East Shore Kauai Hotels

The Convenient East Shore (Coconut Coast): Your Central Hub for Island Exploration

The Vibe

Kauai's East Side, lovingly known as the Royal Coconut Coast, is the island's practical and convenient heart. Named for the vast groves of coconut palms that sway along its shores, this region is the most populated on the island. It serves as its commercial center. The vibe is eclectic and local. It feels less like a secluded resort area and more like a vibrant community where visitors and residents live together. Its central location between the North and South shores is its greatest asset. This makes it an ideal base for island-wide adventures.

Who It's For

The Coconut Coast is the perfect choice for explorers on a budget and travelers who have a long list of things they want to see and do all over Kauai. It's for visitors who want to spend their days hiking in Waimea Canyon and beach hopping in Hanalei. Then they come back to a comfortable, convenient, and affordable home base. If you see your hotel as more of a launchpad than the destination itself, the East Side is for you.

Key Highlights

The East Side's main draw is its access to a unique set of attractions. It's home to the Wailua River, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. This offers amazing opportunities for kayaking and boat tours up to the famous Fern Grotto. This is a lush, lava-rock grotto draped in ferns. The area boasts some of the island's most easily accessible and beautiful waterfalls. These include ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls and the famous twin cascades of Wailua Falls. You might recognize these from the opening credits of the TV show "Fantasy Island". The charming, historic Kapaʻa Town is a hub of activity, with fantastic local eateries, boutiques, and art galleries. A must-do is renting a bike and cruising along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae (the path that goes by the coast). This scenic multi-use path hugs the coastline for miles. For families, Lydgate Beach Park offers two lava-rock-enclosed ocean pools. These create a safe and calm place for swimming and snorkeling.

The East Coast functions as the island's strategic basecamp. While it may not have the guaranteed sun of Poipu or the dramatic cliffs of Princeville, its value is unmatched for the active traveler. The accommodations here, like the Kauai Shores Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn, offer excellent comfort and amenities at a more accessible price point. By staying on the Coconut Coast, you position yourself to experience the full range of Kauai's wonders without spending your entire vacation in the car.