The main airport on Kauai is Lihue Airport, which is located near the island capital and receives flights from throughout the Hawaiian chain as well as direct from the US mainland. You will not be able to fly here from outside the US, however, as you will need to pass customs at the main airport in Honolulu.

Lihue Airport has a small terminal with decent facilities and flights come in with Hawaiian Airlines, American, United, and US Airways. Try and get a seat on the right of the cabin for the best views of the island on approach. To get to Lihue and elsewhere on the island from the airport, taxis and hire cars are the only options.

The only public transport option is the Kauai Bus which serves destinations island-wide, including Lihue and Kapaa, but not the airport, resort areas and remote parts like Kokee. The Frequent Rider Monthly Bus Pass can be bought from the County Department of Finance in Lihue, and offers cheaper bus travel for the duration of its validity.

Many people choose to hire bicycles as Kauai is quite bike-friendly and uncongested and has many dedicated cycle paths on the east of the island. Kauai Taxi Company is the main taxi firm on the island.

The best way to see Kauai is by car and rentals on the island are relatively cheap. It is the only way to get the most out of Kauai and there is much to see, but be sure to heed restricted areas warnings. Two main highways go from Lihue: Kaumualii Highway (State Route 50) heading west and Kuhio Highway (State Route 56) heading north. Harleys can also be rented.