The Ultimate Guide to Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii
I did not ever think that I would be writing an ultimate guide to Kapolei, Hawaii post, but I am. The little city I grew up in is starting to boom, so I’m starting to think that it deserves an ultimate guide of its own.
*Note: while the Ko Olina Lagoons are included within the Kapolei zip code, they will be excluded from this guide, as I have already written about the area in The Ultimate Guide to the Ko Olina Lagoons.
How to Get Around Kapolei
Rent a Car
Renting a car is not a bad option for making your way around Kapolei. It gives you more freedom to get where you would like to go, and parking won’t usually be an issue. If it is, there’s probably another parking lot just across the street.
In case you’re looking for recommendations, a few of the most reliable and affordable rental car companies in Hawaii include Enterprise, National, Hertz, and Alamo.
Take the Bus
Hawaii’s bus system is actually quite effective. For just $5.50/day, you can get on and off of The Bus an unlimited number of times. However, the bus does not make a ton of stops in Kapolei. (It does make a decent number though, so if you’re on a tight budget, it’s not a bad option.)
Take an Uber
I was going to add “or taxi” to the title of this section, but I realized that there aren’t many taxis zooming around Kapolei, so I decided to stick with Uber. Because the drives between the things to do aren’t absurdly long, Uber can be a decent option in the Kapolei area.
Where to Stay in Kapolei
Although Kapolei has been growing exponentially over the past few years (we now have a Walmart, Costco, and Target lol), the tourism industry has been slow to realize it. That means that there are limited places to stay in Kapolei itself.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei
The Embassy Suites has quite a few amenities, including a business center, a fitness center, and a pool. It also offers two dining options, as well as free shuttles to White Plains Beach and Ka Makana Alii Shopping Center. Rooms start at $246 per night, although this price depends on the season.
Book Here: Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei
Hampton Inn and Suites Oahu Kapolei
The Hampton Inn and Suites is connected to the largest shopping area in Kapolei. It’s amenities also include a business center, a fitness center, and a pool. Overall, prices are comparable to the Embassy Suites, but it is possible to find individual nights for oddly cheap prices. Rooms start at $132 per night, although this price depends on the season.
Book Here: Hampton Inn and Suites Oahu Kapolei
Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei
What was once a rumor has now become a reality! Opened late 2019, the Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei is the most centrally located hotel in Kapolei. Plus, complete with a full kitchen, a hotel pool, and a lobby bar, what more could you ask for? Room rates for the Kapolei Residence Inn are comparable to the Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn, starting at $219 per night, although this price depends on the season.
Book Here: Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei
Airbnb
As always, Airbnb continues to be an option. There are hundreds of rentals in the area, ranging from $35 per night to $654 per night. Here are some tips to help you choose the Airbnb that’s right for you.
Where to Eat in Kapolei
Kapolei surprisingly has a ton of delicious food places – if you know where to look.
My Café
My Cafe is a brunch place has a very casual feel to it. In addition to having to order at a counter instead of having a waiter or waitress take your order, the dishes themselves have a homey feel to them. The fluffy omelets seem to burst at the seams with fillings like kalua pig and locally-grown tomatoes or grilled chicken and avocado. Don’t forget to try the flight of pancakes, which includes cookie butta luva (cookie butter), chocolate taro haupia, and lilikoi (passion fruit) pancakes.
La Tour Café
This casual dining location doesn’t have a local spin like every other place on this list, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have pretty good food. If you’re looking for a menu that’s more American and European-centric, La Tour serves up some pretty good burgers and salads, as well as delicious macarons and kouign amanns for dessert.
Island Shave Ice & Creamery
If you’re on the look out for the best shave ice place on Oahu, Island Shave Ice & Creamery is definitely my pick. The flavors aren’t just over-the-top sweetness, but they’re actually fruit-filled and delicious!
db Grill
db Grill is another fun, Asian-inspired restaurant in Kapolei. Their dishes are served in communal plates that feed 2 to 3 people. Try some of their local favorites, including duck fat fried rice, Ed’s signature kalbi, DB grilled tofu salad, and beef bone soup. They are all absolutely delicious!
Where to Shop in Kapolei
While there are many small shopping centers scattered around Kapolei, most are for practical use. (I mean, if you’re the kind of person who likes to visit a Safeway or Costco while traveling, search it.) Here, I’ll just be providing ones that have slightly more visitor-oriented options.
Ka Makana Alii
Ka Makana Alii is a new shopping mall that opened up in Kapolei just a few years ago. While relatively small, this area has everything from well-known brands, like Macy’s, H&M, and Forever21, to little local gems, like SoHa Living and No’eau Designers.
There’s also a fun farmer’s market every Wednesday from 4 – 8 p.m. (Try the honey slushie treat if that booth is there that week. And if you’re really adventurous, there’s also a booth that sells only poi, a traditional Hawaiian purple pudding-like food.) That would be one of the pretty unique things to do in Kapolei.
Where to Go to the Beach in Kapolei
Nimitz Beach
Nimitz Beach is a nice beach to just sit on the sand and relax. Odds are there won’t be too many people to share the area with. On the shore, you’ll be able to find beautiful pieces of sea glass in several different colors. In other words, if you’re in any way into art, this is one fo the the best things to do in Kapolei. However, the water isn’t ideal for swimming, as there are some sharp rocks.
Tip: You may see quite a few government vehicles in the area, and that’s simply because you’re near government property. No need to be alarmed.
White Plains
White Plains is where locals from the West side go to surf if they don’t feel like driving that far. This is pretty much the best thing to do in Kapolei in my opinion. It very much has an indescribable local vibe that can be uncomfortable for tourists. Be prepared to hear a ton of pidgin (the local slang) and don’t ever cut off someone – especially a local – on a wave.
