Kauaʻi region
East Side (Kapaʻa & Wailua, the Coconut Coast)
The central, good-value base on the Coconut Coast
Also called the Royal Coconut Coast for the palm groves around its resorts, the Wailua–Kapaʻa area is the island’s most populated district: the Wailua River and its sacred heiau, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, the Sleeping Giant ridge, Kapaʻa’s historic shopping street, and a coastal bike path.
Photo: Bob Linsdell via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
Stay here if…
You want a central base that keeps both the North Shore and the South Shore within reach, a wide range of mid-priced hotels and condos, and plenty of casual places to eat.
The trade-off
Strong trade winds can whip up large, rough waves on this open, east-facing coast, so most beaches are better for walking than swimming (Lydgate’s rock-walled pools are the reliable swim), and rush hour on Kūhiō Highway can add about half an hour to drives.
Hotels in East Side
The central, good-value base on the Coconut Coast
Search on Booking.com
Where to stay
Hotels in East Side
Resort East Side areaSheraton Coconut Beach
Travelers who want a central oceanfront base to explore both coasts
It’s central and on the ocean, so day trips to Hanalei or Poʻipū are equally easy.
AP (Sept. 11, 2026) reported no structural damage but a temporary closure until power returned. A Sept. 30 guest review describes the hotel sheltering storm evacuees. A full-operations notice wasn’t confirmed, so check with the hotel.
Good value East Side areaKauaʻi Shores
Budget-minded travelers who still want to be on the beach
Beachfront for a mid-range price, a genuinely fun beach bar and free bikes make it the best-value base on the island.
Open after Hurricane Lowell, and Lava Lava Beach Club is back up and running (hotel update, Oct. 6, 2026).
Good value East Side areaHilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay
Hilton loyalists and short stays that need a central base
It’s a predictable, points-friendly bed in the most central spot on the island. Lydgate’s protected swimming pools and the Wailua River are close by.
Operating in 2026 per booking listings. Post-Lowell status wasn’t confirmed from an official source (hilton.com blocked our check), so confirm before booking.
Book from here
Tours leaving from East Side
Things to do
Our picks in East Side
Swimming BeachesEast Side
Lydgate Beach Park
On an island of beautiful but dangerous beaches, this is the reliable one: calm, lifeguarded water inside the walls, a huge playground and the coastal path starting right here.
Read more
Swimming BeachesEast Side
Keālia Beach Park
It’s the east side’s best beach to simply look at and walk, with lifeguards, a bike-path connection and a breakwater corner for a dip on calm days.
Read more
WaterfallsEast Side
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls & Poliʻahu Heiau
One stop gives you a classic waterfall view and a short, respectful look at one of Kauaʻi’s most important sacred sites.
Read moreNational & State ParksEast Side
Ke Ala Hele Makālae (Coastal Path)
It’s the easiest way to slow down on the east side. Rent a cruiser in Kapaʻa and ride past beaches, old plantation landings and, in winter, spouting whales.
Read more
National & State ParksEast Side
Wailua River State Park (River & Kayaking)
Paddling the Wailua is the gentlest adventure on the island, with jungle banks, sacred history and calm water, even when the ocean is rough.
Read more
Local EatsEast Side
Pono Market
It’s the real local takeout experience on the Coconut Coast. Grab poke and a plate, then eat it on the beach down the block.
Read moreEast Side
Kapaʻa Sunshine Market
It’s the most local shopping hour of your week, with tropical fruit you won’t find in supermarkets and prices set by the farmers themselves.
Read more
