18 Best Things to Do on the Coconut Coast of Kauai in 2024 (East Shore Bucket List!)
Known as the Coconut Coast of Kauai, the island’s lush east side offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors, from beaches and hikes to waterfalls.
Strictly speaking, the Royal Coconut Coast of Kauai extends from the Wailua Golf Course in the south to Kealia Beach in the north, and from the ocean to Mount Waialeale inland.
The Coconut Coast got its name from the many coconut groves that line the highway and the coast here. The area was once reserved for the ali’i, the royalty of Hawaii.
The east side of Kauai is typically the first part of the island you see once your flight lands, because the airport is located in Lihue, about a 15-minute drive south of Wailua.
This side of the island is a little more built up than the north shore of Kauai, or Kauai’s south shore, with Kapa’a being Kauai’s most populous town.
But Kauai’s east side still offers plenty of natural beauty, with waterfalls like Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls, the Sleeping Giant mountain (Nounou), and the picturesque Wailua River, as well as many historic sites, beaches, shopping, and dining.
And not only is the east side of Kauai a convenient place to base from a driving perspective, it also offers more affordable hotels and vacation rentals if you are wondering where to stay in Kauai.
In this article, we round up all the best things to do on the Coconut Coast of Kauai and the broader east side of Kauai.
Visiting Kauai? The only way to get a real feel for the rugged beauty of this incredible island is through a helicopter tour!
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into all the exciting things to do on the east side of Kauai!
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Things to Do on the Coconut Coast of Kauai
1. Take Off on a Helicopter Tour over Kauai
One of the best things to do on Kauai’s east side is take off on a helicopter tour over Kauai!
There is no road access into the breathtaking Na Pali Coast — you can fly over it, see it on a boat tour from the water, or hike in from Ha’ena State Park on the Kalalau Trail.
There is also no easy land access into much of the island’s rugged interior, where some of the most beautiful of Kauai’s waterfalls are located.
A helicopter tour is one of the best ways to appreciate the island’s natural beauty, with the lush green land juxtaposed against the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and to take in its most striking natural wonders.
Most helicopter tours on Kauai take off from Lihue, on the east side of Kauai. So if your itinerary allows, schedule your helicopter tour or airplane tour along with exploring other Coconut Coast attractions on Kauai, to cut down on driving time.
Read our complete guide to Kauai helicopter tours, or consider one of these two most popular Kauai helicopter tours:
This highly rated Hughes 500 doors-off tour comes with all window seats. Soar over Kauai’s beauty for nearly one hour enjoying commentary as you fly or hover!
>> Check price and availability for this Hughes 500 doors-off helicopter tour now!
This popular and highly-rated Eurocopter Eco-Star helicopter tour offers a 50-minute ride over Kauai’s natural wonders. Business class seats with wide viewing windows!
>> Check price and availability for this Eco-Star helicopter tour now!
2. Enjoy Water Activities at Lydgate Beach Park
Considered one of the best swimming beaches in Kauai, Lydgate Beach is a great option for a family beach day on Kauai.
Located on the east side near the mouth of the Wailua River, Lydgate Beach Park has a lava rock wall protecting it from the open ocean.
The golden sand beach is a wonderful place to be at sunrise!
With lots of reef fish swimming in and out of the calm waters in the two lagoons, as well as Hawaiian green sea turtles, Lydgate Beach also offers some of the best snorkeling in Kauai, especially for kids and beginner snorkelers.
Other than swimming and snorkeling when conditions are right, Lydgate Beach is also a nice beach for sunbathing, beachcombing, strolling the sand, and enjoying a picnic.
When conditions are favorable, windsurfers also visit Lydgate Beach Park.
The lifeguarded beach has restrooms and showers, and parking. The Kamalani Playground has swings, slides, and other play structures for young kids.
There is also a 2.5-mile coastal trail to hike or bike at Lydgate Beach Park, offering beautiful water views.
If you are considering a visit, read our in-depth guide to Lydgate Beach Park!
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
3. Join the Secret Falls Kayak and Hike Tour
Arguably one of the most popular activities on the east side of Kauai, the Secret Falls excursion includes kayaking the scenic Wailua River and hiking through rainforest to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Kauai’s Secret Falls.
Kayaking the Wailua River is a joy, with pleasant scenery and lush vegetation on both banks. The paddle is about two miles each way.
The hike to Secret Falls is classed as moderate. It is a little less than one mile each way. The trail can be very muddy, especially after rains, and involves stream crossings.
