11 Things to Do in Kapaa: Make it a day out!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.

If you’re headed to Kauai, spending at least a day in Kapaa is a great idea. As the largest town on Kauai, there are many things to do in Kapaa.

Don’t just drive through on the way to the North Shore. Stop to enjoy a few of these fun things to do in Kapaa. I share our video down below on how to make these into a day out in Kapaa.

Not only is there a charming town center filled with quaint shops and restaurants, but its proximity to beaches, rivers, and mountains makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers. 

Note: The proper way to spell Kapaa is Kapa’a with an ‘okina (glottal stop). For readability, we will omit the ‘okina in this article. When you’re on Kauai, look for Kapa’a Town!

If you’re heading to Kauai be sure to take advantage of these great planning resources:
– Our Kauai Travel Guide has everything you need to know about the island for your trip.
– We’ll help you decide when to plan your trip to Kauai.
– No matter what part of the island you want to visit, our Where to Stay database has you covered.
– See more than beaches with the best activities and tours Kauai has to offer.

Where is Kapaa, and What is Kapaa Known For?

Located on the eastern coast of Kauai, Kapaa is the largest and most populated part of the island. If you’re flying into Lihui Airport, then Kapaa town is just a short 15 to 20-minute drive up the coast.

Since we mentioned Lihue, check out our Things to Do in Lihue article.

Near the coast is Kapaa Town, a laid-back area filled with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and water sports rentals. It’s a great place to grab food or pick up a few souvenirs to return home.

Erica’s Take on Things to Do in Kapaa: My husband, Jordan, and I would drive through Kapaa to the North Shore with only brief stops for food or a bike ride. With our kids being watched by Jordan’s parents, we spent a whole day exploring Kapaa Town. Our favorite parts were walking downtown to check out the local stores and getting lunch at the food trucks. A quick drive away is ‘Opaeka’a Falls and Poliahu Heiau, worth a stop! Click for directions to these things to do in Kapaa.

But if you prefer more scenic attractions, you’ll be happy to know that Kapaa is centrally located next to many outdoor sights. You can spend the day at the beach (Kapaa Beach or Waipouli Beach are within walking distance from town), explore the tranquil Wailua River, or admire the emerald-green peaks of the surrounding mountains. 

In Kapaa you’re roughly equidistant from the north and south shores of the island, so be sure to make trips to see all that Kauai has to offer. We’ve already covered Things to Do in Hanalei and Things to Do in Poipu.

Is Kapaa Walkable?

If you want to be centrally located next to shops and restaurants, Kapaa Town is a great place to stay. The town center is highly walkable, so you’re never too far away from the action. The golden sand beaches are also just a block from town if you prefer to spend time by the water.

You will most likely need to drive from your East Side hotel to downtown Kapaa. In our experience, finding parking is never a problem in Kapaa. Park in a lot or along the road, and off you go to explore!

If you want to get outside of town, there’s also the 8-mile-long Kauai Coast Path. Commonly used by cyclers and joggers, this waterfront trail is a scenic way to travel up and down the coast. 

Though you could spend a day or two on foot here, we always recommend renting a car on Kauai. Not only will it make getting around Kapaa easier, but it will also give you the opportunity to see other things around the island like Waimea Canyon, Poipu, and the north shore.

Can You Swim in the Ocean in Kapaa?

To be honest, the beaches in Kapaa Town aren’t the greatest. While they are beautiful and great for exploring, the ocean conditions are rough and not always suitable for swimming. 

However, there are some excellent swimming beaches just outside of town if you’re willing to walk or drive. A 10-minute walk south of Kapaa Town takes you to Fuji Beach (it’s also called Baby Beach). There are some small tidepools and shallow reef-protected swimming areas for families or inexperienced swimmers.

Another good option is Kealia Beach, which is a 35-minute walk or 3-minute drive from town. Head to the northern part of the coast, where the breakwater offers a calm, protected area for swimming. The south is a little more rugged, although it’s a popular option for surfers and bodyboarders.

