Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Kapa’a, Hawaii

  • Published 2022/08/08

Admire the breathtaking natural beauty of Kapa’a, Hawaii.

This community is a famous destination for travelers seeking a tranquil tropical respite away from home.

During your stay, you are welcome to take advantage of the beaches.

If you are looking for something more strenuous, explore the great outdoors through hiking trails and other activities.

This area has the highest population density of any unincorporated community on the island of Kauai.

After a long day of sightseeing, unwinding in one of Kapa’a’s many beautiful parks is the perfect way to close the day.

Here are the best things to do in Kapa’a, HI:

Hike the Sleeping Giant Trail

A hiker at Sleeping Giant Trail

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The Sleeping Giant Trail is an out-and-back route that spans 5.5 kilometers, taking an average of nearly two hours to complete.

This trip is excellent for those who want to get some exercise and see the sights without walking all day.

As you go, you will marvel at the breathtaking panoramas of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.

Nature trail at Sleeping Giant Trail

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The journey starts in the town of Kapa’a, situated on the northern coast of Kauai.

Before arriving at the viewpoint with expansive views of the Napali Coastline, you will stroll past several water attractions on the trail from the trailhead.

Refresh yourself by swimming in the cold streams during hot days or after a challenging ascent at various points throughout the route.

Explore the outdoors along the Sleeping Giant Trail.

Wind tunnel in Sleeping Giant Trail

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Shop ’Til You Drop at Wailua Shopping Plaza

Kapa’a’s Wailua Shopping Plaza is an excellent location for shopping and sampling the island’s cuisine.

Several eateries in the area serve seafood plus your favorite BBQ!

You’re likely to find something here that will constantly remind you of your journey to Hawaii.

Visit the flower shop at the Wailua Shopping Plaza, which provides a wide variety of flowers if you need to visit someone or want to make them smile.

The shopping complex features many items created somewhere on the Hawaiian islands.

Are you looking for island-inspired attire?

The apparel business at Wailua Shopping Plaza sells shirts, slacks, dresses, and skirts designed exclusively for customers who want their stuff to fit perfectly.

Shop Local Products at Coconut Marketplace

Signpost of Coconut Marketplace

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Coconut Marketplace is the most convenient area to go shopping and dining in Kapa’a, Hawaii.

It is the site of several fantastic family-friendly events.

There is an adequate parking space; traveling from the Lihue Airport lasts approximately nine minutes.

Shops at Coconut Marketplace

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy hula performances, musical performances, regular movie nights, and various other family-friendly events.

Throughout its existence, the center has undergone several different renovations.

Despite this, the Coconut Market’s Hawaiin-style architecture retains its one-of-a-kind appeal.

Building signs of Coconut Marketplace shops

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Stock up on Supplies at Kinipopo Shopping Village

If you are looking for beautiful stores and places to eat in the Kapaa area, the Kinipopo Shopping Village is the place to go.

This retail center looks like a garden and has a wide selection of eateries and boutique stores.

The shops in Kinipopo employ a diverse array of local artisans and merchants selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, home décor, and beauty products.

Additionally, a wide selection of restaurants serves mouthwatering cuisine.

The menus at the restaurants range from casual to fine dining.

The menus will make your mouth wet with choices including authentic island-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood specialties, and upmarket dining.

Spend the day at the Kinipopo Shopping Village!

Grab a Bite at Sam’s Ocean View

Sam’s Ocean View in Kapa’a’s atmosphere is casual and open.

The restaurant features attractive décor in addition to outstanding American cuisine and beverages.

On the menu are options for steak, such as lamb loin medallions with crab cake, asparagus, and lemon butter sauce.

There are also options for seafood, such as salmon sliders and coconut-crusted prawns with pineapple salsa.

Vegetarians also have meals to enjoy, such as a grilled vegetable sandwich made with focaccia bread and topped with avocado, pickled red onion, and cilantro pesto.

On the menu of alcoholic beverages, you’ll find a selection of craft beers from all over the world and wines sold by glass or bottle.

Dine in style at Sam’s Ocean View.

Discover the Old Kapa’a Town

Aerial view of a building in Old Kapaa Town

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In the late 20th century, the historic core of Kapaa’s downtown began development.

Since then, it has not seen substantial transformations.

When you enter its doors, you may sense the region’s long and illustrious history because it is one of the few plantation villages still standing on Kauai.

Bubba's burgers in Old Kapaa Town

Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

People have called it “the sweetest location on earth.”

Kapa’a’s picturesque old downtown district appeals to visitors and locals.

People may go shopping, eat well, enjoy live music, and socialize with others who also love Old Kapa’a Town.

A cafe in Old Kapaa Town

Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Celebrate at Hukilau Lanai

On the North Shore of Kauai sits the colorful Hawaiian restaurant and bar known as Hukilau Lanai.

This establishment in Kapa’a celebrates the food of the island.

You will want to return for more not only because of the nightly entertainment but also because of the innovative island flavors, fresh local seafood, and distinctive wine list.

The exceptional drinks at Hukilau Lanai inspired the restaurant’s chefs to create delectable dishes to pair with them.

They feature a comprehensive wine list that showcases some of the best vintages from all over the world.

The food menu has something for everyone, including mouthwatering raw fish dishes that the restaurant’s creative chefs painstakingly prepare.

Check out the daily offers at Hukilau Lanai, which change regularly depending on availability in the immediate surrounding area.