But the vegetation is dense and you’ll see a variety of tropical plants and flowers, and maybe spot some birds!
Uluwehi Falls tumbles about 120 feet down a lava cliff into a large plunge pool. You may be able to take a dip in the pool if conditions allow.
This highly-rated 5-hour tour includes commentary from your guide along the way to the falls. It includes equipment and instruction.
>> Check price and availability for this top-rated Secret Falls tour now!
4. Take a Boat Cruise to the Fern Grotto
Don’t feel like a hike but want to experience the Wailua River?
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, the only one on which you can take a boat cruise.
Wailua River boat cruises usually go up to the Fern Grotto and back, for about a 2-mile round trip cruise. The cruise lasts about 80 minutes.
The Fern Grotto is a natural lava rock cave draped with ferns and other tropical foliage. Not only is it a beautiful sight, it also has excellent acoustics.
You cannot enter the cave but you can see it from a viewing platform. A short walk from the landing area leads you to the viewing platform.
The cruise is narrated and features live music and hula. You may even be able to join a hula lesson!
>> Check price and availability for the Fern Grotto boat cruise now!
5. Admire Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls, featuring gorgeous double cascades, is one of Kauai’s best attractions.
A part of Wailua River State Park on Kauai’s east side, Wailua Falls is very easy to access. From a lookout area right next to the parking lot, you can see the side-by-side cascades plunge over the cliff.
The 80-foot waterfall was featured in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island.
If you visit in the mid-morning and happen to catch the sun’s rays hitting the mist at just the right angle, you may see a rainbow for that perfect photo op.
Wailua Falls is open 24/7, although you would want to visit during daylight hours. There is no entrance fee. There is a parking area, and parking is free, but visit early or later in the day to get a spot.
Note that the trail(s) leading down to the bottom of Wailua Falls are closed to hiking.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
6. Snap a Photo of Opaekaa Falls
Also in Wailua River State Park on the east side of Kauai you will find Ōpaeka’a Falls, another easy-to-view Kauai waterfall.
A roadside lookout area offers full-on, if distant, views of Opaekaa Falls. There is plenty of parking. Bring a zoom lens if you want to capture better photos of the falls.
Opaekaa Falls is a multi-cascade waterfall. It is about 151 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and framed by lush vegetation.
Opaekaa means “rolling shrimp,” and the waterfall reportedly got its name from the abundance of shrimp in the waters.
You can also walk a little bit further from the viewing area and cross the street to a very scenic overlook over the Wailua River Valley.
7. Do the Ho’opi’i Falls Hike
Ho’opi’i Falls is one of the Kauai waterfalls you can access with a moderate hike: in fact, it is one of the best waterfall hikes on Kauai. The total hike is about two miles.
Located a little bit inland from Kealia along Kauai’s Coconut Coast, the trail to Hoopii Falls is almost as exciting as the falls! It features dense rainforest, with giant vines and hanging ferns draped over mature trees.
You will feel like you are walking through a Jurassic Park movie set!
There are two waterfalls that plunge over lava cliffs into plunge pools below. There are a number of ways to reach them, so download a trail map before you go so you stay on your chosen route.
The little spur trail for the first waterfall, the Upper Hoopii Falls, comes up fairly quickly. You will see people cliff jumping here, but we strongly suggest not jumping unless you are with an experienced local guide.
The trail ends at the top of the second waterfall for most hikers. The final climb down to the bottom of the second waterfall is steep and can be very slippery, especially after rains, so exercise caution if you choose to attempt it.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
8. Enjoy the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path
Along the coast at Kapa’a on the Coconut Coast of Kauai is a popular hiking and biking path that’s a must for active visitors to the island.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae translates to “the path that goes by the coast,” and this coastal path, currently 7.3 miles (in two sections), is eventually expected to be 17 miles long!
For a long bike ride or hike, start at Kapa’a Beach Park and go all the way up past the historic Pineapple Dump Pier to Donkey Beach and Ahihi Point, about 4.5 miles each way.
Of course, you can walk or bike as much of the scenic path as you like. When we choose a base on the east side of Kauai, we usually walk or bike a portion of the trail every morning of our stay.
The southern section, 2.5 miles between Lydgate Beach Park and Wailua Beach Park, is also a scenic option.
The trail features spectacular water views and coastline views, and interpretive signs along the way tell you about the historic and cultural sites in the area, local flora and fauna, and other relevant topics.
