Na Pali Coast & West Shore Activities

Some of the most memorable Kauai activities are on the West Shore.

To reach it, take Koloa Road (Route 530 which becomes Route 50) from Old Town Koloa.  After you pass the town of Kalaheo, take a left on 540.  The drive will take you past rows and rows of coffee plants – part of a 3,100-acre plantation.  The dirt is red.  The sea is deep blue.  And the views are beautiful.

There’s a visitor’s center and shop at the Kauai Coffee Company on the makai (ocean) side of the road.  If you stop, you’ll learn all about coffee, but the coffee isn’t nearly as good as Kona coffee from the Big Island.

The road to Port Allen Marina is just past the junction of 50 and 540.  Turn left at the McDonald’s.  Here, you can board a vessel for a spectacular Na Pali coast cruise or a cross-channel sail to privately owned Ni’ihau – the “forbidden island.”

The next town on Route 50 is Hanapepe, best known for its weekly Friday Art Nights, when a

dozen galleries are open from 6 to 9PM.  There aren’t many things to do in Kauai at night, so the art walk is a popular attraction.  There’s local music, street food — including yummy fish tacos — and an easy-going vibe that adds up to an enjoyable pre-dinner outing.

The town itself is worth a drive through, with dozens of buildings dating from the turn of the century.  And there’s a farmer’s market in the town park on Thursdays at 3:30.

Continue along Route 50 and you’ll cross over the bridge where the Waimea River meets the Pacific.  After the bridge, take a right on 550, Waimea Canyon Drive.  If you need gas, fill up in Waimea before making the turn.

For information about Waimea Canyon, go to Na Pali Coast and West Shore Natural Wonders.

Find the top ten Kauai activities.