Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast

While “Royal Coconut Coast” references the fact that the ancient ali’i (royalty) of Kauai made their home along the Wailua River on the island’s east side, in recent times it was another King who bestowed reverence upon the area – Elvis Presley. Kauai was virtually unknown as a vacation destination until Presley starred in 1961’s Blue Hawaii, filming the movie’s famous wedding scene on the lagoon at the iconic Coco Palms Resort.

The Coco Palms property is, as you might guess, abundant with coconut palm trees – over 2000 of them — some of which were planted by the Kauaian royalty of old. Sadly, Coco Palms is not presently open, although the grounds can be toured as part of the Hawaii Movie Tour’s six-hour itinerary or in conjunction with a Blue Hawaii wedding or vow renewal ceremony on the lagoon Elvis made famous.

Today, island visitors arrive at the Lihue airport (LIH) or they may also arrive on cruise ships that dock at Lihue’s Nawiliwili Harbor. Many of those visitors will make the roughly 30-minute drive to Poipu on the south shore or head in the opposite direction and arrive an hour later in Princeville or Hanalei on the north shore. Visitors staying in Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa rentals on the east side, however, have about a 15-minute drive to their destination.

Some people – including this writer – consider Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast to be one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Sunset magazine would seem to agree, noting in a recent “Top 7 Hawaii Vacation Deals – 2010” publication:

“The best beachfront values are on Kauai’s breezy east side.”

Midway between the Poipu rentals (on the south shore where condos are plentiful but walk-able beaches are somewhat limited) and Princeville/Hanalei (on the island’s lush-but-damp north shore), the centrally located Coconut Coast provides a convenient “home base” location from which to explore the rest of the island. It’s certainly convenient to the airport in Lihue (although not so close that you’ll be bothered by noise)…

…from which helicopter tours depart – which, if your budget allows, is a great way to see the entire island, even those parts which are inaccessible by car. Another favorite way to enjoy Kauai’s majestic beauty is on a Na Pali sightseeing excursion, and the Port Allen small boat harbor is on the island’s west side, a straight shot from the Royal Coconut Coast about 25 miles away…

Kauai’s east side has abundant restaurants, shopping, activities and attractions, and you can follow the links in the right-hand sidebar to learn more about them.