10 BEST Things to do in Kapaʻa: Highlights & Hidden Gems

I just spent three weeks housestting deep in the lush jungle of Kapa’a. It was my fourth visit to Kaua’i and allowed me to thoroughly explore the island’s underrated Coconut Coast (Kapa’a).

In this article I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Kapaa, from the must-do kayak up the Wailua River to a hidden waterfall, where to find live music every night, one of the island most epic hikes, places to eat taro donuts and drink a traditional Hawaiian alcohol-alternative, a historic church where you can hear native Hawaiian sung and spoken, and so much more!

🌺 Bookmark for later: Kauai Travel Guide (For First-Time Visitors)

Running along the sand at Kapaa Beach Park in Hawaii

☀️🌺🌿 Article Outline (Jump Ahead)

1. Kayak up the Wailua River to Secret Falls

One of the most adventurous things to do in Kapa’a is kayak up the Wailua River, past historic Hawaiian farmland and heiau (holy sites), then hike to Uluwehi Falls, a gorgeous 100-foot waterfall. Nicknamed Secret Falls, the waterfall can only by this kayak and hike route!

Assuming you don’t have your own kayak, your options are to join this local-guided kayak adventure (my recommendation to support local Hawaiian businesses!) or rent a kayak and paddle up the river yourself. Either way, keep in mind that you have to kayak four miles total, and hike 1.5 miles to get the falls!

Hiking to the peak of Sleeping Giant on Kauai's Coconut Coast

2. Hike Up Sleeping Giant

Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) is a vibrantly lush 1,200-foot-tall peak that towers above Kapa’a town and the surrounding farmland. At the top, you get 360-views, assuming the clouds don’t roll in!

This hike was both more enjoyable, and more dangerous than I expected. At 3.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the East Trail (which we did), is nothing like the more challenging Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast, but there are many places where you have to scramble—almost rock climb—up and down slippery rock faces, not to mention the dramatic drop-offs!

Unfortunately, we were on the trail with a girl who broke her arm while trying to climb and it took her a very long time (and lot of pain) to get back to her car. All that said, I’d definitely recommend the trail if you’re a competent hiker with the right gear and awareness of the risks involved!

🌺 Essentials for Hiking in Hawaii 🌊

🥾 Solid hiking shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction are a MUST. I love my Altra Lone Peak trail runners because they’re smaller than a hiking boot, have a wide toe box (no blisters!!), and genuinely the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn!
☀️ 50 SPF sun shirt: Even if I’m not wearing it for the whole hike, I always have this UPF sun shirt in my bag to protect my skin! It’s breathable in the heat, but also blocks wind chill at the same time! Meanwhile, my husband loves a merino wool sun hoodie!
💧 Hydration pack: Never go hiking in Hawaii without water! I recently bought my first hydration pack (this one specifically), which is a small backpack with a water bladder. It’s so much easier than carrying a water bottle. It made all the difference on my recent Oahu hikes!
🧢 Hat: It doesn’t need to be a special hiking hat, I usually hike with a baseball cap!
🩹 Mini first aid kit: I always carry a travel size first aid kit like this one when traveling, especially on hikes. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve ended up needing it for myself or others!

3. Swim at Lydgate Beach Park

Kapaa’s coastline is notoriously blustery, which makes it a little challenging to swim—unless you head to Lydgate Beach Park! Just south of Kapaa town and the Wailua River, the 2-miles of sandy shoreline that make up Lydgate Beach begins with large, protected swimming ponds formed by lava rock.

I really expected to be overrated and it wasn’t until my most recent (fourth) visit to Kauai that I checked Lydgate Beach out… and I can’t believe I waited so long! On a calmer day, swimming pond is completely still, like a saltwater pool, as the waves crash around outside. On a more blustery day, you can get some waves in the pond, still enjoyable for swimming without the risk of being pulled out to sea!

