Do yourself a solid and move here--Kapa'a is a Hawaiian word that literally means "solid." It's not hard to imagine why a town clinging to the edges of a volcanic island would have a name like that.
This town is located on the Garden Isle of Kauai, and for good reason: lush tropical forests give way to picturesque beaches, mountain landscapes, and expansive coconut groves
Do yourself a solid and move here--Kapa'a is a Hawaiian word that literally means "solid." It's not hard to imagine why a town clinging to the edges of a volcanic island would have a name like that.
This town is located on the Garden Isle of Kauai, and for good reason: lush tropical forests give way to picturesque beaches, mountain landscapes, and expansive coconut groves. Of course, even a tropical paradise can mean adjustments for new residents. You realize shortly after moving here that even though it's beautiful, it is still an island. Expect to go through an adjustment period where you are a little stir crazy here and there.
Though the vacancy rate is more than twice the national average, don't let the statistics scare you out of moving here. The numbers are skewed somewhat because so many properties are seasonal or vacation rental houses. The approach you need to take will vary depending on what you are looking for. If you are searching for a studio apartment for rent or something on a short-term lease, be aware of the local market's seasonal nature. If you're planning for a long-term housing situation, take advantage of the same seasonality and do your search in the market's down time. The best way to land a great deal is to be as informed as possible.
Due to its small size, Kapa'a only has three main neighborhoods. In these three areas, you'll find different options for housing, spanning from a rural atmosphere to a more urban one.
Kahuna Valley: Newer, larger homes and smaller buildings that have been in the area for generations are scattered among the trees and palms. For those looking for a house rental on a large lot, this neighborhood has what you need.
Wailua Homesteads: This area is located in a more open part of town, but still provides lots of trees and green space. With a public hunting ground and upland game preserve just behind the community (and many more wild areas directly inland), there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the Garden Isle.
Kapa'a Town: Find the main part of the community here--retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses get you a little closer to hustle-and-bustle than the other neighborhoods. Close to the coastal strip and the beach, it's also where you will find a number of resorts, hotels, and other properties with rental condos.
What do you say? It's the idyllic area that most people picture at the thought of paradise. Living in an idyllic setting still comes with challenges--you do have to earn a living, right?--but Kapa'a provides the best atmosphere for your 9-to-5. There are many ways to get out and discover the Garden Isle; take a stroll or bike along the Kauai Path or the Sleeping Giant Trail, or maybe go snorkeling at Lydgate State Park. You won't find big city attractions like you would in Honolulu or another mainland city, but there are more than enough reasons to love living in Kapa'a.