Check out more great beaches on Kauai:
The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai: stunning spots you don’t want to miss!
9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming
The Best Beaches in Poipu (Directions + Parking Information Included!)

Things to Do in Kapaa Video!

This article is super helpful for the best things to do in Kapaa, but we like to share our experiences. Below is one of our favorite days out in Kapaa. We showcase many of these things to do in the video.

9 Best Things to Do in Kapaa

As the largest town on the island, Kapaa has something for all types of travelers. Nature lovers will enjoy the pristine landscapes, while adventure enthusiasts can take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities in the area. And more laid-back travelers will have a lot to discover in town (there are lots of delicious eateries and fun shops to check out!).

If you have more time to explore Kauai, you can also head to Lihue, which is just a 15-minute drive south. From the palm-fringed beaches to the fascinating cultural attractions, there are tons of fun things to see here as well.

Looking for things to do while your ship is docked at Nawiliwili Harbor?
Check out the best time to cruise Hawaii and learn about all of Hawaii’s cruise ports.
We have you covered with Kauai shore excursions and a comprehensive Cruising Hawaii Guide

1. Mokihana Coffee

Start your morning in Kapaa at Mokinihana Coffee by Small Town (click for directions). This is a food truck turned permanent coffee shop (they installed a deck on the bus) along the side of the main road, the Kuhio Highway.

The coffee shop is on the north side of town so it is ideal if you’re coming down from the North Shore. Mokihana Coffee features espresso, chais, teas, and breakfast sandwiches.

Another coffee shop, a tad more hip and popular, is Java Kai in downtown Kapaa. They have a few locations around the island. The bright green exterior makes Java Kai hard to miss. The coffee is good, even though it gives off more of an Instagram vibe than a legit coffee shop.

2. Kayak the Wailua River

This thing to do in Kapaa is a bit south of Kapaa, on the Wailua River. But, as one of our favorite things to do in Kapaa, we had to put it on the list. Choose a tour company (the best way to experience this river) and head out for a waterfall hike and kayak.

A kayaking trip down the Wailua River (the only navigable river in the entire state of Hawaii) is a fun and leisurely way to see the island’s breathtaking landscapes. You’ll paddle two miles upstream with the picturesque backdrop of lush rainforests and verdant hillsides with your knowledgable tour guide leading the way. Numerous movies, including Indiana Jones, were filmed along this route!

But kayaking is only the first part! After docking on the shores of North Fork, you’ll embark on a 0.75-mile hike to Uluwehi Falls (also known as Secret Falls), a stunning 120-foot waterfall. You’ll spend some time here swimming in the pools and admiring the scenery before the return hike and kayak trip. There is a total of 1.5 miles of hiking and 4 miles of kayaking.

The tour is family-friendly (children must be at least 5 years old), but it can be a bit strenuous, as it’s roughly 5 hours long. If you want to see the Wailua River without kayaking, you could take a cruise boat to the Fern Grotto, a lava rock grotto surrounded by delicate hanging ferns.

This kayaking tour of the Wailau River is one of our favorite experiences in Hawaii. Our son loved the hike, even though it was long, and we loved the waterfall and kayaking trip. Rivers are rare in Hawaii, so this is a memorable trip with an excellent guide.

3. Bike the Kauai Coastal Path

If kayaking down the Wailua River isn’t for you today, I recommend a leisurely bike ride along the Kauai Coastal Path.

The beautiful Kauai Coastal Path stretches for 8 miles along the eastern coast of Kauai. The flat, paved trail boasts dramatic views of the ocean, cliffs, beaches, and lava rock coves, making it one of the most scenic parts of the island. 

If you’re renting bikes and starting in Kapaa, you can either head north up to Ahihi Point or south towards Lydgate Beach Park. There are several picnic areas along the way to stop for lunch, as well as interpretive signs to learn more about the area.

