The Kapaa center point is approximately 2 miles north of Wailua.
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.
The most well-known accommodation providers in the country typically offer selected guests great discounts. Choose these establishments, rather than boutique hotels in Kapaa, to save on the regular room rates.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay treats travel agents, AAA and AARP members, seniors, government and military personnel, and members of large traveling groups to special rates. Discounts apply to the standard rooms, suites, and spacious two-bedroom cottages. You'll love the Hilton Garden Inn's oceanfront location. Its protected swimming lagoon is perfect for children who are nervous about waves. Alternatively, they can also swim in the hotel's pool. There's a fitness center for more intense workouts and a whirlpool for soothing those tired muscles. Reward your hard work with a meal and drinks at the hotel's Garden Grille restaurant and bar.
Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach Kapaa extends discounts to AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors 62+, and government and military personnel. This is another elegant oceanfront property with chic rooms with flat-screen TVs showing premium cable channels, writing desks, combination shower/tubs, and views of either the hotel's gardens or the Pacific Ocean. Relaxing here is easy, with a bar steps from its outdoor pool, hammocks, a whirlpool tub, and the Pua Day Spa on-site. You're close to local restaurants, but the on-site Voyager Lanai Dining and Makai lounge is perfect for those nights you feel like staying in.
When accommodation in Kapaa is typically high-priced, visitors want to know they're getting value. The excellent facilities and relatively affordable prices encourage guests to return to these quality hotels year after year.
Aston Islander on the Beach in Kapaa might be a beachfront resort, but it charges less than most in the local area because it's much smaller. Most guests will find the six acres of tropical gardens on the grounds more than enough to put them in vacation mode. The Aston Island on the Beach also has everything you want from a resort, including an outdoor pool with a nearby bar and cabanas. The small resort fee covers rental bikes, movies, PlayStation 3 games, Wi-Fi, your choice of mango lemonade or Imua coffee, and the airport shuttle.
Recent renovations have made Plantation Hale Suites an even better accommodation option. It's relatively affordable despite being close to family-friendly beaches. If you prefer pools, this compact resort has three. There are also two hot tubs and shuffleboard. Plantation Hale Suites' central Kapaa location puts you close to local restaurants, but suites also have full kitchens, and there are grills downstairs so you can save money by eating in. In-room wired and wireless internet, flat-screen TVs, and Blu-Ray DVD players provide several entertainment options.
Kapaa's many resorts have so many great amenities that many visitors spend their entire vacations enjoying them. But Kapaa has much more waiting for you beyond your hotel's gates.
Make sure your camera or smartphone is charged before hitting the Kauai Path, a scenic paved trail stretching 7 miles from Kapaa to Anahola. It's an easy walk, without any steep hills, so it's a fun way for visitors of all ages and abilities to admire the coast. Leashed dogs and bike riders are welcome. If you didn't bring your own two-wheeler, you can rent one from one of the many local bike rental stores. While the Kauai Path is beautiful at any time, it's most spectacular at sunset. The Sleeping Giant and Kuilau Ridge Trails are two more tracks worth exploring.
Expand your horizons at Kauai's Hindu Monastery, which is open to visitors between 9 a.m. and noon daily. The grounds are immaculately kept, with waterfalls and gardens. Even people who aren't religious say they feel a calm, spiritual energy here. As it's an operational monastery, modesty is important. You'll receive a sarong to cover up, but you should still dress conservatively, with long pants or a dress instead of shorts or short skirts.
Discover more about local culture and customs at Smiths Tropical Paradise. Take a riverboat cruise out to the fern grotto, then meet the peacocks, ducks, and other birds in the gardens. At night the venue hosts luaus and cultural displays.
Kapaa is the kind of place where you can keep busy or enjoy a more leisurely style of vacation. No matter how you like to travel, this Hawaiian haven has what you're looking for.
Below are reviews of the city of Kapaa, HI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Laid back, real aloha spirit!
Being close to family and lots of good places to eat!!
I really like that you see the ocean from the hotel location. We liked the pool and Jacuzzi at the hotel property.
Centrally located on island of Kauai.
A walkable town with plenty restaurants, stores and markets to choose from, a short walk to beach.
Ocean and the green scenery!
The restaraunts. The downtown area. The festival. The proximity to rest of the island, because of it's central location. The beaches in the area are nice and it's right next to an awesome river.