Car Rental Kauai, HI

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Top Car Deals in Kauai

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your Kauai car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kauai

Renting a car in Kauai offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it convenient for beach outings, outdoor adventures, and sightseeing. Key attractions such as Hanalei Bay, located 8 miles away, and Mt. Waialeale, just 2 miles from Kauai, are easily accessible. For beach lovers, Makua Beach is only 9 miles away, perfect for a day of sun and relaxation. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Princeville, 9 miles from Kauai, which features Hideaways Beach and the Princeville Botanical Gardens, or visit the charming town of Hanalei, 8 miles away, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. The North Shore Kauai, just 4 miles away, also boasts stunning locations like Anini Beach. Whether you are seeking outdoor experiences or simply want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kauai, renting a car provides the convenience to explore all that this beautiful island has to offer.

Where to stay around Kauai

  • Princeville: Located 9 miles from Kauai, Princeville offers a stunning blend of beach, outdoor, and scenic experiences. This city is perfect for travelers seeking to enjoy local attractions like Hideaways Beach, ideal for a beach vacation, and Hanalei Bay, known for its breathtaking scenery. The Princeville Botanical Gardens provide a beautiful setting for family outings and romantic strolls. With golf courses and recreational areas nearby, Princeville is a great choice for those looking to indulge in outdoor activities.
  • Hanalei: Situated 8 miles away from Kauai, Hanalei is another fantastic destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the scenic Hanalei Bay and enjoy sunbathing or swimming at Anini Beach and Makua Beach. The city also features delightful cafes for dining options, making it a charming spot to relax after a day of activities. With its picturesque landscapes and recreational areas, Hanalei is perfect for those wanting a blend of relaxation and adventure.
  • North Shore Kauai: Just 4 miles from Kauai, North Shore Kauai is a haven for travelers seeking beach and outdoor experiences. Its proximity to stunning locations like Hanalei Bay, Anini Beach, and Makua Beach makes it an appealing choice for sun-seekers. The region offers recreational areas and playgrounds, making it suitable for families. Whether you're enjoying the lush scenery or engaging in outdoor activities, North Shore Kauai is a wonderful place to stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Kauai

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also impact renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to prevent additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable too—just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs an extra fee, but the convenience it provides may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Kauai

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Kauai into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Kauai and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Kauai

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Kauai. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Kauai

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book .

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

Car Rental Information

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Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Kauai?
You can find cheap car rentals in Kauai from $11 a day with NÜ Car Rentals's compact suv. You can find rates starting from $11 a day if you pick up in Princeville or Koloa. Suppliers such as Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best car rentals in Kauai?
Car rentals across Kauai offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities - Princeville, Koloa, and Kapaa. The most common car classes include:
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
  • Compact SUV
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best car rental companies in Kauai?
For car rentals across Kauai, well-rated providers like Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities - Princeville, Koloa, and Kapaa. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Lihue Airport (LIH) for exploring Kauai?
Yes - you can pick up a rental car right at Lihue Airport (LIH) for exploring Kauai. Providers including Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $17 a day. Lihue Airport is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Princeville to Koloa.
Can I rent a car one-way in Kauai?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Kauai - pick up in one city, such as Princeville, and drop-off in another, like Koloa, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $74 a day. Providers like Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Kauai?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Kauai, including in Princeville and Koloa. Sixt offers electric from $11 a day and hybrid options from $11 a day. Thrifty Car Rental also offers hybrid options from $11 a day. EVs keep fuel costs low, and charging is widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Kauai?
For luxury car rentals across Kauai, Sixt offers midsize elite SUV cars from $26 a day (and fullsize convertible from $29), while Avis and Budget add premium categories - high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Princeville and Koloa. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best car rentals in Kauai for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Kauai, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage - available across the region's cities, from Princeville to Koloa:
  • Thrifty Car Rental: midsize SUV from $20 a day - seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Dollar Rent A Car: mini passenger van from $23 a day - seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Sixt: standard SUV from $32 a day - seats up to 5 with room for 4 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best car rentals in Kauai for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Kauai for solo travelers are economy and compact classes - small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Princeville and Koloa:
  • Economy car, from $18 a day - fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact car, from $17 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best car rentals in Kauai for couples?
The best car rentals in Kauai for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Princeville and Koloa:
  • Midsize car, from $18 a day - fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $22 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a fullsize convertible - fits up to 2 large suitcases - for scenic drives around Kauai. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Kauai.
What are the best road trip destinations from Kauai by rental car?
From Kauai, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the Princeville hub include:
  • Hideaways Beach, Princeville, Hawaii, United States of America, approximately 1 mile away
  • Hanalei Bay, Hanalei, Hawaii, United States of America, approximately 3 miles away
  • Kiahuna Beach, Koloa, Hawaii, United States of America, approximately 3 miles away
Time your trip around events like Pink Floyd and Beyond Concert in the Dark w/Austin Violinist | Kauai, or add activities such as Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats. With cities like Koloa also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Kauai.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Kauai?
In Kauai, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust - take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Kauai?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Kauai. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Kauai?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Kauai?
Budget car rental in Kauai can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Kauai?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Kauai. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Kauai car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Kauai?
To rent a car in Kauai, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Kauai car rental?
If you need to cancel your Kauai car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

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