Ilona Coffey

Wailua

Cocooned amid the lush jungles and cascading waterfalls of the Coconut Coast.

Welcome to Wailua

Scenic waterfall paradise brimming with history
 
Cocooned amid the lush jungles and cascading waterfalls of the Coconut Coast, Wailua lies north of the sacred 20-mile river for which it was named. It’s a secluded, laid-back community with a bustling center of commerce for tourists on the coast.
 
Wailua is the site of Kauai's original settlement, though today it offers a diverse range of neighborhoods for different budgets. It is the most populated and central part of the island, so it makes a great jumping-off point for activities in the Wailua River, open-air boat tours to Fern Grotto, and idyllic escapes to the 30 acres of Smith's Tropical Paradise.
 
Wailua offers a mix of fine residential properties and tastefully furnished vacation rentals, be it a ranch-style home or oceanfront condo minutes away from the shopping treasures on the island. Hike up the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) or explore the remains of stone-walled ancient sites. Natural bliss, rich heritage, and cobalt blue waters await you in Wailua!

What to Love

  • Water adventures on Wailua River
  • A diverse range of neighborhoods
  • Central location on the Island
  • Wailua River Canyon
  • Fine climate
  • Easy access to shopping and dining

Local Lifestyle

Wailua is an upcountry, suburban paradise cherished for its natural and man-made bounties. The variety of restaurants and coffee shops, as well as its convenient location to the Lihue Airport make Wailua not only a hotspot for tourists but also ideal for families and retirees looking to escape into tranquility and natural bliss.

The Wailua Golf Course is often ranked among the best in the state, and outdoor enthusiasts can't get enough of the possibilities on the three trailheads to the top of Nounou Mountain or water skiing and kayaking opportunities in Wailua River, which feeds into two popular waterfalls: Opaekaa and Wailua Falls.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Whether you’re a souvenir shopper or looking to bite into the best burger around town, try out The Shops at Wailua Kai! From a vegan restaurant with garden seating to the famous Street Burger locals can’t stop raving about, this quaint shopping mall has it all. Stop into Aloha Roastery for yummy pastries and grab a latte at Ha Coffee before popping into The Womb Bookstore for not just the books, but also a variety of crystals, gift items, and tarot card reading!
 
Come relish the taste of paradise at Smith Family Garden Luau, where amazing feasts are accompanied by transcendental fire shows, hula performances, and colorful ceremonies that will take your breath away. Stop into JO2 Restaurant for delicious scallop ravioli, banana cream pie, and carrot dumplings paired with refreshing cocktails. For the perfect waterside spot for a classy romantic dinner with live music, head to Oasis on the Beach. And don’t miss out on the inventive island flavors, fresh, local seafood, and assorted wines at the sophisticated Hukilau Lanai!

Things to Do

Lydgate State Park, with its tree-lined beach and jetty-enclosed swimming areas that protect the shore from large waves, is one of the most family-friendly destinations to enjoy a beach day. After you get done snorkeling, you can enjoy a picnic on the beach and take fun pictures to post on Instagram later!
 
Take a boat tour on the Wailua River to Fern Grotto, a massive lava cave draped in ferns and one of Kauai’s most popular attractions. Stretching 20 miles, the Wailua River is both the largest and one of the most navigable rivers in Hawaii. It’s regarded as a sacred body of water and positively brims with royal history. Just rent a kayak and paddle across the warm waters to discover this natural wonder for yourself!

Schools

Wailua is served by some of Hawaii's most prestigious schools renowned for their innovative and engaging curricula. Top educational choices include:
 
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Overview for Wailua, HI

2,630 people live in Wailua, where the median age is 42.9 and the average individual income is $32,964. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,630

Total Population

42.9 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$32,964

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Wailua, HI

Population Households Employment

Wailua has 951 households, with an average household size of 2.77. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Wailua do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,630 people call Wailua home. The population density is 1,712.7 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,630

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

42.9

Median Age

49.66 / 50.34%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
951

Total Households

2.77

Average Household Size

$32,964

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Wailua, HI

There's plenty to do around Wailua, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

38
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
35
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Gabe's Ice Candy, Aloha Shave Ice, and Kauai Gourmet Nuts.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Gabe's Ice Candy Logo
Dining 1.87 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Aloha Shave Ice Logo
Dining 2.44 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Kauai Gourmet Nuts Logo
Dining 1.96 miles 33 reviews 5/5 stars
Bb’s Kauai Logo
Dining 3.82 miles 27 reviews 5/5 stars
Heart & Soul Again Logo
Dining 2.4 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Awa Hale Logo
Dining 2.18 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Browse Properties In The Area

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Work With Ilona

Ilona has called Kauai home for over 27 years and loves helping others find their own way of coming home to Kauai. Prepared to represent Buyers and Seller on Kauai, and around the World.

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Contact Details

Ilona Coffey

Phone

(808) 635-1495

Email

[email protected]

Address

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Ste A-104 Koloa, HI 96756

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