I%26#39;m getting mixed adivce on whether I should rent a 4WD car for the week I spend on the Big Island and the next week on Kauai. I%26#39;d like to try to explore some less-traveled beaches and I%26#39;ll hike a few trails, but I%26#39;m not attempting to drive up any 14,000 volcanoes or across rivers or undertake off-road adventures. Will a typical rental car usually suffice on these islands or are many of the general roads and beach access roads in poor condition and require 4WD?
Car Rental: 4WD needed on Kauai or Big Island?
A standard car will suffice. While it%26#39;s true there are several beaches on the BI that are difficult to get to, as far as I know all of the regular car rental places allow driving on paved roads only.
There are options to go off road legally, i.e. Harpers, but their vehicles are expensive to rent.
Car Rental: 4WD needed on Kauai or Big Island?
A 4x4 on the big island is a total waste of money, cant take it off a paved road,; it gets 12 MPG in our traffic, ;drives poorly and noisy over 35 mph; and has no storage or security..... need I say more
ditto what Dan said, and I would add that the locals who have bought the right kind of truck to get to less-traveled beaches and get away from the tourist traffic -- may not appreciate it when you show up. All beaches are for everyone, legally, but some people still feel territorial and resentful of off-island intruders. Especially on weekends.
There are plenty of great beaches with easy rental car access.
Nope. Standard car will suffice.
Good luck and happy travels!
KK is right, while all beaches are for everybody, not everybody will be happy to see you at some of the beaches. Camping visitors have been badly beaten up by locals at Hookena Beach twice in the past two weeks.
You have some great information here so please listen to them. Also on Kauai barking sands is off limits to rental cars and if you don%26#39;t have a 4whl trk with lift kit you will get stuck. Long rocky road into besides. Tires will show scrapes on sides when you go where you aren%26#39;t suppose to and if you get stuck consider you have to pay for damages and lost rental time.
I am happy to know that I%26#39;ll have a few hundred extra dollars to spend on something instead of dropping all that coin on a 4WD (%26amp; gas) which sounds sort of pointless. I%26#39;m kind of put off by the %26#39;warnings%26#39; about thuggish behavior of some locals all over who is on what sand. This is Hawaii--not Somalia. But thank you all for the advice--we%26#39;ll be careful and respectful whereever we go in a Ford Taurus or whatever it is they rent with 2WD. :)
I realize it is off putting, but keep in mind - the ones that are likely to express thier discontent, also can back it up. I guess that is why we warn folks - I would rather you have an awareness before going, which keeps you out of trouble and have a fantastic vacation than be unaware, and run into some of the unruly element and have a crappy time in Hawaii. Just my $.02
er10011 you are correct, ';This is Hawaii--not Somalia.'; Fortunately, it means we have hospitals here. Some of the people attacked last week at Hookena wouldn%26#39;t have survived without one closeby. To make it even worst, the people attacked were all middle-aged+ and were celebrating the first birthday of their grandson. The police advised THEM to leave, claiming the police could not guarantee their safety.
as echolynch said, the point of warning you is to make you aware of the condition so you don%26#39;t accidentally walk into something.
Not to worry, you%26#39;ll enjoy this island. Showing respect is a good way to get along.
It's true that a standard car will get you buy on the island, but it's never a bad idea to have a 4WD vehicle if it's in your budget. You'll never know what you'll run into when driving on sand or uneven terrain. The beaches may be safe under normal conditions, but that doesn't mean that you won't ever need 4WD to get around. http://www.offroadrentals.com.au
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