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Fact Sheet – Kaua`i’s Wailua to Kapa`a Corridor

THE REGION Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal multi-use path: This 3.8 mile long multi-use pathway travels along the coastline passing by The Royal Coconut Coast, also known as Kaua`i’s east beach parks and scenic viewpoints providing spectacular views side, extends from the Wailua Golf Course to Kealia Beach, for bikers, joggers, walkers and skateboarders. The trail has and towards the interior of Kaua`i to Mt. Waialeale. This several lookouts with sheltered picnic pavilions. Restrooms and area, distinguished by acres of royal palm trees seen along drinking fountains are provided in two public parks on the trail. Kuhio Highway, contains more than a third of Kaua`i’s Kaua`i County is in the process of extending the trail several lodging properties. Many are considered “affordable.” miles west towards Lihue Several popular beach parks, restaurants, bike paths, hiking trails, and a variety of stores, shops and services are found Historical Sites: The Royal Coconut Coast is an area where here. The area also boasts of Hawai`i’s historic Wailua Kaua`i`is ali`i (royalty) were born and Hawaiians practiced River, the famed Fern Grotto, and the Wailua Golf Course. important cultural customs. Hawaiian heiaus (worship and Considered a central location, the Royal Coconut Coast is ceremony locations) start from the mouth of Wailua River, and fifteen minutes from the airport, and a half hour from continue up to the summit of Mt. Waialeale. Huaka`i po (ghost Kaua`i’s north and south shores. Traveling to the ends of warriors) are said to walk along this ancient route leading to the Kaua`i’s roads takes an hour and a half each way. summit. Wailua Bay, at the river mouth, was considered an important port of entry for ali`i and chiefs. Located on the DISTINCTIVE FEATURES south side of the river mouth is Hikinaakala at Hauola heiau, a place of peace where ancient Hawaiians welcomed the rising Wailua River: Unique to all of Hawai`i, the Wailua River is sun. This heiau is associated with health and healing. considered the only navigable river in the state suitable for Petroglyphs are found here. Further upriver are Holoholoku larger boats. It is host to a variety of water-based activities, heiau and the Royal Birthing Stones, which are considered one extending from the river mouth at Wailua Beach as far as of Hawai`i’s most sacred sites. This location was established for three miles upriver. Cruises to the Fern Grotto, stand up the birth of ali`i. Kaua`i’s King Kaumualii was the last king to paddle boarding, canoe paddling, kayaking, and water be born here. Poli`ahu heiau is situated above the river on a skiing are among the most popular activities. Other points narrow ridge between Opaeka`a Stream and Wailua River. of interest include ancient heiau (temple) sites, a re-created Kamokila Village, a re-created ancient Hawaiian village, is open Hawaiian village, a wildlife bird refuge, and a hiking trail to visitors and found on a river bend when traveling north on from one of the river forks to a beautiful waterfall. the river, or on Kuamoo Road (Hwy 580).

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES with a restroom and picnic tables. HIKIING TRAILS Wailua River Marina Park is the base Historical sites, continued… for cruises on the river. Fern Grotto, Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Mountain: Called Sleeping Giant Further inland is the famed which is part of Wailua State Park, is Mountain (for a ridgeline profile Ma`ama`akualono cave (Fern accessible by tour boat. This rock resembling a large sleeping man), Grotto), an area dedicated to one of grotto forms a natural amphitheater, Nounou Mountain provides sweeping the major Hawai`ian deities, Lono. and is a scenic attraction featuring cascading ferns and lush vegetation. 360-degree views stretching from For more information go to: Smith’s Fern Grotto River Cruises Lihue to Anahola including Mt. http://wailuaheritagetrail.org. provides tours including musical Waialeale and surrounding ridgelines. entertainment and dance during the There are three trails in the Nounou PARKS excursion. Acoustic sounds in the Forest Reserve providing hiking excursions considered easy, moderate Beach Parks: Four beach parks are grotto are exceptional. and difficult. located on the Royal Coconut Coast: Nounou West Trail: Lydgate, Waipouli, three miles round-trip Kapa`a and Kealia trip beginning on Beach Parks. Lydgate is “Vivamus porta Kamalu Road (Hwy very family friendly, 581) near telephone with a highly est sed est.” pole #11. This is developed play considered the most structure. It is largely difficult of the three maintained by the local trails with an elevation community, and has a gain of 800 feet. multi-use 2.5-mile

pathway. There is also • Nounou East Trail: a protected swimming Four miles round-trip area popular among beginning at Haleilio families with small children. Waipouli Sports Parks: Public tennis courts Road in Wailua Houselots. This is the Beach Park is well known among (lighted) are found at Kapa`a New Park moderate route with a 960-foot beachcombers, and provides shallow on Olohena Road and at Wailua elevation gain. wading, swimming, and wind or kite Houselots Park on Kamalu Road. • surfing along with picnic tables and a Football, baseball, basketball, roller • Kuamoo Trail: Four miles round-trip restroom. Kapa`a Beach Park is hockey and skateboarding are also found beginning just beyond Opaekaa Falls. enjoyable for waders, kite boarders, at Kapa`a New Park. Soccer fields and This trail, considered easy, travels and windsurfers. Kealia Beach Park community festivals are found at Kapa`a laterally along the Nounou Forest provides body, boogie and board Town Park on Kuhio Highway. Reserve and intersects with the surfing along with restrooms, picnic Nounou West trail. tables and pavilions. A lifeguard is • stationed at Kealia and Lydgate • Kuilau Trail: Four and a quarter miles Beach Parks. round-trip beginning 100 yards before River Parks: Wailua State Park the Keahua Forestry Arboretum and provides a boat launch for kayakers, ending at the Moalepe trail. boaters and stand-up paddlers along

