Kapaa and Wailua on Kauai's Coconut Coast are rich in variety. It's an ideal place to experience the beauty of Kauai.
Old Kapaa Town is a quaint 19th century plantation town. The streets of Kapaa are lined with a variety of unique shops and a wide selection of delicious restaurants. Kapaa is a wonderful place to take a stroll to experience it all.
Sleeping Giant, also known as Nounou Mountain, is the mountain ridge between Kapaa and Wailua which looks like the figure of a man lying on his back. Legend has it that this was a pesky giant who ate constantly. The villagers of Wailua got tired of feeding the giant so they tricked him into eating some rocks hidden in a large quantity of fish and poi. The giant was so full that he lay down to take a nap, fell into a deep sleep and has yet to wake up.
The Fern Grotto is a picturesque fern-fringed cave only accessible by a leisurely ride up the Wailua River. This was the scene of many weddings and vow renewals on Kauai.
Shopping and casual dining is available in Wailua at the established Coconut Marketplace on Kauai. Nearby is the historic Coco Palms Resort where Elvis Presley sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song. Although in a state of ruin since 1992, famed entertainer Larry Rivera still performs weddings at Coco Palms.
Opaeka'a Falls is about 1.3 miles from the intersection of Kuhio Highway and Kuamoo Road. There is a lookout on Kuamoo Road. Across the way is a great view of the sacred Wailua River.
The Wailua, Kauai area has many heiaus (sacred sites), petro glyphs, and other unique points of Hawaiian culture, one being the bellstone which is so named because, when struck sharply, a note would resonate over the entire Wailua Valley. Royal births on Kauai were announced this way.
The Holoholo Ku (run run stand fast) Heiau, or the site where it formerly existed (a cemetery replaced it around 1890), is about one tenth of a mile up Kuamoo Road from Kuhio Highway. A large stone adjacent to nearby ruins is the birthstone, the sacred site of royal births on Kauai.
The Poliahu Heiau was named for the snow goddess of the Island of Hawaii (legend has it she lived on Mauna Kea). The heiau contains several terraces, idol sites and a "god stone" five feet high. It is the largest heiau on Kauai.
The Wailua River State Park ranges over 1,000 acres and includes Lydgate Park, some archeological sites, and a picnic area at the south side of the river. It is also near a number of heiau. Lydgate Park is a favorite of residents and visitors alike.
Lydgate State Park has much to offer. It has fine picnic grounds, an excellent swimming area for the keiki (children) and a nice stretch of beach for sunning or a stroll. There is also a wonderful playground built by volunteers from the community. The coconut grove at Lydgate State Park once served as a place of refuge or safe haven for the ancient Hawaiians. Those who broke a kapu (law) and could reach the boundaries of the refuge before being caught were spared punishment or even death. The Wailua River begins near the north end of the park.
Come to Kapaa and Wailua and explore!
