, when you get there, you're like "That's it?"

A. Waimea Canyon
Helicopter Tour of the Napali Coast
Shipwreck Beach
Poipu Beach
Smith's Garden Luau
Holo Holo Charter Service does a seven hour snorkeling trip to Niihau
Sight seeing on the North Side of the Island (the caves, and Tunnels Beach)
Wailua Falls
Drink a couple of beers at Lydgate Park
Spouting Horn Blowhole
Spend a day in Lihue
Waimea Brewery
Bubba's Burgers
Hanapepe (Lilo and Stitch town)
There is plenty more to do; however, you could do the whole island in a week.

Finally, make sure to try the local fare. The food is excellent. You would be missing out if you didn't try the local foods.

A. If you go between December and April you should go on a whale watching cruise. You should enjoy the water sports any time. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing are all very popular there. The beaches in the Poipu are nice because the water is calm, good for swimming and snorkeling. You definitely need to see Waimea Canyon too. Mark Twain called it "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific", and with good reason. It's a very impressive sight, with steep walls and towering waterfalls. I've heard that the Fern Grotto is well worth seeing too, but unfortunately it was closed when I was there two years ago.

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What are the best things to do during a vacation to Kauai?
Staying on the east side. What should we do besides sleep and sun bathe?

A. The last thing you will do is sleep. Go to Waimea canyon, take a hike. Go to Polihale state beach (long dirt road, awesome beach) bring a cooler. watch the sunset at Hanalei bay. Hike to Hanakapiai beach. Eat dinner at the beach house restaurant in Poipu at sunset. snorkel at tunnels reef. drive to loop road in Wailua and swim in the mountain pools. take some surfing lessons. go on a tour of Napali coast on a zodiac. go on a helicopter tour. Go kayaking on Wailua river. then sleep. any questions?

A. I enjoyed going to the Circle K ranch. I had a wonderful experience.

A. Take a boat cruise to see the Napali Coast. It's just so beautiful. We did Captain Andy's sunset dinner cruise and that was a good one. It included dinner and drinks.

Go hiking in the Waimea Canyon. There are some very good trails and it is a great view. Hiking was a great way to see it. A helicopter tour is another way to see it and we heard lots of helicopters, especially near the waterfalls.

Snorkelling or scuba. I actually didn't snorkel in Kauai, but there are some good places if you like snorkelling.

There's also sugar plantations that you can tour, ATV tours, bike tours, luaus, etc. Lots of activities! But do take some time for relaxing and sun bathing. (Don't forget the sunblock!)

A. There are other things to do? Actually I am taking my family to Kauai in a few weeks. We are staying in the Poipu area. I hope to visit the Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast and perhaps the Limahuli Gardens. If I can convince the rest of the family there I think there is an actual submarine that you can ride on too.

A. What else do you feel like doing, except sleeping and sunbathing?

I was on Kauai a few years ago and drove around the north coast and went snorkelling. It was great. If you are into Hawaiian culture, there's a luau on at Wailua Marina State Park. And at the shopping center, there's a free hula dancing show, every day I think.

A. Definitely take a helicopter ride. The zip line adventure was great too. The island is unbelievably beautiful. Just drive around and explore all it's beauty.

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What are some Romantic places on Kauai?
My wife and I after 10 years are going to Kauai I've heard of a few romantic places but I thought I'd ask some locals. Just want to make it really special and you know maximize our time there. Can anyone help? Thanks for advise.

A. My original answer listed about every stop you could imagine starting with Ke'e and ending in Polihale (from one end of the road to the other) but I decided to narrow it down.

-Lumahai beach on the north shore. A short walk from the road and well WELL worth it. Gorgeous stretch of sand, crystal clear water, and one of the best pictures you'll get on your whole trip. Make sure to check the weather report, it rains quite a bit on the north shore.

-Actually the entire north shore is beautiful if you can catch it on a sunny day (it's not as hard as I'm making it sound).

-Smith's Tropical Gardens. Open to the public usually for a luau, it's a gorgeous blend of tropical flowers right on the Wailua river.. Yeah, the Fern Grotto is pretty, but the quality of the tour on the way up has really gone down, and I wouldn't recommend it.

-The Hyatt Regency is probably the most romantic hotel on the island. It has the best service, the best amenities, and the grounds are unbelievable. Of course, it comes with a hefty price tag, but if you can afford it, go for it. It will be worth every penny.

-A sunset on the west side of the island will be perfect. There are a few sunset dinner cruises you may want to look into.

-At the very least, take a nice drive up to Waimea Canyon and Kokee. Both great sites to see and romantic.

Hope this helps you!

A. The boat trip around the island is extremely romantic!

It's so small, it doesn't get the crowded touristy feel the other islands can get - it's our favorite.

Taking the hike up the mountain - Na Pali Coastline is an incredible way to spend a romantic day - at whatever speed you like! the view is so spectacular, and the path is winding - allowing for private stops, and narrow so you don't feel like you're in a herd!

Poipu Beach (south end) is good; it's the best place to find sun if it's cloudy, on the North Shore.

check out the Princeville Resort, for swimming and hanging out.

There's another Boat Tour or you can Kayak (for 2) down the Wailua River - or there's a cruise to the fern-covered rock grotto, is awesome, and there's music there.

Have a really wonderful time! (be careful of chickens running across the road, if you're driving!)

Love this place!

A. A place called the fern grotto has to be the most romantic place on Kauai. Lots of people get married there. I also loved going on a movie tour, the 4 wheel one is the best. You won't believe all the movies that have been shot there. If you can afford it, then a helicopter tour is a must see. it is breathtaking. Also we loved going to one of the remote beaches with a picnic lunch. You have to ask a local how to get there. I just love Kauai. For a wonderful dinner, try Roys which is in the poipu area if you can.

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What are some things not to miss on a visit to Kauai?
I already have lodgings booked - just looking for suggestions of neat places and activities! I'm not looking for travel websites or generic information--I'm more interested in things people have had good experiences with themselves!

A. Taking the boat to the fern grotto is touristy but fun. also, you must go on a sailboat tour of the Napali coast, its gorgeous. we used Captain Andy's and were very happy, but there are several other companies as well. If you can get a reservation at the Beach House restaurant in Poipu its the best meal on the island (one of the best I've ever had) call now, they fill up fast.

Almost forgot, be sure to set aside a day to go to the canyon (Waimea) the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" it was so cool and beautiful, like the Grand Canyon but prettier because it had waterfalls and greenery.

A. I lived on Kauai for many years. I met and married my hubby there. One of our favorite hide-aways is Koke'e Lodge. It's nothing fancy, but it is a magical place, perched at the top of Waimea Canyon, with a look-out over the Kalalau Valley. There's a cool mist that shrouds over you in the morning and you can hear the wild roosters crowing, collect eggs and pick wild plums. At night you can light a fire in the fireplaces. The hiking is incredible and there is a small museum and State Park information center to help you with trails and safety.