Kauai - Vehicle Rental
 

1st time to Kauai in a few weeks and are wondering what our best option is to either rent an economy car or a jeep grand cherokee? Are most of the roads paved or are many of the dirt roads passible with a standard car? Can you drive on any beaches? We are looking to explore as much as the island as possible and are just figuring on which option is best. Any assistance would be appreciated! Tx

You can drive to most all sights with an economy car. The advantage of the Jeep would be more room to carry all your stuff -- like snorkel equipment, beach stuff, coolers, etc. 99.9% of the roads are paved. No driving allowed on beaches.

Have fun!

We rented a convertible--but there were only two of us. It was our first trip to Hawaii, so we figured "why not?" We had no problems getting around or lugging our stuff, but again, there were just 2 of us. Kauai is so amazingly beautiful--have a great trip!

The roads are paved. You really can't drive on the beaches, with the exception of Polihale beach. That might need 4WD. It was closed at one point, don't know if it's open. Please don't try to drive on the beaches, even if the locals do.

You don't need 4WD. The disadvantage of the Jeep is that it is easier to steal all your stuff if you have it in the car. Theft from vehicles is a big problem in Hawaii.

Funny thing about Hawaiian car rental contracts, you cannot drive a car on non-paved roads. So getting a 4x4 means little because if you drive it off the pavement, you breached the contract.

No, I think most of the beaches there are prohibiting vehicle on the beach front itself. And I think ALMOST all roads are already paved, so you can choose an economy for a rental car, provided there are only 2 or 3 of you travelling. More companions and more luggages means bigger car. Enjoy your trip.
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