Kapaa car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Kapaa

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Kapaa car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Kapaa with confidence.

What is the most popular car to hire in Kapaa?

Hires in the Small category (Nissan Versa or similar) are the most popular option in Kapaa, costing R1 425/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R1 387/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Kapaa?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Kapaa is August at an average cost of R802/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Kapaa when prices are R1 705/day on average, which tends to be 2 650% above the yearly average hire price for Kapaa.

Kapaa car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Kapaa by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R417 - R2 942

All Car Types

R741 - R2 515

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Kapaa?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Kapaa?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Kapaa?

Small car hire in Kapaa typically costs around R1 273 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R417 per day, which is about 68% less than the yearly average. Small cars are 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Kapaa, offering less value for money than other vehicle types.

Medium car hire in Kapaa typically costs around R1 159 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R735 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 4% cheaper than the average car hire in Kapaa, offering a good balance of space and value.

SUV hire in Kapaa typically costs around R1 126 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R618 per day, which is about 46% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 6% cheaper than the average car hire in Kapaa, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Medium

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Kapaa

  • Kapaa is a small town located on the island of Kauai. Renting cheap car rentals in Kapaa can make it easier to access some of the more remote locations on the island. As public transportation is limited in Kapaa, a car is essential for getting to some of the more isolated beaches and hiking trails. Kauai is also known for its stunning natural scenery, which can be best enjoyed by driving around in a car. Renting a car is also a convenient way to explore Kapaa on your own schedule. Some of the best attractions in Kapaa and the surrounding areas are more easily accessible by Kapaa car rentals. These include the Wailua Falls, Hanalei Bay, and the Na Pali Coast.
  • Lihue Airport (LIH) is the main airport where you can pick up Kapaa car rentals. The distance from Kapaa to Lihue Airport is approximately 8 miles and there are several rental car companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, and National. Their offices are situated in the baggage claim area of the terminal. There is no airport shuttle service that transports passengers directly to the rental car offices. However, most of the rental car companies offer a complimentary shuttle service to their off-site locations. The pick-up area for the shuttle buses is located outside of the baggage claim area.
  • Driving cheap car rentals in Kapaa can be a unique experience due to the island's size and location. Kapaa may have some unique signs for drivers unfamiliar with the area. For example, the island has "one-lane" bridges where drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. The driving style in Kapaa is typically relaxed and calm, but it can be aggressive during peak hours. Moreover, pedestrians are common in downtown Kapaa, especially near tourist areas. Drivers should therefore watch out for jaywalkers and be prepared to stop quickly.
  • While Kapaa is a small town, traffic during peak hours and tourist season can be heavy. The island also has limited highways and roads, which can cause congestion during peak hours. There are no major highways running through Kapaa, but the main road through town, Kuhio Highway (Route 56), can experience congestion during rush hour. The rush hour in Kapaa occurs between 6 am to 8 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm. Heavy rain and flooding can also impact driving conditions, especially on some of the island's more rural roads. It's important to check weather conditions before driving cheap car rentals in Kapaa and to exercise caution when driving on wet or flooded roads.
  • Large hire cars in Kapaa are around 17% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Kapaa

  • How can I find car hires near me in Kapaa?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Kapaa?

    A Medium car hire in Kapaa costs R1 425 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car hire cost in Kapaa?

    A Large car hire in Kapaa costs R1 186 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Kapaa?

    A highly recommended car for driving in Kapaa is a four-wheel drive (4WD) SUV or Jeep. Kauai's topography is such that exploring and enjoying its natural beauty can require some off-road driving. Parts of the island have unpaved roads, and exploring scenic routes and trails can benefit from the high clearance that an SUV provides. In addition, a 4WD vehicle can access more remote spots on the island such as the Kalalau Valley or Waimea Canyon.

  • What’s the speed limit in Kapaa?

    The speed limit on residential streets in Kapaa is typically 25 mph. On larger roads and highways, the speed limit can vary depending on the specific road and the surrounding area. For example, the speed limit on rural roads may be higher and up to 30 mph, while the speed limit in urban areas is usually between 45 mph and 55 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Kapaa?

    There are several options for parking in Kapaa, including street parking, parking lots, and garages. Some parking facilities may require payment, while others may be free. In the downtown area of Kapaa, there are several public parking lots and garages available for a fee. The cost of parking in these lots can vary depending on the location, time of day, and length of stay. Some hotels and businesses in the area also offer parking for a fee. The cost of parking in Kapaa can range from a few dollars to around $10 per day, depending on the location, time of day, and length of stay.

Kapaa car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

No score available yet

2 locations in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3-5920 Kuhio Hway

+1 808 400 3751

Monday07:00 - 15:00
Tuesday07:00 - 15:00
Wednesday07:00 - 15:00
Thursday07:00 - 15:00
Friday07:00 - 15:00
Saturday07:00 - 15:00
Sunday07:00 - 15:00

3651 Ahukini Road

+1 808 245 3356

Monday06:00 - 22:00
Tuesday06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday06:00 - 22:00
Thursday06:00 - 22:00
Friday06:00 - 22:00
Saturday06:00 - 22:00
Sunday06:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2026

Economy

KAYAK
I thought Kayak was a trustworthy website. This Hertz rental car business supposedly based at LIH airport did NOT even exist! Me & my kids were stranded at the airport without the promised car I booked. Actual Hertz location said many others were scammed like this too.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
We booked with kayak and got to Lihue and there was no car for us. It was Xmas and we had to scramble and pay a couple thousand dollars more to rent a car. Our uber driver let us know she had of a group of 50 people the day before that had the same issue. Not impressed at all

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Car was not at main airport. Misleading location.

