Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Blessed with a wild, near-pristine location, a laid-back vibe and easy access via car or the coastal path, scenic Kealia is the Eastside's best beach…
Must-see attractions in Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Wailua
Serious pilgrims and curious sightseers are welcome at this Hindu monastery, set on 70 acres and surrounded by verdant forest above the Wailua River. The…
Wailua
A narrow stretch of blond sand strewn with driftwood can entertain restless kids of all ages, all afternoon. Generally safe swimming can be found in two…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
This classically curved bay appeared in the pilot for Gilligan’s Island. There's a shallow protected swimming area good for families at the north end; to…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Secluded ʻAliomanu Beach is a spot frequented primarily by locals, who pole- and throw-net fish and gather limu (edible seaweed). It’s a mile-long stretch…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Once unofficially known as a nudists' playground, this scenic beach is rarely swimmable, but the rugged and isolated terrain makes for fun beachcombing…
Wailua
To ancient Hawaiians, the Wailua River was among the most sacred places across the islands. The river basin, near its mouth, was one of the island’s two…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
This long, loamy, golden-sand beach, named after L David Larsen (former manager of the Kilauea Sugar Company), is stunning, raw and all-natural, with a…
Wailua
Thought to be the oldest luakini (temple dedicated to the war god Ku, often a place for human sacrifice) on the island, Holoholoku Heiau is located a…
Wailua
Perched high on a hill overlooking the meandering Wailua River, well-preserved Poliʻahu Heiau, a luakini (temple dedicated to war god Ku), is named after…
Wailua
In the sacred Waimea River Valley, the Hikinaʻakala Heiau sits south of the Wailua River mouth, which is today the north end of Lydgate Beach Park. In its…
Kapaʻa
From the highway, you’d think that Kapaʻa is beachless. But along the coast is a low-key, mile-long ribbon of golden sand. While the whole area is…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Despite having no sign from the highway, this locals’ beach is an easy getaway. Backed by pines and palms, it's blessed with excellent swimming thanks to…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Ever since a landslide altered this once-obvious landmark, the puka (hole) in Puʻu Konanae has been a mere sliver. From slightly north of mile marker 15…
Wailua
Sitting prettily at the top of Kuamoʻo Rd around seven miles from Wailua, this arboretum has grassy fields, a gurgling stream and groves of rainbow…
Wailua
While not a showstopper, these 150ft-high waterfalls make for an easy roadside stop, less than 2 miles up Kuamoʻo Rd. For the best photographs, go in the…
Wailua
Other gardens might have fancier landscaping, but you can’t beat Smith’s for value. Take a leisurely stroll along a mile-long loop trail past a serene…
Kapaʻa
Nicknamed 'Baby Beach' because an offshore reef creates a shallow, placid pool of water that’s perfect for toddlers, it's located in a modest neighborhood…
Wailua
This 4-acre site along the Wailua River has reproductions of traditional Hawaiian structures amid thriving gardens of guava, mango and banana trees. While…
Kapaʻa
Tucked down a little path off the main drag is this orchid nursery and butterfly garden. The owners have been here for over 20 years. They sell orchids…