Walking along Kapaa's coastal paths by the beach

4. Walk Kapaa’s Coastal Paths

Much of Kapaa’s “Coconut Coast” coastline is accessible via walking paths, so there’s almost always an opportunity for a long walk, no matter where you are in Kapaa. The 8-mile path begins at Lydgate Beach Park to the south and connects all the way to Anahola’s Donkey Beach.

If you’re staying at a waterfront hotel in Kapaa, it’ll be easy for you to find the path. We especially enjoyed the quieter section of the coastal path at Lydgate Beach Park! Check out Hele on Kauai’s map of the coastal path.

5. Shop, Eat & Explore in Downtown Kapa’a

Kapaa town is quite stretched out, but the historic blocks of boutique shops, eateries, and ice cream shops adjacent to Kapaa Beach Park is a lovely area to walk and shop! A few of my favorite places in downtown Kapaa include:

Thrifty Gypsea: Tiny women’s consignment shop with a variety of island style secondhand pieces.
Holey Grail Donuts: Taro-based donuts made fresh to order…. soo soooo good (and naturally vegan!)
Awa Hale Kava Lounge: Try awa (kava), the traditional naturally calming drink of the Pacific islands that’s starting to become a popular alcohol alternative (plus they often have live music!)
Tamba Surf Company: One of Kauai’s most beloved surf companies, with lots of t-shirts and hats to buy as souvenirs
Ïwaca’i Kaua’i: Kapaa’s best acai bowls
Shakalafel: Friendly owners and delicious falafel
Lydgate Chocolate Tasting Room: Taste chocolate grown just a few miles away (or go on a full tour of their chocolate farm)
The Musubi Truck: A must if you haven’t had a musubi yet, spam musubi were created here on Kauai! (they sell a tofu version, too!)

6. Visit Kapaa’s Historic Hawaiian Language Church

Kapaa’s small but ornately beautiful historic church is hard to miss when driving by. But better than just taking a look, you can attend their welcoming Hawaiian-English language service on Sundays!

We really enjoyed hearing Hawaiian sung and spoken as they read the scriptures, then the very eloquent, almost regal, female Hawaiian elder shared a message to the small congregation while the trade winds blew through the open windows. Religious or not, I think this is a really special cultural experience, and the church is very welcoming to visitors of all kinds!

7. Try Local Goodies at Wailua Country Store

Just a short drive up the hill from the Wailua River, tucked away in a residential area, the Wailua Country Store is one of my favorite Kauai hidden gems!

Stocked with everything from locally grown fruits, freshly baked sourdough, and grab-and-go mason jar lattes from Kauai’s Rainbeau Jo’s, the country store focuses on fresh food local to the island. They also have a small rotating menu of deli food like spam musubis, curries, stews, and fried rice.

✨ Also See: 21 Kauai Hidden Gems for Exploring Off the Beaten Path

8. Enjoy the Smith Family Luau

Just south of the Wailua River, Smith Family Luau is consistency ranked the island’s best luau! I attended years back on my first trip to Kauai with my family, and still remember the luau fondly. You need to make reservations online in advance, which includes the dinner and show, but not parking and the state park entrance fee that’s also required. If you don’t mind skipping dinner, they also offer $30 tickets for just the luau show!

9. Explore Kapaa’s Chocolate Farm

Lydgate Chocolate Farm is located a short drive from Kapaa’s downtown, up in the lush rolling jungle farmland hills. This area of Kauai is incredibly beautiful just to drive around, whether you visit the cacao farm or not!

The chocolate farm tour lasts 3 hours and includes tastings right from the source! You’ll get to see how chocolate fruit grows and how the pods are transformed into the world’s favorite treat.

10. Taste Local Craft Beer at Napali Brewing Co.

Last but not least, Kapaa is home to one of Kauai’s top breweries, Napali Brewing Co. Along with all the beers that are brewed onsite (and the Kauai rum mai tais for the non-beer drinkers like me), Napali Brewing Co. has a full menu, and live music every single night!