You can rent bikes in Kapaa town right off the coastal trail.
9. Go Mountain Tubing!
For an exciting activity on Kauai’s scenic east side, consider this mountain tubing excursion: it’s the only adventure of its kind you’ll find on the island!
The tubing tour takes you through the waterways that once formed the irrigation system of the Lihue Plantation.
The Lihue Plantation was one of the largest sugar plantations in Hawaii. Production was discontinued in 2000 and the ditches and canals that irrigated the sugarcane crops now lay unused.
These waterways traverse some very scenic landscapes, with gorgeous views of the mountains and the Waialeale Crater.
On this family-friendly tour, you will ride through 2.5 miles of these scenic waterways, passing through five darkened tunnels en route.
The excursion concludes with lunch and the chance to take a dip at a swimming hole in the rainforest.
>> Check price and availability for this Kauai east side mountain tubing tour now!
10. Look for Souvenirs at the Coconut Marketplace
In the market for souvenirs from Kauai to bring back home?
The Coconut Marketplace, located near the Coconut Coast of Kauai on the east side of the island, is an open-air marketplace that’s fun to browse.
Not only will you find a number of small shops and eateries, the marketplace also hosts events on a regular basis.
You can also take a class in ukulele, hula, or lei making: check their events calendar to find out what’s happening during your visit.
Check out Kauai Handmade for jewelry featuring pearls and shells, Kauai Pottery for works from local artists, Crazy Shirts for men’s and women’s apparel, and Elephant Walk Gift Gallery and Boutique for a variety of made-in-Hawaii-gifts.
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning there’s a farmers’ market in the parking lot with fresh produce and fruit but also prepared foods and arts and crafts.
11. Enjoy the Smith’s Family Luau
One of the best luaus on the island, Smith’s Family Garden Luau is a must-experience on the Coconut Coast of Kauai.
The luau starts with a shell lei greeting and then you can take a tram ride or stroll through the gorgeous gardens on the property. This is one of the best parts of the experience for us!
Then you will meet some of the family members (it’s truly a family luau!) and learn about the Hawaiian kalua method of cooking pig wrapped in ti leaves in an imu (earthen oven).
Next you will enjoy cocktails and Hawaiian music as you relax in the friendly family circle.
The traditional Hawaiian feast is one to remember, with not just kalua pig but other main dishes like beef teriyaki, chicken adobo, and sweet and sour mahimahi, along with sides like poi and mac salad. Tropical desserts offer the perfect end to the meal.
The highlight of the evening is the Spirit of Aloha show, with performances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Philippines, New Zealand and Japan in a torch-lit open-air amphitheater complete with an “erupting” volcano.
Smith’s Luau is extremely popular and dates often sell out, so book your spots well in advance!
>> Check price and availability for the Smith’s Family Garden Luau now!
12. Try the Sleeping Giant Hike
Nounou Mountain is one of the signature landmarks along Kauai’s east side. The mountain is also called the Sleeping Giant, because its shape looks exactly like a reclining human.
There are three hiking trails that lead up to the top of the mountain: the East Trail, the West Trail, and the Kuamoo Trail. All three trails end at a picnic area at the top, on the giant’s “chest.” The lookout offers spectacular panoramas.
The picnic area, however, is the false summit. To get to the true summit, you have to negotiate a further tough rock scramble. From the true summit, you have 360-degree views.
The Sleeping Giant Trails are rated challenging. The Sleeping Giant West Trail is shorter than the East Trail. The Kuamoo Trail connects to the West Trail but is much longer.
The Sleeping Giant West Trail takes you through a forest of Cook pine, which is very cool. The Sleeping Giant East Trail offers views of the Wailua River, as well as the mountain itself.
Note that the trails can get muddy and slippery after rains. Wear shoes or boots with good tread!
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
13. Visit Historical Sites along the Wailua River
Kauai’s east side is home to many historic sites, especially around the Wailua River.
The Wailua Heritage Trail drive, which covers nine historically significant landmarks, is a great way to take in some of these sites!
Starting in Wailua Bay, which historically was the main port of entry into Kauai, you will move on to Opaekaa Falls and then admire Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on the planet.
You will also view the Nounou Mountain. Hawaiian legend has it that the giant Puni fell asleep on the ridge after feasting and was turned to stone.
