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Kapaa

Kapaa

Located in Kauai County

$1,056,579 Average Value
$829 Average Price per Sq Ft
56 Homes For Sale

Coastal beauty and plentiful amenities in Kauai County’s largest city

On Kauai’s ‘Coconut Coast,’ Kapaa is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, thanks to its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities and a lively, historic downtown. There are no skyscrapers to ruin the views of the Pacific Ocean or Nounou Mountain, known locally as the ‘Sleeping Giant.’ The island’s largest city, Kapaa, has a diverse cultural mix and over 10,000 year-round residents, according to 2020 Census data. “As you head out of quieter Anahola into Kapaa, you’ll see more activity. There’s a bunch of places to eat and grocery shop, and you can enjoy farmers markets on different days of the week,” says Mark Goodman, a Realtor with Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty and Kauai resident. “There’s a lot of outdoor activity in the Kapaa valleys, and locals love the hiking trails that go all throughout the Sleeping Giant Mountain. And there’s a 15-mile bike trail that follows the coastline.”

Kuhio Highway runs through downtown Kapaa.
Kuhio Highway runs through downtown Kapaa.
Kapaa Beach boasts tall palm trees and stretches of golden sand.
Kapaa Beach boasts tall palm trees and stretches of golden sand.
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Kapaa New Town Park, the Wailua River and the Kauai Hindu Monastery

Kapaa New Town Park has baseball fields, a football field and a basketball court, as well as tennis and pickleball courts at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex. The city has several white-sand beaches, including Kealia Beach, which is popular for bodyboarding and surfing. Kapaa Beach Park is a favorite for sunbathing, but swimming can be tricky due to strong currents. It’s also where the International Tahitian Dance Competition, a celebration of traditional Tahitian culture, is held each summer. Kayaking down the Wailua River allows people to see sacred ceremonial sites without disturbing them. The Ke Ala Hele Makale is a paved multi-use trail along Kapaa’s coastline. The Sleeping Giant Mountain has hiking trails that lead to stunning views at the top.

The Kauai Hindu Monastery’s grounds cover over 350 acres with gardens and streams at the base of an extinct volcano. The monastery offers self-guided tours of a massive Banyan tree, a religious statuary and the Kadavul Temple. Kapaa First Hawaiian Church was founded in 1836 when Queen Deborah Kapule converted to Christianity and built a grass hut for worship at the mouth of the sacred Wailua River.

Kapaa Town Park is home to baseball diamonds, a skatepark and a hockey rink.
Kapaa Town Park is home to baseball diamonds, a skatepark and a hockey rink.
Kapaa is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Kauai, Hawaii.
Kapaa is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Kauai, Hawaii.
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Old Kapaa Town, art walks and farmers’ markets

Dining in Kapaa lets residents choose from mom-and-pop poke shops, upscale seafood restaurants and diverse international fare. Old Kappa Town is a lovingly maintained part of downtown with specialty stores, eclectic restaurants, entertainment options and groves of ancient coconut trees. Art galleries stay open late for downtown’s First Saturday Art Walk each month. The event features food vendors, live music and local performers. Four farmers’ markets are around town, showcasing local produce, artworks and flowers.

Waipouli has a wide range of shopping centers five miles south of Kapaa. Kinipopo Shopping Village is a small open-air mall with local retailers, restaurants and bakeries. Coconut Marketplace is arranged around a central stage where hula dance and ukelele classes are held throughout the week. In addition to clothing, eateries and locally made goods, the marketplace also has spas, pottery classes and a martial arts gym.

Island Craves is a colorful neighborhood institution.
Island Craves is a colorful neighborhood institution.
The town has a diverse mix of shops, offering everything from surf gear to unique souvenirs.
The town has a diverse mix of shops, offering everything from surf gear to unique souvenirs.
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The Kapaa Homes Community, new subdivisions and rising property values

Kapaa's most common housing options are single-family homes, including Hawaiian plantation-styles, and condominiums. Over 66% were built between 1970 and 1999, thanks to a boom set off in 1966 by the Kapaa Homes Community, the city’s first housing development. In March of 2024, the Kauai Council approved redeveloping the community to expand affordable housing options in the area. Other new developments are going up around the city as well. Property values rose by 3% over 2024, and homes sell for a median price of $925,000. Some outliers, like luxury homes at higher elevations, can sell for around $3 million.

