Kapaa
,Kapaa is a charming town located on the east coast of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical scenery, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
Kapaa also offers a range of dining options, shopping opportunities, and cultural attractions for travelers to explore.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Kalapaki Beach
morning
:Start your day with a relaxing morning at Kalapaki Beach, enjoying the sun and gentle waves. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
afternoon
:Rent a kayak and paddle around the bay, taking in the scenic views of the coastline. Stop for lunch at a beachside restaurant and enjoy some fresh local seafood.
evening
:As the sun sets, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the vibrant colors of the sky. Conclude your day with a beach bonfire and s’mores under the stars.
Hiking Adventure at Sleeping Giant
morning
:Embark on a hike up the Sleeping Giant Trail for breathtaking views of the island. Start early to beat the heat and enjoy the lush greenery along the path.
afternoon
:After descending, visit a local café for a hearty lunch, then take some time to relax and hydrate. Explore nearby shops for souvenirs and local crafts.
evening
:Dine at a local restaurant that features traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Enjoy live music and make the most of your evening by mingling with locals.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches.
- Rich cultural heritage and community events.
- Mild tropical climate year-round.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and kayaking.
- Relaxed pace of life and friendly locals.
Bad
- Higher cost of living compared to the mainland US.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Public transportation can be lacking.
- Hurricane risk during certain seasons.
- Tourist crowds can affect the tranquility of the area.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Kayaking
Explore the beautiful Hanalei River and surrounding waters by renting a kayak for a day of paddling and sightseeing.
Hiking
Discover the lush landscapes of Kauai with trails like the Sleeping Giant and Nounou Mountain, offering stunning views and serene nature.
Snorkeling
Take a snorkeling trip at nearby spots like Tunnels Beach, where you can see vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Biking
Ride along the scenic paths of the Kauai Path, which stretches along the coast from Kapaa to Kealia Beach.
Beach Volleyball
Enjoy a game of beach volleyball at Kapaa Beach Park, with beautiful ocean views and a friendly atmosphere.
Surfing Lessons
Sign up for surfing lessons at the beaches near Kapaa, perfect for beginners looking to ride the waves.
Yoga on the Beach
Join a beach yoga session to relax, stretch, and connect with nature while enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Rent a stand-up paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters of the ocean or rivers while getting a full-body workout.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Kapaa with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Kauai Path
A scenic coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the ocean, perfect for leisurely strolls and photographs during sunrise or sunset.
Opaekaa Falls Lookout
An accessible lookout point providing stunning views of the picturesque Opaekaa Falls, ideal for capturing nature shots.
Kapaa Beach Park
A lovely beach park with golden sands and clear waters, perfect for capturing beach life, sunrises, and sunsets over the Pacific.
Sleeping Giant Trail
A hiking trail leading to an incredible panoramic viewpoint from the summit, offering spectacular photo opportunities of the island landscape.
Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)
A hidden gem known for its seclusion, dramatic cliffs, and stunning views, perfect for photography away from the crowds.
Napaulii Lookout
A viewpoint that offers majestic views of the Napali Coast, providing perfect photo opportunities of the rugged coastline.
Donkey Beach
A less crowded beach with dramatic scenery and crashing waves, ideal for capturing the wild beauty of Kauai.
Lydgate State Park
A family-friendly park with a scenic pond and lush surroundings, perfect for photos of local wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Wailua Falls
A stunning waterfall that cascades into a pool below, presenting incredible opportunities for dramatic and nature-focused photography.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Poke
A Hawaiian staple, poke consists of cubed, marinated raw fish, often seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and other flavorful ingredients. Try the delicious poke bowls at Pono Market or Kilauea Fish Market.
Must-Try!
Laulau
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with pork, butterfish, and taro leaf, wrapped in ti leaves and steamed. Head to Ono Ono Shave Ice or Waipouli Deli & Restaurant to savor this authentic local specialty.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Lomi lomi salmon is a refreshing Hawaiian side dish made with salted salmon, tomatoes, onions, and chili pepper. Enjoy this dish at street food stalls in Kapaa or at local Hawaiian eateries like Tiki Tacos.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kapaa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Kapaa Farmer's Market
Explore the Kapaa Farmer's Market for a vibrant array of fresh produce, tropical fruits, and food stalls offering delectable snacks like coconut macaroons, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Kauai Food Truck Court
Immerse yourself in the local food truck scene at the Kauai Food Truck Court, where you can sample diverse cuisines including Hawaiian, Thai, Mexican, and more. Don't miss out on the mouthwatering shrimp dishes from the shrimp trucks.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Aloha Spirit
Embrace the Aloha Spirit by showing kindness, respect, and love to others. It is important to greet people warmly and engage in friendly conversation as this reflects the local culture.
