Neighborhoods and Districts of Kauai: An Overview
If you want to get around Kauai, you should know something about the area and what each offers to visitors. The county of Kauai includes the island of Kauai and the smaller islands of Ni'ihau, Ka'ula, and Lehua. As a county, the region of Kauai is considered as a single region, but the area is subdivided into five regions based on nautical directions to make it easier to group locations together. As Kauai is an almost circular island, categorizing the area in this way would also be easier for guests and tourists.
Though there are general areas, there are specific neighborhoods or districts in Kauai. Though they are not exactly districts or towns in the sense of having its own local government, the towns and villages in Kauai are called as census-designated places by the US Census Bureau. Basically, it’s a term for a populated location that does not have its own local government, for census purposes.
Here, we outline the five general areas in Kauai and discuss the districts and places to see in each region. This should help you be more familiarized with Kauai and discover what the island can offer to tourists and visitors.
Lihue
Lihue has a special section, being the seat of the County of Kauai. Aside from being the capital of Kauai, this area also offers a lot of activities, beaches, and resorts for guests and tourists who wish to experience the "heart" of this island.
For the beaches, you can go to the Kalapaki Beach for windsurfing, bodysurfing, and swimming. Another beach that can interest you is the Ninini Beach, with its 1800s automated lighthouse. For more adventures, you can also visit nearby Kipu for the scenic Kipu Falls and frolic along its banks or swim in its cool waters. For some added inland water fun, you can see the Alekoko Fishpond.
For culture and history, you can visit the Kauai Museum. And to see how the old plantations looked like and operated, you can go to the Grove Farm Homestead. It also has a museum where you can find records and exhibitions showing early life in the sugar plantation.
And of course, golf is also present in the area. You can try the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, a highly rated golf course in Hawaii and the US. As for shopping and dining, Lihue, along with Kalapaki, has several shops and dining establishments that provide an authentic taste of Hawaiian cuisine, arts, and crafts. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, or shopping for native Hawaiian stuff for yourself, you can certainly find them in the area.
West Side
There is much nature and history to see in the West Side of Kauai. In the West Side, or West Shore, you can find the towns of Hanapepe, Waimea, Kokee, and Polihale. One can drive through the towns using route 50, and can meander to routes 552 and 550.
If you want a captivating view of the Kauai landscape, including the emerald valleys, lush vegetation, and a view of the ocean from the coastline, the West Side is one of the best places to go. In Waimea, you can go to the Waimea Canyon, also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Have a sweeping and panoramic view of the Kauai landscape once atop the canyon. For a better view, go to the Waimea Canyon State Park. You can also go further north to reach one of the most scenic valleys in Kauai, the Kalalau Valley. You can also go to the Polihale State Park for a visit to the ancient Hawaiian temples, or heiau, especially the Polihale Heiau. One can drive to these destinations, or if you prefer the adventurous route, hike or bike towards them.
For a glimpse of the local culture and history, you can go to the town of Hanapepe. There you can find vintage buildings, and can see how Kauai looked like in the past. It is also an artist's haven, with several art galleries in the town. It is also a great place to get souvenirs and gift items to bring back home.
As for the beaches, the most popular is the Salt Pond Beach. There you can find a wide stretch of white sand and clear waters. As the name suggests, you will also find salt ponds in the area, as Hawaiians still use the area for salt production. You can also visit the Kekaha Beach for more sand and surf action.
East Side
Also called the Coconut Coast, the Kauai East Side includes Anahola, Kapa'a, and Wailua. Here, you can immerse yourself in breathtaking sights of coconut-lined coasts, mountains and waterfalls, and enjoy captivating sights of the beaches and marine life. One can drive through the East Side through route 56.
For the beaches, you have the Anahola Beach Park, known for its golden sand. Then you also have the Donkey Beach if you want to catch a glimpse of whales in the wild. And if surfing is more your thing, then the Kealia Beach is your beach of choice. You can also visit the Lydgate Beach Park for snorkeling in natural pools. For nature, history, and culture, you should head to the Wailua River State Park and see the legendary birthplace of the Hawaiian nobles of old. You can also see the Fern Grotto and visit the Kamokila Hawaiian Village for an authentic Hawaiian and Polynesian experience. Enjoy luaus and authentic Polynesian dishes and entertainment when you go there. You can also see the Wailua Falls and the Opaeka'a Falls. Another favorite tourist destination is the Sleeping Giant or Mt. Nounou.
For shopping and Hawaiian crafts, the place to go is Kapa'a. There you can find several establishments, shops, and restaurants that offer native delicacies and products. The shopping centers to go to are the Wailua Shopping Plaza and the Coconut Marketplace to get your fill of trinkets, aloha shirts, art works, and handicrafts.
North Shore
What you can find in the North Shore is Kilauea and Hanalei. But aside from that, you have a lot of beaches to choose from along the North Coast. And don't forget one of the things that Hawaii is known for: golf. One can reach the North Shore through route 56 using the Kuhio Highway. Access to the region can also be done by plane, as there is an airport in Princeville.
For the beaches, you have the Lumahai Beach, Anini Beach, Kee Beach, and the Hanalei Beach. Access to these beaches is made easy by the numerous resorts, inns, and bed and breakfasts in the area. Aside from the various water activities, you can also hire a helicopter to get a bird's eye view of the jungles and natural beauty of Kauai.
For a good view of the local wildlife, you should go to Kilauea. There you can find different species of birds, such as the state bird, Nene goose, and marine life such as humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals. Also, one interesting place to see is the lighthouse in the area for a good view of the coast. One can also go to the Napali Coast State Park for a tour of the coast, cliffs, and nature of Kauai.
And as for golf, you have one of the best in the nation, if not the world -- the Princeville Golf Course. Its course is highly rated by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
South Side
Literally the hottest spot in Kauai, the South Side presents a great time for beach action and sunbathing. One can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities in the numerous beaches in the South Side. Most notable beach is the Po'ipu Beach Park and the Spouting Horn Beach Park. Other beaches you can visit are the Koloa Landing, Lawai Beach, Shipwreck's Beach, and the Mahaulepu Beach.
For a bit of history, you can visit traditional landmarks in the area, such as the first sugar mill near Lawa'i, the Koloa Church, and the St. Raphael Church in Koloa. One can also visit the Prince Kuhio Park. You can also visit the Kihalouna Heiau to see the ancient temple of the native Hawaiians.
If you're looking for golf, you have the famous Po'ipu Bay Resort Golf Course and the Kiahuna Golf Club waiting for you. If you’re in the Kalaheo area, you can also drive to the Kukui O Lono Golf Course for your golfing needs.
For shopping, you can head on over to the Old Koloa town to see old buildings, and get authentic local Hawaiian souvenirs and crafts.
Discovering Kauai
Different areas of Kauai have different things to offer visitors and tourists. You can limit your stay to one area, but why should you when you're already on the island? Since all the roads in the island are connected, you should plan your trip to visit and experience all that Kauai has to offer. Whether you're looking for a nature adventure, beach fun, a lesson in history and culture, or some golfing action, you're in the right place if you're in Kauai.