Kaua'i Airport and Rental Cars





The first time I flew in to the airport on the island of Kaua'i I was surprised at how small and simple it was. Most visitors to the island are used to flying into/out of large metropolitan airports. If you left from O'Hare, SFO, Atlanta or Dallas/Ft.Worth (or any other airport) you were struck by the same thought.

It's refreshing every time I return home to this tropical island. And it all starts right at the Lihue Airport. You'll smell the tropics right off the plane. The balmy breeze wafts the essence of Plumeria as you exit the plane into the Baggage Claim area.


Don't plan on this being a long wait either. Your bags will quickly come up on one of the two carousels, so be ready to walk right out of there without any hassles.


You will see immediately that you really have only two choices to leave the airport. Someone is picking you up (or a cab ride) directly in front of the airport, or, you simply walk across the street to catch a shuttle bus to the rental car area.


There are benches right there at the pick up area, so if you have to call someone waiting at the cell phone waiting area or a taxi cab, sit down and relax for about 60 seconds. Everything is very close by.

The waiting area for your rental car bus is pretty much the same. Sit for a few moments, but don't get too comfy, the bus will arrive quickly.
Except for 3 companies (National, Enterprise and Island Cars), the car rental area is right on airport property so get ready for a short 3 minute ride.


I will say here that it pays to comparison shop for these rental cars here. Several times I have saved a bundle by renting from the local Island Cars rental company. I saved a full 50% by renting a gently used car from them. And if you have 4 family members, and all the checked on, carried on and personal luggage I see coming with them, you will need a good sized SUV. Standard rental prices could easily be $1400 for a week. That's worth it to me to rent a used car from IslandCars.com. They're good people, and will make sure you are happy with your car.


Your trip to Kaua'i starts with a pleasant arrival at Lihue Airport. You land, quickly grab your luggage, a car and you're out of there...on a grand island adventure. Look for me here, I'm the one smiling.

Aloha... TT

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