Traffic jams, avoiding and not contributing to them?

Question

It’s been many years since we have been to Kauai, and likely not much has changed with regards to the traffic jams I assume. We are staying in Poipu and plan to have several trips to North Shore and Kapaa for activities., suppers etc.

What I do remember is we never left the North shore to come home to Poipu until after supper and so heading South then was fine at that time. Also remember driving through the Lihue had huge traffic jams going one way, but pretty clear sailing the other way, but that was only Monday to Friday. Am I remembering that correctly?

Is there certain times to avoid driving through Lihue in specific directions, or just avoid all together? I also seem to remember taking that other by-pass road between Kappa’ and Lihue was not much better, again on week days.

How are things these days?

Answer

Yes, you're right that traffic on Kauai can still be challenging, particularly during weekdays. The congestion tends to follow a similar pattern to what you remember, though there have been some changes that might affect how you plan your drives.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Lihue Traffic: During weekday mornings and afternoons, the main roads in and around Lihue (especially near the airport and the intersection of Kaumualii Highway) can be very congested. This is especially true between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM when commuters are traveling. It's definitely best to avoid driving through Lihue during these times, if possible. However, after these peak times, traffic clears up considerably.
Southbound traffic in the afternoon: As you remember, traffic heading south from the North Shore toward Poipu tends to be lighter in the evening, particularly after 6:00 PM. This is generally true, as locals often head to the southern areas in the morning and return in the evening. If you’re coming from the North Shore to Poipu, after dinner is a good time to make your drive.
Weekends: On weekends, the traffic patterns shift slightly. While mornings and afternoons are still busy, weekends see more tourists traveling to popular areas like Waimea Canyon or the beaches around the island. The North Shore tends to be busier on weekends, so planning your activities around peak times can help.

The bypass road between Kapa'a and Lihue (the Kuhio Highway) is still prone to heavy traffic, particularly on weekdays. This road, especially near the Kapa'a area, can be slow-moving during peak hours. If you are traveling through Kapa'a, it's best to avoid the stretch between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when traffic from both directions can be at its worst.

In addition, there are some other things you might want to consider for a smoother ride:

Timing your trips: If possible, plan your longer trips (e.g., to the North Shore or Waimea Canyon) in the early morning before 8:00 AM. This way, you can avoid the worst of the traffic and enjoy less crowded roads.
Using alternate routes: There are some less conventional routes, such as smaller roads around Koloa or Lawai Valley, that can help you avoid some of the heavier traffic. These are good options for scenic drives and shorter distances, though they might not always be faster depending on traffic conditions.
Relaxing in Kapa’a or Lihue: If you're traveling to the North Shore or other areas in the morning, you can take advantage of local shops and cafes in Kapa'a or Lihue to wait out the worst traffic before continuing your journey.

All in all, Kauai's traffic still follows the same general patterns, but with a little planning, you can avoid the worst of it. The key is to be mindful of local rush hours and try to travel outside of peak times to enjoy a more leisurely and scenic ride across the island.

Traffic jams, avoiding and not contributing to them?

More Kauai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions