Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Lihue
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lihue
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lihue
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lihue
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, is the perfect starting point for exploring the island's diverse landscapes. While Kauai offers shuttle services and taxis, renting a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration: A rental car allows you to access Kauai's stunning beaches, Waimea Canyon, and the rugged Na Pali Coast without being tied to public transportation schedules or tour itineraries.
Cost-Effective for Families: For families or groups, renting a car is often more budget-friendly than paying for multiple taxi rides or shuttle services to various attractions.
Convenience and Comfort: With a rental car, you can easily transport luggage, beach gear, and other essentials, making your travel experience more comfortable and convenient.
Before booking a rental car in Lihue, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Key factors include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
29.3 square kilometers (11.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 6,500 residents
Time Zone
HST (Hawaii Standard Time)
Ideal for
Island Exploration
Rush Hours
Expect increased traffic during morning and late afternoon commute times.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lihue require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on the renter’s credit card, and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
7 Seater:
from £64 / $80 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
Peak season (June to August & December to January): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (April to May & September to November): Often come with discounts, making it an ideal time for budget travelers.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Lihue is straightforward. Compare prices, select a vehicle that fits your needs, and review the rental terms. Booking early ensures better rates. Remember to have your license, credit card, and ID ready when you pick up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best rental deals.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs.
3. Check Rental Terms - Understand mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and availability by booking early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, credit card, and ID at the rental counter.
Lihue, the heart of Kauai, blends local charm with easy access to Kauai's natural wonders. Understanding local traffic and parking can enhance your driving experience.
Lihue serves as Kauai's commercial and governmental hub. It is conveniently located near the airport, making it an ideal base for exploring the island. While Lihue itself has attractions, a car is invaluable for discovering the broader Kauai. Driving in Lihue is generally straightforward, though understanding local rules and parking is beneficial for a seamless visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kalapaki Beach
A sheltered bay perfect for swimming and watersports.
Wailua Falls
A picturesque waterfall cascading into a lush valley.
Kauai Museum
Explore the island's history and culture.
Where to Find Parking
Lihue Airport Parking
Convenient parking options are available at the airport.
Street Parking in Lihue
Limited street parking is available, with varying time limits.
Parking Garages
Several parking garages offer secure parking options in the town center.
Gas Stations in Lihue
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Lihue.
Major Brands
Find Chevron, Shell, and Aloha Petroleum stations.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lihue
Plan for Traffic
Account for potential traffic delays during peak hours.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of local driving customs and etiquette.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize navigation apps for real-time traffic updates and directions.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during outdoor excursions.
Major Bus Stations
Kuhio Highway Bus Stops
Various bus stops along Kuhio Highway provide access to Kauai's bus system.
Airports
Lihue Airport (LIH)
The primary airport on Kauai, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Lihue is a straightforward process, provided you meet a few key requirements. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and surcharges may apply to those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the primary driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be requested.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Lihue as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Quick weekend trip, perfect with a car! Lihue's beauty shines.
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Exploring Kauai from Lihue was a breeze! Having a car made everything so convenient. Gorgeous scenery everywhere.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 22.01.2025
Kauai's charm was easily accessible from Lihue. Having a car during the summer holidays was perfect for island hopping. So much to see!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Kauai's beauty, easily explored with family. Lihue was perfect!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Lihue was amazing! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.08.2024