Two Perfect Days at Waimea Plantation Cottages on the West Side of Kauai
Tucked away behind the magnificent Waimea Canyon, the West Side of Kaua’i showcases amazing views vastly different from the rest of the island. The area is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, with waning canyons, sprawling hiking trails, and breathtaking boat tours. In just 2 days on the West Side of Kaua’i, Coast Hotel’s Waimea Plantation Cottage opens up all of these possibilities in a spectacular island getaway!
1. Stay in a Waimea Plantation Cottage
The Waimea Plantation Cottages aren’t just idyllic dream vacation stays–they’re historic homes that date back from the 1880s to the 1930s. Stretching out over 43 acres on the west shores of Kaua’i, these cottages were first built to support the workers of a plentiful sugar plantation operation, Waimea Sugar Mill Company. In fact, all the cottages are named after the plantation workers who first stayed in these homes, honoring their hard work in the past.
Even after refurbishing, the cottages still hold the same laidback rustic charm from its past. Booking a cottage also provides access to the resort’s unparalleled amenities, including its oceanfront pool, volleyball court, and many other outdoor activities.
To truly feel the island’s heart beating under your feet, walk along the Waimea Plantation Cottages’ sprawling black-sand beaches. The warmth of these volcanic sands will swiftly melt all your troubles away.
Waimea Plantation Cottages offer a calming, reflective perspective on Kaua’i, connected to both the past and present. It’s also a great romantic gathering spot!
If you’re looking to celebrate a special moment with your loved ones, settle into the Manager’s House for an unforgettable wedding or family gathering experience. This beautiful 2-story home can comfortably host ten people in one massive gathering. It also boasts two upstairs and three downstairs bedrooms, along with a lively living room, a well-equipped kitchen, a massive dining room, and much more.
There’s no better way to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime experience with friends and family– especially by the shimmering waters of the West Side of Kaua’i. Book your next life-changing stay here!
2. Explore Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park
Also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon has a lot in common with its namesake, with red cliff sides and lush green valleys. A little further away, the Koke’e State Park is the West Side’s second most popular attraction, showing off the breathtaking Kalalau Valley and its distant northwestern shores.
The Canyon is just fifteen minutes away from the Waimea Plantation Cottages shores, and it's a fantastic way to spend your first day on the West Side of Kaua’i. Here are a couple of great lookouts to stop by:
a. Waimea Canyon Lookout: A quick and easy 2-minute walk up to the most iconic views of Waimea Canyon.
b. Kalalau Lookout: Located in the Koke’e State Park, hike up the tall cliff sides of the Kalalau Valley to see the lush forests and crystal blue seas far below.
c. Pu'u Hinahina Lookout: High up in the rugged cliffs, this lookout allows you to see even more of the vast Waimea Canyon. When skies are clear, you can even see the far-off Pacific Ocean.
d. Pu'u o Kila Lookout: This lookout is closer to the Koke’e State Park and gives awe-inspiring views of the Nā Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley.
Most of these lookouts have their own parking lots and roads leading up to them. Don’t forget to check announcements on the state park’s website before heading out; some roads or lookouts may be restricted due to weather conditions in the rainy season.
3. Hike the Pihea Trail in Koke’e State Park
The Pihea Trail from Koke’e State Park offers one of the most scenic looks across the valley,
along with the opportunity to experience Kaua’i’s glowing flora and eye-catching birds up close.
It’s a moderate 4.4-mile trek through the breathtaking peaks and valleys of the Alakai Wilderness and provides an astounding view of the Nā Pali Coast from afar.
The trailhead starts at Puu O Kila Lookout, and you can park at the Kalalau Lookout nearby during construction season.
4. Go on a boat tour to Nā Pali Coast
After watching the coastline from above on the Pihea Trail, ride down and enjoy an awe-inspiring boat tour along the Nā Pali Coast. The tall, jagged red cliff sides of this coastline are unique to Kaua’i’s volcano geography and make for an exciting marine trip.
Start your journey at Port Allen, a harbor in the southwest town of Eleele–just thirteen minutes away from the Waimea Plantation Cottages.
5. Try the local cuisine
For all you foodies out there, never fear–the West Side of Kaua’i has plenty of delicious food to try out on your two-day vacation. Try out these venues after exploring the island vibes:
a. The Shrimp Station: A scrumptious shrimp-tacular seafood restaurant right at Waimea Bay. You can find it open from 11 AM to 5 PM, though it closes on Wednesday and Thursday.
b. Jojo’s Shave Ice: This popular dessert stand serves delicious traditional shaved ice cream, made from Hawaii’s sugar canes and syrups. Their Waimea outlet is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, and they also have outlets in the Coconut Marketplace and Hanalei.
c. Gina’s at Yumi’s Restaurant: A fantastic American and Hawaiian cafe, you can find all sorts of local food and desserts sold here. Pro tip: get the banana bread. It’s always baked fresh out of the oven and is absolutely to die for.
d. Japanese Grandma: Sitting in the little town of Hanapepe near Port Allen, this small Japanese restaurant serves delightful sushi in an adorable building with a cute outdoor area.
e. Coconut Corner: A refreshing smoothie and fruit vendor in Waimea. Great for coming back from a long canyon hike to enjoy some local fresh fruits.
Spending 2 days on the West Side of Kaua’i is a perfect time to unwind and wash your worries in the coastal waters. Stay at Waimea Plantation Cottages and you’ll get the chance to feel the island’s relaxing, quiet atmosphere while being within an hour’s drive away from all its most stunning highlights!