Before leaving Lihue, take the Ma'alo Road (near the old sugar mill) and drive the short distance to see Wailua Falls. Afterward, proceed northward along the east coast of Kaua'i along the Kuhio Highway. First stop is the spectacular Opaeka'a Falls, and the view of the Wailua River across the road from the falls lookout.  If you continue driving up the road to the end, you will find the Keahua Arboretum.

The Poliahu Heiau is adjacent to Opaeka'a Falls. Heiaus (or temples) are holy places for Hawaiians, and were used extensively by the ancient Hawaiians. Most heiaus consist of rock walls, and platforms made of rock. Holy men ensured that the mana (spiritual power) was respected by all, and they also enforced the kapu (sacred rules of life). For more info on Hawaiian holy places, please refer to a more extensive discussion off my Big Island page which highlights Puuhonua o Honaunau.

Next up the highway, is the town of Kapa'a.  This is a good place to pick up snack food, fruit, water, at reasonable prices.