Getting around Kauai
 

How easy is it to get around the island? Are rental cars easy to get? Are they necessary?

What part of the island do you recommend for accomodations?? Can you swim at the beaches??

You need a car. They have all the major companies. At one time we took the bus, but it went to limited areas. I'm not even sure they have it anymore. I'm partial to Poipu since we used to live there. You can swim in Kauai, just watch conditions because they can have the big waves and creatures there.

I agree - a car is a necessity on Kaui. Re: swimming - safe swimming all year at Lydegate Park and Anini Beach. North and South coast swimming depends on the time of year - winter - north coast can be dangerous; summer - south coast can be dangerous. NEVER swim where no one is swimming - no matter how nice it looks - ask the locals if you have any doubts.

I believe the North Shore of Kauai to be the most scenic part of Kauai with dramatic ocean and mountain vistas (e.g. Princeville Resort Area). If you like seeing mostly beach/ocean try southern Kauai (e.g. Poipu). You will need a car, and previously when I have visited there Alamo usually has some kind of special rate code discount available. Book the car rental well in advance, from what I understand it is possible for the car rentals to be sold out. Most rentals are located at the Lihue (LIH) airport a few steps away from the baggage claim area. Enjoy your trip!

I had no problems driving around Kauai last summer. I stayed at the Radisson which was 5 minutes from the airport. It was reasonable and nice, and right in the middle between the north and south parts of the island. I found it very convenient, but if I were staying longer I would have broken it up-a couple of days up north in Princeville and a couple of days south in Poipu. Just easier to navigate my time that way but even so it worked out well. The waves were very rough so be careful but it wasn't too bad. Get the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook-everyone on this website recommended it to me and it was like a bible. I was even run over by a big wave and it was with me but it survived (I was reading it on the beach, not swimming w/it-I didn't love it that much!!). If you are going with small children I found that a lot of families were in the Poipu area where the north shore was a bit more ritzy/adult. However, there were kids up there as well. Either way you will love it and have a wonderful time. I was so extermely pleasantly surprised!

Search the internet for best price on dollar, alamo, budget and all the other companies that are at the airport in kauai. You will want to rent the car at the airport so you do not have to pay to get to your hotel. Cost should be arround $35.00 a day intermediate size. A car is a must on any island except Oahu.

LE hue or poipu is probally a good area to stay. Depending on your budget,princeville is a great area. Driving in kauai is easy its not that big of an island road wise.

The beaches like others have commented can be very rough, kee beach at the end of the highway going north is a great beach calm and lots of fish, you can also hike the bali hi shore line mountain ridge all in this area.. nick

You need a rental car to see the sites and eat in restaurants outside of your hotel (and there are a number of good restaurants).
The Poipu area has calmer waters than the Princeville area, especially in the winter.
Poipu is also more convenient to most of the attractions, restaurants, and shopping.