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Hawaiian Vacation for Two!
Explore the Coconut Coast on Kauai
By Kim Steutermann Rogers Published: 08/08/2007
Once, fields of coconut trees blanketed the East Side of Kauai giving rise to the alias, The Coconut Coast. Now, the coconut plantations are gone; however, a few coconut groves still exist, and in the fall, a coconut festival draws hundreds for “coconut checkers,” “coconut bowling” and other nutty games. From a weather standpoint, the East Side of Kaua‘i is the windward side which means our cooling trade winds come ashore here. This area of the island, encompassing the towns of Kapa‘a and Lihue and everything in between, is the commercial center of the island. It's the county government seat. It's the shopping Mecca. It's also the pathway between the North and South Shores. Tucked amongst it all are some interesting—and accessible–sites you won't want to miss.
Alekoko Fish Pond
While the ocean may offer a cornucopia of fish, water conditions sometimes make it inhospitable to fishing, especially in the narrow outrigger canoes used in ancient Hawaii. In those days, a very sophisticated system was developed for a ready supply of food: Fishponds. The ponds were built by enclosing a natural inlet or bay with coral or rock walls. A gate allowed fish in but prevented their exit. There the fish ate and fattened until a hungry Hawaiian came along. Off Nawiliwili Road just below Lihue is an overlook for Alekoko Fishpond, often called Menehune Fishpond. Legend has it this fishpond was built over 1,000 years ago by the Menehune—an industrious race of small people who start and finish their projects all in one night. This project entailed a line some 25 miles long and passing stones hand-to-hand.
Kaua'i Museum & Gift Shop
The Greco-Roman architecturally-inspired building in Lihue that once served as the town's library is today the Kaua‘i Museum. Located on Rice Street in downtown Lihue, the Museum's mission is to inspire and promote an appreciation and respect for the indigenous and immigrant peoples of Kaua‘i and Niihau. In addition to permanent ones—mostly historical—there are always rotating exhibits and, oftentimes, culturally inspired crafts workshops, such as lei making and lauhala weaving. A gift shop offers a selection of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Niihau shell leis and earrings; lauhala hats, bags and floor coverings; bowls made from native and introduced woods; botanical notecards depicting the work of local artist Geraldine King Tam; and much more. Entry fee: $5.
Lydgate Park
The Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park have a big vision: To create the best beach park in the state of Hawaii. They're well on their way. It started with a lava rock wall to create a protected swimming lagoon, perfect for children. Then, the children themselves got involved. With their ideas and drawings as the foundation, in 1994, over 7,000 community volunteers built a playground with a volcano slide, mazes, swings of all sorts and artwork made by Kaua‘i's children. Then, in 2001, thousands more built Kamalani Kai Bridge and Decks, again dreamed up by the children and aptly placed on the dunes along the coast. Now, there is a 2.5-mile bike path that encircles the park. But that's not all. The Friends of Kamalani and Lydate Park have plans for soccer fields and camping areas outfitted with barbecues and picnic tables. The vision is certainly within reach.
Sleeping Giant
In ancient times, a giant named Kanaka Nunui Moe lived gently among the common folks. After helping build a heiau by carrying rocks from Polihale and timber from Kokee, Nunui's village feasted in his honor, and Nunui over-indulged on bananas–so many that he grew sleepy, laid down to rest and never woke up. Sleeping Giant is resting on the east side of the island behind Kapa‘a town; were he to wake up, he'd have a 360-degree view of the island. For now, hikers scamper up one of three moderate-to-hardy trails to his “chin,” “nose" and “forehead.” Each offers coastal and inland valley views that are some of the best on the island. The east-side trail is easily accessed off Highway 56 on Haleilio Road in Wailua just past the Coco Palms Hotel.Wailua River
The Wailua River is known as the first landing spot for Polynesians in all the Hawaiian Islands, although some from other islands may disagree. Even so, it's agreed to have once hosted and housed ali‘i (royalty). Dotting the river are heiau, the archaeological remains of sacred sites, still in evidence today; follow the signs to Opakea‘a Falls on Kuamoo Road. Speaking of Opaeka'a Falls, early morning visits as the sun crests the mountain are tops for capturing epic photographs. Accessed from the Lihue side of the river, off Highway 56 in Kapaia, the Wailua Falls are world famous. They were memorialized in the opening scene of the TV show Fantasy Island for years. More recently, during the reality TV show Amazing Race, competitors jumped off the falls; however, we don't recommend this without a TV crew and a complicated set of cables, pulleys and safety harnesses.
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Kauai
Photo Gallery - Explore the Coconut Coast on Kauai
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