Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 1166

Road Conditions & Hazards
» The main hazards are drunk drivers and narrow, winding and/or steep roads that wash
out after heavy rains. In rural areas, watch for livestock and wildlife.
» On narrow, unpaved or potholed roads, locals may hog both lanes and driver over the
middle stripe until an oncoming car approaches.
» Don't drive your standard car on 4WD roads, which is usually prohibited by rental com-
panies and will void insurance coverage. Ask your rental-car company about additional
road restrictions on driving its vehicles.
» If you get into trouble with your car, towing is prohibitively expensive in Hawaii - avoid it
at all costs.
HAWAII'S HIGHWAY ADDRESSES
Street addresses on some island highways may seem to be random, but there's a
logic at work. For hyphenated numbers, such as 4-734 Kuhio Hwy, the first part of
the number identifies the local tax zone and section, while the second part identi-
fies the actual street address. Thus, it's entirely possible for 4-736 to be followed by
5-002; you've just entered a new zone, that's all.
Road Rules
Slow, courteous driving is the rule in Hawaii. Locals don't honk (unless they're about to
crash), don't follow close (ie tailgate) and let other drivers pass. Do the same, and you
may get an appreciative shaka (Hawaiian hand greeting sign) from other drivers.
» Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
» Speed limits are posted and enforced. If you're stopped for speeding, expect a ticket, as
police rarely just give warnings.
» Turning right on red is allowed (unless a sign prohibits it), but island drivers often wait
for the green light.
» At four-way stop signs, cars proceed in order of arrival. If two cars arrive simultaneously,
the one on the right has the right of way. When in doubt, politely wave the other driver
ahead.
» For one-lane-bridge crossings, one direction of traffic usually has the right of way while
the other must obey the posted yield sign.
» Downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic where there is no sign.