Discover Kauaʻi’s Royal Coconut Coast
From golden-sand beaches and picturesque hiking trails to family-friendly parks and cute boutiques, this coastline on the Garden Isle has it all.
Kauaʻi’s East Side is known as the Royal Coconut Coast for the groves of coconut palms that grace the coastline. Visitors like its central location; it’s only 15 minutes from Līhuʻe and an hour from Kaua‘i’s North Shore or the west side.
This is the most populated district on the island, with about 16,000 of Kaua‘i’s 71,000 residents reside here in Wailua and Kapa‘a. Among the clusters of coconut trees you’ll find historic places, wonderful beaches, the Wailua River, memorable attractions, mountain trails, oceanfront resorts and inns and lots to do. There is a treasure-trove of opportunities and outdoor activities.
Lydgate Pond on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Courtesy of Kicka Witte
The golden beaches on the Coconut Coast may be one of the biggest draws with six beach parks dotting the coastline. Unwind at Lydgate Beach Park in Wailua, where you’ll find two lava rock enclosed ocean pools that are perfect places for families and first-time snorkelers. Wailua Beach and Keālia Beach are popular for surfers and boogie boarders. Waipouli and Kapa‘a Beach Parks provide scenic delights and Palikū, also known as Donkey Beach, is a marvelous hide-away, accessed by a tree-lined trail from the highway parking area or found at the end of the Ke Ala Hele Makālae bike path.
Uluwehi Falls on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Courtesy of Kicka Witte
Kayak or glide on an SUP up the Wailua River, hike to a secret waterfall, take a boat ride to the Fern Grotto take photos at ʻŌpaekaʻa or Wailua waterfalls, follow the Wailua Heritage Trail, or ride the famed bike path, Ke Ala Hele Makālae. This multi-use path was recently named number one in the nation for the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame. Remember to try and spot the Sleeping Giant on Nounou Mountain or take a hike up this scenic ridge with spectacular views of Kaua‘i. A special adventure is to ride down an upper mountain canal in tubes. Or try the surf breaks at Keālia Beach Park. The Wailua Golf Course, considered among the top municipal courses in the nation, provides reasonable rates for nine or 18 holes. Disc golfers play on a course at Lydgate Beach Park.
Ke Ala Hele Makālae on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Courtesy of Kicka Witte
Be sure to visit Kapa‘a Town and discover fine Hawaiian craft pieces, alohawear, jewelry, fabric, art and dozens of restaurants. Plus, this region’s entertainment hops with three lūʻau, live music at many restaurants and special events every month.
Sacred places like Poliʻahu Heiau (place of worship), among others, are also found on the Royal Coconut Coast. Then explore the 4-mile Wailua Heritage Trail, a driving route along the Wailua watershed that provides 10 markers interpreting places of important historical and Hawaiian cultural significance.
Shopping in Kapaʻa on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Courtesy of Kicka Witte
The Royal Coconut Coast Association, an organization 75 members, provides an informative resource at https://royalcoconutcoast.com representing 14 hotels resorts and inns; dozens of restaurants, a long list of activity providers and a host of boutique shops, art galleries and services.