Kuamo‘oloa‘akane, part of “the long spine of Kane,” is a historic route that once led to the summit of Wai‘ale‘ale. Chiefs went up to Ka‘awakoa Heiau to perform ceremonies to ensure the ongoing supply of fresh water for the people of Kauai.
Holoholoku is one of the most sacred sites on the island and holds royal birthing stones.
Near the mouth of the Wailua River at Hauola is the Hikinaakala Heiau, a place where the sun was worshipped.
The Fern Grotto is an area that was dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono, associated with agriculture.
And the final stop is the Poli‘ahu Heiau, a temple that stands on a bluff above the Wailua River with expansive views over Wailua Bay as well as the Nounou and Kalepa Ridges on the other side.
The Wailua Complex of Heiau, which comprises four temples, the birthing stones at Holoholoku, petroglyphs at the mouth of the river, and a bellstone, are a National Historic Landmark.
14. Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail
One of the most beautiful hikes on Kauai, the moderate Kuilau Ridge Trail near Kapa’a is a must-do on the east side of the island.
Originally a road built to fight a fire in the area, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is well-maintained and family-friendly. But as with many trails in Kauai, it can be muddy after rains.
The Kuilau Ridge Trail offers sensational views of the Makaleha Mountains from the top of the ridge.
You will also be able to peek at Kawaikini, the highest point on Kauai, and Mount Waialeale, toward the beginning of the hike.
If you enjoy plants, the Kuilau Ridge Trail offers the opportunity to view a multitude of native and non-native plants and trees on the way to the top.
Look for hala, uluhe ferns, and ohia lehua with its bright red blooms. Also look (and listen) for birds as you hike!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Kauai tours now!
15. Go Ziplining
Based on Kauai’s east side? You can find a ziplining adventure right on this side of the island!
The adventure begins with a scenic drive in a four-wheeled vehicle as your guide imparts insightful information about Kauai.
The Kauai Lihue zipline adventure allows you to soar over dense rainforest landscapes and lush valleys deep in the backcountry.
You’ll glide down the mountainside over what used to be plantation lands, with views of the forests and streams below. A series of seve ziplines takes you to the valley floor below.
You’ll receive a safety briefing at the first zipline before you take off.
After your ride, you’ll relax in a beautiful bamboo grove and enjoy snacks and a drink of cold water. If you choose, you can take a dip in a natural swimming hole.
The 3-hour excursion is available to persons older than 12. Helmets are provided.
>> Check price and availability for the Lihue zipline adventure now!
16. Go Bodyboarding at Kealia Beach
One of the most popular places on Kauai’s east side for body boarding and surfing, Kealia Beach features expansive golden sands.
The beach is great for strolling, beachcombing, and sunbathing. There isn’t much shade, so you’ll need to bring your own umbrella. Look for whales in the winter!
The currents are usually too rough for swimming. The beach is lifeguarded, so be sure to check with the lifeguard on duty if conditions appear calm and you want to enter the water.
The Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path passes through here, so you can do a spot of coastal walking if you like!
There are covered picnic areas if you want to enjoy a meal. The beach offers restrooms, showers, and parking.
17. Visit the Tranquil Hindu Monastery
With a tranquil setting, the Hindu Monastery in Kapa’a is worth visiting even if you aren’t a practicing Hindu.
The complex contains two beautiful temples within walking distance of each other: the Kadavul Temple and the Iraivan Temple (under construction).
The temples feature lovely architecture and the lush green landscapes are therapeutic. The gardens contain many types of tropical plants and flowers.
The grounds in front, to the river lookout and archway, are open for free wandering between 9 a.m. and noon. Be sure to stop and admire the mighty banyan tree, and visit the Rudraksha Park.
The Kadavul Temple can only be entered by prior reservation for the service (puja) or for personal prayer or meditation.
18. Eat!
You ‘ll find lots of fun places to eat and drink on Kauai’s east side. Here are some of our favorites:
Pono Market is one of the most popular spots on Kauai for poke. They also have other Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig and lau lau. Everything is fresh and flavorful! There’s usually a line at this take-out place, but it moves fairly quickly.
Hukilau Lanai offers an island menu with nightly entertainment and is a great choice for dinner. Lots of seafood, and both the ahi and the ono are excellent. There are options for vegetarians as well.
Olympic Cafe is our favorite lunch spot in Kapa’a. The portions are generous and the prices reasonable. The menu is extensive, from fish and chips to burgers, tacos, salads and more.
