Life in the Kapahi Neighborhood on Kauai

The island of Kauai is diverse in geography and climate. People choose to live in different neighborhoods for a variety of reasons. Almost everyone you talk to on Kauai loves where they live and wouldn’t live in any other neighborhood. The neighborhood of Kapahi, in north Kapaa, is no exception. Here are some of the best reasons to live in Kapahi.

Kapahi has many diverse residents, including goats.

Convenient Location

Kapahi is centrally located on the island. Longtime local resident, Mike Laguna, told me from his house in Kapahi, he can get to Ke’e Beach in an hour and 10 minutes, or to Polihale Beach in an hour and 10 minutes. His work as a home inspector takes his all over the island, so being central is a huge benefit. Plus, there are a variety of social events and activities happening all over the island, and none of them are “too far.”

Old Town Kapaa is just minutes from Kapahi, with a vibrant mix of amenities.

Kapaa Restaurants, Shopping, and Amenities

Kapahi is just a few minutes up the hill from Old Kapaa Town. You can get to some of Kauai’s best cafes and restaurants. There is a huge variety to choose from, but some local favorites are Java Kai, Street Burger, Art Café Hemingway, Rainbow Living Foods, and The Bull Shed, but there are so many more!  There are also several grocery stores in Kapaa, including major chains like Safeway and Foodland, but also two natural Food Stores, Papaya’s Natural Foods and Café and Hoku Foods Natural Market. You can also find some unique boutique shopping in Kapaa.  Some of my favorites include Shipwrecked Kauai, Work It Out, Curious, and local surf shops, Deja Vu and Tamba Surf Company. Kapaa is always bustling with people and is the most happening area for night life. There is an art walk on the First Saturday of the month with live music, food trucks and local vendors that is fun for the whole family.

Locals love Kealia Beach and is a favorite surf spot for all levels.

Kealia Beach

This is one of the best beaches on the east side. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise. In the Winter when the swell is big, there is a long sandy stretch of beach for walking, and is also a great spot for whale watching. It is a lifeguarded beach with safe spots for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and is also popular with local fishermen. Be sure to be aware of the ocean conditions before going in the water, and when in doubt, ask a lifeguard.

The hike to beautiful Ho’opi’i Falls is relatively short and accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

Access to Hiking

There is an abundance of great hiking in Kauai, but some trails are in more remote destinations and require ample time and planning. Ho’opi’i Falls in an exception. At just 2 miles roundtrip to Ho’opi’i Falls and back, it is a great option for getting your daily exercise or taking your leashed dog out on a quick adventure. There is also Kapahi Park, equipped with a playground structure, swings, baseball diamond and soccer fields.

The Kapahi neighborhood park is a great feature of living in this neighborhood.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path

If you feel like riding your bike, walking or running, Kapahi is just minutes from Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the bike path. The paved path is 7.3 miles along the coast, with great ocean views. If enjoying an outdoor lifestyle and staying active are priorities to you, you will love how easy it is to do when living in Kapahi.

Because Kapahi is also one of the more densely populated regions on the island of Kauai, there are numbers of homes and condominiums to choose from. I recently listed a cute plantation-style bungalow in Kapahi, and it went under contract in just 2 days. The best properties go fast, so make sure that when you are ready to purchase a home you are working with a great real estate agent who is tuned into the market and will help ensure you do not miss out on any opportunities.