Fly & Drive guide
Fly into LIH, drive to Kauai
Your route
LIH
Lihue Airport
Kauai
About 1 h 28 min · 19 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to LIH
Compare fares into Lihue Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at LIH
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Kauai. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Kauai
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Kauai
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Kauai
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Starlightkanab · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Haena State Park and Coastal Entry Requirements
Reservations for parking, shuttle, and entry at Haena State Park are mandatory for non-residents and must be made weeks in advance. A separate permit is required for hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Official booking windows and rules for state parks are subject to frequent updates.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – May, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Kauai?
Lihue Airport (LIH) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from LIH to Kauai?
Roughly 1 h 28 min (about 19 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Kauai?
Reservations for parking, shuttle, and entry at Haena State Park are mandatory for non-residents and must be made weeks in advance. A separate permit is required for hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Official booking windows and rules for state parks are subject to frequent updates.