We rented bikes and a trailer from Hele on Kauai when we did this bike ride. We walked in, and off we went with our son and our dog. It was hot, as we did it in the summer at midday, but the views were awesome, and the trail was in great shape. We started at Fuji Beach so that Henry could play a bit, and then we continued north to Kealia Beach.

Keep in mind the path is shared with pedestrians, so make sure to be considerate to your fellow joggers and walkers!

4. Visit the Kamoa Ukulele Company

You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate a visit to the Kamoa Ukulele Company! Located in the heart of downtown Kapaa, this shop is arguably one of the best places to buy a traditional stringed ukulele. 

The employees are super friendly and knowledgeable, regardless of whether you’re a pro or a beginner. They also offer lessons, which can be a great introduction if you’ve never played before. So if you’re in town, make sure to stop by the Kamoa Ukulele Company to learn more about Hawaii’s most famous instrument.

Shopping in Kapaa

Jordan and I are always discovering new shops in Kapaa Town. I highly recommend walking through downtown and hopping into the stores. From fruit stands to boutique shops to Kauai bars, you will find it in Kapaa. It is the place to go for unique Hawaiian gifts.

5. Enjoy a Lunch at Pono Market

No trip to Kapaa would be complete without a visit to Pono Market. With a central location in the middle of the town, this deli-style eatery is one of the best places to grab breakfast or lunch. When you step inside, you’ll find a wide array of traditional Hawaiian dishes, from Kalua Pork and  Chicken Lau Lau to Spicy Ahi Poke and Cucumber Kimchee. Entrees change each day, so it’s a good excuse to come back at different times during your trip!

If you aren’t planning to visit a luau on your trip to Kauai, then I recommend going to Pono Market for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch. From fresh poke to lomi lomi salmon, you will find famous Hawaiian staples here.

This is a to-go place, so there aren’t any seats to dine inside. However, you can take your food to the beach to enjoy a scenic picnic by the water! Pono Market is only open during the weekdays from 6 AM to 2 PM, so make sure to come early to beat the rush (they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays).

6. Treat Yourself to Wailua Shave Ice

Shave ice is one of those iconic treats that you have to get at least once during your trip to Hawai’i. And while there are plenty of places to choose from on the island, we love Wailua Shave Ice near Waipouli Beach. 

The quality of the shave ice here is top-notch, and the flavors are unique. We highly recommend the Lava Flow (pineapple juice, haupia foam, strawberry puree) or the Almond Joy (coconut milk, chocolate sauce, roasted coconut flakes, almonds). Add vanilla ice cream, a snowcap, or li hing mui (ground plum) powder. 

In addition to the shave ice, they also serve tropical smoothies as well as acai bowls. 

Wailua Shave Ice made our list of our favorite Kauai shave ice spots.

7. Happy Hour at Lava Lava Beach Club

Lava Lava Beach Club is a relatively new addition to the East Side of Kauai. It is a fun and lively restaurant located on the beach, part of Kauai Shores Hotel, on the southern end of Kapaa, near the Wailua River.

Visitors to the Big Island will recognize the place as there is one on A-Bay in Waikoloa and the owners have numerous other Big Island restaurants.

At Lava Lava Beach Club, (click for directions) you can enjoy sitting in the sand for live music everyday of the week. Check their music and happy hour (pau hana) schedule. This is our favorite place to bring the family for pupus and pau hana!

8. Hike the Sleeping Giant Trail

With rolling hills and towering mountain peaks, it’s easy to see why Kauai is one of the best islands for hiking. And if you’re in Kapaa, you’ll be just a short drive away from a great Kauai trek – the Sleeping Giant Trailhead!

The Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) can be found on the western ridge of Wailua and Kapaʻa in the Nounou Forest Reserve. It gets its name because if you look closely, you’ll see that the outline of the mountain looks like a man lying on his side!

The trail to the summit is approximately 1.6 miles. But while it’s not particularly long, it is steep, as you’ll need to ascend up 1,000 feet to the top. On top of that, the terrain can be a bit uneven and rocky, so make sure you wear a durable pair of hiking boots.

