Part of Kauai's east side is known as the Royal Coconut Coast for the coconut palms that line the coast here. It used to be a playground for Hawaiian royalty in the past, hence the term "Royal."
A combination excursion that involves kayaking the Wailua River and a rainforest hike to Secret Falls is one of the top excursions on the east side of Kauai.
The side by side twin cascades of Wailua Falls featured in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island. You can drive up and see Wailua Falls from a viewing area.
The hike to the top of Nounou Mountain, also known as the Sleeping Giant, is one of Kauai's top hikes. There are a couple of routes, and the views from the top are outstanding.
Helicopter flights over Kauai usually take off from Lihue, on the island's east side. On a whole-island helicopter tour, you can soar over some landscapes that can't be reached from land.