Kapaa, Kauai

Kapaa, a coastal town on the east side of Kauai, offers a laid-back alternative to Hawaii’s more developed resort areas. Despite its small size, Kapaa is one of the most populated towns on the island, making it a central hub for exploring the Coconut Coast, a stretch of shoreline dotted with towering palms and scenic overlooks.

Culture in Kapaa runs deep, with influences from Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, and Portuguese settlers who arrived during the sugarcane era. The town's Kauai Cultural Center and nearby churches from the 1800s offer insight into this layered past. On weekends, the Kapaa Art Walk turns the main street into an open-air gallery where ukulele players perform between food stalls selling laulau, poke, and malasadas. Local artisans display everything from koa wood carvings to dyed pareos made with traditional stamping techniques passed down through generations.

Kapaa is also known for its easy access to some of Kauai’s most striking landscapes. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail runs right along the coastline, allowing visitors to bike or walk past tidepools, sea cliffs, and whale-watching spots. Just a short drive inland leads to the base of the Nounou Mountain, also known as the “Sleeping Giant,” where a moderate hike rewards with panoramic views of the Wailua River Valley and beyond. Less than 15 minutes away, kayakers can paddle up the river to Secret Falls, a secluded waterfall hidden within a tropical forest.