We are 2 couples going to Kauai in September. We're sharing a condo on the North Shore. We're arriving on the same day but 4 hours apart. Our original thought was that the early arrivers (our friends) would rent a car and check into the condo. The second couple (us) would catch a shuttle or cab later in the day. However, after researching this option I was shocked to find that there don't appear to be any hotel shuttles (I thought we could take one and get picked up by our friends) and taking a cab is incredibly expensive. I hate to have our friends wait around the airport for 4 hours, but another friend who knows the island says it isn't worth driving all the way from the airport to the condo, and then having to turn around and make the drive again. She says with traffic and the distance, it takes an hour or more each way to do the drive. Also, the best rate we've found so far for a car big enough for 4 people and 4 bags is $40 per day. Does this seem reasonable? We don't need a large car for any part of the vacation except the first day. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Thanks a bunch.

try this http://www.speedishuttle.com/

I have used them on Maui several times and it was fine.

I checked it out and it would cost $141 round trip. I guess that would work if it's the best choice we have. Thanks for the info.

try http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/

I have used them twice and get great rates. I leave for Maui tomorrow and I have a rate of $229 (total with taxes) for 7 days. It is a full size car for 4 adults with luggage.

Your friends should offer to pick you up from the airport, if you are sharing the cost of the rental car.

They have offered to do it but it's a huge hassle. We thought perhaps they could go to Costco and get supplies to kill some time, but 4 hours is a long time to wait around.

BarbAnn, thanks for the link. I've requested a quote for a full size car; hopefully, it will be as low as yours. Have a great time in Maui!

It's not a huge hassle, by the time their flight arrives 1/2 hour late, and they get their bags, and they stand in the car rental line, etc....it will be more like 2.5 hours. Perfect timing for them to grab a meal somewhere nearby and then return to the airport to pick you up. You're overthinking the "huge hassle" part.

Check dollar.com for car rates, they have "city special" rates that pop up which don't come up if you're just checking expedia or car rentals.com or any of those services. Does the $40 per day include all the taxes/fees? If so that's not bad for a mid size.

Clarkgriswold: You're probably right about the over-thinking. I do that a lot. Your dollar.com tip is fantastic! They have full-size cars on the city special deal for as low as $23 per day. Thanks so much!!

Dukes is just a couple of miles from Lihue airport. Great place for a drink or a slice of HULA PIE while your friends wait for your arrival. Call them when you land and they'll have time to circle back to the airport while you deboard and get your baggage. Aloha!

www.dukeskauai.com

Alternatively - if they arrive on time and pick up the car smoothly - why not drive up and experience one of the prettiest drives there is - check in the condo - get setup, shop at the Foodland in the Princeville shopping center (plenty of stuff at Foodland for a short stay - no need to go to Costco)etc. There is everything you would need in the Princeville center. http://princevillecenter.com/

The distance is only 30 miles - and can easily be done in 45 minutes if there is not much traffic.

Then one of them can come back down and pick you up (who knows - maybe you will be delayed?) - while the other enjoys the view - asks around about things to do/deals, whatnot.

Or as noted - they could enjoy "killing" some time - picking up stuff at Costco (or at a supermarket in Kapaa or Lihue) - or just hanging at Dukes - or some place in Kapaa.

Also let them know there is a little detour around Kapaa that saves time if they are there during the evening "rush" hour.

Just look at the maps you get from the rental car agency - or the many travel mags there will be at the airport.

Have a blast on our favorite island and favorite place - the beautiful north shore.

Going to Kauai for the first time in October. I found the best price at BJ's wholesale. Their price, plus a coupon they had in store, was $359.00 for 10 days. Full sized car.

The above price included taxes.

Buffalo....check budget.com/sears for your Lihue rental, might save you 50 bucks. Click on the $30 coupon.

Thanks clarkgriswold - I'll check that out!

I checked it out as well and it's the cheapest car I've yet found. $37 a day for a "premium" car. The coupon is unfortunately not valid for Kauai.

Thanks to everyone else for all the tips.

I agree with the suggestion of having them drive over to Duke's at the Marriott and have a snack or drink at the Barefoot Bar.

Hopefully it will be on a Tuesday so they can hit Duke's Taco Tuesdays!

If not, the Feral Pig, Kalapaki Joe's and Mariachi's across the street are good but not quite the view.

Then there is always the bowling alley!

Re: Luggage/Car Size. My DH and I bring ONE medium suitcase and ONE carry-on for our extended stays in Hawaii. Most people pack too much for this casual lifestyle. Remember, your condo will have a washer/dryer. Maybe you would post what you plan to pack, and we can 'unpack' some of it for you?

ChiSue: Excellent advice! I already had the thought that hubby and I could probably share one large suitcase and a carry-on but you have cemented that idea. So many of even the larger rental cars will carry 5 people but only 2 or 3 bags!

I will pass on the Duke's idea to our friends. I'm intrigued by the bowling alley. Maybe they're closet bowlers. I can think of worst ways to while away time.

Bowling? While in Paradise?