Overview
Brief history and development
Coconut Marketplace is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex in Kapa‘a, along Kaua‘i’s Royal Coconut Coast (Kauai Calls, Wikipedia). Nestled on Kuhio Highway, it’s designed to evoke a small Hawaiian village vibe—colorful storefronts, tropical landscaping, and local culture at every turn (Kauai Calls).
Current positioning and target market
Positioned as a hybrid of convenience and local experience, the Marketplace targets both tourists and residents. It offers grocery essentials (via Island Country Markets/ABC), casual dining, cultural events, and boutique shopping—all in one breezy, accessible location (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls, ABC Island Country Market).
Overall atmosphere and aesthetic
Laid-back, open-air, lush with island breezes and foliage. Expect ukulele music, artisan stalls, and a blend of retail with weekend cultural flair—more communal gathering hub than generic mall (Kauai Calls, Tripadvisor).
What makes it unique
- A full-service deli & grocery attached to an ABC-style market offering plate lunches, fresh produce, deli sandwiches, pizza, coffee, and local products (Kauai Calls, ABC Island Country Market, Tripadvisor).
- Cultural programming: free hula and fire-knife shows, live Hawaiian music, lei-making and ukulele classes (Tripadvisor, coconutmarketplace.com, Kauai Calls).
- A farmers’ market twice weekly—Tuesday and Thursday in the parking lot, with local tropical fruits like sugar-loaf coconut drinks (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls, coconutmarketplace.com).
- A mix of chain convenience and local boutiques, offering an island-authentic shopping experience.
Stores and Boutiques
Major anchor store
- Island Country Markets (ABC-affiliated): Grocery, deli, coffee, plate lunches, gifts, local apparel, wines, produce, and souvenir essentials (ABC Island Country Market, Kauai Calls, Tripadvisor).
Notable local boutiques and shops
- Examples noted include Blue Umi, Pineapple’s Boutique, Flash Boutique, and Ayatar Boutique (boho-chic style) (Kauai Calls, Instagram).
Hawaiian/island-specific retailers
- The ABC-style market stocks local goods, island apparel, groceries, and specials like herb-roasted prime rib (ABC Island Country Market).
- Local artisan shops within the complex offer Hawaii-themed crafts and souvenirs (Tripadvisor).
Art galleries or craft stores
- Artisanal and handicraft stands appear, especially tied to the farmers’ market and occasional craft fairs, though specific galleries aren’t listed (Wikipedia, Tripadvisor).
Specialty shops visitors might not find elsewhere
- Coconut drink vendors, shave-ice stands like JoJo’s, unique clothing boutiques like Bodacious praised for size/inclusive fit shopping (Tripadvisor).
Dining Options
Restaurants within or adjacent
- Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – casual Italian fare (Tripadvisor).
- Chicken in a Barrell – noted tacos and lunch (Tripadvisor).
- (Planned/adjacent): Coconut Thai Cuisine and JoJo’s Shave Ice (mentioned in development) (Kauai Calls).
Coffee shops and cafes
- Island Gourmet Coffee inside Island Country Markets; also breakfast burritos, smoothies, acai bowls served at the deli counter (ABC Island Country Market, Kauai Calls).
Quick service/grab-and-go options
- The deli offers grab-and-go sandwiches, plate lunches, flatbreads, prime rib specials, grocery items (ABC Island Country Market).
- ABC convenience-style options for quick snack and meal purchases (Tripadvisor).
Any bars or happy-hour spots
- No specific bar venues are listed, though the deli carries alcohol; there is mention of a “beer/BBQ pub” vibe in reviews (Tripadvisor).
Services and Amenities
Banking/ATM availability
- No explicit info on ATMs or banks within the Marketplace. Likely services nearby in Kapaa town area (Wikipedia).
Parking details
- Large open-air parking lot in front of the complex, partially used for farmers’ market (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls). No mention of paid or covered parking—likely free and unshaded.
Public restrooms
- Not explicitly documented. Common at such centers but not confirmed.
Wi-Fi availability
- No mention of public Wi-Fi.
Tourist services (concierge, information desk)
- No dedicated concierge noted. Tourist rentals and services are nearby but not inside the Marketplace (Kauai Calls, Wikipedia).
Special amenities (play areas, entertainment, etc.)
- Regular free cultural entertainment (hula, music, fire dancing) on specific days (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls).
- Farmers’ market is a seasonal amenity.
- No playground found, but the marketplace is walkable and part of a community hub with local services around.
Events and Activities
Regular events
- Free Hula Shows: Wednesdays at 5 pm, Saturdays at 1 pm.
- Live Hawaiian Music: Fridays at 5 pm (e.g., Larry Rivera) (Kauai Calls).
- Farmers’ Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am–1 pm, held in parking area (Kauai Calls, Tripadvisor, coconutmarketplace.com).
Seasonal celebrations
- None explicitly listed; the marketplace seems to rely on weekly recurring programming rather than holiday festivals.
Cultural activities or demonstrations
- Lei-making and ukulele classes available occasionally (Tripadvisor).
- Hula and fire-knife dance demonstrations add cultural flavor (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls).
Practical Information
Hours of operation
- Island Country Markets: Daily, 7:00 am–8:30 pm; Deli: 7:00 am–8:00 pm; Coffee: 7:00 am–8:00 pm (coconutmarketplace.com, ABC Island Country Market).
- Alternate hours from another source: Monday–Saturday 9 am–7 pm; Sunday 10 am–6 pm (Kauai Calls).
- ABC store/deli reference 6:30 am–11 pm, breakfast 6:30–10:30 am, but may be outdated (Kauai Calls).
Best times to visit/avoid crowds
- Mornings during non-market days for quieter shopping.
- To catch farmers’ market and cultural shows: Tues/Thurs mornings, Wed/Fri eve, Sat early afternoon. Avoid late evenings when some shops may close early (Tripadvisor, Kauai Calls).
Accessibility features
- No specific information found, though open-air layout likely walkable. Parking is level, but no explicit ADA details.
Any shuttle services or transportation options
- Public transit: The Kaua‘i Bus serves Kapaa and can connect to the Marketplace’s vicinity (Wikipedia).
- Nearby multiple resorts offer walking proximity—guest may simply walk or bike (Kauai Calls, Wikipedia).
Visitor Tips
Must-visit stores for tourists
- Island Country Markets (for groceries, deli meals, souvenirs).
- Bodacious (great inclusive sizing for apparel) (Tripadvisor).
Local favorites
- Chicken in a Barrell tacos.
- Shave ice at JoJo’s.
- Sugar-loaf coconut drink vendor (Tripadvisor).
Best deals or unique finds
- Fresh local produce and tropical fruits at the farmers’ market.
- Herb-roasted prime rib plate lunch specials (Thursdays) at deli (ABC Island Country Market).
Photo opportunities
- Capture vendors, open-air boutiques, cultural shows.
- Ancillary coastal backdrop along Royal Coconut Coast enhances ambience.
What to know before visiting
- Double-check current hours; different sources vary slightly.
- Plan around programming schedule: market Tues/Thurs, shows mid-week and weekend.
- Expect a mix of chain convenience and local charm—but note some vacancies reported, so selection may vary (Tripadvisor).
- Parking is open, probably free, but bring shade or stay mindful of heat.
