What is Kaapa like? Anyone know of Hempeys vacation rental?

We were thinking of going to Maui but just changed to Kauai. Found some good places in Kaapa - but is it a crowded town? Thoughts on Hempeys vacation rental? thanks!

What is Kaapa like? Anyone know of Hempeys vacation rental?

Kapaa is more populated than many of the other areas on Kauai. Traffic gets bad in the early morning and then again in the afternoon when people get off work. There are no freeways on Kauai, just one main road that doesn%26#39;t quite go completely around the island. In most spots, it%26#39;s only one lane in each direction, but widens to three lanes in some areas.

There are lots of shops and restaurants lining the highway through Kapaa. Many people describe the town as quaint or even funky. The Coconut Marketplace is a good place to wander around if you want to look for something to take back home. Lots of clothing, craft and art galleries there.

You will find accomodation pricing somewhat less on the east side compared to the Poipu or Princeville areas. The central location though makes it a good starting point for day trips to the north or south shores.

As for the rental, you%26#39;d have to give more info. Did you find it on VRBO or some other web site?

What is Kaapa like? Anyone know of Hempeys vacation rental?

Bay:

Kwils is right on in the description of Kapaa.

Hate to say this, but we generally avoid Kapaa as much as possible.

Why?? It is really crowded, with traffic, poeple,and strip malls. Just our personal preference, but we are in kauai to get away from all of that,and shopping is not a priority to either of us.

Priorities for us: Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, biking, etc.

GOOD ABOUT KAPAA: Easier to get to the North Shore, and the South Shore due to its location.

And, perfect for those who want to be near lots of restuarants, and fun shopping. Many times they can just walk to a wide selection of grinds, and shopping. Easy stuff.

Safeway, for the condo folks, has about the best prices around ( bring your safeway card ).

Tropical Tantrums: Great ladies tropical dess shop. This is the main reason that we stop here. Erica always seems to find her one tropical design outfit for the trip. And I must admit, looks mighty fine.

House of Noodles: Just up the street from tropical tantrums, where I hide out visiting with the locals while Erica looks thru the dress inventory.

The Shack: Have met local friends there, to talk story, and have fun and a meal. Prices are reasonable, and the food is good. Atmosphere: basic casual fun.

Other than that, we just drive thru, hopefully before the traffic grinds to halt,on our way to and from the north shore.

As in any shore, you will have those who absolutely love an area of the island, and sing the praises. Which is good...some sing for the North, some South, and some East.

And that is Great.

Main thing is that you will be driving and exploring all of the different shores during your visits. Kauai is such a diverse and wonderful island to explore.

Just wanted to add in some of the above fun spots to visit, and shop. Many, many more, but not familar with them.

Denny

Thanks for the helpful information!! So much to consider. :%26gt; Also meant to ask - we want to go on hikes. Thinking ~4 mi hikes. Looking for the ';jungley'; ones. Any suggestions? Also, what are the best snorkle spots near Kapaa?

Here%26#39;s the spot we%26#39;re looking at:

http://www.hempeys.com/

The best snorkel spots are not really near Kapa%26#39;a. Tunnels on the north shore, Ke%26#39;e all the way at the northwest end of the road, Poipu Beach and Lawai Beach to the south.

Traffic is relative. I suspect it%26#39;s way less than you experience in CA.

The studio doesn%26#39;t look too bad, just very small. For a bit more you could probably find something with a full kitchen if you wanted to save some money on meals.

For a good four mile hike, you could do the first part of the Kalalau trail and then go up to Hanakapiai Falls. Kind of strenuous and may be wet and muddy depending on the time of year, but well worth the effort.

Thanks again!! So do you think we should spend money on a snorkle trip or guide ourselves? The studio actually does have a kitchen (2 burners, small fridge, etc), so we%26#39;re thinking it%26#39;s a good value?!? Also, we%26#39;re going to save for one nice dinner! Any suggestions? I%26#39;ve seen a variety on other posts, but what we%26#39;re looking for is a place that is not in a hotel or not real commercial. A nice oceanview setting. Seafood or steak. You guys are great who are responding so I thought I%26#39;d keep a good thing going. :%26gt;

We always stay between Kapaa and Lihue and love the location. Traffic may get heavy, but it%26#39;s not like city traffic.

Another hiking option of about 4 miles is the Sleeping Giant right there out of Kapaa. Not quite as ';jungly'; as Kalalau, but still pretty nice.

As far as snorkeling, you%26#39;re better off going on your own. We found the snorkeling from the beaches much better than from the boats.

For a fancy restaurant, sounds like you%26#39;re describing Beach House in Poipu. Or, if you want to stay on the east side---Portifino%26#39;s or Duke%26#39;s overlook Kalapaki bay near the Marriott in Lihue (although this area is a lot more commecialized).

Bay:

Good scoops from the other board friends, and entirely agree. You are getting some great help.

You will not be snorkeling the east shores since they are lacking in reefs.

Also, you can just snorkel on your own from a NORTH or SOUTH shore beaches. You definitely do not need a snorkel tour.

However, You will want to take a Napali boat tour, that does include snorkeling at at nualolo kai, but snorkeling is NOT the main attraction on these tours.

Dont miss the Napali Coast...wonderous work of nature, and all kinds of differnt types and sized of boats to chose from.

For SNORKELING, and since you are in Kapaa, perfect driving up to TUNNELS and KEE on the north shore, Tunnels being a bit more favored. The north shore will be great in the SUMMER....and that is almost here.

------------------------------------------

HIKING:

Another lush hike, in ADDITION to the Hanakapiai Trail up by Kokee....

Ta Da..is the KUILAU RIDGE Trail, get directions from the UKG. This is really very lush, peaceful and beautiful. Probably Easy to Moderate depending on a persons fitness.

Take Kaumo%26#39;o Road to the end. This road is just off the main highway immediately NORTH of the Wailua River. Lush, lush, lush.

Plus, it is only a few minutes from KAPAA.

Much less traveled than some of the other trails, but easy, and well worth it.

Can be slightly muddy in spots, so wear tennis shoes, or hiking boots, and bring water. Might want to add in a lunch, and relax at the picnic bench further up.

Denny

Wow you guys are really awesome. I always look at posts but never post my own - I%26#39;m so glad I did! Sounds like I have my whole trip planned because of you guys. :%26gt; I%26#39;ll keep checking in case there are new posts, but I%26#39;ll probably start a new one before we get there in June with a new title since I%26#39;m going off on so many tangents! thanks thanks thanks!

bay, think about springing for a helicopter tour. It%26#39;s the most spectacular thing you%26#39;ve ever seen. The boat tour of Napali is good, too.