Find the Best Things to Do in Kapa'a
By Jade Eckardt
About Kapa'a
Photo courtesy of Jade Eckardt
Begun as a plantation village, this settlement on Kauai's eastern coast maintains its small-town appeal, even in light of its many local shops and restaurants. Visitors often stroll its streets and bike along the coastline, taking in the area's lovely scenery. Kapa'a Beach (just steps from town) affords terrific views of dawn's beauty, if you're inclined to be an early riser. If not, just take in the pleasant ambiance, and enjoy the attractions by daylight.
Peaceful, long and winding, the Wailua River cuts through the mountains and opens into the ocean at the eastern end of town. On the river you can find kayaking, waterfall exploration, boating and other water activities like water skiing.
Advertisement
See & Do
Set along the Wailua River, Smith's Tropical Paradise is a 30-acre complex introduces visitors to Hawaii's local flora and to more exotic species too. A mile-long trail wends through manicured grounds, offering folks the chance to view cultivated vegetation and a series of ethnic villages that represent the cultures of Kauai's various immigrants. Filipino, Japanese, and Polynesian sites can be explored, along with a fruit orchard, rainforest setting, and ginger and heliconia gardens. Narrated tram tours are available, and the complex also hosts weekly luaus, complete with entertainment and traditional foods.
Eat
Mermaid's Cafe is a wonderful treasure and hole-in-the-wall in Kapa`a. An array of seafood and vegetarian dishes prepared with an Asian flare are the stars of this quaint eatery. Drop in while browsing the shops of the historic town, and take the food to go to a nearby beach or enjoy it on one of the few tables on the sidewalk and people watch.
Party
Capture the laid-back spirit of the islands with an evening at this low-key restaurant, which boasts a comfortable lanai, gently illuminated by torches. A hit with locals and visitors alike, Hukilau Lanai Restaurant is a great place to catch live music and a delicious meal. The entertainment is usually traditional Hawaiian tunes, which can be heard on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Dress up or casual and be ready for local style fun.
Stay
The Aston Aloha Beach Hotel is nestled on the east coast of the island, known as the Coconut Coast on Hwy 56, next to the historic and sacred Wailua River. The hotel has easy access to the Lihu'e Airport, local shopping, Kamalani Playground, Lydgate Beach Park, and many other notable attractions on both sides of the island. Guests of the hotel are treated with luxuriously-appointed accommodations, sumptuous onsite dining options, thoughtful amenities and exhilarating opportunities for land and water-based entertainment.
Consisting of two low-rise buildings dubbed Maile and Pikake and beach cottages, the hotel boasts island style construction. Medium size open-air lobby with Hawaiian style furnishings. Room category is Junior Suite. Hawaiian style rooms at Maile Wing and Pikake Wing are spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to four people. Junior suites offer more space, two double beds or one king bed and a double sofa bed, a living area, refrigerator, coffee makerwith daily complimentary refills, shower or shower/tub combination, free parking and much more. Whether it is for a quick snack, cool cocktail or a romantic dinner, there are options to satisfy everyone's appetite.
Shop
Ranked as the island's largest open-air shopping venue, the Coconut Marketplace is a destination offering a centralized location for picking up souvenirs and vacation and resort apparel. Free-standing kiosks cluster in a central courtyard, encircled by a ring of shops. Sculpture, landscaping, and a good selection of eateries enliven the place, which also boasts movie theaters, bookstores, and other specialty shops.