Check Out Local Taste at Hee Fat General Store

You might want to include a trip to the Hee Fat General Store in your schedule for Kapa’a, Hawaii.

Even though it is not the most popular tourist attraction on the island, it is a great place to visit for sampling authentic Hawaiian culture.

First, you can get some ice cream at the ice cream parlor inside the Hee Fat General Store.

Get their most popular flavor, the Lava Flow, made with pineapple, strawberry, and coconut and topped with macadamia nut ice cream.

Since the store makes shave ice from scratch every day and in a wide selection of flavors, you will find a flavor to love.

If you are interested in trying something new, you should also get the crab rangoon or egg roll from their menu.

Bring an Open Mind to Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Entrance gate to the Kauai's Hindu Monastery

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock.com

The Hindu Monastery in Kapa’a, on the island of Kauai, is an excellent choice for those seeking peace while on vacation.

The Kauai Aadheenam is a monastery and temple complex designed in traditional South Indian architecture.

You can find it on the lush Garden Island of Kauai, part of the Hawaiian chain of islands.

Exploring the interior is a delightful way to spend the afternoon, given the abundance of charming features you can find there.

Sculpture of a hindu god in Kauai's Hindu Monastery

Chase Clausen / Shutterstock.com

The most important temple building follows the traditional style of Hindu architecture.

It contains a statue of Lord Murugan, worshipped as the god of victory in combat and life in general.

You can observe religious rites or listen to lectures about many aspects of Hinduism while visiting the Kauai Hindu Monastery.

Beautiful plants in Kauai's Hindu Monastery

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Fill Your Basket at Kiko

Kiko offers a diverse assortment of goods, including but not limited to jewelry, apparel, books, and other giftware.

This is the perfect location for bringing children during your vacation in Kapaa.

One of the many clothing businesses in Kapa’a also specializes in Hawaiian shirts.

If you are seeking a unique piece of jewelry, you should go to one of the many jewelry shops in Kiko.

If you are seeking some fresh reading material or a fantastic book to give another person, you can enter a bookstore in the area.

Learn to Play Ukulele at Kamoa Ukulele Company

The Kamoa Ukulele Company is where to go if you want to learn how to play the ukulele.

Whether or not you’re an experienced musician, you can learn to play the instrument at this music supplies store.

Kamoa offers lessons for musicians of all ages, ranging from kid-friendly ukulele classes to more advanced workshops for adults such as guitar and bass.

The Kamoa Ukulele Company has operated for over half a century in Kapa’a, Hawaii.

Recently, it has begun to gain popularity as the go-to place for people to take music instruction.

The company gets its name from the ukulele, an instrument invented on the islands.

There is even a live music room where you may perfect your skills on any instrument that catches your fancy.

Their retail space bursts with vibrant displays of the wide variety of hand tools and power equipment available for purchase.

You can also try mingling with different people throughout the afternoon while hanging around.

Swim and Ride at Fuji Beach

Sunrise view at Fuji Beach

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Fuji Beach is a beautiful place for families to spend the day together and create lasting memories.

Children can swim and explore the tide pools along the entire length of the beach.

You only need to walk two blocks to reach the beach from the central part of Kapaa.

After a day in the water, swimmers can use the beach’s picnic tables, shady areas, and shower facilities.

You may rent bikes and ride along the nearby coastal cycling route if you’re looking for more energetic activity.

You might even see turtles in their native habitat if you go!

Explore Fuji Beach!

Ride a Bike at Ke Ala Hele Makalae

Are you looking forward to more exciting Kapaa activities?

If you are looking for a fun activity to do in the afternoon, you should think about biking along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path.

The path leads from Lydgate Park, located on Kapaa’s southern tip, to Donkey Beach, on the island’s northern tip.

The amusement park provides suitable activities for children, such as a water slide and a lazy river.

In addition, there are barbecue grills and picnic tables where you and your family can have lunch together.

Support Locals at Pono Market

Pono Market is a fantastic destination to check out if you find yourself in Kapa’a on the island of Hawaii.

This quaint farmers’ market is home to several vendors who sell a wide array of goods, from apparel and jewelry to food and beverages.

The market is open every day of the week.

They get busy on Sundays because of the live music played there.

You can find just about anything at Pono Market.

Buy Hawaiian-themed shirts and artwork influenced by the islands.

Likewise, it is an excellent place to purchase presents or souvenirs for your loved ones and friends.

You can also buy many delicious treats, such as macadamia nuts covered in chocolate.

Stage a Photoshoot at Pineapple Dump Pier

Daytime view of the Pineapple Dump Pier

Jpiks / Shutterstock.com

The Pineapple Dump, located in Kapa’a, is a well-known tourist spot for its breathtaking ocean vistas and historical significance.

The Pono Pineapple Company built the pier specifically to dump pineapple waste into the ocean.

Walkway of Pineapple Dump Pier

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

The presence of anemones and other colorful marine life along the pier provides good opportunities for taking photographs.

They also renamed the Concrete Pier the Pineapple Dump Pier.

As you make your way down the pier, you may learn about the structure’s history while taking in the views of the coastline.

Final Thoughts

Kapa’a is all about the beach and outdoor fun.

Whether you are looking for an adventurous getaway or a relaxing and quiet vacation, Kapa’a has it all.

The best part about Kapa’a is its proximity to other beaches on the island.

You can take advantage of what each one offers by visiting multiple beaches in one day.

Book your trip today!

You might find more things to do in Kapa’a, HI, after you arrive.

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