East Side (Coconut Coast) Kauai

The East Side encompasses Lihue, Wailua, and Kapaa. It's also known as the Coconut Coast, as there was once a coconut plantation where today's aptly named Coconut Marketplace is located. A small grove still exists on both sides of the highway. Mauka, a fenced herd of goats keeps the grass tended; on the makai side, you can walk through the grove, although it's best not to walk directly under the trees—falling coconuts can be dangerous. Lihue is the county seat, and the whole East Side is the island's center of commerce, so early-morning and late-afternoon drive times (or rush hour) can get congested. (Because there's only one main road, if there's a serious traffic accident the entire roadway may be closed, with no way around. Not to worry; it's a rarity.)

Roadside Vendors

Lei. Tropical flowers. Corn. Rambutan. Avocados. Huli huli chicken. Kalua pig. It's not uncommon to run across individuals selling flowers, produce, and food on the side of the road. Some are local farmers trying to make a living; others are people fund-raising for the local canoe club. Don't be afraid to stop and buy. Most are friendly and enjoy chatting.

Kapa`a and Wailua

Old Town Kapaa was once a plantation town, which is no surprise—most of the larger towns on Kauai once were. Old Town Kapaa is made up of a collection of wooden-front shops, some built by plantation workers and still run by their progeny today. Kapaa houses the two biggest grocery stores on the island, side by side: Foodland and Safeway. It also offers plenty of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and gift shopping. To the south, Wailua comprises a few restaurants and shops, a few mid-range resorts along the coastline, and a housing community mauka.

Kauai: Places to Explore

East Side (Coconut Coast) Kauai

Roadside Vendors

Kapa`a and Wailua