We are staying at the Marriott Beach Club in Lihue and will not have a car the first few days we are there. Is there a grocery store nearby where I can purchase food, not too pricey. How far is it from the Marriott? How much will a cab cost to get there?

We plan on taking our meals in our room for breakfast and lunch, and go out for dinner at night.

Any ideas would be welcome.

Thanks.

There is a Supermarket, I believ STAR Mkt's, at the KiKui Grove Shopping Center, a few miles from the Marriott. They may have shuttle transprotation to and from the mall. There is also a smaller market in Lihue, not sure of name, but you could probably get a cab there.

Bellezza, I guess you could walk down to the ABC store there at Nawiliwili and pick up a few items, but where will you keep them?

If you find you don't want to buy items for your room, there is a great little place called the Kalapaki Beach Hut(and it is just that..a hut!) with great breakfasts right there within walking distance of the Marriott. Very reasonably priced. Others say their burgers are good, but I have only had breakfast there.

I'm sure you could also walk down to one of the shops in the Marriott and pick up milk and juice, etc.

You might be better off getting a car. There is VERY few, if anything, within walking distance of the hotel. But if you have a car, there's plenty of markets, restaurants, and even a mall that you can go to for shopping.

Safeway is in Lihue. Go on line and get a safe way card applicatin. Complete it and when you arrive get the card. You will be able to get frequent shopper discounts.

As a Kaua`i resident, I would urge you to get a car for at least one day. There is no grocery store within walking distance of your hotel.

Star Market (expensive) is at Kukui Grove Shopping Center (about 3 miles away).

Big Save is in downtown Lihu`e (also about 3 miles away).

Safeway is in Kapa`a (about 10 miles away).

The ABC Store which was mentioned, has only snack foods and beverages -- not anything for a full meal.

Get a car for a day, do your grocery shopping, and some sightseeing too! 8-)

We stay at this Marriott resort every year, and always do our shopping at the Safeway in Kapaa. It is about 10 or 15 minutes away.

There is not grocery within walking distance of the resort. However, there is an ABC store where you can get cereal and milk, and other basics.

Also, there is a small selection in the gift shop at the resort.

But it would probably be worth the $$$ to either rent a car or take a cab to Safeway.

You should be aware, however, that there is no real kitchen in the rooms at the resort. The "kitchen" is really just a wet bar, with no stove or even a microwave. There is a fridge, so you can keep milk, yogurt, etc.

There are several dining options at the resort, including a beach bar that serves great---and casual------ lunches. Burgers, wraps, etc.

Aloha!

Auntie Maria,

Since you live there, would you know how much a cab would cost me to go to the Safeway in Kapaa? Just so we can do some comparison and we'll see if it's better to rent a car or not....

Thanks.

i dont think there are cabs in kauai, if there are, they must be really really expensive. u might be better off getting a car. my car rental for kauai is only $20/day through priceline.

Bellezza28:

I just called Kaua`i Taxi -- this island's only cab company -- to ask about your situation. She said it would be about $20, each way. I should also let you know that we only have a handful of cabs, and they service the entire island...not like a big city, with 10-20 cabs per block. Expect to wait 5-30 minutes for any cab to arrive.

Bear in mind that if you hire a cab, you'd either have to pay the driver to stay and wait while you shop, or call for another cab to take you back to the hotel.

I heard there is a Rent-a-Wreck right across the street from the Marriott. You may be able to get a good deal there if price is the issue. You'd also be able to avoid the $9/day parking fee charged by the Marriott. One of the many authorities on this board may be able to let you know if this is accurate.

With a tip from Bill, I was able to get a convertible for $223/week from Thrifty using the code "5512". (Our travel agent had previously booked it for $500/week.) Their prices for economy and mid-size cars were just over $100/week so you may want to check that out. Let us know how you make out.

I've been gaining so much information from this board for our trip and am so appreciative. (I'll be staying at the Marriott from 7/23 - 30, I think the same time as you.)

Bellezza28, No one has told you that there is a shuttle bus you can get in front of the ABC store. I think the fare is about $2 unless you are a senior. This bus will take you to Kukio Grove Mall (great sandwich shop there, outside Macy's, forget the name) and the Star grocery. It also goes downtown but not to Kapaa. We go to the Marriott every Jan for 2 weeks. Last time we only rented a car from Thrifty for one week and used this bus for the rest of the time. It only runs every half hour I think but they do have a schedule on the bus which they will give you. I think we caught it at the top of the hour, but it runs on Hawaiian time!! I think it only runs till about 6 PM. You definitely need a car to see this beautiful island. Have a great time!

Thanks everyone for all the great info. We will be renting a car but from Monday on (we arrive on Friday). With all this info in hand, maybe we'll change our plans and rent the car the whole week.

The only bummer about that is the $9/day parking, but I guess, if we can afford to go to Hawaii, we can afford the $40ish of parking! LOL

Great to know also about the shuttle, I'll be sure to enquire at the hotel when I get there.

The Marriott doesn't charge for parking!! At least they didn't when we were there last year. Has this changed???

The Marriott charged us handsomely for parking, Big Jim. You must have been one of the lucky ones that the parking charge just slipped through the hole!

Bellezza, I just thought of it...the Marriott has an airport shuttle.

We have never paid for parking at the Marriott either. I would be interested to know if those of you who paid parking are hotel guests or timeshare owners? Perhaps this is just new since January when we last stayed.