2,0 Poor

Joshua, Jan 2026

Compact

KAYAK
when we arrived we were informed Hertz had no reservation for us. kayak is impossible to contract and Hertz has no ability to fix issue. This was absolutely unacceptable and we had to rent a car through another company. we lost one entire day of our vacation due to this as well as it caused much undue stress. I will NEVER use Kayak again and will tell everyone I know not to use kayak unless they want to ruin their vacation. if it wasn’t for the professionalism and care of Alamo we wouldn’t have had a car for our entire vacation. my entire family was affected by the inability of kayak to run a efficient and trustworthy program.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2026

Compact

KAYAK
Kayak is booking to the signature aviation airport which is only for the private flights. They didn’t give me the car and they keep blaming Kayak. Had to pay 3 times to get the car last minute from the main airport.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2026

Compact

KAYAK
Kayak sold us a fake Hertz pickup location at a private airport in Lihue that does not exist. They canceled last minute during Christmas, stranding 50 people when every car was sold out. Zero warning, zero help, zero accountability. We were forced to pay $1,000 for TWO DAYS for a basic replacement rental. Selling bookings that cannot be fulfilled is unacceptable. Fck you, Kayak - NEVER again.

1 out of 4

Advantage

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3273 Hoolimalima Pl

+1 808 245 5823

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:00
Friday07:00 - 22:00
Saturday07:00 - 22:00
Sunday07:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3276 Hoolimalima Pl

+1 844 914 1551

Monday06:00 - 22:45
Tuesday06:00 - 22:45
Wednesday06:00 - 22:45
Thursday06:00 - 22:45
Friday06:00 - 22:45
Saturday06:00 - 22:45
Sunday06:00 - 22:45

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Did not rent from Alamo

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Open-air all-terrain

KAYAK
Great!

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Courtesy caring people!!

10,0 Wonderful

Tanya, May 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Booked online. Check in upon arrival was quick. Vehicle was as expected. Return of vehicle was also quick.

1 out of 9

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3285 Hoolimalima Place

+1 808 245 9031

Monday05:00 - 23:00
Tuesday05:00 - 23:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:00
Friday05:00 - 23:00
Saturday05:00 - 23:00
Sunday05:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Bryan, Jul 2026

SUV

KAYAK
Received a Jeep Wrangler that had a large spot of bird poop on the passenger seat, rotting food in the center console, sand everywhere, sunscreen on the windshield and two non functional seatbelts in the back (we have 2 kids, so those seats were used). We picked up the car late at night and in the dark, so we didn’t notice much of this till the next day. Gina, the woman at Budget’s local office, gave us a hard time about having not noticed when we picked up the car, told us we could have it cleaned and they’d pay up to a certain amount (which is not what anyone wants to spend their vacation time doing) or drive it 1.5hrs back to the airport location and swap it, possibly, for another Jeep if one was available. This car had close to 50K miles on, was beaten up, terrible suspension, filthy and should not be in the fleet let alone rented out. By far the worst rental experience we’ve ever had, and we rent a lot! Would never go back here and would never recommend this location to anyone.

2,0 Poor

Maritza, May 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Roach infested vehicle. Incredibly disgusted

10,0 Wonderful

Chris, Apr 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Easy, quick, and good value. No complaints.

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Apr 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Car was dirty, lines too long, not enough counter help

6,0 Okay

Anonymous, Apr 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The counter person was wonderful. I waited 11/2 hours in line to get to the counter person. They did not have my car. It took her another 30 minutes to find a car for me! I did make a reservation . Again, the counter person, wonderful, but there was something wrong going on! Yes, I finally got a car. It was clean and drove well. I suppose, “things happen”.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Great! Smooth and very easy

Elita Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

Lihue Kauai Island Airport LIH

+1 808 245 5823

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

4-484 Kuhio Hwy

+1 808 975 9686

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3285 Hoolimalima Place

+1 808 245 9395

Monday05:00 - 23:00
Tuesday05:00 - 23:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:00
Friday05:00 - 23:00
Saturday05:00 - 23:00
Sunday05:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

6,0 Okay

Kelly, Jan 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The initial pick up experience was not welcoming and the agent was not able to confirm the additional insurance coverage and multi River option that I had selected at the time of booking.

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
Car had low oil warning throughout the drive, long line during checkout.

4,0 Mediocre

Sue, Jan 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
Car had no shocks, breaks worn,tires worn. Dents everywhere

2,0 Poor

Jani, Jan 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
They had trouble locating my reservation and the number I was given from kayak was not a viable number. He’s created a significant distress and confusion of over paying for the vehicle.

10,0 Wonderful

James, Oct 2023

Economy

KAYAK
I tried to rent from Hertz and it was a huge mistake. Never again with Hertz

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3276 Hoolimalima Pl

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Kapaa

Locations in Kapaa

3276 Hoolimalima Pl, Lihue, , USA Hawaii

+1 914 368 0091

Monday06:30 - 19:00
Tuesday06:30 - 19:00
Wednesday06:30 - 19:00
Thursday06:30 - 19:00
Friday06:30 - 19:00
Saturday06:30 - 19:00
Sunday06:30 - 19:00

Filters

No reviews available

Car hire locations in or near Kapaa

Kapaa car hire information

Pick-up locationKapaa
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0