Kapaa is the unincorporated community and census-designated place in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States. It is the largest town on the island, with a population of 11,652 as of the 2020 census. The population was 9,471 in the 2000 census.
Opaekaa Falls
Opaekaa Falls is one of Kauai’s most popular waterfalls, standing at 151 feet tall and 40 feet wide. The waterfall is located in the Wilaua River State Park and is named after the freshwater shrimp that live in the water. Visitors can see the falls up close and enjoy scenic views of the Wailua River valley.
Opaekaa Falls is only a short drive from the main highway. The waterfall is self-guided, with restrooms and shade available. You may also want to stop and take a picture of the local chickens, which are found around the falls.
Opaekaa Falls is located on the Wailua River, and is accessible via a roadside lookout. The waterfall is about 150 feet below the road and 40 feet wide. It is accessible by a short trail and is a perfect place to spend an hour or a day with family or friends.
Wailua Falls is another great waterfall. Located on the north shore, this waterfall is easy to access and features a double cascade that cascades down two streams. It was used in the opening credits of the movie Fantasy Island and is popular with families with small children. There is a parking lot at the base of the falls, and the waterfall itself is not far away.
Opaekaa Falls is also a popular destination for hiking. A wide dirt path winds past the waterfall. It then follows a stream that flows into a beautiful, cool pool below. You can then return the same way you came. To get to Opaekaa Falls, drive a few miles south of Highway 56 to Kawaihau Road. Continue past the last house on the left and the trail is on your right.
Kokee State Park
Kokee State Park is a 4,345-acre natural wonder, rich in flora and fauna. It’s a popular destination for Kauai visitors. While you’re here, you can hike the 45-mile Waimea Canyon or try your hand at trout fishing. The park also has a lodge for guests.
The park features more than a dozen hiking trails and is the perfect place to see the Na Pali Coast from above. Visitors can also go camping at Kokee State Park. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy the views and wildlife from the park’s vantage point.
The canyon is one of Kauai’s most spectacular attractions, and is sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Its deep gorge is surrounded by red rocks and lush foliage. The park offers epic hikes and scenic drives, and it’s best to go early in the day. You can also drive up the canyon to get some great panoramic views. There are seven main hiking trails in the park, and the views are best in the early morning.
Kokee State Park is the perfect place to take the family. With hiking trails, you can discover the majestic 100-foot Hanakapi’ai waterfall. There are also switchbacks that take you through the jagged coastal landscape. Some trails also have rocks you can jump over.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is a mighty 173-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle forest. It’s a great place for a quick photo shoot without hiking too far. This waterfall is among the most stunning on the island. The hike to Wailua Falls is a 6.1-mile round-trip.
Wailuku Falls is a popular attraction, so get there early to avoid the afternoon picnic crowds. The mist from the falls forms a rainbow when the sun rises. It’s a great way to spend a morning.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous adventure, head to Uluwehi Falls. This waterfall is located in the Wailua River Basin near Princeville. The trailhead is accessible from Punahele Road, where there’s ample parking. Visitors often refer to this waterfall as the Secret Falls.
You can find several heiaus along the way. The Kukui heiau is near the Lae Nani Condo. Poliahu heiau is nearby. Wailua Falls is another popular location. If you’re interested in hiking, you can visit the nearby Kealia and Lydgate Beach Parks.
There’s also an art walk in Kapaa town that you should attend if you’re in town. It’s free and takes place every first Saturday of the month. It features local artists and artisans. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to buy some great souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely walk, head to the Keahua Forestry Arboretum. Here, you’ll be able to see some of the native plants of Kauai, including the rainbow eucalyptus.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
The Kalaupapa National Historic Park was established on December 22, 1980. More than 30 years later, it continues to preserve and promote the history and culture of Kapaa. The park preserves the site’s edifices and provides educational resources on the history of the Kalaupapa Settlement. It also supports educational efforts on Hansen’s disease, which was once shrouded in fear.
The Kalaupapa Peninsula Trail is an easy 2.9-mile hike that descends from the 1,700-foot-high North Shore Pali, one of the tallest sea cliffs in the world. The trail winds through 26 switchbacks and reaches the quaint town of Kalaupapa.
The Park is located on the northern shore of the island. It features spectacular natural scenery and plenty of wildlife. Originally, the trail connected Honolulu and Kahuku, but was destroyed by the tsunami in 1946. Nevertheless, the park continues to be one of the best places to visit in Kapaa.
The park also includes two edifices that are important for the island’s history. One of these is the Hikiau Heiau, a traditional religious site. Another is the Captain Cook Monument, which stands across the Kealakekua Bay.
The Kalaupapa Guided Mule Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This trek involves 26 switchbacks and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to climb and descend. You must reserve a place ahead of time by contacting Damien Tours. The tour will begin from the tiny airstrip near the lighthouse, and then drop you off near the end of the trail.
Another popular place to visit in Kapaa is the USS Arizona Memorial, which is operated by the National Park Service. It is a memorial dedicated to Hawai’i’s greatest king. You can also visit Mo’okini Heiau and the Kamehameha I Birthsite, which honors Kamehameha I.
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
The former home of the famous Doris Duke is now the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design in Kapaa, Hawaii. It is operated by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Its collection includes a variety of esoteric Islamic art pieces from around the world.
Doris Duke was a philanthropist who favored Middle Eastern art and culture. She collected more than four thousand pieces of Islamic art during her trips to the Middle East, and the museum is named in her honor. It is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum features a huge saltwater pool.
The museum has a number of exhibits highlighting global Islamic art and design. Its galleries include works by Moroccan, Iranian, and Indian artists. It also showcases pierced Spanish metalwork and painted wooden Syrian interiors. It also has a tropical garden and terraced water features. Guests can also enjoy performances by the artists in residence.
