Ilona Coffey

Kapaa

North of Wailua on the eastern shore of Kauai, Kapaa is a town of history and legends.

Welcome to Kapaa

A charming beachside town steeped in history and culture
 
North of Wailua on the eastern shore of Kauai, Kapaa is a town of history and legends. It’s most known for its colorful storefronts, sprawling white-sand beaches, and the Sleeping Giant, a majestic formation on the Nounou Mountain Range. It has also been voted among the 10 Cutest Towns in the US by Forbes.
 
Emerging as a fishing village before the sugar boom in the mid-1800s, this charming, historic town has developed into a touristy paradise with plenty to offer, from hotels to funky boutiques, green parks, scenic dining rooms, and shops to entertain. The vibrant Old Kapaa Town features traditional live music, local crafts, and keepsakes that bring people back to the island from time to time. Temples and museums highlight Kapaa's cultural heritage, and locals hold on to a robust sense of community pride that has endured for centuries.
 
With Hawaii Route 56 passing through town, Kapaa is easily accessible and close to Lihue Airport. A mix of plantation-style homes and modern Hawaii architecture flecks the residential streets of Kapaa, capturing the spirit and charisma of this town and its people.

What to Love

  • The legend of the Sleeping Giant
  • Pristine beaches bathed in sunshine
  • Proximity to the Kauai International Airport
  • Cascading waterfalls along Wailua River
  • Lush green spaces for outdoor fun
  • A strong sense of community

Local Lifestyle

Centrally located with a relaxed pace of life, Kapaa fosters a healthy outdoor lifestyle with diverse activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. This charming tropical paradise showers visitors and locals in its cozy, small-town feel, allowing you to soak in beautiful sights at all turns — whether that's on its scenic oceanfront bike path or along hiking trails and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

If anything, Kapaa is known for its wonderful shopping. From Kinipopo Shopping Village, with its assorted fancy shops and eateries, to the jewelry stores, antiques, and crafts at Coconut Marketplace or lovely boutique finds at Wailua Shopping Plaza, this bustling island town never disappoints.
 
Looking for a healthy treat to help stay cool during a hot activity-filled day? Wailua Shave Ice has got you covered. Pick from a seasonal menu of tasty flavors, whether you prefer coconut milk or tangy pineapple, sweet almond, or fresh-cut oranges.

Order a side of chili fries with your burger and milkshake at Bubba Burgers, or stop by the upscale Street Burger to bite into the innovative burgers locals and tourists can't stop raving about! Smith's Tropical Paradise offers buffet dinners, featuring meat, fish, and chicken dishes in a tranquil setting.

Things to Do

Kapa'a Beach Park is a scene of alluring ancient ruins, palm trees, and fine sand — it’s perfect for those who love quaint, rocky beaches with a hint of privacy. It's a popular fishing spot and great for picnicking families.
 
Check in with your kids at the luxurious Waipouli Beach Resort and enjoy exclusive onsite amenities, including sand-bottom jacuzzis, a full-service spa, a beachfront restaurant and bar, and a fantasy pool. Baby Beach is well-known for its shallow tide pool, where waters are calm and every member of the family can splash around while spotting tiny sea creatures. You'll also see kiteboarders surfing on its bigger waves and fishermen at work casting their lines.

Take a stroll around Old Kapaa Town to find locally made keepsakes, including aloha shirts, local art, gift items, and jewelry at any of Kapaa's vibrant Craft Fairs, or attend the Farmers Market every week to grab some fresh fruits and veggies. First Saturdays bring the Old Kapaa Town Art Walk, which is filled with drummers and dancers, local art masterpieces, and plenty of delicious food. You won't want to be left behind in the crowd!

Schools

The town is served by the Hawaii Department of Education as is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
 
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Overview for Kapaa, HI

11,516 people live in Kapaa, where the median age is 44.6 and the average individual income is $36,103. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

11,516

Total Population

44.6 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$36,103

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Kapaa, HI

Population Households Employment

Kapaa has 3,638 households, with an average household size of 3.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Kapaa do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,516 people call Kapaa home. The population density is 1,147.96 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

11,516

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

44.6

Median Age

52.53 / 47.47%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
3,638

Total Households

3.14

Average Household Size

$36,103

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Kapaa, HI

There's plenty to do around Kapaa, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

11
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Aloha Shave Ice, Gabe's Ice Candy, and Heart & Soul Again.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Aloha Shave Ice Logo
Dining 2.51 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Gabe's Ice Candy Logo
Dining 2.36 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Heart & Soul Again Logo
Dining 2.5 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
K Snack Shack Logo
Dining 2.33 miles 15 reviews 5/5 stars
Bb’s Kauai Logo
Dining 1.94 miles 27 reviews 5/5 stars
Waipouli Wine & Spirits Logo
Dining 2.8 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Kapaa, HI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Kapaa. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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Work With Ilona

Ilona has called Kauai home for over 27 years and loves helping others find their own way of coming home to Kauai. Prepared to represent Buyers and Seller on Kauai, and around the World.

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Contact Details

Ilona Coffey

Phone

(808) 635-1495

Email

[email protected]

Address

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Ste A-104 Koloa, HI 96756

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