Car Rental - Lihue

 

Rent a car in Lihue to discover beautiful Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. Also known as the ‘Garden Isle’, this stunningly beautiful destination is adorned with tropical forests, waterfalls and canyons, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean that laps Lihue’s sandy shores.

The city is less than one hour’s drive in your rental car from both the northern shores of Princeville and Waimea in the west. Why not make it a road trip and visit some of Kauai’s finest beaches? Travel north to Hanalei Beach or traverse the coastal cliffs and hiking trails of Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

Discover Hertz car rental lots across Kauai, including Lihue Airport. Take to the scenic roads of Hawaii across all terrains in a steadfast SUV or soak up the Pacific sunshine in a luxury convertible.

Reserve a rental car in Lihue and enjoy the stunning east shores of Kauai with Hertz today.

Lihue Locations

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Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

A Quick Guide to Lihue

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls

Wailua River State Park, Kapaʻa, HI, 96746

Watch out for rainbows at the iconic twin waterfalls of Wailua Falls, located at Wailua River State Park. The waterfall is easily accessible from the parking lot, approximately five miles by car from Lihue. Enjoy the scenic mountain views on your journey to this significant Kauai landmark.

Kauai Museum

Kauai Museum

4428 Rice Street, Lihue, HI, 96766

Learn more about Hawaiian history and culture by exploring its roots on the island of Kauai. Filled with local artefacts and artwork, the Kauai Museum has been passionately curated and takes you through the formation of the Hawaiian Islands, their early heritage, the Hawaiian Monarchy and recent historical developments.

Kauai Backcountry Adventures

Kauai Backcountry Adventures

3-4131 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI, 96766

Got a taste for adventure? Explore the lush forests of the ‘Garden Isle’ with a mile-long zipline and mountain tubing experience. Cascade down an old sugar plantation irrigation system dating back to 1870. Just minutes by rental car from Lihue, the Kauai Backcountry Adventure tour is a popular excursion for curious thrill-seekers.

Marriott's Kauai Beach Club

Marriott Vacation Club, 3610 Rice Street Kalapaki Beach, Lihue, HI, 96766

Get ready to relax at this four-star beachfront resort by Marriott. Choose from premium rooms and villas, just a mile from Lihue Airport. Soak up the sun with a short walk to Kalapaki Beach and explore scuba and surfing activities in Kauai. Guest parking is available for your Lihue rental car at the nearby the beach. 

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

650 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa, HI, 96746

Enjoy sunset views by the ocean at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, close to the sights of Kapaʻa and just 15 minutes in your rental car from Lihue. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening in the infinity pool, savor the vibrant locally sourced Pacific Island cuisine, or take a nearby beach yoga class. Enjoy free parking here for your rental car while in Lihue.

Kauai Beach Resort & Spa

4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, HI, 96766

Feel invigorated by the poolside coves of Kauai Beach Resort and Spa, located on the shores of Kauai. Spend an afternoon in their Rainforest Spa or visit the picturesque Wailua Falls, only a 15-minute drive away. This remote sanctuary makes for the perfect family getaway or romantic retreat. Don’t worry about where you’re keeping your Lihue rental car overnight – the Kauai Bech Resort & Spa offers paid-parking onsite. 

Duke's Kauai

3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI, 96766

Found on Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s Kauai puts the ‘surf’ in ‘surf ‘n’ turf’. This fun beachfront eatery gets its namesake from surfing legend and Olympic gold medalist Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Bite down on tantalizing teriyaki burgers, fresh sashimi, ahi steak and colorful poke bowls.

Hamura Saimin

2956 Kress Street, Lihue, HI, 96766

A local favorite, where you can grab a bowl of traditional Hawaiian noodle soup, known as saimin, Hamura Saimin serves up soulful dishes with countertop service. The food is as rich in culture as it is in flavor, offering amazing dishes such as their unmissable lilikoi chiffon pie, offering a taste of light and zesty passionfruit heaven.

Daddy O's Restaurant

4303 Rice Street B4, Lihue, HI, 96766

If you’re searching for home-cooked comfort food, then look no further than Daddy O’s Restaurant. This charming eatery offers flavorsome French toast, hearty pancakes, soft shell crab sandwiches and melt-in-the-mouth chicken and waffles. Head over for a brunch you won’t soon forget.

Driving In and Around Lihue

  • Rice Shopping Center (96766) is located just off Rice Street Park your rental car here in Lihue to be close to a variety of popular local restaurants and the Kauai Museum.
  • Lihue Airport (96766) provides more than 750 spaces and is approximately five miles from central Lihue, making it a convenient place to park up your rental car.
  • Kukui Grove Center (96766) is Kauai’s largest shopping mall and located in Lihue. Park your rental car here if you’re shopping, as Kukui Grove Center offers free parking for customers throughout the day.

 

  • Hawaii Route 50 (HI-50) also known as Kaumualii Highway, connects Lihue to Kauai’s southern areas, all the way to Barking Sands Beach. It’s a great route for a road trip in your rental car from Lihue.
  • Hawaii Route 56 (HI-56) is also known as Kuhio Highway and begins in Lihue, traveling northeast past Kapa’a and north to Princeville.
  • Rice Street is one of the main thoroughfares in central Lihue, linking the city center to Kalapaki Beach. If you’re driving a rental car in Lihue, expect to frequent this street.

 

How to Get to Poipu Beach From Lihue by Rental Car

It takes less than 30 minutes to drive the 13 miles by rental car from Lihue to Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern shore.

  1. Turn right on to HI-51 North then keep left onto Ahukini Road.
  2. From there, turn left on to HI-56 South and continue on to HI-50 West.
  3. Continue on HI-50 West until you reach State Highway 520/Maluhia Road.
  4. From the highway, turn left on to Ala Kinoiki, then right onto Poipu Road.
  5. Finally, turn left onto Hoowili Road and continue to Poipu Beach.

 

How to Get to Waimea Canyon State Park From Lihue by Rental Car

Waimea Canyon State Park is just a one-hour drive by rental car from Lihue. Leave Lihue via HI-50 W and continue for approximately 23 miles. From there, turn right onto State Highway 550/Waimea Canyon Drive and follow for 10 miles. Finally, take a right to stay on State Highway 550 to arrive.