Though not nearly as lush and tropical as the North Shore, Kaua'i's East Shore (sometimes referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast) receives its fair share of rainfall and is noticeably greener than the South and West shores. As such, there are several teriffic waterfalls on the east that shouldn't be missed. With Lihue, Kapa'a and Wailua, Kaua'i's East Shore is also the population center of the island, so all you shopping nuts shouldn't have any trouble finding that perfect memoir of your Kaua'i holiday.

Kaua'i's South Shore is characterized by less frequent rainfall than the North Shore, and the densely tropical, lush "feel" in the North is lacking. Nonetheless, if the North Shore is soggy the South Shore is a good bet if you're in the mood for sunshine.

The West Shore is the driest and most desolate of the shores on Kaua'i, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in terms of things to see and do. With Waimean Canyon and its vast expanse as the center of attention, the West Shore is a hiker's paradise and a photographer's dream.