Car rental in Kauai, HI
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
Have the time of your life in Kauai
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, Kauai is a great island to visit. Although it can still get busy, it’s not usually as crowded as Maui and Oahu, and it’s full of amazing things to see — from Jurassic Park filming locations to Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grand Canyon.
Cruise scenic oceanside roads, hit up the golf courses around Lihue, and bask in natural beauty. Or simply tan on the beach while you enjoy Kauai’s laid-back island vibe.
Kauai favorites
From falls to ferns, Kauai is crowded with natural beauty.
Wailua Falls
Just north of Lihue, Wailua Falls is a gorgeous twin waterfall and an iconic symbol of Kauai’s natural wonder. (It was featured on the show Fantasy Island.) The best part? No hike required. The waterfall is visible from the parking lot, though ambitious hikers can walk to the bottom of the falls.
Kalapaki Beach
At Kalapaki Beach, 10 minutes from Lihue, you can spend hours surfing, swimming, and walking on the well-kept beaches. Since the waves don’t typically get too big, it’s a great family destination. When you need to cool off, most customers turn to shaved ice from the Kalapaki Beach Hut.
Fern Grotto
Hop into a boat and take the Wailua River a few miles inland to Fern Grotto: a natural amphitheater filled with tropical plants and, as the name suggests, hundreds of ferns. It’s one of Kauai’s most popular destinations, just 20 minutes from Lihue.
Top hosts in Kauai, HI
Igor T.
Igor T.’s vehicles
Koryun R.
Rent cars in Kauai, HI
Hit the road
The fourth largest Hawaiian Island, Kauai is known as the garden island, and it’s easy to see why. Tropical rainforests, dramatic coastal cliffs, and beautiful valleys are just a few of the sights to take in as you explore further afield on this lush island. Grab bike rentals and cruise through small towns to experience laid-back island life or drive out in search of wilderness adventures.
Rent the perfect carNapali Coast State Park
The Napali Coast is a dramatic coastline named for its pali, or sea cliffs. With breathtaking beaches, wilderness hiking, and archaeological sites, it’s a must-see. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail that runs through the park has been called one of the most beautiful — and most dangerous — hikes in the U.S.
Kalalau Lookout
Nature lovers and film buffs alike will enjoy seeing the canyon that’s served as a backdrop for Jurassic Park and the original King Kong, among countless other movies. Be sure to snap a photo of this iconic look into the Kalalau Valley.
Lanai
If you have time, consider visiting Lanai, a short plane or ferry ride away. There, you can snorkel near the shipwreck of a WWII tanker, catch views of Maui and Molokai, and watch turtles on the secluded Polihua Beach. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a humpback whale.
Recent reviews
Ran good and took care of the needs I needed the car rental for vary happy with the rental.
Gabriel made the process incredibly smooth,the car was great, especially for the price extremely appreciate the kindness
This car is one of the Best of the Best luxury vehicle that’s on turo it’s clean the ride is smooth & the host is very respectful & i will rent this vehicle again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Best Kauai driving roads
Waimea Canyon
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is 14 miles long and more than 3000 feet deep. Waimea Canyon Drive offers stunning overlooks along the rim. After stopping at the lower lookout and the main overlook, you can follow the road into the mountains, stopping at Kokee State Park for more dramatic views.
Kuhio Highway
Kuhio Highway, or Route 56, takes you along the northern and eastern shores of Kauai. Be prepared to stop at a number of scenic lookout points, including Lumahai Beach and Wainiha Beach Park. The highway ends at Ke’e Beach, where you can hop on the Kalalau Trail to continue your journey on foot.
Highway 520
Driving south on Highway 520, you’ll find yourself passing under a canopy of about 500 eucalyptus trees. The tree tunnel, or hall of trees, was planted in 1911 by wealthy pineapple farmer Walter McBryde. To reach the trees, drive south from Lihue for eight miles, then turn left toward Koloa.
Frequently asked questions in Kauai
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France, you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you or decline coverage in some cases. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy from Travelers — up to $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Kauai?
How do I get discounts on cars in Kauai?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental alternatives in Kauai!
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
**Learn how the loyalty bonus worksAre there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsWhat types of cars can I book in Kauai?
What types of cars can I book in Kauai?
Browse a wide selection of vehicles for all kinds of occasions and budgets on Turo. Find a full-size SUV for a family road trip, a pickup truck for some errands, or a sporty convertible for a special night out in Lihue. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Kauai?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Kauai?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced cleaning practices, using the latest recommendations compiled from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and vehicle detailing experts, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, Canada, and the UK. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near the Kauai airport?
Are there cars available near the Kauai airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Lihue airport. After arriving at Lihue Airport or Honolulu International Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Kauai hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip (primary driver) can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add authorized drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US and Canada can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress with no extra charges.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What’s the best way to get around Lihue?
What’s the best way to get around Lihue?
The best and fastest way to get around the Lihue area is by booking a car on Turo, so you can explore every urban hot spot and outdoor activity Kauai has to offer on your own time.
While you can probably walk, bike, or take public transit around Lihue, you’ll need a car for transportation if you want to experience the sights outside of Lihue, like Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, and Fern Grotto. From the airport, there are shuttle services to various Lihue hotels, and there are airport shuttles available to take you to Wailua, Kapaa, Poipu and Princeville.
What’s the best way to get to Waimea Canyon?
What’s the best way to get to Waimea Canyon?
The best and most convenient way to get to Waimea Canyon is by booking a car on Turo, so you can get to and from the Canyon on your own time. The Waimea Canyon is about an hour’s drive from Lihue via HI-50 W and State Hwy 550, and is near other sights like Kokee State Park and Napali Forest Reserve.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.