Kapaa

Kapaa is Kauai's busy east-side town, known for oceanfront paths, local shops, food stops, beach parks, central island access and nearby Wailua landmarks.

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Kapaa, Kauai

With a population of around 10,700, Kapaa is the largest town on Kauai. It offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from small boutique stores to a large shopping center. There are plenty of restaurants and accommodation options here as well, which make Kapaa the preferred choice for Kauai vacationers who want to enjoy dining out, shopping and other fun Kauai activities. Accommodations in Kapaa are relatively affordable compared to other resorts and hotels in the Poipu and Princeville areas.

Many beach parks are located in and around Kapaa. The best one for swimming is the nearby Lydgate Beach Park (it has a protected swimming area at the north end of the beach park). Other nearby attractions are the Wailua River, Wailua Falls and Opaeka'a Falls.

Key Features

Busy east Kauai town between Wailua and Kealia
Central location for north, south and west Kauai drives
Known for shops, restaurants, food trucks and local services
Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path runs through the Kapaa area
Nearby beach parks include Kapaa Beach Park, Kealia Beach and Lydgate Beach Park
Close to Wailua River and Opaekaa Falls
Kuhio Highway traffic can be slow through town
Good area for walking, casual meals and beach views
Short drive north of Lihue Airport
Population: 11,652 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96746

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kapaa mean?

Kapaa is often translated as solid or closed. The name belongs to one of Kauai's best-known east-side communities and appears in older plantation and coastal place-name history.

Why is Kapaa a popular place to stay on Kauai?

Kapaa has a central east-side location, many food stops, shopping areas, beach parks and access to both north-shore and south-shore drives. It is also close to Lihue Airport and Wailua landmarks.

What is the coastal path in Kapaa?

The Kapaa area is known for Ke Ala Hele Makalae, a paved oceanfront path used for walking and biking. It follows the east shore with beach, reef and sunrise views.

How is Kapaa different from Lihue?

Lihue is Kauai's main government, airport and commercial hub. Kapaa has more of a beach-town feel, with oceanfront paths, small shops, food trucks and east-shore beach access.

What nearby places are easy to visit from Kapaa?

Wailua River, Opaekaa Falls, Lydgate Beach Park, Kealia Beach, Wailua Beach and the north-shore road toward Kilauea and Hanalei are all common add-ons from Kapaa.