*Tip: Be sure to lock your car and hide your belongings (including any sort of bag that could look like its hiding something valuable). Petty car theft is quite common in certain areas around the island.
Staying on Oahu for a while? Check out the Ultimate Guide to the North Shore, Oahu!
Have you ever even heard of Kapolei, Hawaii? Do you think you’ll pay it a visit one day? Let me know in the comments!
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All these places look amazing! Can’t wait to get back to Hawaii!
Hopefully it’ll happen one day soon!
As usual, makes me want to get on a plane and head to Hawaii 😉
Been to some of the places and just love it there!
Ah really?! Which ones have you been to?
Such an informative post! I will keep this post in mind when I go there. The food really looks beautiful!
The food in Kapolei is so good if you know where to look :).
You had me at poke nachos. They look soo good. I will have to visit your little town! I know I will end up in Hawaii one day. I have to see all 50 states!! I’m actually working on a post about the town that I grew up in!
Ooh that’ll be such a fun read! Also yes, the poke nachos are so good!!
Mmm those poke nachos look good!!
They are!! I’m not at home right now, so I literally tried to Yelp poke nachos in the area, and it was so unsuccessful lol. I guess I have to wait until I head home again!
Wish I had known about this gorgeous little town when I visited Hawaii. Your photos are gorgeous (especially that water) and I’m jealous you got to grow up there! And holy moly, Limon Rotisserie is where I would head mock one because I LOVE Peruvian food!!
Guess it’s time for another trip!!
Every island in Hawaii seems to have its own personality, but I have always found I gravitate towards Oahu!
Very true! I actually write about the different personalities of each island in one of my other posts!
I’m so sad to have missed this place when I was in Hawaii! I absolutely loved Oahu, so beautiful ??
Perhaps it’s time to head back over to the islands!!
I can’t believe I missed this part of the island entirely! There are so many awesome-sounding restaurants too. Poke nachos just sounds heavenly….
Haha sounds like its time for another trip to Oahu!
Would just go there for all the awesome food recommendations if nothing more!
LOL YES!!
Nice to know you were raised in this town. I have been to Oahu but didn’t make it there. It is kind of cool to know people are interested in visiting the place you are from (at least I feel good when people are interested in Puerto Rico),. I need to go back and check this city.
Haha yeah for sure! It’s especially cool when the tourists still haven’t found all your secret spots lol.
Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list… and I even affirmed this by reading your ultimate guide… how long / what’s the longest time of travel/ stay in Hawaii though?
I think that depends on what you’re looking for. Most people are happy with a 10-14 day trip. Some decide to move, and then they’ll get what we call “island fever” after a couple of years, because the island is just too small for them. For me, I’ve been there for 21 years and still haven’t seen it all!
I loved Oahu! Getting around by rental car was the best. I love those old fashioned post cards too!
Those vintage posters will be making their appearance again in another post soon!
Great, informative post! And all that food in Kapolei looks sooo good. Thanks for sharing all these tips.
Thanks for reading them!
All your Hawaii posts are giving me a major FOMO! lol I am dying to visit the islands and saving your super helpful posts for when I can 🙂
OMG THOSE NACHOS LOOK SO GOOD.
But seriously, looking at heading to Hawaii this winter and this is going to come in handy!
Ah yes!! I can’t wait for you to put this guide to good use!!
I have never heard of this small town before but for sure would be lovely visit it when in Hawaii. I always appreciate reading guides written by locals since they are more authentic and often contains the best tips.
Me too! I always look for local guides when I travel to a new location :).
Great information in this post. The food looks amazing and the vintage style prints/postcards are super cute. Hopefully i get to visit Hawaii soon to enjoy it all!
Glad you enjoyed the read!
Awesome places to visit, and good to know about the city that you grew up. Most of us travel the world but never would have thought to blog the importance of their own place, nicely done.
Thank you so much! Most of my posts are actually about my home island – it’s the place I know best, and I want others to be able to experience it at least a little closer to the way I do.
This looks like a great place to visit. Good to see you posting about home, something I need to do more often I think
Thank you! I honestly have so much fun posting about my home island :).
Can’t wait to try some of these places! I’m going in October and will save this post. Thanks for some good tips!
Ooh yay!! If you snoop around the blog a bit more, you’ll find a lot more local tips :).
Your content on Hawaii is great, I remember the poke article. You’ve really got everything covered here. We’re big foodies when we travel so we’ll be all over these places when we eventually visit Hawaii 🙂
Aw thank you so much for continually reading my blog! Your support really means a lot!
Hawai is the dream! It is just so far from Europe but hopefully, I will get there one day! The food looks amazing too!
One day it’ll happen for ya!
WoW what a stunning and lovely place to visit. Loved your pics and the information. When I get over I will deffo try and visit, thats for the inspiration.
Of course! Glad I could add to your inspiration :).
Such a great guide to visit Kapolei Oahu, Hawaii. It’s one of my favorite cities to discover in the future. The hawaiian food looks really delicious I can’t wait to taste that special Ice cream.
Thank you for your insight on this darling little town, we just purchased a townhouse there (sight unseen) and can’t wait to visit! Currently our college kids will be living in it but we plan on living there when they finish school. I’m guessing with all the fantastic opportunities there they will be on the 6,7, and year plan ! Lol
Hi Michelle! I’m so glad I was able to give you a little insight on Kapolei! It’s a wonderful place to live, and I know you and your kids will enjoy it :).
-Sarah from Borders & Bucket Lists