Kauai Kahuna’s Island Guide Vol. 2: The East Side

In our last blog post we went through the ins-and-outs of the North Shore: what sort of weather to expect, how to get around, and popular attractions. We also gave a description of each of the condo complexes we manage units at, to help our future guests be able to choose the perfect getaway spot for their vacations! In this post, we’ll be doing the same thing for the East Shore, sometimes referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast! 

 

The Basics: What Counts as the East Side & What Kind of Weather You Can Expect

The East Side of Kaua’i is the most populated part of the island, and has more of the grocery stores and businesses you’re used to seeing on the mainland United States (think big box stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.). The main part of the East Side is Lihu’e, where the airport is located, but smaller towns like Wailua and Kapa’a are included as well. Not only is the East Side perfectly located between the North and South Shores, for easy adventuring, the weather is also a nice mix of the two. Less rainy than the North Shore, and a bit cooler and more temperate than the South Shore, the East Side of the island is a nice picture into how, and where, locals live. 

 

The Details: How to Get Around, What to See & What to Do

We strongly recommend a rental car for any trip to the island, as rideshare services are less common, and more expensive, and public transit can be quite slow. That being said, if you want to enjoy a car-free vacation, the East Side of the island is a good option! Lihu’e, Wailua, and Kapa’a all have walkable pockets, with beaches, restaurants, and shopping all clustered nicely together. The East Side also tends to have better Uber/Lyft availability than other parts of the island if you’re interested in being car-free, but less interested in walking everywhere. 

As far as entertainment options, the East Side has plenty of things to fill your days with! Kealia and Lydgate Beach Parks are both lifeguarded, with gentler wave pool areas for less confident swimmers and little ones alike. Wailua and Kalapaki Beaches are not lifeguarded, however Kalapaki benefits from a large break wall which keeps the waves gentle. If you want to make the most of your beach day, you can rent a bike from any number of shops (though our favorite is Hele on Kaua’i) on the East Side, and set out on the Kapa’a Bike Path (Ke Ala Hele Makalae). The 8-mile, paved bike path stretches from Lydgate Beach on the Southern end all the way to Donkey Beach up North. There are also plenty of hiking trails, like Sleeping Giant and Kuilau, that will give you beautiful views of the ocean while taking you through the lush interior. Kapa’a, Wailua, and Lihu’e all have their own little gems to discover, but always recommend a stop at the tried-and-trues: Bubba’s Burgers, Java Kai, Wailua Shave Ice, and Kountry Kitchen. Smith’s Luau makes for an exciting night out enjoying a Hawaiian buffet, hula, and fire dancing, and they also offer day tours to the Fern Grotto, which is a breathtaking trip along the Wailua River. 

For help planning your itinerary, check our previous blog posts on the best coffee shops on the island, popular summertime activities, and a breakdown of all the State Parks on Kaua’i!

 

The Accommodations: Where to Stay on the East Side

Although you can certainly find luxurious accommodations anywhere on the island, our offerings on the East Shore are intended to be comfy, convenient, and suitable for a range of budgets. Our East Shore catalog is best for groups of 4 or fewer, so large families and groups will need to look farther North or South.

 

Classic Condos, Modest Prices

Kauai Kailani Condominiums: Our units at Kauai Kailani are the perfect option for travelers looking for updated beachfront units on a smaller budget. This former-hotel-turned-condominiums is situated right on Waipouli Beach, and within walking distance of the Kaua’i Village Shopping Center, Lava Lava Beach Club, and Luau Ka Hikina at the Sheraton Coconut Beach. You can truly enjoy the island experience without a car in this walkable little pocket! With two complex pools, including a heated oceanfront pool, a covered communal barbecue area, and an indoor rec room, you’ll be able to make the most of even the rainy days. The parking lot has also recently been re-paved, so you can enjoy convenient, complimentary parking. Our Kauai Kailani condos have spacious private lanais, updated interiors, and either partial or full air-conditioning, a real luxury on the island!

 

Wailua Bay View Condominiums: We currently manage one unit at Wailua Bay View, and it’s a truly charming little condo with gorgeous views of Wailua Bay from the private lanai. Beautifully updated inside, partially air-conditioned in the bedroom, and featuring in-unit laundry, you’ll be able to enjoy all the comforts of home in a lush tropical setting. While the soft, golden-sand beach of Wailua Bay is just steps from your front door, the recently renovated complex pool and barbecue area is another lovely place to enjoy a day in the water without the sand. Like our Kauai Kailani condos, Wailua Bay View is tucked away in an easily walkable part of town, with grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants just 5 minutes away in either the Kinipopo Shopping Village, or the Coconut Marketplace. While recently updated and perfectly located, Wailua Bay View won’t break the bank, and is best for couples and singles looking for a chic getaway.