Kapaa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kapaa showing a gorge or canyon and general coastal views
Kapaa featuring a cascade, mountains and forest scenes
Sleeping Giant Trailhead featuring general coastal views
Opaekaa Falls featuring forests and a waterfall
Kapaa which includes art

Explore the scenic nature trails and busy shops of this pleasant town that lies in the shadow of the Sleeping Giant.

Kapaa is a small commune with an excellent shopping district and watersports offerings. Its nature trails meander through dense tropical forests and its pristine beaches decorate the island’s eastern coast. Explore the parks and waterfalls that make up the scenic, eclectic terrain around this town, whose name is Hawaiian for “Solid.”

Wander through the town center and explore the shops for souvenir items, such as aloha shirts, vintage maps and jewelry. Kinipopo Shopping Village and the Wailua Shopping Plaza are among the best malls. The latter holds an intriguing antique shop and several restaurants.

Get to know the surrounding countryside with a trek along the Sleeping Giant TrailheadOpens in a new window, which runs through the forests of its namesake mountain. Enjoy the views of the ocean and the town of Kapaa from the summit. A little southwest is Wailua FallsOpens in a new window, a double waterfall that flows over a mossy cliff. Swim in the pool and see a rainbow in the falls on a sunny day. Visit the nearby Opaekaa FallsOpens in a new window, which tumbles into a secluded pool surrounded by dense vegetation.

Head east to take advantage of the year-round hot, sunny weather on the wonderful sandy bays. Join the surfers and body boarders on Kealia Beach, which is near the Spalding Monument that honors a former plantation owner and offers spectacular views and trails. Farther south is Lydgate Beach Park. Bring your family here for its calm water, picnic tables and shady areas

For a sense of local culture, spend an evening at the Smith Family Garden LuauOpens in a new window. Enjoy a traditional meal and listen to live Hawaiian music on this scenic retreat. Admire the upside-down ferns in the Fern Grotto.

Find the town in eastern Kauai. Drive north for about 8 minutes from Wailua to get here. Arrive at Lihue Airport and travel north for 7 miles (11 kilometers).

With its malls, trails and waterfalls, Kapaa is an eclectic shopping hub and nature retreat.

Where to stay in Kapaa

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Waipouli

While visiting Waipouli, you might make a stop by sights like Coconut Marketplace and Waipouli Beach.

Waipouli
Kamokila Hawaiian Village showing a park and signage

Wailua Homesteads

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Wailua Homesteads. You might want to make time for a stop at Kadavul Hindu Temple or Kaua'i's Hindu Monastery.

Wailua Homesteads
Sleeping Giant Trailhead showing general coastal views

Wailua House Lots

If you're spending some time in Wailua House Lots, Wailua Beach and Lae Nani Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Wailua House Lots
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Kawaihau

If you're spending some time in Kawaihau, Kealia Forest Reserve and Kapahi Park are top sights worth seeing.

Kawaihau
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Kapahi

When in Kapahi, you can plan a visit to Ho'opi'i Falls and Kealia Forest Reserve, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kapahi
Kauai Shores Hotel
Kauai Shores Hotel
3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is NZ$450 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$450
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,262 reviews)
"Great location! Rooms were Newley renovated and clean. Lava lava beach club was very convenient place to grab drinks or food in a pinch. This hotel pretty much had every amenity .The only problem I would say is that the parking fills up very quickly and lot is small."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
4 out of 5
650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
The price is NZ$688 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$688
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Great view of the ocean"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Aston Islander on the Beach
Aston Islander on the Beach
3 out of 5
440 Aleka Place, Kapaa, HI
The price is NZ$347 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$347
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice right on the beach!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Aston Islander on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plantation Hale Suites
Plantation Hale Suites
3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kapaa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,629 reviews)
"Check in fast, property is very clean 2 minutes walk to beach Enjoyed my trip"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Plantation Hale Suites
Fern Grotto Inn
Fern Grotto Inn
3.5 out of 5
4561 Kuamoo Road, Kapaa, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Kapaa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Holoholoku Heiau and Wailua Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Great area, easy parking. Safe, quiet. Adorable room. Very clean."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Fern Grotto Inn
Islander Family Studio 137, Ground Floor, Steps to Pool and Beach
Islander Family Studio 137, Ground Floor, Steps to Pool and Beach
Kapaa
Stay at this condo in Kapaa. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Waipouli Beach and Coconut Marketplace are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"The user rating of 10 is not accurate. Is more like 7-8. Outdated furniture, rusty air conditioning. Cockroaches in the room."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Islander Family Studio 137, Ground Floor, Steps to Pool and Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Kapaa

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very conveniently location on the island

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Highly recommend this island to anyone thinking of visiting.

Cities near Kapaa