What it is
The Safeway in Kapaʻa is a large, full-service supermarket and a crucial hub for both residents and visitors on Kauai's east side. It is part of the national Albertsons Companies chain. What makes this location particularly notable for travelers is that the main grocery store is open 24 hours a day, a rarity on the island. It functions as a comprehensive one-stop shop, combining a standard grocery store with a pharmacy, deli, bakery, liquor department, floral services, and an in-store Starbucks. Additional services like Coinstar and Western Union are also available.
Visitor experience
For travelers, especially those staying in vacation rentals or condos, this Safeway is a key logistical asset. The store offers a wide range of products, from pantry staples and fresh produce to a full-service meat and seafood counter. The prepared food sections are a major draw for easy meals. The deli provides made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and hot items like fried chicken. The seafood department features a popular poke counter with various options, including spicy ahi. The in-store bakery produces fresh breads, pastries, donuts, and custom cakes.
The store also has a comprehensive beer, wine, and liquor section with hours from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. An in-store Starbucks provides coffee and drinks. Additional services relevant to visitors include a full-service pharmacy for prescriptions and vaccinations, an ATM, Coinstar for coin exchange, and Western Union for money services.
Logistics
Location: The store is centrally located in Kapaʻa at 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, making it easily accessible for anyone staying along the Coconut Coast.
Hours:
- Grocery Store: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Deli: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
- Bakery: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- Pharmacy: Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note that pharmacy hours may include a midday lunch break.
- Meat & Seafood Counter: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
- Beer, Wine & Liquor: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Parking: There is a large, standard supermarket parking lot onsite.
Services: Grocery delivery, curbside pickup (DriveUp & Go™), and catering trays are available via the Safeway website or app.
Payment: Major credit/debit cards and Apple Pay are accepted. The store also accepts SNAP EBT for eligible purchases, including online orders for pickup and delivery.
Membership: A Safeway for U membership is free and provides access to digital coupons and fuel rewards, but is not required to shop.
Safety and cautions
While the store is open 24 hours, shoppers should exercise standard caution in the parking lot during late-night hours when it is less crowded. Hawaii has a statewide policy of charging for single-use checkout bags, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to avoid a small fee. The availability of specific items, especially local produce and fresh seafood/poke, can vary based on supply and time of day.
Editorial take
This Safeway is an essential stop for any visitor staying in a vacation rental on Kauai's east or north shores. Its 24-hour grocery service is a lifesaver for those arriving on late flights or planning early-morning excursions. It's the go-to for stocking a condo kitchen, grabbing easy prepared meals for the beach, or handling practical needs like refilling a prescription.
While it provides excellent convenience and a wide selection, it is a national chain store. For a more distinctly local grocery experience or a wider variety of poke, some travelers might prefer Foodland. For bulk purchases, Costco in Lihue is the primary option. However, for sheer one-stop convenience, comprehensive services, and round-the-clock access, the Kapaʻa Safeway is unparalleled on this side of the island. It's a logistical workhorse, not a boutique cultural destination.
Source notes
- Safeway Kapaa Official Store Page: Provides an overview of departments, services, and confirms 24-hour operation for the main store.
- Safeway Locations Page: Lists available in-store services like Coinstar, Western Union, and DriveUp & Go™.
- Safeway Pharmacy Page: Details pharmacy services and specific hours of operation.
- Safeway Deli Page: Lists deli hours and offerings like order-ahead trays.
- Safeway Bakery Page: Confirms bakery hours and custom cake services.
- Safeway Alcohol Page: Specifies hours for the beer, wine, and liquor department.
- Aloha United Way 211: An alternative source confirming pharmacy hours and services.
- Uber Eats Menu: Provides third-party confirmation of available products, including a variety of poke from the seafood counter.
