Kapaa is a sun-drenched town fringed by gold sand beaches and swaying coconut palms. The down-to-earth town has a laid-back vibe and is popular with surfers, free-spirits and young families. Relax on postcard-perfect beaches, explore scenic coastal trails and enjoy the thriving food truck scene.
Things to do in Kapaa
Kapaa Beach Park is fringed by a ribbon of honey-coloured sand. The park features several beaches, including Fuji Beach. An offshore reef creates a natural lagoon with shallow, crystalline water. At the northern end of the park is a grassy foreshore and breezy picnic area.
The paved Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail stretches along the Royal Coconut Coast and takes in some of the island’s most beautiful scenery. Walk sections of the trail on foot or rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride.
Kapaa is dotted with food trucks where you can try local island flavours. Fill up on fresh fish tacos, pulled-pork burgers and thin-crust pizza. The weekly Kapaa Farmers Market is one of the biggest on Kauai and attracts dozens of vendors. Stock up on tropical fruit, fresh-baked banana bread and other island goodies.
Discover a wonderland of butterflies and blooms at Orchid Alley. This family-run orchid nursery has been growing the plants for decades. Marvel at multicoloured flowers, walk through the netted butterfly garden and learn about species like monarchs and swallowtails.
Try Hawaii’s best chocolate at Lydgate Farms. Guided tours take you through the cacao plantation and teach you about how the fruit is transformed into chocolate. You’ll also see climbing vanilla bean orchids and get to sample the farm’s award-winning palm-blossom honey.
Kapaa is nestled at the foot of Nounou, a towering mountain known as the “Sleeping Giant”. Follow the trail up the mountain and through the ironwood forest. From the summit, you’ll get sweeping views over the surrounding mountains and shimmering Wailua Bay.
Getting around Kapaa
Kapaa is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is on the East Side of Kauai, a 20-minute drive from Lihue Airport. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Kapaa and explore the Royal Coconut Coast at your own pace.