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Hiking Trails, Continued … ACCOMMODATIONS:

Considered a moderate hike (640 Known for offering more affordable foot elevation gain), this trail travels accommodations than many of Hawai`i’s through the scenic Lihue-Koloa high-end destinations, the Royal Coconut Forestry Reserve. It is also popular Coast region provides a wide variety of with equestrians. resort rental properties. There is also a diverse selection of small inns, bed and Moalepe Trail: Five miles round-trip breakfasts and vacation rental operations beginning at the pavement’s end on throughout the region located either on the Bike Rental Shops: Eight shops are Olohena Road. Considered a coast or in the rural interior. situated between the Wailua River moderate hike (680 foot elevation and Kealia Beach providing cruiser gain), it crosses a pasture at the Major hotel and condominium resorts bikes, mountain bikes, tandem bikes, beginning and continues into the include: Aston Aloha Beach Hotel, Aston and, in some cases, bike trailers for Kealia Forest Reserve. This trail Islander on the Beach, Courtyard by small children. Rentals are provided intersects the Kuilau Trail. Marriott Resort at Coconut Beach, Kaha on an hourly, half-day and all day Lani Resort, Kaua`i Coast Resort at the basis. Helmets are usually included. Kauai Arboretum: A forested picnic Beachboy, Kaua`i Sands Hotel, Kaua`i area with swimming holes and Kailani, Mokihana of Kaua`i, Outrigger at Kayak and Stand-up Paddle (SUP) walking paths at the end of Kuilau Lae Nani, Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort, Board Tours and Rentals: Six and beginning of Moalepe Trails. Plantation Hale Suites and Pono Kai Resort. companies in this area offer rentals Many have completed significant and guided tours for both river and For more information please visit: renovations and upgrades over the past two ocean kayaking. Three companies http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov. years. offer rentals, lessons and tours for SUP in the Wailua River. AREA ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Snorkeling and SCUBA Diving: River Cruising: Smith’s Fern Grotto River Two dive tour operators are found in Cruise departs four times daily from Wailua Kapa`a providing introductory River Marina Park taking passengers to the diving, dive tours for certified divers, Fern Grotto for a short conducted nature and dive certification courses. walk. The tour includes Hawaiian musical

entertainment and legends.

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Restaurants: Numerous eateries are found on the Royal Coconut Coast providing an eclectic mix of gourmet dining, ethnic dining, and casual dining. Well-known restaurants include Wahooo Seafood Grill & Bar, The Bull Shed, Hukilau Lanai, Oasis on the Beach,Voyager Lanai and Verde. In the last three years a dozen new restaurants and small eateries have opened in the area. An assortment of food trucks offering local foods and ethnic cuisine are set up daily in Kapa`a and Wailua.

Snorkeling and SCUBA, continued... Grocery Stores & Farmer’s Markets: Entertainment & Events: Popular are Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau, live Both operators typically take scuba Seven markets are located in Wailua and theater at the Coconut Plantation divers to sites on Kaua`i’s north and Kapa`a, including large markets (Safeway, Marketplace and live music at a number south shores as well as Ahukini Foodland and Big Save) and small “local- of restaurants and bars. There are also Landing in Lihue. One SNUBA style” markets. Farmer’s markets open festivals like the annual Coconut operator provides snorkeling three times a week in both Old Kapa`a Festival in October, which celebrates the excursions both in and outside of the Town and at the Coconut Plantation area’s history and the many ways coconut region. Marketplace in Wailua. Locally grown is used in foods and crafts. First fruits, vegetables and flowers are offered Golf: The Wailua Golf Course, rated Saturday Art Walk has become a key in abundant supply. one of the top fifteen courses in attraction in Old Kapa`a Town every Hawaii by Golf Digest, is a 6991 yard month featuring multiple musical groups, 18-hole public course operated by street vendors and art gallery displays. Kaua`i County. Three USGA Retail Shops & Services: Dozens of Amateur Public Links boutique shops and fine art galleries Championships have been played providing apparel, shoes, sports here. Green fees are under $50 equipment, gifts, custom art and crafts weekdays for non-residents. are located between Kapa`a and Wailua. Weddings: There are many locations Convenient services are available such as and catering options for weddings banking, taxis, car rental, tour companies, including churches, public parks and computer repair, medical centers, library, area resorts. A number of wedding post office and bus services. There are service providers are available in several health spas located within the

Kapa`a and Wailua. area’s resorts, such as Spa Makiwa.

Royal Coconut Coast Association, P.O. Box 1180, Kapa`a, HI 96746.

Email, [email protected] or go to the website, http://royalcoconutcoast.com Published March 30, 2013

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