The time it takes to drive around Kauai island varies depending on what part of the island you’re driving through. If you’re just driving around the perimeter of the island, then it will take about 3 hours in total.
If you want to see all of the major spots on the island’s east side, then it will take much longer — probably closer to 4 or 5 hours.
The road around Kauai is only two lanes wide in most places, so it can be hard to pass other cars. Plus, there is only one major highway on the island (Hwy 50), so traffic sometimes gets backed up. Traffic is generally worst in Lihue, Poipu Beach, and Koloa.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different sections of the trip and what to do in each of them.
Driving times
As mentioned above, the trip around the island is about 180 miles.
The total driving time will vary depending on how often you stop and how fast you drive (25mph is average).
If you’re frequently stopping at beaches or attractions along the way, then expect to spend much more than 3 hours on your drive around Kauai.
South Shore
The South Shore of Kauai is the most popular section to drive. This is where you’ll find Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and many other beautiful beaches.
The best time to visit the South Shore is on a clear day in the early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer people around. You can also visit during lunchtime (around 1 pm) if you don’t mind crowds.
North Shore
The North Shore of Kauai is the most remote section of the island.
This will be a great choice if you’re looking for a more adventurous drive. You can find several hidden beaches along this route that are less crowded than in other areas.
There are also some beautiful lookout points where you can stop and enjoy the view.
East Side
The East Side of Kauai is known for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and beautiful scenic drives.
There are several state parks located here that offer great hiking trails and unique experiences.
This would be a good choice if you’re looking to relax in a tropical paradise.
West Side
The West Side of Kauai is known for its gorgeous beaches and water sports. This side of the island has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in all of Hawaii.
This would be a great choice if you’re looking for a place to relax!
Recommended stops around Kauai island
There are a lot of great places to visit when you’re on Kauai island. Here are some of our favorites:
Hanalei to Wainiha
This is a great place to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
It’s only about a 20-minute drive from Hanalei, but it will feel like another world when you get there!
Several hiking trails start in this area, including one that takes you up to an old sugar mill where you can see some ancient ruins.
The road to Wainiha also features a few great stops worth checking out if you have time.
These include:
- The Hanalei River Walk. This is a great place to go for a walk or run on the beach!
- Hanalei Beach Park (great place to swim).
- Menehune Fish Pond (this is where they filmed some scenes from the movie “50 first dates”).
Wainiha to Haena
This trip takes about 45 minutes, but it is a fantastic drive! You will travel through lush tropical forests along the coast with breathtaking ocean views. Haena is a small town that sits right on the edge of Hanalei Bay and features some great restaurants and shops.
This area is a must-visit if you want to see what Kauai was like before tourism took over! You can find some great beaches here, but it’s also worth checking out the fantastic valley views and exploring the many hiking trails in this region.
Some of my favorite stops here include:
- Polihale State Park (this is a really cool beach with white sand dunes that go on forever).
- Kalalau Nui Valley (a beautiful valley with waterfalls and streams).
Haena to Princeville
This is an excellent stretch of road that goes through the mountains and passes by many lookout points where you can see the ocean. There are also some great beaches here, including Hanalei Bay and Anini Beach Park. Princeville to Kilauea Lighthouse.
It takes about two hours to drive from Princeville to Kilauea Lighthouse, and the views along this stretch of road are breathtaking.
There are a lot of lookout points that you can stop at along the way, including
- The Kauapea Lookout (which offers impressive views of Hanalei Bay)
- The Polihale State Park (where you can see white sand dunes)
- and Waimea Canyon (also known as “The Grand Canyon of Hawaii”).
Princeville to Kapaa
The drive from Princeville to Kapaa takes about an hour and a half.
This stretch of road is also beautiful, with views of the ocean on your left and lush landscapes on your right.
You can stop at several lookout points along the way, including
- The Haena Lookout (which offers views of the Na Pali Coast)
- Makaha Beach Park (where you can see green sea turtles)
- and Wailua Falls.
Kapaa to Lihue
The drive from Kapaa to Lihue takes about an hour, and it’s another gorgeous stretch of road.
You will pass through Waimea (where you can visit the Waimea Valley Botanical Garden), Anahola Beach Park (which has a white sand beach), and Kekaha Kai State Park (where you can see Hawaiian monk seals).
You may also like: How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Maui
Takeaway: You can make the trip around the whole island in less than six hours, but there is plenty to stop and see along the way
If you’re looking for a fun day trip, consider taking the road around the island. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Hawaii, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.
