Kauai’s best kept secret is located on its sunny West Side. Known for its dramatic sunsets and views of the forbidden island of Ni’ihau, the area from Eleele to Kekaha has much more to offer than meets the eye. Do you want to relax and escape the busyness of life and traffic? Then the West Side of Kauai is for you. With long stretches of sand bottom beaches, the West Side is a paradise to surfers and lazy beach walkers.
The West Side may not have a Costco or other big box stores, and in fact, does not even have a large hotel or condominiums, but this is part of the charm as it is untouched and has a complete feel of old Hawaii. A more relaxed and slower paced area than the others on Kauai, 14% of Kauai’s population lives in this district.
A once thriving sugar plantation town, the economy on Kauai’s West Side is mostly from agriculture, The Pacific Missile Range Facility, and tour boat/fishing companies. The West Side is home to the largest coffee estate in the U.S., the Kaua`i Coffee Company, which has 3,400 acres dedicated to growing over 4 million coffee trees that produce an annual yield of 3.5 million pounds (60% of Hawaii’s total output).
Technology and defense play an important role in Kauai’s economy with the West Kaua`i Technology & Visitor Center (WKTVC) and the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) both major employers on Kauai’s West Side.
PMRF is one of Kauai’s largest employers with nearly 1,000 active duty Navy, government, civil service and contract civilians, and Hawai`i Air National Guard members. PMRF’s prime contractor is ITT Services, with approximately 500 employees, providing base support as well as high-tech range safety and scheduling operations. Numerous other contractors, both on and off Kaua`i, are associated with PMRF.
Popular Activities & Attractions
Kauai’s West Side is home to 3 grocery stores, numerous schools, boat harbors, shops, eateries, and its own hospital, the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital. A plethora of Kauai’s most enjoyable/popular activities and attractions are just minutes or even blocks away. There’s surfing, diving, fishing, swimming, boating, miles of white sandy bottom beaches, and the best viewing of Kauai’s stunning sunsets.
The West Side boasts stunning sunsets and island views
Just minutes up the road, at an elevation of over 3,500 feet, you will find Waimea Canyon and Kokee State parks. Famed for their magnificent views, scenic overlooks, and abundance of hiking trails, these two parks are truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Cost of Living
The West Side of Kauai is the most affordable area of the island. The current median sales price for a home is $375,510. This is far below the other extreme, Kauai’s North Shore, which has a current median sales price of $1,190,000. The West Side has something for everyone with older plantation homes all the way to ocean and surf break view luxury homes.
Featured West Side Listing: 7994 Kekaha Road
Classic plantation-style home located in sunny Kekaha on Kauai’s West Side. Kekaha is home to a 3.2 mile stretch of sandy beach. This sweet little gem is just a short stroll or bike ride away from the sun, sand, and some of Kauai’s very best sunset viewing beaches. This 3 bed, 1 bath home has been completely renovated inside and out. The ideal corner lot location is a real bonus as having only 1 neighbor is hard to find…
7994 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha (MLS# 296361) | Newly Remodeled | 3 Bed/1 Bath Home | $345,000
Exterior boasts a brand new 50-year warranty roof, freshly painted new cedar siding, complete with a new water heater and gas tank. The interior features brand new stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry, stunning high-quality Quartz counter tops, new drywall, and paint throughout. The new vinyl double hung windows and Grey Oak laminate flooring are the perfect compliment to the “Beach House” theme of this “must-see” little charmer.
Ready to Call West Kauai Home?
If you would like to know more about how to own a home on Kauai, please contact us today!
Aloha,
Kim and Mahina
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