The East Side: The Royal Coconut Coast
The historic heart of Kauai, where royalty once ruled
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerThe East Side is the historic heart of Kauai. Once the seat of the island's royalty. Today, it's an accessible hub of adventure centered around the beautiful Wailua River. This region is perfect for families. Or for a "lighter" activity day between more tough adventures.
Journey Up the Wailua River
As Hawaii's only navigable river, the Wailua offers a unique way to explore the island's lush interior. The water is calm. This makes it accessible for everyone.
🛶 Kayak to a Secret Waterfall
The most popular adventure is kayaking to Uluwehi Falls, better known as Secret Falls. You'll paddle for about 45-60 minutes up the North Fork of the river. Then embark on a muddy but beautiful 1.5-mile hike through the rainforest to the base of the 120-foot waterfall. You can rent kayaks for a self-guided trip or join a guided tour.
🚢 Smith's Fern Grotto Tour
For a more relaxed experience, the Smith family has been running their famous Fern Grotto tour for generations. You'll cruise up the river on a spacious, open-air boat. Guides share stories, play Hawaiian music, and even teach a hula lesson. The destination is a lush, fern-draped lava grotto. A beautiful natural amphitheater.
Chase Waterfalls (No Hiking Required)
The East Side is home to two of Kauai's most famous and easily accessible waterfalls.
Wailua Falls
This stunning double-tiered waterfall was featured in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island. It's just a short drive from Līhuʻe. You can view it directly from a roadside lookout. Perfect for a quick and rewarding stop.
Kalani's Tip: Want to see a rainbow at Wailua Falls? The magic hour is in the morning. When the sun comes up over the mountain and hits the mist just right. It's worth the early wake-up call!
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Another amazing waterfall that's visible from a roadside lookout on Kuamoʻo Road. The name means "rolling shrimp." They were once abundant in the stream.
Kalani's Tip: At the ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls lookout, don't forget to walk across the street! There's another viewpoint there that offers one of the best views of the entire Wailua River Valley. Most people miss it.
Bike the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path
Stretching for nearly 8 miles along the coastline, the "Path that Goes by the Coast" is a paved trail. Perfect for a family bike ride or a scenic stroll. The path runs from Lydgate Park in the south to Donkey Beach in the north. The town of Kapaʻa is at its center.
In Kapaʻa, you'll find numerous shops like Hele On Kauai and Holoholo Bike Rentals right on the path. You can rent everything from beach cruisers to e-bikes.
ℹ️ East Side Essentials
- Nickname: Coconut Coast
- Main Town: Kapaʻa
- Vibe: Central & easy
- Budget: Friendly
⭐ Must-See Spots
- Wailua River kayaking
- Secret Falls
- Wailua Falls
- ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
- Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path