When planning a vacation to Kauai, it is only natural to wonder about transportation. While you can stay in Kauai without renting a car, it makes exploring the island much more difficult, which is why Parrish Kauai offers preferred car rental rates for our guests. However, once you know that you will be renting a car, the follow-up question typically arises: Can you drive all the way around the island?
The short answer is no. Unlike some of Hawaii’s other islands that feature a continuous coastal highway, Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast makes it impossible to circumnavigate the island by car. However, you can still drive large sections of Kauai, and doing so offers an unforgettable way to explore the island’s diverse beauty.
Why You Cannot Drive a Complete Loop Around Kauai
The main road around Kauai is interrupted on the island’s northwestern side, where the Na Pali Coast’s towering cliffs rise thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean. This region is completely impassable for vehicles, so the highway is broken into two separate stretches. One section runs from the North Shore through Lihue and continues to the South Shore, while the other picks up on the West Side and leads to Polihale State Park. There is no road that connects these two ends.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Accessible Route Around Kauai?
While you cannot make a complete loop, you can drive the majority of Kauai’s coast. The main driving route begins near Haena State Park on the North Shore and winds down the eastern side, through Lihue, and onward to Poipu and the South Shore. From there, you can continue west to Waimea and finally to Polihale. Driving this route end to end, without stops, typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. In reality, most visitors make a full day of it, pausing to enjoy scenic lookouts, charming towns, and natural wonders along the way.
What Driving in Kauai is Like
Kauai’s roads are generally well-maintained, but most are two-lane highways with slower speed limits than on the mainland. Driving is relaxed, and the views are remarkable; expect to pass lush valleys, waterfalls, and stretches of coastline that seem pulled from a postcard. Popular routes include Kuhio Highway (Highway 56) on the North Shore, which takes you through Hanalei and past the Kilauea Lighthouse, and Kaumualii Highway (Highway 50), which leads West to Waimea Canyon.
Stay with Parrish Kauai
After a day spent driving around Kauai, return to a luxurious home away from home from Parrish Kauai. We offer luxurious vacation rentals across the island, from oceanfront condos to private homes. Each of our rentals features a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing meals and snacks for your road trip adventures. Many of our properties also feature pools, hot tubs, private lanais, and additional amenities that are sure to enhance your stay. You can browse our Kauai vacation rentals and book your stay online or by calling 1-800-325-5701.
For more answers to frequently asked questions about traveling to Hawaii, check out our FAQ blog.