Lava Lava Beach Club is located on the beach and is one of the most popular restaurants on Kauai’s east side. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but do not take reservations. We love their pupus and their pizzas for lunch!
The Best Kauai Tours
Have you booked these top Kauai guided adventures yet?
Sunset catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast (relatively more stable ride, insane views on good weather days!)
Doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai (unobstructed views, chance to see more of the island than you can by land, no middle seats!)
Kayak on the Wailua River plus hike to a waterfall (a super fun activity for active travelers, albeit a little muddy sometimes!)
Raft trip to the Na Pali Coast plus snorkeling (prepare to get wet on this exhilarating adventure!)
Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter tour over Kauai (the most booked Kauai helicopter tour on Viator with close to 2K reviews and a 5-star rating!)
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour (super popular, less expensive than a heli tour, large bubble windows for flightseeing!)
Renting a Car in Kauai
The best things to do in Kauai are scattered all over the island.
Public transport options on Kauai aren’t great, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Kauai trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Kauai car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Kauai car rentals now!
Lihue Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Not planning to pick up a rental car at Lihue airport? Pre-arrange round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel and back!
This shared shuttle serves hotels or vacation rentals in Princeville, Kahala, Poipu, Kapaa, or Lihue, and then back again. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Kauai now!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Kauai you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
Since you’ll likely want to base in a couple places on your trip to Kauai, we suggest starting your search for Kauai accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in both Poipu and Princeville and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
>> Look for a Kauai vacation rental on VRBO now!
Want detailed recommendations for accommodations in Kauai? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Kauai!
More Kauai Travel Inspiration
Considering a trip to the Garden Isle in Hawaii? You’ll definitely want to check out some of our other comprehensive Kauai travel and attraction guides!
If you are a first-time visitor to Kauai, start by discovering the best things to do in Kauai! From beaches and botanical gardens to cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, Kauai has it all, and our round-up lists all of Kauai’s must-experience activities and attractions.
Planning to split a week between Kauai and another island? We have a 3 days in Kauai itinerary article you must read to help flesh out what you would like to see and do!
Learn about the best things to do in Hanalei and Kauai’s scenic north shore, the best things to do in Poipu and Kauai’s south shore, and the most exciting things to do on Kauai’s Coconut Side or east side.
Read our in-depth guide to visiting the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. We give you the full scoop on the best ways to visit this stunning coast in the remote northwest of the island.
Discover our round-up of the nine spectacular state parks in Kauai, which house some of Kauai’s most treasured natural wonders.
We also have visitor’s guides to popular parks like Waimea Canyon State Park, which protects the namesake canyon, nearby Kokee State Park, and the remote but beautiful Polihale State Park.
Also check out the ultimate guide to visiting Haena State Park on Kauai’s north shore, and a full guide to hiking the epic Kalalau Trail.
Check out our round-up of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kauai, from waterfalls you can view from the road to falls that require hiking and falls that are best seen from a helicopter or sightseeing flight. We also have an article on everything you need to know to visit Secret Falls Kauai on an exciting kayaking and hiking tour.
Read our guide to Wailua River State Park to discover two easy-to-access Kauai waterfalls, and our trail guide for the easy hike to Ho’opi’i Falls. We also have an article on the best Kauai waterfall hikes.
And if a helicopter tour is part of your plans for Kauai, read our article on the top-rated helicopter tours in Kauai!
Hiking enthusiasts will want to read our article on the best hikes in Koke’e State Park: the trails here are some of the best hikes in Kauai!
We have detailed trail guides for the most popular Koke’e hikes, from the scenic Canyon Trail to the top of Waipo’o Falls, to the epic Awa’awapuhi Trail, challenging but very rewarding!
Also discover the best hikes in Waimea Canyon State Park, and the best hikes on Kauai’s north shore.
We also have a trail guide for the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail on Kauai’s scenic south shore, an article on how to hike the Sleeping Giant Trail, and a guide to the Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the easy hikes on Kauai.
Get the scoop on the best botanical gardens in Kauai, from Limahuli Garden on the north shore to McBryde and Allerton Gardens on the south shore.
Read our guide to the best swimming beaches on Kauai, from Hanalei Bay on the north shore to Poipu Beach on the south shore!
We also have a guide to the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, a round-up of the best Kauai north shore beaches, and an article on the best Kauai south shore beaches!
And if you love watching the sun go down in a burst of color, be sure to read our article on where to go for the best sunsets on Kauai!
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