4wd for Kauai?

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

We really used our 4WD on da Big Island, exploring roads described in BI Revealed as "nasty," etc... worth the payoff for the cool beaches at the end, etc...

Are there similar opportunities on Kauai, or should we just get a car and stick to the real roads?

[shopgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close shopgirl]

There were some awesome prices for Alamo mid-sized SUV's through the Costco site. We got one for a week starting April 22nd for $145! That is a great deal and only about $12.00 higher than a compact. They had full-sized SUV's for only about $10 more, too.

I checked all other sites and found this to be the best deal anywhere, but of course I will keep looking until the trip is upon us, in case the price goes down. You know, someone on TUG was asking about Costco membership and whether it was worth joining, just for a Hawaii trip. My answer would be an emphatic "YES." The car rental deals, the discounted food, the great items you can buy every day and their guarantee on everything, these are all reasons to join Costco, not just for Hawaii. I love their beef!

As for your question, there are some narrow roads that lead to the northern-most part of the island and you might be glad you had something with 4WD, but I don't think it is necessary. The road to Waimea Canyon is pretty easy to drive, not like Hana Road on Maui at all. I think a 4WD is not at all necessary but they are sure easier to get into for Rick, with his bad back, which was my consideration in grabbing the SUV.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

The only place you will want or need 4wd would be on the far east side of the island. There are no roads to the beach <which I forget the name of>. We did not get a chance to see or do this but had plenty to occupy us with a standard mid-size car.

Avoid Alamo at all costs. Alamo Lihue is the PITS!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Avoid Alamo at all costs. Alamo Lihue is the PITS!

Duly noted, thanks.

I will not join Costco for the rental rates, though. The last time I joined it was to buy a TV, and I swore I'd use the membership to help stretch the cost, but never went back.

Ok, will try for an SUV. On Big Island even the midsize SUV d/n make it on one road, so this year we're getting a Wrangler there. Hopefully we won't need that on Kauai, too.

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

In 2005 we rented a four-wheel drive mini-truck, dual-cab. The truck had three doors, a hard bed cover (with a locking mechanism). The truck rental was cheaper than a SUV rental. We used this truck to get to ship-wreck beach, in Poipu. We also drove to a beach past barking sands on the east side of the island, in which four wheel-drive comes in handy. I suggest that a mini-truck rental is a good option for kauai