The Wailua River, a centerpiece of Kauai’s Eastside, was a sacred area to ancient Hawaiians and its royalty. The lush agriculture of the region yielded sugar cane, pineapple and rice, plus a landscape of coconut trees. The signature trees today mark the line from Wailua to Kapaa, providing an alternate name for Kauai’s Eastside, the Royal Coconut Coast. Guests staying in a condo at the Islander on the Beach will enjoy a multitude of affordable things to do within excellent proximity, ranging from a variety of scenic to thrill-seeking adventures.
Wailua River - one of the few navigatable rivers in Hawaii
Best Affordable Picks
- Wailua River State Park, including sightseeing Fern Grotto, Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls
- Also at Wailua River State Park – Wailua Complex of Heiau
- Hiking Mt. Nounou, Keahua Arboretum
- Golf – Wailua Golf Course
- Beaches – Donkey Beach (snorkeling, whale watching), Kealia (surfing), Lydgate (swimming, sunning, snorkeling and more)
- Kauai’s Hindu Monastery
- Coconut Festival (Guests of Islander on the Beach visiting in October)
- Free hula shows at Coconut Marketplace
- Sunshine Market at Kapaa New Town Ball Park
Water, Sky and Land Adventures
Hawaii’s only navigable rivers are in Kauai, and the Wailua River’s 20 miles are striking and spiritual (once threading seven ancient heiau, temples). The Wailua River’s double waterfalls, Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls, provide scenic thrills, are both accessible and provide plentiful photo opportunities. The Wailua River, which flows from Mount Waialeale, one of the world’s rainiest spots, provides more than visual appeal. Kayaking and canoeing is popular here, which can be done on one’s own or accompanied by a tour guide. A tour of Fern Grotto is only accessible by boat and was once only accessible to royalty. Guests of Islander on the Beach should plan on taking the excursion of this natural lava-rock grotto via an open-air boat ride with lush foliage at every turn, with the hint of a cool mist along the way, while being serenaded by Hawaiian music.
The legend of Sleeping Giant is that he was tricked into gobbling tons of rocks wrapped in fish and poi; the immense amount put him in a deep sleep ever since. If you look, you’ll find a picture of a human sleeping in what is today’s Nounou Mountain Range that hikers (under two miles) access straight hike to the top, with the trail head on Halelilo Road in Wailua. More hiking opportunities await at the Keahua Arboretum, plus off-roading, picnicking, and and freshwater pools in which to indulge. The road nearby will take you to the Blue Hole at the base of the Mt. Waialeale crater, a bumpy but scenic ride eight miles above the Wailua River.
Wailua Golf Course is a municipal course that is very affordable; thus, it’s in high demand, so contact them as soon as you know your schedule for a tee time. Guests of Islander on the Beach will naturally seek opportunities to enjoy a relaxing day sunning and a myriad of water sports available on the beaches of the Eastside. Kalapaki Beach, adjacent to a resort, Nawiliwili Bay and a championship golf course, is crescent-shaped and swimming, bodysurfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, surfing and picnicking (Nawilwili Park).
Kealia Beach is a terrific beach that was once a plantation area and is today excellent for surfing, or watching surfers. A little more remote is Donkey Beach, with a craggy coastline ideal for snorkeling and also a whale watching spot, be careful swiming here; There is a steep shoreline that makes getting out of the water difficult. Families, solo travelers and couples staying at Islander on the Beach will each find a perfect day at Lydgate Beach, whether interested in snorkeling, cycling, kite flying, picnicking, sunning, strolling and more. Families should definitely spend time at Kamalani Playground, it has an interactive bridge and pavilion. For those who cannot conquer it all on foot, horseback or by car (or ATV), consider experiencing it overhead, via a Hawaii helicopter tour or even a zipline or parasailing adventure. Shop around among outfitters, determining what you want to do or see the most and you will likely find an excursion that fits your budget. Talking with other travels for feedback about tours that have experienced or outfitters they have used is a great way to get information.
Heritage, History and Culture
Part of the Wailua River State Park is the Wailua Complex of Heiau, a National Historic Landmark. Poliahu Heiau, a large lava-rock temple and other sites that comprise this area display the rich character of ancient Hawaii preserved today. The Kauai Historical Society offers 90-minute tours of Kapaa and its past ($15 for adults and $5 for children under 12). History buffs will enjoy learning about the architecture and life more than a century ago. Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is certainly an elevated experience for religious and spiritual individuals; moreover, the gardens, temples, sanctuary areas and iconic sculptures are worth the trip as well as the experience to visit a sacred Hindu temple, complete with religious ceremonies (if you wish). The monks are philosophical and tech-savvy, so check their website for self-guided and guided tour information, plus hours for visitation.
Shopping and Dining
The Coconut Festival is an affordable, fun-filled event for those visiting Islander on the Beach in October. Coconut pies to coconut bowling are a few festivities that highlight this annual celebration. Island gifts, jewelry, crafts and apparel are finds at Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa. Islander on the Beach guests will enjoy this open-air market filled with treasures plus everyday items you might need back at the condo. Enjoy the free hula shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus the eateries (pizza, shave ice, ice cream, fish, etc.). Organic foods and, of course, plenty of coconuts are available at the Kapaa Sunshine Market on Wednesday. Burgers, fries, plate lunches, Korean BBQ, breakfast places and bakeries throughout the Eastside offer affordable dining options. Make sure to indulge in sweet island treats, including lillikoi chiffon pie and ice cream with coconut, macadamia nut and Bourbon Madagascar vanilla.