Waimea Canyon: Driving back to ship at Nawiliwili. ?s

[mlbcruiser]

 Our ship docks at Nawiliwili Bay in Kauai on a weekday in May, and departs at 4 pm.  We once did a land trip to Kauai & stayed near Poipu, so I recall driving to various areas of the island. (Worst traffic was by Lihue.)  that was a number of years ago. Hoping someone sees this who can tell me how long it took them to get back to their ship when they have rented a car to do the same trip. Basically from Lihue on their own to Waimea Canyon and back to the airoort at Lihue, then shuttled to their ship at Nawikiwili.  Since we have seen things along the way, like Spouting Horn and even Waimea Canyon overlooks the last time, we won’t necessarily have to spend a lot of time  stopping at every interesting point between the ship and the canyon. I feel if there is enough time for a cruise ship tour to do the trip there should certainly be enough time for someone driving their own car. Hoping for some experienced replies. Thanks.

[Astro Flyer]

We easily did what you’re considering...rental car van to airport, drive to Waimea Canyon making a couple of stops (coffee plantation, Hanapepe) along the way & then returning to the ship. 

[mlbcruiser]

Astro Flyer, thanks for replying. Do you recall if you ran into a lot of heavy traffic heading back to the Lihue area & Nawiliwili? Did you have to wait long for the rental car shuttle to take you back to the ship? Any info re that would be appreciated. 

[Astro Flyer]

1 hour ago, mlbcruiser said:

Astro Flyer, thanks for replying. Do you recall if you ran into a lot of heavy traffic heading back to the Lihue area & Nawiliwili? Did you have to wait long for the rental car shuttle to take you back to the ship? Any info re that would be appreciated. 

The only slowing we had was driving through Lihue but nothing bad.  We even made a stop at Costco on the way back to the airport.

 

We were there from 8AM to 5PM and returned to the ship at about 3PM.  We had just missed the shuttle & waited about 15 minutes for the next one for the short ride back to the ship.

[mlbcruiser]

Helpful. Thanks a bunch!  

[Astro Flyer]

11 hours ago, mlbcruiser said:

Helpful. Thanks a bunch!  

You’re welcome...have a great day on the Garden Isle.