Kapaa is an anglicized version of the Hawaiian word for solid, kapa'a. It's a fitting name for a community that seems to go from strength to strength. Sugar cane and pineapple plantations sustained Kapaa in its earliest years before tourism took over as the economic driver in the 1960s.
As a tourist town, Kapaa has all the amenities travelers expect like great hotels, quality restaurants, and other tourist attractions. Discover what makes this community so special on your next Hawaiian vacation.
When should you visit Kapaa, HI?
Stable temperatures all year round mean visitors to Kapaa always enjoy the perfect weather for swimming, suntanning, and other outdoor activities. Summer daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-80s, and winter isn't much cooler with typical highs in the mid-70s.
Before you plan your winter getaway, though, note that wet weather can spoil your plans. Hawaii's wet season runs from late November through March. Kauai typically receives more rain than the other islands, and its east coast, where Kapaa sits, is one of the wettest parts. All that winter rain makes the area so beautiful and green, but it can put a damper on travel plans, even though storms usually pass quickly. It might be worth braving the showers if you're an animal lover, though, as migrating humpback whales frequent local waters in the winter.
Summer weather is idyllic, but the area gets overcrowded with travelers making the most of the lengthy school vacation. Hotels raise their prices to meet the demand, so be prepared to pay much higher prices for a summer getaway. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you'll pay far less and still enjoy abundant sunshine in April, May, or throughout fall.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Kapaa, HI:
Kapaa, HI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Kapaa, HI. Browse these illustrations to calculate the cheapest time period to book a room in Kapaa for upcoming travels.
Does Kapaa have any luxury hotel options?
4 Star Average Prices: $237.06
When you want to indulge yourself on vacation, Kapaa has you covered. Most of its accommodation options are high-end, but the following establishments are some of the best in town.
Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy in Kapaa offers spacious suites that feel like homes away from home. All studio, one-, and two-bedroom condos have kitchens or kitchenettes and separate living, dining, and sleeping quarters. Most suites also have washers and dryers. Of course, most of us aren't lucky enough to have a home on the edge of the ocean, with an outdoor hot tub, spa therapists on hand, or adults' and children's pools. Grilling steaks outdoors makes a welcome change from laboring over a hot stove. Alternatively, let the resort staff serve you at the on-site restaurant, Hukilau Lanai.
There are no studio apartments at Lae Nani Resort Kauai by Outrigger. Its condos are enormous, with either one or two bedrooms separate from the living area and complete kitchens with full-sized appliances and all the equipment you to need to prepare a gourmet meal. If you don't want to do the dishes, you're just a short walk from a range of local restaurants. Lae Nani Resort's oceanfront location is ideal for beach lovers. The hotel also has its own recreational facilities, including a heated swimming pool, an illuminated tennis court, and a beautiful ocean pool with a stone breakwater.
What budget-friendly hotels are near Kapaa, Hawaii?
3 Star Average Prices: $159.84
As with many of Hawaii's tourist hotspots, Kapaa isn't exactly a budget-friendly destination. However, the following hotels are a little easier on the wallet than most of the town's offerings.
Kauai Kailani Resort, formerly Castle Kauai, is a modest resort delivering everything guests really want. The oceanfront location is perfect for beach bunnies, and there are two heated pools for swimming fun when the ocean is too cold. All the recently renovated condos feature stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchens, cable TV, and Wi-Fi access. However, with Kapaa turning on such wonderful weather, it's a shame to spend too much time indoors. Why not take your evening meals outdoors and make use of Kauai Kailani Resort's barbeque grills?
The ISO, formerly Castle Mokihana, is another affordable waterfront hotel. It claims to be the Coconut Coast's best value resort, and with features like an oceanfront pool, shuffleboard, and the Bull Shed Restaurant on-site, it's hard to argue. Families may find the accommodation isn't as large as they like, but the studio and one-bedroom condos are perfect for couples and solo travelers. The ISO encourages you to unplug during your stay. The rooms don't have TVs, and Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby. However, there's something liberating about disconnecting from technology and soaking up this beautiful location.