Some single family homes in Kapaa are right on the beach.
Some single family homes in Kapaa are right on the beach.
Plantation-style homes with white fences can be found in Kapaa.
Plantation-style homes with white fences can be found in Kapaa.
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The Hawaii State Department of Education and Kauai Community College

Public schools in Kapaa are part of the Kauai District of the Hawaii State Department of Education. The department has an A-minus rating from Niche. The Kauai District is known for its after-school activities, Hawaiian language immersion program and dual enrollment courses in conjunction with Kauai Community College. The community college offers two-year associate degrees and professional certificates across a variety of subjects.

Bleachers and football field at Baptiste Sports Complex are a fun place to take in a game.
Bleachers and football field at Baptiste Sports Complex are a fun place to take in a game.
The Hawaii department of education earns an A-minus on Niche.
The Hawaii department of education earns an A-minus on Niche.
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Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, The Clinic at Kapaa and area industries

The island’s oldest medical center, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, provides Kapaa 24-hour emergency services, psychiatric care, physical therapy and more. The Wilcox Medical Center, Kauai Medical Clinic and The Clinic at Kapaa are also significant healthcare providers for the city. It’s no surprise then that healthcare is one of the city’s most significant industries, along with hospitality, retail and public administration.

Route 56, The Kauai Bus and Lihue Airport

Cars are a requirement to get around Kapaa. Route 56 is the city’s main roadway, leading north to Princeville and south to Lihue, two of Kauai’s commercial centers. The Kauai Bus operates throughout the island, with stops in Kapaa. Many of Hawaii’s islands don’t have significant sidewalk networks. Kapaa’s subdivisions are primarily without them. However, downtown has sidewalks and is accessible for those with and without mobility devices. Kauai’s only airfield, the Lihue Airport, is 10 miles south.

Clear skies, rising oceans and FBI crime data for the Coconut Coast

Kapaa is warm year-round, with mostly clear skies. It faces flooding risks from the rising ocean levels and occasional tsunamis. According to 2023 FBI crime data, violent crime rates in Kapaa are 27% below the national average, while property crimes are 29% higher.

Downtown Kapaa is adjacent to Kapaa Beach's shoreline.
Downtown Kapaa is adjacent to Kapaa Beach's shoreline.
Pono Kai resorts is a destination for tourists and visitors.
Pono Kai resorts is a destination for tourists and visitors.
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K.T. Phillips
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ilona Coffey, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,619
Number of Homes for Sale
56
Median Year Built
1981
Months of Supply
5.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,400
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,083
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,061
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
662
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
372
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 2PM

    7169 Aina Pono St Unit 2, Kapaa, HI 96746

    $1,390,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,998 Sq Ft
    • 7169 Aina Pono St
    • Unit 2

    Turn Key furnished Kapaa 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home, 1998 sq ft. Fee Simple, 10,913 sqft lot Beautiful newer home (built in 2021), located in cool, upcountry Wailua Rise Estates with custom home design and finishes and quality-built construction. This home is a rare find in today's market. Some of the home's many features include: Classic split pitch roof, large open floor plan with high ceilings

    Agent Photo
    Ilona Coffey
    Coldwell Banker Island Properties - Kauai
    (808) 482-5662
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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    440 Aleka Place Unit 256, Kapaa, HI 96746

    $443,000

    • 1 Bath
    • 372 Sq Ft
    • 440 Aleka Place
    • Unit 256

    Charming Beachfront Condo at Kauai Islander on the Beach Experience the essence of island living in this delightful beachfront condo at Kauai Islander on the Beach. Located on the stunning east shore of Kauai, this inviting retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. Step inside to find a bright and airy living space, tastefully decorated to reflect the serene

    Leah Ragsac Kauai Realty, Inc.

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  • Friday, Mar 20
    Open Fri 1PM - 4PM

    4-856 Kuhio Hwy Unit 217, Kapa?a, HI 96746

    $650,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 590 Sq Ft
    • 4-856 Kuhio Hwy
    • Unit 217
    • New 20 days ago

    Active Vacation Rental. Beautiful 2-bedroom 1-bathroom Condo, in immaculate condition. Airconditioning. Washer and Dryer. Completely furnished. Turn Key Active Vacation Rental.

    Tina Funk Blue Jade Real Estate

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Kapaa Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,205
Median Age
42
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$85,771
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$107,508

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
33.6%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.6%
On par with the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
66°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Walk Score®®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Kapaa