Wailua-Kauai

Combining dense jungle terrain, rocky ridges, and a winding river toward the bay surf, Wailua-Kauai is a comfortable slice of Hawaii life that’s close to shopping and services, but removed from any bustle. Lori Benkert, Owner/Broker with Waioli Properties, who describes the neighborhood as “a combination of residential and pastoral properties in a tropical setting,” says, “Wailua River meets the bay in Wailua-Kauai, and it’s the only boat-navigable river on the island. So, you’ll see six-man outrigger canoe training there as well as paddle boarding and skiing. People living here head up the river all the way to tourist destinations like the caves at Fern Grotto and the Secret Falls Retreat.”

Wailua-Kauai’s proximity to the Sleeping Giant Mountain affords spectacular views of majestic peaks and the Nounou Forest Reserve. Homes line up in neatly laid streetscapes heading from the Wailua Homesteads near the foothills all the way to the ocean on either side of Haleilio and Nonou Roads. A variety of primarily midcentury low-rise plantation-style homes populate streets that connect to the Haleilio Road artery, and generally range from around $900,000 to $1.3 million. Tidy circa 1960s homes along Nonou Road are asking around $1 million. On Lanakila Road, across from the 10-acre Wailua Houselots Park athletic fields and courts, you can walk to Little League games from nicely maintained ranch-style homes for closer to $800,000. You’ll also see some larger two-story homes near the shore.

Depending on your address, public school students may attend King Kaumaualii or Kapaa elementary schools before moving on to Kapaa Middle and Kapaa High schools, all in adjacent neighborhoods. Kapaa High earns an overall B+ grade from Niche and a 10 out of 10 for college readiness from GreatSchools.

Beautiful Lydgate Beach is backed by a meandering path between the shore and grassy lawns so bikers, joggers and walkers can soak up the coastal scenery. A large circular rock lagoon here creates a placid swimming pool. Residents pop their umbrellas at Lydgate and linger. Vacation rentals line Lae Nani Beach where the curving shoreline is sometimes wild, carved by driftwood and basalt rocks, creating a rugged mystique. Golfers play the immaculate greens of Wailua Golf Course, refreshed by surf breezes moving through thickets of trees. Some holes are just steps from the beach, others border palm-lined lakes. Local athletes also love the multi-use athletic fields at Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sports Park, located beside the ocean and within the watchful presence of Sleeping Giant. Paved walkways here make it a popular place for just getting your steps in, too.

Shopping centers are convenient along Kuhio Highway, including the Kinipopo Shopping Village and the Shops at Wailua Kai plaza. If you love shabby chic treasures, you might become a regular at Pagoda Antiques in the Wailua plaza where locals sip tea at Potions or gear up for water sports at the standup paddle store. Coconut Marketplace is a Wailua-Kauai focal point, designed to resemble a menagerie of plantation-style cottages painted chalk-yellow, barn-red and palm-green. Sidewalks rimmed with old-fashioned lampposts connect shops around a central green space with a vintage water tower centerpiece. Birdsong blends with music wafting from open doors as you explore apparel, handmade wares, and coffee shops or dine at eateries from Thai to sushi to Italian. There are plenty of places to sit and relax within the central promenade, a well-known spot for live entertainment and farmers markets.

You can pull up a stool under the surfboard-laden rooftop at the open-air Chicken in a Barrel to cure your hunger with barbecue ribs, rice and beans. Island Country Market in Coconut Marketplace is always chockful of fresh produce, deli options and ready-made meals. Further south on Kuhio Highway, you’ll find the brand new Na Pali Brewing – launched by a local husband and wife duo, combining a 10-barrel brewery with a light lunch and dinner menu.

Benkert says, “Wailua-Kauai is really a sweet spot, right between boutique shopping in Kapaa Town and all your big box stores like Kmart and Target in Lihue. You’re also just minutes from the beach and the airport but you’re still enjoying a hustle-free, more rural lifestyle.” So, when you’re ready to bike the beach, paddle the river, or head home toward the mountain range, come see what Wailua-Kauai has to offer.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Paul Peck

Video By

Luke Mancari