Kauai's east side sometimes referred to as the Coconut Coast for the groves of coconut palms that grow in resort areas. The most populated district on the island, about 16,000 of the island's 62,000 residents reside in the Wailua/Kapaa area. Heading north from Lihue on Highway 56, you'll cross the Wailua River Bridge, the gateway to the East Side. The river, which flows into the ocean below the bridge, is flanked on both sides, from the mountains to the sea, with sacred Hawaiian sites.