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Kapaa, Wailua & Lihue
Kauai Island
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The east coast of Kauai is excellent for strolling and beachcombing along the sandy beaches between the town of Kapa'a and Wailua. However, the sea along this coastline has unpredictable currents and dangerous winter surf. There's usually good surf at Kealia Beach north of Kapa'a Town. Kapa'a Town has a long stretch of beach, although it is very narrow in places. Two spots noted for safe swimming are at Lydgate Park south of Kapa'a Town and Kalapaki near the airport town of Lihue in the south east corner of Kauai. The best of these for families and tentative swimmers is Lydgate State Beach Park at Waimea. Here, two lava pools have been created to make safe swimming and snorkelling even when the surf is high. There's also an excellent kids playground behind the beach and a historical park with ancient Hawaiian landmarks and petroglyphs.
Kalapaki Beach sits on the outskirts of Lihue Town, the main town on Kauai and location of the airport in the south east corner. Kalapaki has a good beach for frolicking in the sea as it is fully protected by the natural bay and man made harbour. There's also two championship golf courses built around the cliffs and hills overlooking Kalapaki with several large resorts.
Wailua River on the east coast of Kauai is Hawaii's longest navigable river. Backed by tropical valleys, this was an important agricultural region and location of royal settlements. There are several important heiau along this stretch facing the rising sun which have been designated a National Historic Landmark as well as the royal birth stones at Holoholoku and petroglyphs at the river mouth.
Apart from these historical sites, the Wailua River has some splendid scenic attractions. Foremost is the twin waterfalls of Opaekaa which was the film location for Fantasy Island. Opposite the falls on the banks of the Wailua river is the reconstructed Hawaiian village at Kamokila which sits on what was once a Hawaiian settlement. Owned privately, the village has a dozen thatch buildings showing how Hawaiians would have lived hundreds of years ago. The village also rent out kayaks to explore the Wailua River with easy access to a secluded waterfall - Secret Falls - with its excellent swimming pool, as well as one of Hawaii's most bizarre attractions - Fern Grotto. This much visited lava cave with overhanging ferns was glorified by Elvis Presley in his film South Pacific. Motorised sightseeing boats visit the Groto every hour from Wailua River Mouth where tourists are greeted in the natural amphitheatre by Hula Dance and musical song including the much awaited Wedding Song.
The main tourist centre on the east coast is the Royal Coconut Coast north of Wailua and centred around Kapaa Town. Here there are lots of condominium apartments, several large hotels and a good swimming beach. Kapaa Town itself is a rather ordinary town with a few nice restaurants and cafes. North of Kapaa is the excellent body surfing beach of Kealia and the picturesque rural settlement of Anahola where you'll find holiday homes along the beach front, great views and generally safe swimming and snorkelling.
search for ... Kauai Resorts
find ... Kauai Tour Companies
continue to ... Hanalei, Princeville & the North Coast
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
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