Located in the town of Kapaa, Kapaa Beach Park is backed by a paved walking trail, making it a fun beach to explore on a bike or foot. Most of the beach isn’t particularly swimmable; shallow waters and a rocky bottom in many areas aren’t conducive to comfort in the water. Along much of the beach, there isn’t much sand at all–instead, just the paved walking trail fronting grass that slopes straight down to the water.
You will find pockets of sandy areas that make great hangout/sunbathing spots, as well as a few areas that make pleasant wading areas for kids during the summer when the surf is down. The northern end of Kapaa Beach Park also offers some good snorkeling, though the water remains fairly shallow over the rocky bottom.
Most of the time, this beach isn’t too busy; you’ll find plenty of space to relax and spread out, particularly if you’re willing to walk a bit to find your perfect spot. During the winter, it’s a prime place to relax and watch kite surfers do their thing in the wind and waves. Don’t expect much shade from the sun. Services here aren’t abundant, either. There are no lifeguards and no showers, and the state of the bathrooms can be highly questionable. Because it’s in the city, you’re likely to see much more pollution than you would in more remote parts of the island, as well as evidence of Kapaa’s homeless population.
Because Kapaa Beach Park enjoys unobstructed eastern views, it’s a prime place to watch the sunrise, and you’ll find plenty of places to grab breakfast in Kapaa after you enjoy the morning colors. Kapaa has a distinctly local feel; it’s not frequented by tourists as much as locals stopping by to eat lunch, relax, or fish.
Kapaa Beach Park is located in the heart of Kapaa, a town on Kauai’s east coast. Kapaa is located about 20 minutes north of the Lihue airport. You’ll find plenty of parking on the streets nearby, and there’s no shortage of eateries and coffee shops within easy walking, biking, or driving distance.
Insider Tips:
-There are no lifeguards at Kapaa Beach Park; look up surf reports, ask locals, and observe the water before you jump in.
-Although the bathrooms at the beach park itself can be quite questionable, you’ll find restrooms available for customers at nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
-Kapaa Beach Park gets more crowded as the day goes on; it’s most popular in the afternoons/evenings, as locals get off of work and students are released from school. You can typically still find parking at these times, but you might have to search a little harder for it.