walking from Lihue airport to Hilton Garden Inn in Kapaa

Question

We are traveling to Kauai soon and have signed up for some tours so will not need a car. Lihue Airport is about 5 miles from our hotel (Hilton Garden Inn near Lydgate State Park Beach). Is it possible to walk the 5 miles from the airport to our hotel and back? We are assuming it is not safe to walk along the Kuhio Highway. But if it is okay, please let us know.

Answer

Walking from Lihue Airport to the Hilton Garden Inn in Kapaa is technically possible since the distance is about 5 miles, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of pedestrian infrastructure along Kuhio Highway (Route 56).

Kuhio Highway is a busy main road with limited sidewalks in many stretches, narrow shoulders, and traffic that moves quickly. Walking alongside the road could be hazardous, especially if you have luggage or are unfamiliar with the area.

Alternatives to walking include:

Taxi or rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available from Lihue Airport and can get you to your hotel in 10–15 minutes safely.
Hotel shuttle: Check with the Hilton Garden Inn to see if they offer an airport shuttle service. Many Kauai hotels provide this for a fee or sometimes complimentary.
Rental car drop-off: Even if you don’t plan to use a car for tours, some visitors rent for a single day to get from the airport to their hotel safely.

In summary, while walking is physically possible, it is not safe or practical. Using a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle is strongly recommended.