: 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.
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

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,
Just got back from Kauai 1-16.
This was our 10th trip and no matter what car we've driven to Polihale, we've never had a prob. No 4wd needed.

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.

We had a Chry/Sebring convertbile the past 3 trips. No probs with Polihale or Waimea Canyon roads.

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!

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.
Tourists!
Remember, if you take the Jeep off road and/or onto the beach and get stuck, look out bruddah!
I'd take a convertible on Kauai B4 ever taking a 4WD.
Kal

Hi Danny,

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!

Agree w/ Suuuz.
If you're tall and have more than 2 big pieces of luggage, don't rent the Mustang convertible!

I'm 6'4" and had the same prob as her DH.

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.

We had to leave the top down to fit it all in. It was OK until we hit a cloudburst near Kipu Rd. Fun!
Kal

Thanks for all of the replies and help!