Aloha from Sunrise Cottage - a Vacation Rental located on the Garden Island of Kauai

One of Kaua'i's oldest towns and the only one enjoying an oceanfront setting, Kapa'a is a short walk from Aloha Cottages, along the seaside walking/biking path. In old Kapa'a Town, formerly a center for the sugar cane and pineapple industries, you'll find beautifully restored, turn of the century buildings, housing a fascinating variety of shops and boutiques (some of our favorites are listed below). Plan on a day to explore the purveyors of island-style clothing, fine koa wood products, bamboo and wicker furniture, the souvenir-filled ABC store and many more.

Just south of town you'll find the necessities nearby... supermarkets, video and drug stores and even a movie theater. Restaurants of all kinds are within walking distance of Aloha Cottages... from fast food to fine dining to Hawaiian "grinds." We think it's hard to resist fresh fish tacos, tropical fruit smoothies and banana pancakes with coconut syrup. We've listed some restaurant recommendations below.

A weekly ritual for us is a visit to the Kapa'a Farmer's Market (the largest on the island). It's a popular gathering place at 2:45 pm on Wednesday afternoons. The good stuff goes fast so be sure to arrive on time to get in on the fresh offerings of homegrown produce… from reliably sweet corn on the cob and Sunrise papayas to juicy sweet pineapples, exotic lychee, soursop and breadfruit and outrageous tropical flowers. Kapa'a is definitely a place not to be missed for soaking up the island's local color. We love that it's so accessible to Aloha Cottages.

Conveniently located just six miles north of the Lihue airport on Kaua'i's east coast, Kapa'a is midway between the tropical north and sunny south shores, offering easy access to the island's many sights and adventures. Often times visitors to the island staying on the north shore never get to sunny Poipu or Waimea Canyon and visitors staying in the south don't like to make the drive to tropical Hanalei or the beautiful north shore beaches. We think Kapa'a has the best of all worlds, nice beaches, good shopping and a short drive wherever you want to go.

Our Favorite Kapa'a Restaurants:
• Mermaid's Cafe
• Award-winning Blossoming Lotus Cafe (vegan)
• Java Kai (coffee, housemade pastries)
• Coconuts Island Style Grill and Bar
• Olympic Cafe (breakfast & lunch)
• The King and I (Thai)

Our Favorite Kapa'a Shops:
• Island Hemp & Cotton (men's & women's clothing)
• Vicki's Fabric
• South China Sea Trading Company (in the Gallaria)
• Hula Girl
• Bambulei
• Kela's Glass Gallery

Nearby Activities we recommend:
• HIKE Sleeping Giant for a breathtaking 360° view of the coastline and island interior
• KAYAK the Wailua River to the waterfalls
• SHOP at Coconut Marketplace or in Kapa'a Town
• STROLL at sunrise on the seaside walking path for the best way to start the day
• VISIT the Wednesday afternoon Farmers' Market for absolutely fresh and delicious local produce