• EASTSIDE SIGHTSEEING

The Eastside of Kaua‘i has been aptly named the Coconut Coast for the stands of coconut trees that date back to the time when Hawaiian royalty lived at Wailua. The Coconut Coast features a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a number of natural and historical wonders.

Farther south along the coast, you find Lihu‘e, the commercial and governmental hub of the island. For a glimpse of Kaua‘i’s past, visit the Kaua‘i Museum in the heart of Lihu‘e.

South of Lihu‘e is Nawiliwili Harbor and the world-class Kaua‘i Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Beach. At the resort's Kaua‘i Lagoons, the beautifully landscaped Kaua‘i Zoological Gardens, one of the most popular attractions on Kaua‘i, is open to the public. Some 45 acres of winding waterways, islands and dense vegetation provide a tropical haven for a variety of animals from Hawai‘i and around the world.

Lihu‘e is the commercial center and county seat for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. To reach Lihu‘e, travel from the airport on Ahukini Road and turn left on Kapule Highway. It deadends at Rice St. where you‘ll find banks, supermarkets, a post office and the Kaua‘i Museum, which offers a historical look at Kaua‘i as well as exhibits of contemporary works by Kaua‘i’s artists. Another left will put you on the hill down to Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Beach.

Nawiliwili is the island’s major port and hosts a small fishing and recreational boating fleet. Tour boats will take you snorkeling and sightseeing to remote areas on the east and south sides. Cruise ships bring in visitors weekly.

Kalapaki is a sheltered bay for sunning, surfing and windsurfing. Above the bay is Anchor Cove Shopping Center and Pacific Ocean Plaza. Drive up Niumalu Road and take a right on Hulemalu Rd. to the Menehune Fishpond overlook.

Nawiliwili Road from Niumalu takes you to Grove Farm Homestead Museum, a living tribute to the beginnings of the Kaua‘i sugar industry. Traveling farther on Nawiliwili Road, you'll find Kukui Grove, the largest shopping center on the island. Further along on Kuhio Highway is the old Kilohana Estate and Kaua‘i Community College.

You've seen Wailua Falls at the opening of the old “Fantasy Island” television show. The falls are located only 20-minutes from Lihu‘e Airport and are definitely worth a visit. Take Kuhio Highway north to Highway 583 at the bottom of the hill in Kapaia. Turn left and drive four miles through sugarcane fields until you reach Wailua Falls.

To reach Opaeka‘a Falls and Kamokila Village, cross the Wailua River on Kuhio Highway and turn at left at the Coco Palms Hotel onto Highway 580. Opaeka‘a Falls is about two miles up a beautiful winding road. Across from the lookout is Kamokila, a reconstructed native Hawaiian village. In the valley below you’ll see the Wailua River, Kaua‘i’s only navigable stream.

Heading north on Kuhio Highway beyond the Wailua River, you'll enter the town of Kapa‘a. Kaua‘i’s most populated town, Kapa‘a is home to dozens of eateries and shops. A few mile past Kapa‘a on Kuhio Highway you’ll come to Kealia Beach. Although it has no showers or restrooms, Kealia is great for swimming and bodysurfing.