Kalaheo

 

Kalaheo is one of Kauai’s most populated communities, home to around 4,600 residents. Located inland on Kauai’s southern shore, Kalaheo is a charming town with residential character and a local vibe. Less affluent than many smaller Kauai oceanfront hideaways and less touristy than the typical beachfront communities, Kalaheo is a welcoming town surrounded by lush mountains and tropical vegetation.

Kalaheo’s real estate consists of cute single-family homes and peaceful upcountry ranches, and properties are more affordable here than in many Kauai communities. However, residents still get that paradise feel, with a gorgeously green tropical landscape and idyllic distant ocean views.

 

• Local atmosphere
• Longstanding businesses
• Meditative hillside shrines
• Upcountry calm
  
  

Many of Kalaheo’s homes are within walking distance of its downtown area, giving the community a real neighborhood feel. Locals love Kalaheo for its settled atmosphere, with many of its most popular restaurants and businesses having been community cornerstones for decades. Everything in Kalaheo feels aimed at those who are living here for the long term, making it an attractive place to put down roots.

 

Laid-back and local, Kalaheo’s food scene has plenty of relaxed spots to enjoy quality eats. Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company opens early and serves distinct breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Dig into hearty omelets and great espresso in the morning, or enjoy a casual meal of steak or seafood in the evening. Kickshaws is a food truck specializing in “science forward food,” with creative gourmet twists on fresh island cuisine. Though Kauai Kookie has several locations around Kauai, its home is in Kalaheo, where its flagship Bakery & Kitchen has served delectable baked goods for decades.

 

Kalaheo Steak and Ribs is a popular neighborhood restaurant with signature meat dishes, pasta, and seafood. Brick Oven Pizza is another decades-old Kalaheo tradition, famed for its fabulous Super Pizza. Delicious deep-dish Hawaiian pies are another must-try at The Right Slice’s Kalaheo location.

For fresh island produce, head to the Kalaheo Sunshine Market each Tuesday afternoon all year round.

 

Kalaheo has a uniquely homely feel among Kauai communities, with its low-key attractions frequented much more by local residents than vacationing tourists. The 9-hole Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course is a local favorite, with low prices and exceptional mountain views from its Toya Shirai-designed greens.

The serene Lawai International Center features 88 Japanese-style shrines dotted along a blissfully peaceful hillside hike. Each August, visitors to the Pilgrimage of Compassion move through the Lawai Center’s tranquil valley setting to experience a unique spiritual trek.

In terms of family-friendly outings, Kalawi Park is a wonderful choice. There is a wide swath of open space, picnic areas, and a children’s playground, something for everyone to enjoy.