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By Car

The best way to experience all of Kauai's stunning beauty is to get in a car and explore. The 15-mi stretch of Na Pali Coast, with its breathtaking, verdant green sheer cliffs, is the only part of the island that's not accessible by car. Otherwise, one main road can get you from Barking Sands Beach on the west coast to Haena on the north coast.

Asking for directions will almost always produce a helpful explanation from the locals, but you should be prepared for an island term or two. Instead of using compass directions, remember that Hawaii residents refer to places as being either mauka (toward the mountains) or makai (toward the ocean) from one another. Hawaii has a strict seat belt law. Those riding in the front seat must wear a seat belt, and children under the age of 17 in the backseats must be belted. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $92. Jaywalking is also very common in the islands, so please pay careful attention to the roads. It also is considered rude to honk your horn, so be patient if someone is turning or proceeding through an intersection. While driving on Kauai, you will come across several one-lane bridges. If you are the first to approach a bridge, the car on the other side will wait while you cross. If a car on the other side is closer to the bridge, then you should wait while the driver crosses. If you're enjoying the island's dramatic views, pull over to the shoulder so you don't block traffic.

Gasoline

You can count on having to pay more at the pump for gasoline on Kauai than on the U.S. mainland.

Road Conditions

Kauai has a well-maintained highway running south from Lihue to Barking Sands Beach; a spur at Waimea takes you along Waimea Canyon to Kokee State Park. A northern route also winds its way from Lihue to end at Haena, the beginning of the rugged and roadless Na Pali Coast. Opt for a four-wheel-drive vehicle if dirt-road exploration holds any appeal.

Roadside Emergencies

If you find yourself in an emergency or accident while driving on Kauai, pull over if you can. If you have a cell phone with you, call the roadside assistance number on your rental-car contract or AAA Help. If you find that your car has been broken into or stolen, report it immediately to your rental-car company and they can assist you. If it's an emergency and someone is hurt, call 911 immediately and stay there until medical personnel arrive.

Emergency Services

AAA Help (800/222-4357).