Respect for Nature
Respect the natural beauty of Kapaa by prioritizing environmental conservation. Avoid littering and follow local guidelines when enjoying outdoor activities, as the community places a high value on their surroundings.
Cultural Sensitivity
Be aware of and sensitive to the diverse cultural backgrounds within Kapaa. Take the time to learn about local customs and traditions, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or sacred sites.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kapaa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Kapaa, as in much of the United States, tipping is a customary practice, particularly in the service industry. It is common to tip restaurant servers between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service. Tipping hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides is also expected, typically ranging from a few dollars to 20% of the service cost.
Payment
Payment methods in Kapaa vary but generally include cash, credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit cards. Some local markets might prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases. It's advisable to carry some cash for places that may not accept cards.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kapaa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter
From December to February, Kapaa experiences mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This season also brings occasional rain, but it’s less crowded compared to the summer months. Expect lush landscapes and blooming flowers.
Spring
March to May is a beautiful time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. This season has less rainfall than winter and offers vibrant greenery. Ideal for outdoor activities, spring features blooming flowers and is less crowded.
Summer
June to August is peak tourist season, with temperatures around 70°F to 85°F. Expect sunny days, warm weather, and a bustling atmosphere. This is the best time for beach activities but also the most crowded.
Fall
September to November sees temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F. This season offers fewer tourists while still enjoying warm weather. It's a great time for hiking and exploring local attractions with beautiful fall sunsets.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Kapaa Copse
A scenic hiking area with beautiful views of the coastline and lush vegetation, ideal for all skill levels.
Sleeping Giant Trail
Offers a moderately challenging hike with panoramic views of the island from the summit.
Nounou Mountain Trail
A popular hiking spot featuring two main trails, providing stunning views of Kapaa and the Ocean.
Kuilau Ridge Trail
A beautiful, moderately difficult trail that leads through a lush rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
An easy coastal walk featuring impressive ocean views, cliffs, and chances to see local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kapaa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Kapaa by plane.
Lihue Airport (LIH)
The main airport serving Kauai, located approximately 9 miles from Kapaa. It offers flights to various mainland US cities and inter-island connections.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Located about 176 miles from Kapaa on the island of Oahu, this is the largest airport in Hawaii and serves as a major international gateway.
Kona International Airport (KOA)
Situated approximately 245 miles from Kapaa on the Big Island of Hawaii, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights.
Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG)
Located about 258 miles from Kapaa on the island of Maui, it serves as the primary airport connecting travelers to the island and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
The largest demographic group in Kapaa, predominantly of European descent.
Hispanic or Latino
A significant population, varied origins, including Puerto Rican, Mexican, and other Latin American backgrounds.
Asian
Includes individuals of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian descent.
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Represents the indigenous Hawaiian population and other Pacific Islander groups.
Black or African American
A smaller but important demographic group with African ancestry.
Two or More Races
Individuals identifying with more than one racial group, reflecting increasing diversity.
American Indian and Alaska Native
Includes small numbers of individuals from various Native American tribes and Alaska Native groups.
The Soul of Kapaa
Discover the essence of Kapaa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surfing
Kapaa is known for its beautiful beaches and surf spots, making surfing a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
With calm waters in the area, stand-up paddleboarding is a favored sport for both recreational and competitive paddlers.
Biking
Kapaa has scenic bike paths, including the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path, attracting biking enthusiasts.
Hiking
The surrounding mountains and trails offer excellent hiking opportunities which are popular among locals and visitors.
Beach Volleyball
Many local beaches have volleyball courts, making beach volleyball a popular social and competitive sport.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan
Vegetarian and vegan options are readily available in Kapaa, with many eateries offering plant-based dishes, salads, and creative vegetable-based entrees. Notable spots include The Spot, offering a diverse vegan menu, and Coconut Cup Juice Bar & Cafe for nourishing smoothie bowls and vegan wraps.
Gluten-Free
Travelers with gluten-free dietary needs will find accommodating choices in Kapaa. Check out Verde Restaurant for gluten-free Mexican cuisine, as well as Coconut's Fish Cafe for fresh seafood served with gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kapaa with these cultural adventures.
