Traveling to Kauai – Tips to Help You Save Time and Money
When planning a trip to Kauai, step number one is finding the best deal on travel to Kauai. Booking hotel reservations and airline tickets on your own is probably the most expensive way to go - not a good idea. Here’s what I recommend. Use a travel agent.
A good travel agent can be very helpful in finding good deals and saving you money and the travel industry pays the commission. Using a good and knowledgeable travel agent can save you money and literally add days to your vacation. They don’t all bargain shop in the same places and some are more skilled in their trade than others, so don’t be afraid to shop and compare.
There are also many companies on the Internet that sell travel packages. Wholesalers can provide amazingly low rates on hotel, airfare and car rental. Check out Sun Trips (800) 786-8747 and Pleasant Holidays (800) 242-9244. Cheap Tickets (800) 377-1000 is also a good source. Once again, shop around and compare prices.
When traveling to Kauai most vacationers fly to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu and then a connecting flight to Kauai’s Lihue Airport. The best view from the mainland to Honolulu is on the left going in and on the right returning home. The best view from Oahu to Kauai is on the left side (seats with an “A”). Inter-island flights can be booked from the mainland by calling Aloha (800) 367-5250; www.alohaair.com; 484-1111 or Hawaiian (800) 367-5320); www.hawaiianair.com; 835-3700.
On the inter-island flights, some of the planes have small overhead bins so you may be asked to check your carry-on luggage. Pack valuables and necessities in a small bag you can pull out and carry with you. Problem solved. You won’t have to worry about what you need to pull out right quick. You’re already prepared. Just pull out your mini-carry-on and you’re all set.
The flight from Oahu to Kauai takes only 20 minutes, but the layover takes 70 minutes. Airline regulations require this amount of time to allow passengers and luggage to be connected with inter-island flights. You can reduce this time when you take a short bus ride to the Inter-island Terminal, go directly to your airline’s ticket counter and ask for an earlier flight to Lihue, even as a stand-by. Stand-by’s can usually get seats. When you arrive in Lihue, you will be ahead of your luggage, but the time can be used to get your rental car. When traveling with restless children, every minute saved is a blessing.
If you don’t want to fly to Oahu and then Kauai, United, American and ATA offer non-stop flights between San Francisco and Lihue and Los Angeles and Lihue.
When traveling in the peak seasons (summer, Christmas and Easter) book as far in advance as possible. Once you get there, always allow extra time to get to your destination.
Double-check the accommodations at your hotel. If you requested an extra bed or crib, lower floor, non-smoking room, etc., confirm your request before your arrival. Even in paradise, someone can drop the ball.
Find out if the car rental company provides car seats and if there is an extra charge. A car seat is imperative. Hawaii strictly enforces the car-seat law.
When traveling with children, you may need a car seat, stroller with a sunshade and as many baby items as you can take with you. Everything is more expensive on Kauai. And whether you’re traveling with children or not, don’t forget the first aid kit and the sunscreen. The sun is more intense in Kauai and you can burn before you know it.
For medical services you can contact Wilcox Memorial Hospital and Health Center (808) 245-1000. Go to their website www.hawaiipacifichealth.org for a map to their locations. Select Maps & Directions in the Quick Find box. Do this before you leave and take the map with you.
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