What it is
Coconut Marketplace is an open-air shopping center in Kapaʻa on Kauaʻi's eastern Coconut Coast. It is designed to evoke a colorful Hawaiian village feel, with outdoor walkways, an amphitheater for events, and lush landscaping. The marketplace serves as a convenient hub for both visitors and locals, combining practical shopping and services with local boutiques, casual dining, and free cultural entertainment. Its anchor tenant is Island Country Markets, an affiliate of ABC Stores that functions as a grocery store, deli, and souvenir shop.
Visitor experience
The experience is a casual blend of errands and leisure. Visitors can shop for groceries, grab-and-go meals, and souvenirs at the large Island Country Markets. The rest of the center features a mix of apparel boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores such as Crazy Shirts, Cariloha, and Elephant Walk Gift Gallery.
Dining options are informal and family-friendly, including Chicken in a Barrel BBQ, Bobby V's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Jojo's Shave Ice, and Coconut Thai & Chinese Cuisine. The deli inside Island Country Markets also offers a wide range of options from coffee and breakfast burritos to sandwiches and plate lunches.
A key draw is the regular, free cultural programming held at the central amphitheater. This includes hula shows that often feature a fire knife dancer. The marketplace also hosts a farmers' market twice a week, cultural classes (hula, lei making, ukulele), and other live entertainment.
Logistics
Location: 4-484 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa, HI 96746. It is situated on the main highway on the east side of Kaua'i, in the Wailua area.
Hours: General marketplace hours are Monday-Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, individual store and restaurant hours vary. The anchor, Island Country Markets, is open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with its deli closing at 8:00 PM.
Parking: There is a large, free, open-air parking lot in front of the center. Portions of the lot are used for the farmers' market on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Events Schedule (subject to change):
- Farmers' Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, in the front parking lot.
- Hula Show with Fire Knife Dancer: The official website advertises free shows by Hālau Hula ʻO Leilani from Wednesday through Saturday. A weekly events page notes these shows feature live music and various dance styles. Visitors should verify the current weekly schedule online before visiting.
- Cultural Classes: Lei making, hula, and ʻukulele classes are offered, but they must be pre-booked and require a fee.
Likely Duration: A quick stop for the market or a meal could take under an hour. A visit that includes shopping, dining, and watching a performance could easily extend to 2-3 hours, making it a good half-day activity.
Safety and cautions
- The marketplace is an open-air facility; visitors should be prepared for sun or rain.
- The farmers' market can be popular; arriving early is recommended as produce and popular items can sell out quickly.
- The event schedule can change without notice, particularly due to weather. It is advisable to check the official website or call ahead to confirm performance times before planning a visit around a specific show.
- As with any retail center, the mix of tenants can change. Some vacancies may be present.
Editorial take
Coconut Marketplace is an excellent and highly convenient stop for travelers staying on Kauaʻi's east side, especially those in Kapaʻa and Wailua. It successfully bridges the gap between a necessary errand (groceries at Island Country Markets) and an enjoyable local experience (boutique shopping, free hula shows, farmers' market). It is best for families, condo-stayers who need to stock up, and anyone looking for a low-key, accessible dose of shopping and Hawaiian culture without a major time commitment.
Travelers seeking a high-end luxury shopping experience or a dedicated arts and crafts colony should look elsewhere, such as the Shops at Kukui'ula on the South Shore or the galleries in Hanapēpē. This is not a destination for cutting-edge fashion, but rather for resort wear, souvenirs, and practical needs. Its strength lies in its convenience, friendly atmosphere, and reliable schedule of free entertainment, making it a valuable and practical addition to a Kauaʻi itinerary.
Source notes
- Official Website: Provides an overview, directory, and events calendar.
https://www.coconutmarketplace.com/ - Store & Restaurant Directory: Official list of current tenants and their contact information.
https://www.coconutmarketplace.com/directory/ - Events Calendar: The most current source for the schedule of hula shows, live music, and cultural classes.
https://www.coconutmarketplace.com/events/ - Farmers' Market Information: Official page with details on the bi-weekly farmers' market.
https://www.coconutmarketplace.com/farmers-market/ - Island Country Markets (Anchor Store): Official page for the Kapa'a location with hours and deli menu links.
https://islandcountrymarkets.com/kapaa/ - Kauai Now (Events): Local news source confirming farmers' market and event details.
https://kauainownews.com/events/coconut-marketplace-farmers-market/ - Go Hawaii (State Tourism Authority): Provides context on shopping on Kauaʻi, mentioning Coconut Marketplace as a key destination on the Coconut Coast.
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/things-to-do/shopping
