7 Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Kapolei, Hawaii

7 Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Kapolei, Hawaii

  • Fran Magbual
  • 05/3/23

You can experience some of the best things to do in Kapolei without spending an arm and a leg. There are plenty of free and cheap activities to enjoy in the area, many of which you’ll read about in the article below. Whether you’re planning a trip to Kapolei or beginning the process of shopping for Kapolei real estate, you’ll want to give some of these activities a try while you’re in town.

Ko Olina

Ko Olina stretches out across 642 stunning acres, containing four lagoons and over a mile and a half of shoreline. It’s a popular destination for swimming and for simply relaxing on the beach. As the area has developed, many resorts and golf clubs have set up shop. There are also plenty of stores and restaurants for you to enjoy once you’re done splashing around in the water. There’s free parking available nearby on a first-come-first-serve basis. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, but swimming is encouraged.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf


The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has locations throughout the state of Hawaii, but it’s still worth checking out when you’re in the Kapolei area. They serve delicious coffee brewed using Arabica beans ranked in the top one percent of worldwide supply. Popular choices include the caramel latte and the vanilla bean latte. Both drinks are made with cold brew coffee. They also serve flavored teas and ice-blended drinks featuring flavors such as salted toffee. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is conveniently open daily, although their start time is a bit later on weekends.

Paradise Cove Beach


Paradise Cove Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kapolei despite its smaller size. The waters are clear and shallow enough for beachgoers of all ages to swim and splash around. You’ll sometimes even see turtles swimming around in the water. The Paradise Cove luau is a popular attraction that takes place on the beach most evenings. It’s a can’t-miss event if you haven’t witnessed it before. Parking can be hard to come by, so you’ll want to arrive early if you hope to guarantee yourself a spot.

Barbers Point Lighthouse

The history of the Barbers Point Lighthouse dates all the way back to 1796. Henry Barber was sailing to Canton aboard the Arthur with a load of sea otter pelts. The ship struck a coral reef just outside of Honolulu, and six of the 22 crew members were lost along with the ship. The lighthouse wasn’t built until the late 1800s, but the lighthouse still bears Barber’s name because of his association with the area. Plans for the lighthouse were developed in 1880 with an original budget of less than $6,000. The lighthouse stretches forty-two feet tall and contains a small keeper’s dwelling at the bottom. The lighthouse was automated in 1985, but it remains a popular tourist destination to this day. The nearby beach is quite rocky, and the water is inaccessible to swimmers, but it’s still fun to watch the waves crash against the shore near the lighthouse as you take in the sights and sounds.

Kahe Point Beach Park


Swimmers, sunbathers, and snorkelers love Kahe Point Beach Park because of the warmer waters. The water is clear and blue, and the high population of local fish gives snorkelers plenty to see when they plunge beneath the water. The beach is often called Electric Beach because of the proximity of a nearby power plant. The plant puts out clean warm water via two cooling pipes, thus resulting in more pleasant swimming and snorkeling conditions. This is also what attracts so many fish to the area. Swimming can be slightly harder than average in these waters, so it’s best reserved for moderate to more experienced swimmers since there are also no lifeguards on site.

Lanikai Juice


Lanikai Juice is the place to go if you want to fuel both your body and your soul. They have served delicious smoothies, acai bowls, and fresh-squeezed juices in Oahu since 1997 and recently opened their Kapolei location. They emphasize sustainable business practices and hope to contribute in a positive way to both the community and the environment. They have several locations throughout the island of Oahu, and their Kapolei store is one of their most popular shops. Their acai bowls are large enough for two or three people to share. You’ll have plenty of excellent options to choose from between the superfood bowl with organic goji berries and hemp seeds along with the colada bowl with coconut milk. There’s also a classic bowl for the less adventurous eater, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Kapolei Commons Events

Kapolei Commons offers a variety of fun events that cater to everyone. From family-friendly movie nights under the stars to live music performances, there's always something exciting happening here. If you're a foodie, you won't want to miss the Str’Eats Wednesdays that features a wide range of delicious local cuisines. And for those who love to shop, there are regular pop-up markets showcasing unique local vendors. With its beautiful open-air layout and plenty of dining options, Kapolei Commons is the perfect place to gather with friends and family for a day of fun and relaxation.

Kapolei Regional Park

At Kapolei Regional Park, there are always plenty of fun activities to enjoy on any given day. With its sprawling green fields, visitors can play a friendly game of soccer or football with friends, while children can explore the playgrounds. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the park's outdoor workout stations and jogging paths. Picnic areas are also available for those who want to spend a relaxing day with family and friends. In the evenings, the drumming of the hula halaus who use the park to practice, can be heard for miles. With its beautiful scenery and range of amenities, Kapolei Regional Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in the sun.

Reach out to Fran Magbual if you’re thinking about shopping for homes for sale in Kapolei. Fran has developed a reputation as one of the most trustworthy and reliable real estate agents in the entire area. She values the relationships that she gets to form with her clients and works hard to provide a unique experience tailored to each individual person. She would love to partner with you as you shop for a new home in the area.



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