West Shore of Kauai
 

: I posted a message a couple of days ago wondering which car was better suited for which Island - Thanks for all the help and advice and I am going to have a convertible on Maui. <BR>I am still unsure about Kauai, however. Is it better to have a 4 wheel drive like jeep wrangler in order to reach remote interesting areas or parts on the west shore such as Polihale Beach I have heard and read that if you want to go it is better to have a jeep/4 wheel drive??? Any advice?? THANKS<BR>

We had a mid-sized sedan 2 years ago when we were in Kauai, and wished for something a little more robust - not much, just a little. A lot of the roads to beaches and the more scenic spots trail off into dirt roads and the island is a bit hilly in places. Our sedan did okay, but we would have felt more comfortable with something else. We're heading back next month and have booked a Jeep.

Danny,<BR>Just got back from Kauai 1-16.<BR>This was our 10th trip and no matter what car we've driven to Polihale, we've never had a prob. No 4wd needed.<BR><BR>We've had Neons, Sunbirds, Corrolas and other small models. Only prob with smaller calls is if you go up to the Waimea Canyon/Kokee area. A bit steep and you need some horsepower but not too extreme.<BR><BR>We had a Chry/Sebring convertbile the past 3 trips. No probs with Polihale or Waimea Canyon roads.<BR><BR>Only prob w/ Polihale is if it just has rained. Slippery red mud roads and some puddles can eat up a smaller car. Don't slide off into a drainage ditch!<BR><BR>We were passed by a smaller Jeep on the way back after watching one of the most surreal sunsets over Niihau ever. He was taking the bumps pretty hard and fast.<BR>Tourists! <BR>Remember, if you take the Jeep off road and/or onto the beach and get stuck, look out bruddah!<BR>I'd take a convertible on Kauai B4 ever taking a 4WD.<BR>Kal

Hi Danny,<BR><BR>Went to Kauai in Sept and rented a mustang convertible. Had a great time and had no need for 4 wheel drive/jeep. Went up Waimea Canyon to Kokee. Only problem was that when the top was down dh had to scrunch down in the seat to see out the windshield. Wish I had a photo of that!<BR><BR>

Agree w/ Suuuz.<BR>If you're tall and have more than 2 big pieces of luggage, don't rent the Mustang convertible!<BR><BR>I'm 6'4" and had the same prob as her DH.<BR><BR>When we moved from our CocoCoast hotel to a condo in Poipu, we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with the 3 pieces of luggage, 2 backpax, ice chest, and 2 sets of golf clubs all piled up in the back. I asked Mrs Kal if she'd like to ride on the top like Granny. Not funny.<BR><BR>We had to leave the top down to fit it all in. It was OK until we hit a cloudburst near Kipu Rd. Fun!<BR>Kal

Thanks for all of the replies and help!