But the effort is 100% worth it once you see the view from the top! From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean, Wailua River, and miles of lush rainforests and valleys.

If going hiking on Kauai sounds daunting, especially for first-time visitors, consider a Kauai hiking tour. We went on Kauai Hiking Tours’ half-day tour. They picked three great trails close to our condo at Hanalei Bay Resort.

9. ‘Opaeka’a Falls

Here is a far easier thing to do in Kapaa than hiking Sleeping Giant: Drive to Opaeka’a Falls, about 15 minutes from downtown Kapaa (click for directions to Opaeka’a Falls).

No hike is required as you pull off at the wayside park, walk out of your car, up a ramp, and view out to the cascading falls. We always stop at the falls as we drive through Kapaa as it is a wonderful view. Of course, the falls made our list of the best Kauai waterfalls.

This is the most accessible waterfall on Kauai. You can also follow the paved path across the road for a scenic overlook of the Wailua River.

drive back down the mountain about a quarter of a mile to the sacred Poliahu Heiau (temple).

10. Indulge in Musubi

If you’ve never had musubi before, you’re missing out! Cheap, flavorful, and delicious, this classic Hawaiian snack is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. It consists of a slice of baked SPAM on top of rice and wrapped inside nori (a piece of seaweed). 

The Musubi Truck in downtown Kapaa is a popular food truck that specializes in musubi. Go for the original or opt for one of their unique concoctions like deep-fried musubi, miso chicken musubi, or kalbi beef musubi. They also have an array of non-musubi-based dishes, including chicken katsu and poke. 

We also love the vibe of the place, as it’s a food truck with an outdoor seating area!

11. Spend the Evening at the Smith Family Garden Luau

We always say a luau is not a must-do activity on Kauai, but they sure are fun! Our family enjoyed the Smith Family Garden Luau. Situated on 30 acres of grounds near the Wailua River, the luau is the perfect setting for an evening of Hawaiian festivities. 

The Smith Family Garden Luau is one of our favorite Kauai luaus. You can find all our Kauai luau reviews here.

We found this luau to be our favorite on Kauai for the family atmosphere. The dinner is a buffet and everyone sits at large, shared tables. The MC is the owner and his tutu (grandma) was in the back to make sure you kept us laughing. They had a fantastic dinner show, the food was good, and we enjoyed the big theatrical hula show at the end.

Start the luau with a walking tour of the property before watching the traditional Imu ceremony of the roasted pig. Then, enjoy a gourmet buffet feast (kalua pork, beef teriyaki, and lomi salmon are just a few dishes on the menu) while you watch the Rhythm of Aloha Show.

More nearby activities you’ll love:
Mountain Tubing Adventure
Fern Grotto River Cruise on the Wailua River
Helicopter Tour of the Napali Coast (doors on or off!)
Kauai Farm-to-Table Dinner in a Regenerative Food Forest

12. Food Trucks

And speaking of food trucks, the Musubi Truck isn’t the only place in Kapaa to eat. You will find food trucks sprinkled all over Kapaa.

If you have a hankering for something sweet, then you’re in luck. The Holey Grail food truck is located in the same parking lot next to Mokihana Coffee. Here, you can pick up some hot, fresh taro donuts in a variety of unique flavors! They rotate seasonally but some of their iconic flavors use ingredients with passionfruit, truffle honey, and chai. 

And it doesn’t stop there. If you live to eat, the Kauai food truck scene is where it’s at, and lucky you, we have a Kauai Food Truck Guide!

Ready to plan the rest of your trip?

Grab a Kauai Itinerary to shortcut the rest of your vacation planning. Packed with excursion days, the best restaurants, amazing places to stay, all the way down to where to park, we haven’t missed a beat.

We bought the wayfinder itinerary from The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Highly recommend — super organized daily plans for every part of the island. Even includes google map directions to the best parking spots and what to pack for each day of fun!

Laura M.

Love this list? Don’t lose it, Pin it and follow for more!